S-0368.1                   _______________________________________________

 

                                                     SENATE BILL 5215

                              _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington                              53rd Legislature                             1993 Regular Session

 

By Senators Talmadge, Fraser, Owen and Skratek

 

Read first time 01/18/93.  Referred to Committee on Ecology & Parks.

 

Strengthening the regulation of Puget Sound water quality.


          AN ACT Relating to protecting Puget Sound and other waters of Washington; amending RCW 90.70.011, 90.70.060, 90.70.025, 90.70.070, 43.131.369, 43.131.370, 90.70.902, 82.02.090, 36.70A.070, 58.17.110, 17.21.030, 15.58.100, 90.48.037, 43.21B.300, and 90.48.140; reenacting and amending RCW 43.88.030 and 70.146.060; adding a new section to chapter 90.70 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.146 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 46.68 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 90.48 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 15.58 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 36 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

 

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

 

                                                             PART I

                                   PUGET SOUND WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY

 

        Sec. 1.  RCW 90.70.011 and 1990 c 115 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

          AUTHORITY CHAIR SELECTION.  (1) There is established the Puget Sound water quality authority composed of eleven members.  Nine members shall be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate.  In addition, the commissioner of public lands ((or the commissioner's designee)) and the director of ecology ((or the director's designee)) shall serve as ex officio members.  Three of the members shall include a representative from the counties, a representative from the cities, and a tribal representative.  The ((director of ecology shall be)) chair of the authority shall be chosen from among the authority members by the authority.  The position of chair shall be rotated annually.  In making these appointments, the governor shall seek to include representation of the variety of interested parties concerned about Puget Sound water quality.  Of the appointed members, at least one shall be selected from each of the six congressional districts surrounding Puget Sound.  All votes shall be cast by members.  Designees or alternates may not vote.  Members shall serve four-year terms.  Of the initial members appointed to the authority, two shall serve for two years, two shall serve for three years, and two shall serve for four years.  Thereafter members shall be appointed to four-year terms.  Members representing cities, counties, and the tribes shall also serve four-year staggered terms, as determined by the governor.  Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term of the position being vacated.  The executive director of the authority shall be selected by the governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.  The executive director shall not be a member of the authority.

          (2) Members shall be compensated as provided in RCW 43.03.250.  Members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

          (3) The executive director of the authority shall be a full-time employee responsible for the administration of all functions of the authority, including hiring and terminating staff, contracting, coordinating with the governor, the legislature, and other state and local entities, and the delegation of responsibilities as deemed appropriate.  The executive director shall report to the authority and shall serve to carry out the policy direction of the authority.  The salary of the executive director shall be comparable to those of other agency directors and shall be fixed by the governor, subject to RCW 43.03.040.

          (4) The authority shall prepare a budget and a work plan.

          (5) Not more than four employees of the authority may be exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW.

          (6) The executive director and staff of the authority shall be located in the Olympia area((, as space becomes available.  The department of general administration shall house the authority within the department of ecology)).

 

        Sec. 2.  RCW 90.70.060 and 1990 c 115 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

          The plan adopted by the authority shall be a positive document prescribing the needed actions for the maintenance and enhancement of Puget Sound water quality and shall be implemented by state agencies and local governments, subject to the availability of appropriated funds or other funding authority.  The plan shall address all the waters and sediments of Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and, to the extent that they affect water and sediment quality in Puget Sound, all waters flowing into Puget Sound, and adjacent lands.  The authority may define specific geographic boundaries within which the plan applies.  The plan shall coordinate and incorporate existing planning and research efforts of state agencies and local government related to Puget Sound, and shall avoid duplication of existing efforts.  The plan shall include:

          (1) A statement of the goals and objectives for long and short-term management of the water quality of Puget Sound;

          (2) A schedule for achieving each goal within the plan;

          (3) An education and public involvement program that encourages public participation in the development and implementation of the plan and other Puget Sound water quality programs on the state and local level;

          (4) A resource assessment which identifies critically sensitive areas, key characteristics, and other factors which lead to an understanding of Puget Sound as an ecosystem;

          (((3))) (5) Demographic information and assessment as relates to future water quality impacts on Puget Sound;

          (((4))) (6) An identification and legal analysis of all existing laws governing actions of government entities which may affect water quality management of Puget Sound, the interrelationships of those laws, and the effect of those laws on implementation of the provisions of the plan;

          (((5))) (7) Review and assessment of existing criteria and guidelines for governmental activities affecting Puget Sound's resources, including shoreline resources, aquatic resources, associated watersheds, recreational resources and commercial resources;

          (((6))) (8) Identification of research needs and priorities;

          (((7) Recommendations for guidelines, standards, and timetables for protection and clean-up activities and the establishment of priorities for major clean-up investments and nonpoint source management, and the projected costs of such priorities;

          (8))) (9) A procedure assuring local government initiated planning for Puget Sound water quality protection;

          (((9))) (10) Ways to better coordinate federal, state, and local planning and management activities affecting Puget Sound's water quality;

          (((10) Public involvement strategies, including household hazardous waste education, community clean-up efforts, and public participation in developing and implementing the plan;))

          (11) Recommendations on protecting, preserving and, where possible, restoring wetlands and wildlife habitat and shellfish beds throughout Puget Sound;

          (12) ((Recommendations for)) A description of the comprehensive water quality and sediment monitoring program implemented pursuant to RCW 90.70.065;

          (13) ((Analysis of current industrial pretreatment programs for toxic wastes, and procedures and enforcement measures needed to enhance them;

          (14) Recommendations for a program of dredge spoil disposal, including interim measures for disposal and storage of dredge spoil material from or into Puget Sound;

          (15) Definition of major public actions subject to review and comment by the authority because of a significant impact on Puget Sound water quality and related resources, and development of criteria for review thereof;

          (16) Recommendations)) A program for reducing and eventually eliminating harm from toxics and other contaminants entering and accumulating in the Sound, including but not limited to, provisions for the development of rules classifying sediments having adverse effects, industrial pretreatment programs, dilution zone criteria development, the setting of effluent limits in permits to eliminate harm from discharges of toxics and particulates, and educational and citizen awareness programs;

