SB 5612 - DIGEST

     Finds that mandatory minimum penalties for chronic or significant violators of wastewater discharge permits is an effective tool for bringing violators into compliance with their permits and encouraging voluntary compliance by all permit holders.  The legislature also finds that mandatory minimum penalties for chronic and significant violators reduces the overall cost to the taxpayers of Washington of ensuring compliance with wastewater discharge permits.

     Declares that, notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 43.05.060 through 43.05.080 and in addition to any penalty provided by law, the department shall assess a minimum mandatory civil penalty of no less than five thousand dollars for each violation to a holder of a wastewater discharge permit issued under chapter 90.48 RCW if the permit holder is in chronic or significant noncompliance with its permit.