FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1750

                          C 61 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Protecting existing, functional mobile home park septic systems.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Government Administration (originally sponsored by  Representatives D. Sommers, Sterk and Sheldon).

House Committee on Government Administration

Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Insurance & Housing

Background:  Cities, towns, and counties are authorized to construct, maintain, and operate systems of sewerage.  Water-sewer districts have the express authority to compel property owners within an area served by the district's sewers to connect to the sewer system.  Cities, towns, and counties lack the express statutory authority to compel property owners to connect to sewers.

When local boards of health identify failing septic systems, they are directed to use their discretion in implementing corrections, such as specifying nonwater-carried sewage disposal devices or other alternative methods of treatment and disposal as a way to address the substandard conditions.   A city or county may use more restrictive standards for failing septic systems if it determines that it is necessary to protect the public health, attain state water quality standards, or protect shellfish and other public resources.

Summary:  A city, town, or county may not require an existing mobile home park to replace an existing, functional septic system, with a sewer system within the community, unless the local board of health determines that the septic system is failing.

Votes on Final Passage:

House895

Senate490(Senate amended)

House950(House concurred)

Effective:June 11, 1998