SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5575

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 18, 1991

Brief Description:  Providing for urban hazardous waste prevention.

SPONSORS:Senators Murray, Rinehart, Snyder, Vognild, Sutherland, Madsen, Skratek, L. Kreidler, Wojahn, A. Smith and Bauer.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Atsushi Kiuchi (786‑7708)

Hearing Dates:February 20, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The citizens of Washington State expressed their concerns on the dangers of hazardous waste through the passage of Initiative 97 in 1988,  strengthening existing laws passed in 1976.

Prevention measures have been passed by the Legislature to protect people from unnecessary contact and exposure from hazardous chemicals.  The posting of warning signs and notification to adjacent property owners are standard ways to protect the public.

Farm workers are warned through the posting of signs in, before and after pesticides are applied in agricultural fields.  Property owners along lakes are notified and warning signs are posted when lake front areas are sprayed.

In the populated urban environment, safeguards are also needed to protect the public when pesticides are used.  Residential areas, playgrounds and school yards are among the more sensitive urban areas where pesticide applications require safety and prevention measures.

A notification process to include posting of yard warning signs and personal contact with the potentially affected property owner/occupants is needed.  An education and information program is needed to help homeowners on the proper use of commonly used home and garden products.

SUMMARY:

When pesticides are applied to public and private school grounds, day care centers, parks and playgrounds and residential areas, the applicator shall post warning signs.

Prior to application, the applicator shall notify the property owner or agent or the occupant of a home, multiple dwelling or multiple dwelling unit.  The notification shall include a description of the pesticide to be used and health warnings to humans and pets as contained on the label of the product. 

State and local health departments and mosquito control districts are exempt from the provisions of this act.

The Department of Ecology shall establish a pesticide use education and information program.  A home and garden pesticide product advisory board, including pesticide applicators and manufacturers, is created to develop a public education program.

The Department of Ecology shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this act.

Appropriation:  $45,000, state toxics control account 

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 9, 1991