SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5798

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 1991

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to sewage disposal systems.

SPONSORS:Senators Craswell, Madsen and Oke.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff:  Patrick Woods (786‑7430)

Hearing Dates:March 4, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Currently local health departments certify on-site septic system designers.  In certain local jurisdictions state certified engineers are not permitted to design on-site septic systems unless they are also locally certified as an on-site septic system designers.

The State Department of Health is currently considering an administrative rule that would severely limit or prohibit the construction of on-site septic system drain fields in areas with shallow topsoil.

SUMMARY:

The practice of certified on-site septic system design is added to the list of exempt activities under state regulation of engineers.

The State Board of Health is authorized to adopt rules governing the certification and licensing of on-site septic system designers.

The State Board of Health may not prohibit local permitting of on-site septic system drain fields that have one foot or less subsurface absorption systems.

The State Board of Health may not establish licensing or certification requirements for engineers and land surveyors currently regulated by the Department of Licensing.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested