SB 5079-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

     Declares that the purpose of this act is to encourage environmental permit program efficiency and pollution prevention through increased private sector participation in the preparation of air and wastewater discharge permits currently administered by the department of ecology.

     Declares that, by using expertise available in the private sector, the permit preparation option provided in this act is intended to reduce the time required to issue wastewater discharge permits and better protect the water quality of the state.

     Requires that the department shall approve or deny the permit proposal within forty-five days of submission if no public hearing is required, or within ninety days of submission if a public hearing is required.

     Provides that the department shall make available guidelines specifying the elements of a complete draft permit and fact sheet.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5079-S

                   May 20, 1997

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval Substitute Senate Bill No. 5079, entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to permit processing;"

     Substitute Senate Bill No. 5079 deals with the private preparation of draft wastewater discharge permits.  I commend the intent of this bill to find ways to increase private sector participation in order to make the permit process more timely.  However, while the Department of Ecology would still review and approve or deny permits, the time allowed for this review is not sufficient to ensure the thorough review necessary to protect the environment or to allow adequate time for input from the public.

     For these reasons I have vetoed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5079 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor