HB 1411-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares that because releases of hazardous substances can adversely affect the health and welfare of the public, the environment, and property values, it is in the public interest that affected communities be notified of where historic and current releases of hazardous substances have occurred and what is being done to clean them up.

     Provides that any owner or operator of a facility that is actively transitioning from operating under federal laws to operating under the provisions of chapter 70.105D RCW, who has information that a hazardous substance has been released to the environment at the owner or operator's facility that may be a threat to human health or the environment, shall issue a notice to the department within ninety days.  The notice shall include a description of any remedial actions planned, completed, or underway.

     Provides that any person who fails to provide notification of releases consistent with this act or who submits false information is liable in an action brought by the attorney general for a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars per day for each day the party refuses to comply.