          (14) A program to reduce pollution discharges from storm water and combined sewer overflows throughout Puget Sound, including the development of local government storm water programs in the urbanized areas of the Puget Sound basin, the development of operation and maintenance programs including the adoption of ordinances governing storm water management in new development, plans for reducing combined sewer overflow events, the control of storm water from state highways facilities in the Puget Sound basin, and other necessary actions;

          (15) A program to assure the quality and timeliness of laboratory tests related to water quality and sediment quality in the Puget Sound basin;

          (16) Other programs as are deemed necessary to protect Puget Sound water quality including, but not limited to, pesticides, household hazardous waste, atmospheric deposition, and the prevention of oil and hazardous substance spills;

          (17) Implementation mechanisms to be used by state and local government agencies in carrying out their responsibilities under the plan;

          (((17))) (18) Standards and procedures for reporting progress by state and local governments in the implementation of the plan;

          (((18) An analysis of resource requirements and funding mechanisms for updating of the plan and)) (19) A funding plan and budget for plan implementation; and

          (((19))) (20) Legislation needed to assure plan implementation.

          The authority shall circulate and receive comments on drafts of the plan mandated herein, and keep a record of all relevant comments made at public hearings and in writing.  These records should be made easily available to interested persons.

          As part of the plan, the authority shall prepare a strategy for implementing the plan that includes, but is not limited to:  (a) Setting priorities for implementation of plan elements to facilitate executive and legislative decision making; (b) assessment of the capabilities and constraints, both internal and external to state and local government, that may affect plan implementation; and (c) an analysis of the strategic options in light of the resources available to the state.  In developing this strategy, the authority shall consult and coordinate with other related environmental planning efforts.

          Each program of the plan shall contain an analysis of the activities of all state agencies and their effects on the goals of that program.  State agencies shall manage state-owned lands and resources and carry out other state agency functions in a manner to protect and enhance Puget Sound.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  A new section is added to chapter 90.70 RCW to read as follows:

          SUPPLEMENT TO AGENCY AUTHORITY.  The policies and authorities set forth in this chapter and the plan developed pursuant to RCW 90.70.060 are supplementary to the existing authorizations of all governments and agencies having responsibilities for implementation of the plan.  Where specified in the plan, agencies may allocate responsibility for implementation to different levels of government except where expressly prohibited by law.  Agencies may adopt rules or guidelines for the purpose of plan implementation.

 

        Sec. 4.  RCW 90.70.025 and 1985 c 451 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

          In order to carry out its responsibilities under this chapter, the authority may:

          (1) ((Develop interim proposals and recommendations, before the plan is adopted, concerning the elements identified in RCW 90.70.060)) Allocate responsibilities for implementation of the plan to other agencies and different levels of government;

          (2) Enter into, amend, and terminate contracts with individuals, corporations, or research institutions for the purposes of this chapter;

          (3) Receive such gifts, grants, and endowments, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the purposes of the authority.  The authority may expend the same or any income therefrom according to the terms of the gifts, grants, or endowments;

          (4) Conduct studies and research relating to Puget Sound water quality;

          (5) Obtain information relating to Puget Sound from other state and local agencies;

          (6) Conduct appropriate public hearings and otherwise seek to broadly disseminate information concerning Puget Sound;

          (7) Receive funding from other public agencies;

          (8) Prepare a biennial budget request for consideration by the governor and the legislature; and

          (9) Adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW as it deems necessary for the purposes of this chapter.

 

        Sec. 5.  RCW 90.70.070 and 1990 c 115 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) In conducting planning, regulatory, and appeals actions, the state agencies and local governments identified in the plan must evaluate, and incorporate as applicable, subject to the availability of appropriated funds or other funding ((sources)) authority, the provisions of the plan, including any guidelines, standards, and timetables contained in the plan.  When a local government rejects an applicable plan element for lack of funding, it shall document the decision and its review of funding authority and provide it to the authority.  The authority shall periodically compile such decisions and report to the legislature on local government funding needs for plan implementation.

          (2) The authority shall review the progress of state agencies and local governments regarding the timely implementation of the plan.  Where prescribed actions have not been accomplished in accordance with the plan, the responsible state agencies and local governments shall, at the request of the authority,  submit written explanations for the shortfalls, together with their proposed remedies, to the authority.

          The results of the review and a description of the actions necessary to comply with the plan shall be included in the biennial state of the Sound report.

          (3) The state agencies and local governments identified in the plan shall review their activities biennially and document their consistency with the plan. They shall submit written reports or updates of their findings to the authority.

          (4) The authority shall review the major actions ((affected by the plan)) affecting the Sound being considered by the state agencies and local governments and shall comment in a timely manner regarding consistency with the plan and may participate in administrative and subsequent judicial proceedings with respect to such actions.  Any deviations from the plan, identified by the authority, shall be transmitted in writing by the authority to the responsible state agency or local government.

 

        Sec. 6.  RCW 43.88.030 and 1991 c 358 s 1 and 1991 c 284 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

          (1) The director of financial management shall provide all agencies with a complete set of instructions for submitting biennial budget requests to the director at least three months before agency budget documents are due into the office of financial management.  The director shall provide agencies that are required under RCW 44.40.070 to develop comprehensive six-year program and financial plans with a complete set of instructions for submitting these program and financial plans at the same time that instructions for submitting other budget requests are provided.  The budget document or documents shall consist of the governor's budget message which shall be explanatory of the budget and shall contain an outline of the proposed financial policies of the state for the ensuing fiscal period, as well as an outline of the proposed six-year financial policies where applicable, and shall describe in connection therewith the important features of the budget.  The message shall set forth the reasons for salient changes from the previous fiscal period in expenditure and revenue items and shall explain any major changes in financial policy.  Attached to the budget message shall be such supporting schedules, exhibits and other explanatory material in respect to both current operations and capital improvements as the governor shall deem to be useful to the legislature.  The budget document or documents shall set forth a proposal for expenditures in the ensuing fiscal period, or six-year period where applicable, based upon the estimated revenues as approved by the economic and revenue forecast council or upon the estimated revenues of the office of financial management for those funds, accounts, and sources for which the office of the economic and revenue forecast council does not prepare an official forecast, including those revenues anticipated to support the six-year programs and financial plans under RCW 44.40.070.  In estimating revenues to support financial plans under RCW 44.40.070, the office of financial management shall rely on information and advice from the interagency revenue task force.  Revenues shall be estimated for such fiscal period from the source and at the rates existing by law at the time of submission of the budget document, including the supplemental budgets submitted in the even-numbered years of a biennium.  However, the estimated revenues for use in the governor's budget document may be adjusted to reflect budgetary revenue transfers and revenue estimates dependent upon budgetary assumptions of enrollments, workloads, and caseloads.  All adjustments to the approved estimated revenues must be set forth in the budget document.  The governor may additionally submit, as an appendix to each supplemental, biennial, or six-year agency budget or to the budget document or documents, a proposal for expenditures in the ensuing fiscal period from revenue sources derived from proposed changes in existing statutes.

