HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2314
As Reported By House Committee On:
Agriculture & Ecology
Title: An act relating to the development of state‑wide wastewater reuse standards.
Brief Description: Establishing the city of Yelm wastewater reuse state demonstration project.
Sponsors: Representatives Brumsickle, Chappell and Wolfe.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Ecology: 1/22/96, 1/24/96 [DPS].
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ECOLOGY
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 16 members: Representatives Chandler, Chairman; Koster, Vice Chairman; Chappell, Ranking Minority Member; Linville, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Boldt; Clements; Delvin; Honeyford; Johnson; Mastin; Murray; Ogden; Regala; Robertson; Rust and Schoesler.
Staff: Rick Anderson (786-7114).
Background: In 1992 the Legislature enacted reclaimed water use provisions that directed the departments of Ecology and Health to develop standards for reclaimed water. In 1993 these agencies adopted water reclamation and reuse standards. Legislation was enacted in 1995 directing state agencies to develop additional standards and procedures for specified uses, such as discharges to recharge areas and to wetlands. The Water Reuse Advisory Committee is assisting in developing these standards.
There are currently no municipal sewage treatment plants that meet the 1993 reclaimed water standards. The city of Yelm has agreed to construct a facility that will treat its wastewater to a level that will meet the 1993 reclaimed water standards and the standards to be developed as a result of the 1995 legislation.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Legislative findings are made regarding the benefits of reclaimed water uses, including the potential to provide new water sources and cost-effective water treatment techniques. A reclaimed water project proposed by the city of Yelm is described in the findings. A legislative purpose is stated to recognize the city's project as a state demonstration project.
The Department of Ecology is to enter a grant agreement with the city of Yelm by January 1, 1997, that includes timelines, reporting requirements, and a fund disbursement schedule based upon agreed project milestones. A report to the Legislature is to be provided upon project completion. The provisions relating to the grant and state demonstration project designation expire December 31, 1998.
The sum of $6,925,000 is appropriated to the Department of Ecology from the general fund to assist in funding the city of Yelm project. The sum of $75,000 is appropriated to the Department of Health to complete standards for discharging reclaimed water into wetlands and into recharge areas.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The substitute bill adds a provision appropriating $75,000 dollars to the Department of Health. The substitute bill changes the legislative findings by deleting a reference to "deep well injection" as a possible use of reclaimed water.
Appropriation: The sum of $6,925,000 is appropriated to the Department of Ecology and $75,000 to the Department of Health.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: The project will help solve local water quality and quantity issues. The project will also provide statewide benefits. It will allow the state to evaluate recently developed reclaimed water standards in a variety of applications, including discharge to recharge areas, wetlands, and other applications.
Testimony Against: The Yelm project is necessary and commendable, but deep-well injection is not an appropriate way to use this water. Public health needs to be protected. The testing of reused water should be more extensive, and the standards for using reclaimed water should not be rushed.
Testified: Ed Kenney, Nisqually Delta Association; Kathryn Wolf, City of Yelm; Thomas Skillings, Skillings-Connolly, Inc.; Gary Alexander, Port of Olympia Commissioner; and John T. Mudge, Critical Issues Council (in favor).