HB 2086-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/11/05)

Recognizes the state's growth management act specifies in RCW 36.70A.110(4) that generally it is not appropriate to extend or expand urban governmental services, such as sewer systems, into rural areas.

Recognizes that RCW 36.70A.110(4) contains an exception to this general rule in those limited circumstances shown to be necessary to protect basic public health and safety and the environment when the facilities are financially supportable at rural densities and do not permit urban development.

Declares an intent to provide for an assessment of the efficacy of nitrogen reduction capabilities in existing and alternative on-site sewage treatment systems and an inventory of existing on-site sewage treatment systems in the Hood Canal vicinity to support development of sewage treatment solutions for this area.

Requires the Puget Sound action team to assess the effectiveness of nitrogen treatment provided by currently approved and alternative on-site sewage treatment technologies. The Puget Sound action team may consult with other federal, state, tribal, and local agencies in conducting this assessment. The Puget Sound action team shall submit a report documenting the findings of this assessment to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2005.

Requires the Puget Sound action team, in consultation with local and state health agencies, to conduct an inventory of on-site sewage systems operating in the Hood Canal watershed. The Puget Sound action team shall submit the inventory to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2006.