HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1750

Functional mobile home park septic systems                Public Hrg: 2/18/97 

Brief Title

Reps. D. Sommers/Sterk/Sheldon                       Staff Contact: Bill Lynch

Sponsor                                     Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7092

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 cannot require an existing mobile home park to replace existing septic systems which are functional with a sewer system within the community, unless specific, immediate, and tangible health or safety problems are established by the city or town.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not Requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.