FINAL BILL REPORT

                  2SSB 5821

                          C 263 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Regulating designers of on‑site wastewater treatment systems.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Eide, Morton, Patterson, Swecker, McAuliffe and Fraser).

Senate Committee on Environmental Quality & Water Resources

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

House Committee on Appropriations

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 On-site Wastewater Certification Work Group returned recommendations relating to bonding levels, licensing, certification and other standards for people employed in these occupations and risk analysis relating to the installation and maintenance of different types of septic systems in different parts of the state.  In 1998, the Legislature directed the Departments of Health and Licensing to convene an advisory committee to develop legislation to license designers of on-site septic systems and a certification program for inspectors of on-site septic systems.

Summary:  A licensing program for designers of on-site wastewater treatment systems is established in the Department of Licensing under the jurisdiction of the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.  The statewide licensing program provides for uniform application of design practices, standards for designs, and individual qualifications.  The department must create a committee to advise the board and the department on licensing requirements, examinations, and the administration of the program.  As with other professional licensing programs, the program is structured to be self-sufficient on license and application fees and must suspend the license of a wastewater treatment system designer who is at least six months delinquent on child support payments.

Until the licensing program is fully operational in 2003, the department may issue practice permits as an interim license.  License applicants must pass a written examination and meet education and experience requirements.

Employees of local health jurisdictions who inspect, review, or approve the design and construction of on-site systems must obtain a certificate of competency from the department.

A work group is directed to study and recommend financial assurances of on-site wastewater practitioners including on-site system designers= responsibility for system failures that affect structure and property values.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 32 14

House     95 0 (House amended)

Senate    26 19 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 25, 1999