FINAL BILL REPORT

                     SHB 1019

                                 C 151 L 91

                            Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing fees for efforts to prevent aquifer depletion.

By House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Brough, Haugen, Mitchell and Ferguson).

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Background:  Aquifer protection areas are financing mechanisms that voters can authorize to finance water quality activities and water quality improvements.

Voters in aquifer protection areas can authorize the imposition of fees on the removal of water and for on-site sewage disposal within the aquifer protection area. The fees are expressed as a dollar amount per household and are used to finance water quality activities and facilities, including: (1) preparation of a comprehensive plan to protect and rehabilitate subterranean water; (2) construction of various facilities, including sanitary sewage facilities and stormwater sewer facilities; (3) the reduction of special assessments used to finance such facilities; and (4) monitoring and inspecting on-site sewage disposal systems.

Summary:  Aquifer protection area laws are altered to include a statement that the depletion of subterranean water is of great concern and poses a threat to the safety and welfare of the citizens of this state.

Aquifer protection area fees may be used to finance the construction of water systems and the costs of monitoring the quality and quantity of subterranean water, to implement the comprehensive plan that is developed to protect subterranean water, to enforce compliance with standards and rules relating to the quality and quantity of subterranean waters, and for public education relating to the protection and enhancement of subterranean waters.  It is clarified that use of the fees to prepare a comprehensive plan to protect and rehabilitate subterranean waters includes preparation of a ground water management program.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 96    0

Senate   32    15    (Senate amended)

House 93    0    (House concurred)

Effective:     July 28, 1991