          Supplemental and biennial documents shall reflect a six-year expenditure plan consistent with estimated revenues from existing sources and at existing rates for those agencies required to submit six-year program and financial plans under RCW 44.40.070.  Any additional revenue resulting from proposed changes to existing statutes shall be separately identified within the document as well as related expenditures for the six-year period.

          The budget document or documents shall also contain:

          (a) Revenues classified by fund and source for the immediately past fiscal period, those received or anticipated for the current fiscal period, those anticipated for the ensuing biennium, and those anticipated for the ensuing six-year period to support the six-year programs and financial plans required under RCW 44.40.070;

          (b) The undesignated fund balance or deficit, by fund;

          (c) Such additional information dealing with expenditures, revenues, workload, performance, and personnel as the legislature may direct by law or concurrent resolution;

          (d) Such additional information dealing with revenues and expenditures as the governor shall deem pertinent and useful to the legislature;

          (e) Tabulations showing expenditures classified by fund, function, activity and object;

          (f) A delineation of each agency's activities, including those activities funded from nonbudgeted, nonappropriated sources, including funds maintained outside the state treasury; and

          (g) Identification of all proposed direct expenditures to implement the Puget Sound water quality plan under chapter 90.70 RCW, shown by agency and in total and estimates submitted by each agency to fully carry out the agency's responsibilities under the plan.

          (2) The budget document or documents shall include detailed estimates of all anticipated revenues applicable to proposed operating or capital expenditures and shall also include all proposed operating or capital expenditures.  The total of beginning undesignated fund balance and estimated revenues less working capital and other reserves shall equal or exceed the total of proposed applicable expenditures.  The budget document or documents shall further include:

          (a) Interest, amortization and redemption charges on the state debt;

          (b) Payments of all reliefs, judgments and claims;

          (c) Other statutory expenditures;

          (d) Expenditures incident to the operation for each agency;

          (e) Revenues derived from agency operations;

          (f) Expenditures and revenues shall be given in comparative form showing those incurred or received for the immediately past fiscal period and those anticipated for the current biennium and next ensuing biennium, as well as those required to support the six-year programs and financial plans required under RCW 44.40.070;

          (g) A showing and explanation of amounts of general fund and other funds obligations for debt service and any transfers of moneys that otherwise would have been available for appropriation;

          (h) Common school expenditures on a fiscal-year basis;

          (i) A showing, by agency, of the value and purpose of financing contracts for the lease/purchase or acquisition of personal or real property for the current and ensuing fiscal periods.

          (3) A separate capital budget document or schedule shall be submitted that will contain the following:

          (a) A capital plan consisting of proposed capital spending for at least four fiscal periods succeeding the next fiscal period;

          (b) A capital program consisting of proposed capital projects for at least the two fiscal periods succeeding the next fiscal period;

          (c) A capital plan consisting of proposed capital spending for at least four fiscal periods succeeding the next fiscal period;

          (d) A statement of the reason or purpose for a project;

          (e) Verification that a project is consistent with the provisions set forth in chapter 36.70A RCW;

          (f) A statement about the proposed site, size, and estimated life of the project, if applicable;

          (g) Estimated total project cost;

          (h) Estimated total project cost for each phase of the project as defined by the office of financial management;

          (i) Estimated ensuing biennium costs;

          (j) Estimated costs beyond the ensuing biennium;

          (k) Estimated construction start and completion dates;

          (l) Source and type of funds proposed;

          (m) Such other information bearing upon capital projects as the governor deems to be useful;

          (n) Standard terms, including a standard and uniform definition of maintenance for all capital projects;

          (o) Such other information as the legislature may direct by law or concurrent resolution.

          For purposes of this subsection (3), the term "capital project" shall be defined subsequent to the analysis, findings, and recommendations of a joint committee comprised of representatives from the house capital appropriations committee, senate ways and means committee, legislative transportation committee, legislative evaluation and accountability program committee, and office of financial management.

          (4) No change affecting the comparability of agency or program information relating to expenditures, revenues, workload, performance and personnel shall be made in the format of any budget document or report presented to the legislature under this section or RCW 43.88.160(1) relative to the format of the budget document or report which was presented to the previous regular session of the legislature during an odd-numbered year without prior legislative concurrence.  Prior legislative concurrence shall consist of (a) a favorable majority vote on the proposal by the standing committees on ways and means of both houses if the legislature is in session or (b) a favorable majority vote on the proposal by members of the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee if the legislature is not in session.

 

        Sec. 7.  RCW 43.131.369 and 1990 c 115 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

          AUTHORITY SUNSET EXTENDED.  The Puget Sound water quality authority and its powers and duties shall be terminated on June 30, ((1995)) 1997, as provided in RCW 43.131.370.  On or before November 15, 1996, the legislative budget committee shall prepare a report to the legislature on the means for future implementation of the Puget Sound water quality management plan.

 

        Sec. 8.  RCW 43.131.370 and 1990 c 115 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:

          REPEALERS.  The following acts or parts of acts, as now existing or hereafter amended, are each repealed, effective June 30, ((1996)) 1998:

          (1) RCW 90.70.001 and 1985 c 451 s 1;

          (2) RCW 90.70.005 and 1985 c 451 s 2;

          (3) RCW 90.70.011 and 1990 c 115 s 2 & 1985 c 451 s 3;

          (4) RCW 90.70.025 and 1985 c 451 s 5;

          (5) RCW 90.70.035 and 1985 c 451 s 6;

          (6) RCW 90.70.045 and 1990 c 115 s 3, 1988 c 36 s 72, & 1985 c 451 s 7;

          (7) RCW 90.70.055 and 1990 c 115 s 4 and 1985 c 451 s 4;

          (8) RCW 90.70.060 and 1990 c 115 s 5, 1989 c 11 s 31, & 1985 c 451 s 8;

          (9) RCW 90.70.070 and 1990 c 115 s 6 and 1985 c 451 s 9;

          (10) RCW 90.70.080 and 1990 c 115 s 7 and 1985 c 451 s 10;

          (11) RCW 90.70.901 and 1985 c 451 s 14; and

          (12) RCW 90.70. . . . and 1991 c . . . s 3 (section 3 of this act).

