HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 3056

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                    Agriculture & Ecology

Title:  An act relating to implementing the recommendations of the on‑site wastewater certification work group.

Brief Description:  Implementing the recommendations of the on‑site wastewater certification work group.

Sponsors:  Representatives Chandler, Linville and Constantine.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Agriculture & Ecology:  2/2/98, 2/5/98 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ECOLOGY

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Chandler, Chairman; Parlette, Vice Chairman; Schoesler, Vice Chairman; Linville, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cooper; Delvin; Koster; Mastin; Regala and Sump.

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786-7092).

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 of Substitute Bill:  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, and a proposed 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 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 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.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill required the Department of Health to develop a certification program for inspectors of on-site septic systems.  The substitute bill changes this directive and requires the Department of Health to develop a proposed certification program for inspectors of on-site septic systems.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This is an important start to implementing the work group=s recommendations.  There is strong support for these changes.  Homes aren=t affordable if people are required to pay large sums of money to repair septic systems.  This is a continuation of important work.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Ron Inman, WOSSA; Sharon Nelson, Governor's work group; and Brian Minnich, Building Industry Association of Washington.