BILL REQ. #:  H-2251.1 



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HOUSE BILL 2322
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State of Washington59th Legislature2005 Regular Session

By Representative Ormsby

Read first time 04/14/2005.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks.



     AN ACT Relating to limiting the phosphorus content in dishwashing detergent; and amending RCW 70.95L.005 and 70.95L.020.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 70.95L.005 and 1993 c 118 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature hereby finds and declares that:
     (1) Phosphorus loading of surface waters can stimulate the growth of weeds and algae, and that such growth can have adverse environmental, health, and aesthetic effects;
     (2) Household detergents contribute to phosphorus loading, and that a limit on detergents containing phosphorus can significantly reduce the discharge of phosphorus into the state's surface and ground waters;
     (3) Household detergents containing no or very low phosphorus are readily available and that over thirty percent of the United States population lives in areas with a ban on detergents containing phosphorus; ((and))
     (4) Phosphorus limits on household detergents can significantly reduce treatment costs at those sewage treatment facilities that remove phosphorus from the waste stream; and
     (5) While significant reductions of phosphorus from laundry detergent have been accomplished, similar progress in reducing phosphorus contributions from dishwashing detergents has not been achieved
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     It is therefore the intent of the legislature to impose a statewide limit on the phosphorus content of household detergents.

Sec. 2   RCW 70.95L.020 and 1993 c 118 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) After July 1, 1994, a person may not sell or distribute for sale a laundry detergent that contains 0.5 percent or more phosphorus by weight.
     (2) After July 1, ((1994)) 2007, a person may not sell or distribute for sale a dishwashing detergent that contains ((8.7)) 0.5 percent or more phosphorous by weight.
     (3) This section does not apply to the sale or distribution of detergents for commercial and industrial uses.

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