 

        Sec. 9.  RCW 90.70.902 and 1990 c 115 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

          SAVINGS.  Nothing in RCW 43.131.370 shall affect the implementation and requirements of the Puget Sound water quality management plan existing on June 30, ((1995)) 1997, or such other effective date of repeal of the laws referenced in RCW 43.131.370.  The implementation of the plan on and after that date shall be the responsibility of such entities as are provided by the legislature.

 

                                                             PART II

                                 LOCAL FUNDING OF WATERSHED PROTECTION

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 10.  (1) The legislative authority of a county may create one or more watershed protection districts for the purpose of funding water resource protection.

          (2) When a county legislative authority proposes to create a watershed protection district it shall conduct a public hearing on the proposal.  Notice of the public hearing shall be published at least once, not less than ten days prior to the hearing, in a newspaper of general circulation within the proposed district.  The public hearing may be continued to other times, dates, and places announced at the public hearing, without publication of the notice.  At the public hearing, the county legislative authority shall hear objections and comments from anyone interested in the proposed district.

          After the public hearing, the county legislative authority may adopt a resolution to authorize the creation of the watershed protection district, if the county legislative authority finds that the creation of the watershed management area would be in the public interest.  The resolution shall:  (a) Describe the boundaries of the proposed watershed protection district; and (b) find that its creation is in the public interest.

          Where the proposed district includes territory located within a city or town, the county shall coordinate and cooperate with the city or town in establishing the district, in establishing and collecting fees or charges to be collected within the incorporated area, and in carrying out watershed protection programs funded by the district.  The legislative authority of more than one county may by agreement provide for the creation of a district including areas within each of those counties.  The legislative authority or authorities creating an area may abolish that area on its or their motion or by submitting the question to the voters of the district and obtaining a majority vote.

          (3) The county legislative authority establishing a watershed protection district may finance the district's programs through:

          (a) County tax revenues;

          (b) Inspection fees and similar fees for services performed;

          (c) Charges or rates; or

          (d) Federal, state, or private grants.

          Counties may fix, alter, regulate, and control household rates or charges in the manner determined by the county legislative authority.  A district may also receive gifts, grants, and donations to carry out its activities.

          A county may contract with existing public utilities to collect the fees or charges, or collect the fees or charges itself.

          A county may adopt an ordinance reducing the level of fees that are imposed upon the residential property of a class or classes of low-income persons.

          (4) Within available funding, watershed protection districts shall:  (a) Contract with conservation districts for implementation of plans to control pollution effects of farm animal waste; (b) make use of conservation corps surface water action teams to assist landowners in reaching best management practices to reduce pollution; and (c) assist in funding county health departments for water quality activities within the watershed, including implementation of plans to monitor, inspect, and cause on-site and off-site septic drainfield systems to be adequately maintained and working properly.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 11.  Counties may issue general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness to assist in carrying out the programs of watershed protection districts, and counties may issue revenue bonds and other revenue obligations payable from fees, household charges, and other revenue of districts.  Any such obligations shall be issued in accordance with chapter 36.67 or 36.94 RCW.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12.  Revenues collected under this chapter may be used to fund any activity, program, or project related to water resource protection in the watershed protection district, including sewage treatment, the protection of ground water and drinking water, the management of storm water runoff, the prevention and management of nonpoint source pollution generally, and the construction, maintenance, and operation of facilities for these purposes.

          Activities should be consistent with any adopted watershed action plan, ground water management plan, or other water-related plan for the area covered.

 

                                                            PART III

                                             STORM WATER MANAGEMENT

 

        Sec. 13.  RCW 82.02.090 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 48 are each amended to read as follows:

          DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES FOR STORM WATER FACILITIES.  Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following definitions shall apply in RCW 82.02.050 through 82.02.090:

          (1) "Development activity" means any construction or expansion of a building, structure, or use, any change in use of a building or structure, or any changes in the use of land, that creates additional demand and need for public facilities.

          (2) "Development approval" means any written authorization from a county, city, or town which authorizes the commencement of development activity.

          (3) "Impact fee" means a payment of money imposed upon development as a condition of development approval to pay for public facilities needed to serve new growth and development, and that is reasonably related to the new development that creates additional demand and need for public facilities, that is a proportionate share of the cost of the public facilities, and that is used for facilities that reasonably benefit the new development.  "Impact fee" does not include a reasonable permit or application fee.

          (4) "Owner" means the owner of record of real property, although when real property is being purchased under a real estate contract, the purchaser shall be considered the owner of the real property if the contract is recorded.

          (5) "Proportionate share" means that portion of the cost of public facility improvements that are reasonably related to the service demands and needs of new development.

          (6) "Project improvements" mean site improvements and facilities that are planned and designed to provide service for a particular development project and that are necessary for the use and convenience of the occupants or users of the project, and are not system improvements.  No improvement or facility included in a capital facilities plan approved by the governing body of the county, city, or town shall be considered a project improvement.

          (7) "Public facilities" means the following capital facilities owned or operated by government entities: (a) Public streets and roads; (b) publicly owned parks, open space, and recreation facilities; (c) school facilities; ((and)) (d) fire protection facilities in jurisdictions that are not part of a fire district; and (e) storm water management facilities.

          (8) "Service area" means a geographic area defined by a county, city, town, or intergovernmental agreement in which a defined set of public facilities provide service to development within the area.  Service areas shall be designated on the basis of sound planning or engineering principles.

          (9) "System improvements" mean public facilities that are included in the capital facilities plan and are designed to provide service to service areas within the community at large, in contrast to project improvements.

