HB 3135 - DIGEST

Finds that the area-wide soil contamination task force report provides recommendations for a statewide strategy for addressing area-wide soil contamination.

Finds it in the public interest to implement an area-wide soil contamination initiative that contains a broad-based approach to education and awareness, identifies areas where area-wide soil contamination is located, provides guidance on assessing properties, removes barriers to testing private property, and provides for the implementation of steps to protect public health, especially children.

Directs the department to work with the department of health, the department of agriculture, the department of community, trade, and economic development, and local governments to increase knowledge of area-wide soil contamination through a broad-based education and awareness campaign. The education campaign shall focus on persons and organizations that care for children including parents, educators, health care providers, and child care providers.

Requires the elements of the education campaign to include but are not limited to providing: (1) Information on where area-wide soil contamination is most likely to occur;

(2) Information on the health risks associated with exposure to area-wide soil contamination;

(3) Information on options for conducting voluntary individual property evaluations;

(4) Guidance on how to collect and analyze soil samples;

(5) Measures a person can take to reduce the likelihood of exposure to arsenic and lead in soil; and

(6) Educational materials for local permitting and land-use planning departments to educate developers and others regarding area-wide soil contamination.

Appropriates the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2005, from the local toxics control account--state to the department of ecology for the purposes of implementing this act.