SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5356

BYSenators Smitherman and von Reichbauer

Promoting repair of waterfront sewer systems.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1989; January 26, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Atsushi Kiuchi (786-7708)

                  February 17, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 17, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The state's marine waters are being degraded due to the increasing number of failing on-site home sewage systems.  The problem is aggravated for saltwater-front residences where connection to an existing public sewer utility or formation of a community system face high costs due to distances and locality.  Some government entities will not issue permits for new home systems or for repair or expansion of existing facilities.

A variety of on-site sewage treatment technologies exist or are currently being developed as alternatives to conventional septic tank systems.  In many areas of the state, conventional septic systems are unsuitable because of natural soil and geologic conditions.  The cost of providing sewers in many of these areas is prohibitive.

In 1987, the Legislature authorized a study of alternative on-site systems.  In 1988, the Legislature directed the Department of Social and Health Services to propose rules to the State Board of Health by January 1, 1989.  These rules were to identify standards for repair of single family residences with failing on-site disposal systems adjacent to marine waters.

The Board of Health has not adopted rules as of this date.

SUMMARY:

Owners of single family, saltwater-front residences occupied prior to June 9, 1988 shall be allowed to repair or replace inadequate on-site sewage treatment facilities with new systems that will meet state water quality discharge standards for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS).

The State Board of Health may adopt more restrictive rules to:  protect water quality standards; protect special geographic areas; and design, construct, maintain and monitor the sewage disposal systems.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Dave Rogers (pro); Dick Ducharme (pro); Eric Slage, Department of Social and Health Services (con); Dave Lenning, Department of Social and Health Services (con); Kathy Fletcher, Puget Sound Water Quality Authority (con); Warren Dawes, Washington Environmental Council (con); Stan Springer, Department of Ecology (con); Don Leaf, Thurston County Health District