 

        Sec. 14.  RCW 36.70A.070 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

          STORM WATER PROGRAMS IN LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANS.  The comprehensive plan of a county or city that is required or chooses to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 shall consist of a map or maps, and descriptive text covering objectives, principles, and standards used to develop the comprehensive plan.  The plan shall be an internally consistent document and all elements shall be consistent with the future land use map.  A comprehensive plan shall be adopted and amended with public participation as provided in RCW 36.70A.140.

          Each comprehensive plan shall include a plan, scheme, or design for each of the following:

          (1) A land use element designating the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of the uses of land, where appropriate, for agriculture, timber production, housing, commerce, industry, recreation, open spaces, public utilities, public facilities, and other land uses.  The land use element shall include population densities, building intensities, and estimates of future population growth.  The land use element shall provide for protection of the quality and quantity of ground water used for public water supplies. Where applicable, the land use element shall ((review drainage, flooding, and storm water run-off in the area and nearby jurisdictions and provide guidance for corrective actions to mitigate or cleanse those discharges that pollute waters of the state, including Puget Sound or waters entering Puget Sound)) incorporate storm water management programs adopted pursuant to the Puget Sound water quality management plan required under RCW 90.70.060.  The land use element shall include levels of service standards for storm water management as the basis for development review ordinances required under subsection (9) of this section.

          (2) A housing element recognizing the vitality and character of established residential neighborhoods that:  (a) Includes an inventory and analysis of existing and projected housing needs; (b) includes a statement of goals, policies, and objectives for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing; (c) identifies sufficient land for housing, including, but not limited to, government-assisted housing, housing for low-income families, manufactured housing, multifamily housing, and group homes and foster care facilities; and (d) makes adequate provisions for existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community.

          (3) A capital facilities plan element consisting of:  (a) An inventory of existing capital facilities owned by public entities, showing the locations and capacities of the capital facilities; (b) a forecast of the future needs for such capital facilities; (c) the proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new capital facilities; (d) at least a six-year plan that will finance such capital facilities within projected funding capacities and clearly identifies sources of public money for such purposes; and (e) a requirement to reassess the land use element if probable funding falls short of meeting existing needs and to ensure that the land use element, capital facilities plan element, and financing plan within the capital facilities plan element are coordinated and consistent.

          (4) A utilities element consisting of the general location, proposed location, and capacity of all existing and proposed utilities, including, but not limited to, electrical lines, telecommunication lines, and natural gas lines.

          (5) Counties shall include a rural element including lands that are not designated for urban growth, agriculture, forest, or mineral resources.  The rural element shall permit land uses that are compatible with the rural character of such lands and provide for a variety of rural densities.

          (6) A transportation element that implements, and is consistent with, the land use element. The transportation element shall include the following subelements:

          (a) Land use assumptions used in estimating travel;

          (b) Facilities and services needs, including:

          (i) An inventory of air, water, and land transportation facilities and services, including transit alignments, to define existing capital facilities and travel levels as a basis for future planning;

          (ii) Level of service standards for all arterials and transit routes to serve as a gauge to judge performance of the system.  These standards should be regionally coordinated;

          (iii) Specific actions and requirements for bringing into compliance any facilities or services that are below an established level of service standard;

          (iv) Forecasts of traffic for at least ten years based on the adopted land use plan to provide information on the location, timing, and capacity needs of future growth;

          (v) Identification of system expansion needs and transportation system management needs to meet current and future demands;

          (c) Finance, including:

          (i) An analysis of funding capability to judge needs against probable funding resources;

          (ii) A multiyear financing plan based on the needs identified in the comprehensive plan, the appropriate parts of which shall serve as the basis for the six-year street, road, or transit program required by RCW 35.77.010 for cities, RCW 36.81.121 for counties, and RCW 35.58.2795 for public transportation systems;

          (iii) If probable funding falls short of meeting identified needs, a discussion of how additional funding will be raised, or how land use assumptions will be reassessed to ensure that level of service standards will be met;

          (d) Intergovernmental coordination efforts, including an assessment of the impacts of the transportation plan and land use assumptions on the transportation systems of adjacent jurisdictions;

          (e) Demand-management strategies.

          (7) The land use, capital facilities, and transportation elements of comprehensive plans shall incorporate and be consistent with applicable provisions of watershed management plans adopted pursuant to the Puget Sound water quality management plan.

          (8) After adoption of the comprehensive plan by jurisdictions required to plan or who choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040, local jurisdictions must adopt and enforce ordinances which prohibit development approval if the development causes the level of service on a transportation facility to decline below the standards adopted in the transportation element of the comprehensive plan, unless transportation improvements or strategies to accommodate the impacts of development are made concurrent with the development.  These strategies may include increased public transportation service, ride sharing programs, demand management, and other transportation systems management strategies.  For the purposes of this ((subsection (6))) section "concurrent with the development" shall mean that improvements or strategies are in place at the time of development, or that a financial commitment is in place to complete the improvements or strategies within six years.

          The transportation element described in this subsection, and the six-year plans required by RCW 35.77.010 for cities, RCW 36.81.121 for counties, and RCW 35.58.2795 for public transportation systems, must be consistent.

          (9) Upon adoption of a plan under this section, a local jurisdiction shall adopt and enforce ordinances prohibiting development approval if, the development causes the level of service in a storm water management facility to decline below standards adopted in the land use element of the plan, unless storm water management improvements or strategies to mitigate the storm water impacts of development are made concurrent with the development.  "Concurrent with the development" shall have the meaning provided in subsection (8) of this section.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 15.  A new section is added to chapter 70.146 RCW to read as follows:

          STORM WATER PROGRAMS AS CONDITION FOR STATE FUNDS.  After July 1, 1995, no grant or loan may be made under this chapter to a county or city that has not adopted a storm water management program as part of its comprehensive plan as required by RCW 36.70A.070.  For any city or county for which a comprehensive plan under chapter 36.70A RCW is due after July 1, 1994, the limitation of this section shall apply twelve months after the deadline for adoption of the comprehensive plan.

