SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5400

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 21, 1991

Brief Description:  Prescribing fine for improper notice for water well construction.

SPONSORS:Senators Hansen, Barr and Bailey.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Bob Lee (786‑7404)

Hearing Dates:February 22, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The Water Well Construction Act was enacted in 1971.  It provided the Department of Ecology with various authorities over the construction of wells to utilize the groundwater resource including:  (1) licensing persons who drill wells; (2) establishing well construction and maintenance standards; (3) requiring well drillers to provide notice to the department 72 hours in advance of beginning well construction; and (4) requiring submission of well logs at the completion of drilling.

The department may enforce the requirements of the chapter and related administrative rules through civil fines up to $100 per day; suspension or revocation of drillers' licenses; issuance of cease and desist orders; and filing of criminal charges having penalties that range up to $250 and/or 30 days in jail.

SUMMARY:

The maximum civil fine is increased from $100 per day to $250 for failure to submit notification to the Department of Ecology 72 hours prior to commencing the construction of a well.  The $250 penalty is to be applied to the second and each subsequent violation of the requirement to submit prior notice to the department.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested