ANALYSIS OF HB 3056

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                        January 29, 1998

BACKGROUND:

In 1997 the Legislature directed the Department of Health to create a work group that would develop recommendations to the Legislature regarding a certification program for occupations related to on-site septic systems.  The work group was also asked to examine the bonding levels and other standards for people employed in these occupations.  In addition, the work group was asked to examine the application of a risk analysis pertaining to the installation and maintenance of different types of septic systems in different parts of the state.  The On-site Wastewater Certification Work Group met several times during the 1997 interim and developed a report containing its recommendations in these areas.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Health and the Department of Licensing must convene an advisory committee to develop proposed legislation to license designers of on-site septic systems.  The proposed legislation must be submitted to the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee and the House Agriculture and Ecology Committee by December 1, 1998.  The legislation must be consistent with the recommendations contained in the report prepared by the On-site Wastewater Certification Work Group.

The Department of Health must develop a certification program for inspectors of on-site septic systems that tests the same knowledge and competency required for licensed designers of on-site septic systems.

The Department of Health is required to develop a one-day course to train local health officers, environmental health officers, environmental health specialists, and technicians pertaining to: the waiver authority granted local officers for siting on-site septic systems, the application of site evaluation and assessment methods to match particular sites and development plans with suitable on-site sewage treatment systems, the regulatory framework for the use on-site sewage treatment technologies, and the use of mitigation waivers.  The course must be made available in various parts of the state without charge.  The first training must be conducted by June 30, 1999.

The Department of Health and the Department of Licensing must report on the time frames and feasibility for implementing other recommendations of the On-site Wastewater Certification Work Group by December 1, 1998.