 

        Sec. 16.  RCW 58.17.110 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 52 are each amended to read as follows:

          STORM WATER FACILITIES CONSIDERED IN SUBDIVISION APPROVAL.  (1) The city, town, or county legislative body shall inquire into the public use and interest proposed to be served by the establishment of the subdivision and dedication.  It shall determine:  (a) If appropriate provisions are made for, but not limited to, the public health, safety, and general welfare, for open spaces, drainage ways, streets or roads, alleys, other public ways, transit stops, potable water supplies, sanitary wastes, storm water management, parks and recreation, playgrounds, schools and schoolgrounds, and shall consider all other relevant facts, including sidewalks and other planning features that assure safe walking conditions for students who only walk to and from school; and (b) whether the public interest will be served by the subdivision and dedication.

          (2) A proposed subdivision and dedication shall not be approved unless the city, town, or county legislative body makes written findings that:  (a) Appropriate provisions are made for the public health, safety, and general welfare and for such open spaces, drainage ways, streets or roads, alleys, other public ways, transit stops, potable water supplies, sanitary wastes, storm water management, parks and recreation, playgrounds, schools and schoolgrounds and all other relevant facts, including sidewalks and other planning features that assure safe walking conditions for students who only walk to and from school; and (b) the public use and interest will be served by the platting of such subdivision and dedication.  If it finds that the proposed subdivision and dedication make such appropriate provisions and that the public use and interest will be served, then the legislative body shall approve the proposed subdivision and dedication.  Dedication of land to any public body, provision of public improvements to serve the subdivision, and/or impact fees imposed under RCW 82.02.050 through 82.02.090 may be required as a condition of subdivision approval.  Dedications shall be clearly shown on the final plat.  No dedication, provision of public improvements, or impact fees imposed under RCW 82.02.050 through 82.02.090 shall be allowed that constitutes an unconstitutional taking of private property.  The legislative body shall not as a condition to the approval of any subdivision require a release from damages to be procured from other property owners.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 17.  A new section is added to chapter 46.68 RCW to read as follows:

          STORM WATER CONTROLS IN TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS.  (1) Beginning July 1, 1995, a county, city, town, or special district receiving moneys from the motor vehicle fund or an account in the motor vehicle fund for the purpose of constructing a new transportation project shall incorporate all known, available, and reasonable methods of storm water controls.

          (2) The department of transportation, in consultation with the department of ecology and the Puget Sound water quality authority, shall adopt rules to implement this section.  The rules shall include guidance and design standards for storm water management facilities constructed by local governments as a part of transportation improvement projects.

 

                                                            PART IV

                CENTENNIAL CLEAN WATER FUND AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT

 

        Sec. 18.  RCW 70.146.060 and 1987 c 527 s 1 and 1987 c 436 s 7 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

          WATER QUALITY ACCOUNT DISTRIBUTIONS--LIMITATIONS--STORM WATER MANAGEMENT AND COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW REDUCTION FUNDING.  During the period from July 1, 1987, until June 30, 1995, the following limitations shall apply to the department's total distribution of funds appropriated from the water quality account:

          (1) Not more than fifty percent for water pollution control facilities which discharge directly into marine waters, including projects to reduce combined sewer overflows and projects to manage storm water runoff;

          (2) Not more than twenty percent for water pollution control activities that prevent or mitigate pollution of underground waters and facilities that protect federally designated sole source aquifers with at least two-thirds for the Spokane-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer;

          (3) Not more than ten percent for water pollution control activities that protect freshwater lakes and rivers including but not limited to Lake Chelan and the Yakima and Columbia rivers;

          (4) Not more than ten percent for activities which control nonpoint source water pollution;

          (5) Ten percent and such sums as may be remaining from the categories specified in subsections (1) through (4) of this section for water pollution control activities or facilities as determined by the department; and

          (6) Two and one-half percent of the total amounts of moneys under subsections (1) through (5) of this section from February 21, 1986, until December 31, 1995, shall be appropriated biennially to the state conservation commission for the purposes of this chapter.  Not less than ten percent of the moneys received by the state conservation commission under the provisions of this section shall be expended on research activities.

          The distribution under this section shall not be required to be met in any single fiscal year.

          Funds provided for facilities and activities under this chapter may be used for payments to a service provider under a service agreement pursuant to RCW 70.150.060.  If funds are to be used for such payments, the department may make periodic disbursements to a public body or may make a single lump sum disbursement.  Disbursements of funds with respect to a facility owned or operated by a service provider shall be equivalent in value to disbursements that would otherwise be made if that facility were owned or operated by a public body.  Payments under this chapter for waste disposal and management facilities made to public bodies entering into service agreements pursuant to RCW 70.150.060 shall not exceed amounts paid to public bodies not entering into service agreements.

          Until January 1, 1997, the department shall place a priority upon providing assistance to projects for the reduction of combined sewer overflows that are otherwise eligible under this chapter.  Beginning January 1, 1994, the department may not distribute funds from the water quality account to a local government not in compliance with the following requirements:  (a) Plans and compliance schedules for the reduction of combined sewer overflows pursuant to RCW 90.48.480; and (b) adoption of storm water management plans and ordinances under the Puget Sound water quality management plan.

 

                                                             PART V

                                                      SEPTIC SYSTEMS

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 19.  A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:

          SELLER DISCLOSURE OF SEPTIC SYSTEM IN SENSITIVE AREAS.  Before the closing of the sale of real property located within a sensitive area designated under section 20 of this act, the seller shall provide a report to the purchaser that discloses whether the property being sold is served by a public or private sewer system, an on-site sewage disposal system, other means of waste disposal, or is undeveloped property.  If the property is served by an on-site sewage disposal system, the report shall include:

          (1) The location of the system and, if known, the location of drainfields identified on a scale drawing;

          (2) Drawings of the system as it was built, if available from either the seller or the local health agency; and

          (3) A statement of the most recent pumping of the system and a description of the most recent inspection of the system by a certified professional, if known.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 20.  A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:

          RULE MAKING.  (1) On or before July 1, 1994, the department of health shall propose rules for adoption by the state board of health to implement section 19 of this act.  The rules shall:

          (a) Specify the contents of the report to be provided by the seller; and

          (b) Specify criteria to guide local health agencies in the designation of sensitive areas under subsection (2) of this section.  The criteria may include, but are not limited to, the number and density of on-site sewage disposal systems within an area, the presence of other potential contaminant sources, and the presence of unique or important marine or environmental resources that may be adversely impacted including any shellfish harvesting area restricted in harvest by the department of health.

          (2) Before July 1, 1995, each local health agency having jurisdiction within counties whose waters drain into Puget Sound shall designate sensitive areas within which the requirements of section 19 of this act shall apply.  The local health agency of any other county may elect to designate sensitive areas within which the requirements of section 19 of this act shall apply.

 

                                                            PART VI

                                                          PESTICIDES

 

        Sec. 21.  RCW 17.21.030 and 1989 c 380 s 34 are each amended to read as follows:

          PESTICIDE APPLICATION GUIDELINES TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY.  The director shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and rules adopted hereunder.

          (1) The director shall adopt rules:

          (a) Governing the application and use, or prohibiting the use, or possession for use, of any pesticide;

          (b) Governing the time when, and the conditions under which restricted use pesticides shall or shall not be used in different areas, which areas may be prescribed by the director, in the state;

          (c) Providing that any or all restricted use pesticides shall be purchased, possessed or used only under permit of the director and under the director's direct supervision in certain areas and/or under certain conditions or in certain quantities of concentrations; however, any person licensed to sell such pesticides may purchase and possess such pesticides without a permit;

          (d) Establishing recordkeeping requirements for licensees, permittees, and certified applicators;

          (e) Fixing and collecting examination fees;

          (f) Establishing testing procedures, licensing classifications, and requirements for licenses and permits as provided by this chapter; ((and))

          (g) Fixing and collecting permit fees; and

          (h) Establishing use and application guidelines for pesticides that can cause adverse environmental impacts through concentration in marine waters, sediment, or biota.

          (2) The director may adopt any other rules necessary to carry out the purpose and provisions of this chapter.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 22.  A new section is added to chapter 15.58 RCW to read as follows:

          By January 1, 1993, the director shall adopt rules establishing requirements for the denial of new registration, and schedules for the cancellation of existing registration, of active and inert ingredients of pesticides that pose a substantial risk of adverse effects upon public health, water quality, sediment, or biota.

 

        Sec. 23.  RCW 15.58.100 and 1979 c 146 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) The director shall require the information required under RCW 15.58.060 and shall register the label or labeling for such pesticide if ((he)) the director determines that:

          (a) Its composition is such as to warrant the proposed claims for it;

          (b) Its labeling and other material required to be submitted comply with the requirements of this chapter;

          (c) It will perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on the environment;

          (d) When used in accordance with widespread and commonly recognized practice it will not generally cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment;

          (e) Denial of registration is not required by section 22 of this act;

          (f) In the case of any pesticide subject to section 24(c) of FIFRA, it meets (1) (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this section and the following criteria:

          (i) The proposed classification for general use, for restricted use, or for both is in conformity with section 3(d) of FIFRA;

          (ii) A special local need exists.

          (2) The director shall not make any lack of essentiality a criterion for denying registration of any pesticide.

 

                                                            PART VII

                                           WATER QUALITY ENFORCEMENT

 

        Sec. 24.  RCW 90.48.037 and 1991 c 200 s 1102 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) The department, with the assistance of the attorney general, is authorized to bring any appropriate action at law or in equity, including action for injunctive relief, in the name of the people of the state of Washington as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW.

          (2) In a civil action brought pursuant to this chapter, the court may assess a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars a day for each violation of a provision of this chapter, or of a rule, permit, or order of the department pursuant to the authority of this chapter.  Each day of such violation shall constitute a separate violation.  In determining the penalty amount to be assessed, the court shall be guided by the considerations enumerated in RCW 43.21B.300(2).

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 25.  A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:

          CIVIL PENALTIES DEDICATED TO WATER QUALITY PURPOSES.  All penalties collected under RCW 90.48.144 and section 20 of this act, except for penalties deposited to the Puget Sound restoration account created by section 26 of this act, shall be deposited in the water quality protection account, which is hereby created in the state treasury.  Moneys in the account shall be subject to legislative appropriation and shall be expended by the department as grants to local governments and nonprofit service organizations for the purpose of water quality restoration projects.  The department shall place a priority upon projects that will use volunteers.  Not more than ten percent of the appropriated moneys shall be expended by the department for administering the grants.  All earnings of balances in the water quality protection account shall be credited to the general fund.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 26.  A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:

          CIVIL PENALTIES FOR PUGET SOUND WATER QUALITY VIOLATIONS DEDICATED TO PUGET SOUND RESTORATION.  All penalties collected under RCW 90.48.144 and section 20 of this act for water quality violations in the waters of Puget Sound as defined by RCW 90.70.005 or water draining to Puget Sound shall be deposited to the Puget Sound restoration account, which is hereby created in the state treasury.  Moneys in the account shall be subject to legislative appropriation and expended by the Puget Sound water quality authority for the funding of local programs for public involvement and education.  The authority shall seek proposals which raise awareness of water quality issues by engaging people in actions to protect Puget Sound and through diverse education activities.  A portion of the fund shall be directed to programs which specifically support the educational needs of local government directly related to the Puget Sound plan.  Not  more than ten percent of the appropriated moneys shall be expended by the authority for administering the grants.  All earnings of balances in the Puget Sound restoration account shall be credited to the general fund.

 

        Sec. 27.  RCW 43.21B.300 and 1992 c 73 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) Any civil penalty provided in RCW 70.94.431, 70.105.080, 70.107.050, 88.46.090, 90.03.600, 90.48.144, 90.56.310, and 90.56.330 shall be imposed by a notice in writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the person incurring the penalty from the department, the administrator of the office of marine safety, or the local air authority, describing the violation with reasonable particularity.  Within fifteen days after the notice is received, the person incurring the penalty may apply in writing to the department, the administrator, or the authority for the remission or mitigation of the penalty.  Upon receipt of the application, the department, the administrator, or authority may remit or mitigate the penalty upon whatever terms the department, the administrator, or the authority in its discretion deems proper.  The department or the authority may ascertain the facts regarding all such applications in such reasonable manner and under such rules as it may deem proper and shall remit or mitigate the penalty only upon a demonstration of extraordinary circumstances such as the presence of information or factors not considered in setting the original penalty.

          (2) Any penalty imposed under this section may be appealed to the pollution control hearings board in accordance with this chapter if the appeal is filed with the hearings board and served on the department, the administrator, or authority thirty days after receipt by the person penalized of the notice imposing the penalty or thirty days after receipt of the notice of disposition of the application for relief from penalty.

