S-1871               _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 5939

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1987 Regular Session

By Senators Smitherman, von Reichbauer, Kreidler and Bluechel

Read first time 2/19/87 and referred to Committee on Parks & Ecology.

AN ACT Relating to alternative on-site sewage disposal systems; adding new sections to chapter 70.118 RCW; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that alternative on-site sewage systems are needed in order to protect the quality of this state's water and the health of its citizens.  The legislature further finds that alternative on-site systems are recognized, in some cases, as an appropriate remedy for failing conventional septic systems.  The legislature further finds that an effective and efficient program is needed at both the state and local level in order to achieve proper application of alternative on-site sewage systems.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The department of social and health services shall perform a review of the alternative on-site sewage program at both the state and local level.  The review shall address, but not be limited to, the process and procedures associated with the review and application of alternative systems and long-term funding at a state and local level for alternative on-site sewage system programs.  The report shall recommend:  Funding methods for the state alternative on-site sewage system program; ways to expedite review of applications; changes in rules and statutes to address unique alternative on-site system applications; staffing and resources required to implement an effective alternative on-site program; and any additional issues that are necessary for an effective and efficient alternative on-site sewage system program.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     The department of social and health services shall consult with representatives of the alternative on-site disposal system industry, environmental community, local health departments, the department of ecology, and the Puget Sound water quality authority in implementing this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     Sections 1 through 3 of this act are each added to chapter 70.118 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.     There is appropriated from the general fund to the department of social and health services for the biennium ending June 30, 1989, the sum of forty-nine thousand five hundred dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to carry out the purposes of this act.