          (3) A penalty shall become due and payable on the later of:

          (a) Thirty days after receipt of the notice imposing the penalty;

          (b) Thirty days after receipt of the notice of disposition on application for relief from penalty, if such an application is made; or

          (c) Thirty days after receipt of the notice of decision of the hearings board if the penalty is appealed.

          (4) If the amount of any penalty is not paid to the department or the administrator within thirty days after it becomes due and payable, the attorney general, upon request of the department or the administrator, shall bring an action in the name of the state of Washington in the superior court of Thurston county, or of any county in which the violator does business, to recover the penalty.  If the amount of the penalty is not paid to the authority within thirty days after it becomes due and payable, the authority may bring an action to recover the penalty in the superior court of the county of the authority's main office or of any county in which the violator does business.  In these actions, the procedures and rules of evidence shall be the same as in an ordinary civil action.

          (5) All penalties recovered shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the general fund except those penalties imposed pursuant to RCW 70.94.431,  the disposition of which shall be governed by that provision, RCW 70.105.080, which shall be credited to the hazardous waste control and elimination account, created by RCW 70.105.180, RCW 90.48.144, which shall be credited to either the water quality protection account created under section 25 of this act or the Puget Sound restoration account created under section 26 of this act, as applicable, and RCW 90.56.330, which shall be credited to the coastal protection fund created by RCW 90.48.390.

 

        Sec. 28.  RCW 90.48.140 and 1992 c 73 s 26 are each amended to read as follows:

          Any person ((found guilty of willfully violating)) who knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW, or any final written orders or directive of the department or a court in pursuance thereof, except for those violations enumerated in section 29 of this act, shall be ((deemed)) guilty of a ((crime)) gross misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished ((by a fine of up to ten thousand dollars and costs of prosecution, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court)) as provided in RCW 9A.20.021.  Each day upon which a ((willful)) knowing violation of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 29.  A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:

          CRIMINAL PENALTIES.  (1) A person who knowingly commits any of the following shall be guilty of a class C felony and upon conviction shall be punished as provided in RCW 9A.20.021:

          (a) Omitting or falsifying records, reports, information, plans, or specifications required by the department under this chapter;

          (b) Falsifying, tampering with, or rendering inaccurate a monitoring device or method, or tampering with a portion of a treatment or conveyance system resulting in the discharge of untreated waste or waste not meeting permit standards;

          (c) Discharging after a permit has been revoked, or discharging in violation of a final written order or directive of the department, or discharging without a permit;

          (d) Failure to report a discharge that violates or exceeds permit conditions or limitations; and

          (e) Failure to comply with a final written order or directive of the department.

          Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation.

          (2) No person is in violation of this section where the discharge of waste constitutes only a minor statistical exceedance of effluent limitations.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 30.  A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:

          DEFINITIONS.  The following definitions apply to RCW 90.48.140 and section 29 of this act.

          (1) "Knowingly" shall be defined in the same manner as that term is defined in RCW 9A.08.010.

          (2) "Final written order or directive of the department" means a department order or directive that has been fully adjudicated with all available administrative and judicial reviews having been exhausted.

          (3) "Person" shall have the meaning given in RCW 9A.04.110(17).

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 31.  A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) By July 1, 1994, the department shall establish a schedule ensuring inspection of facilities subject to discharge permits with at least the following frequency:

          (a) Twice per year for class I inspections of major dischargers;

          (b) Once per year for class II inspections of major dischargers, class I inspections of significant minor dischargers, and minor NPDES dischargers;

          (c) Once every two years for class II inspections of significant minor dischargers;

          (d) Once every ten years for class II inspections of significant state and minor NPDES dischargers.

          A significant number of class I inspections shall be conducted on an unannounced basis.

          (2) The department shall include toxic limits, sediment quality limits, and monitoring requirements in all permits issued.  In the Puget Sound region, such requirements shall be at least as stringent as those specified in the Puget Sound water quality management plan.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 32.  A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:

          INCREASED ENFORCEMENT AGAINST UNPERMITTED DISCHARGERS.  For the biennium ending June 30, 1995, the department shall initiate no fewer than twenty-five enforcement actions against persons discharging pollutants to state waters without a permit as required by this chapter.  The department shall place primary emphasis upon initiating enforcement against large dischargers having significant adverse impacts upon water quality.  A minimum of fifteen of such actions shall be initiated against persons discharging to Puget Sound or to waters which drain into Puget Sound.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 33.  A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:

          CITIZEN SUITS FOR WATER QUALITY ENFORCEMENT.  (1) A person having an interest that is or may be affected may commence an action against:

          (a) A person alleged to be in violation of a permit or order issued by the department;

          (b) A person alleged to be discharging waste without a permit issued by the department; or

          (c) The department where there is alleged a failure of the department to perform an act or duty under this chapter that is not discretionary with the department.

          (2) No action may be commenced under subsection (1) (a) and (b) of this section:

          (a) Prior to sixty days after the plaintiff has given notice of the alleged violation to the department and an alleged violator; or

          (b) If the department has commenced and is diligently prosecuting or negotiating an administrative or judicial enforcement action.

          (3) No action may be commenced under subsection (1)(c) of this section prior to sixty days after the plaintiff has given notice of such action to the department.

          (4) In an action commenced under subsection (1) (a) and (b) of this section the plaintiff shall serve a copy of the complaint on the attorney general and the department.  The department may intervene as a matter of right in the action.  A consent judgment shall not be entered in an action in which the department is not a party prior to forty-five days following the receipt of a copy of the proposed consent judgment by the attorney general and the department.

          (5) The court, in issuing a final order in an action brought pursuant to this section, may award costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees, to a prevailing or substantially prevailing party, wherever the court determines such award is appropriate.

          (6) Nothing in this section restricts:

          (a) The department or a unit of state or local government from bringing an enforcement action under any other provision of law; or

          (b) A right that a person may have under statute or common law to seek enforcement of a water quality standard or limitation or to seek other relief.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 34.  Sections 10 through 12 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 36 RCW.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 35.  CAPTIONS.  Part headings and section captions as used in this act constitute no part of the law.

 


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