HB 2086 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Provides that sewer systems may be extended to or expanded in rural areas within aquatic rehabilitation zone one according to the requirements of this act.

Authorizes municipal sewer systems and community sewage collection and treatment facilities to be constructed in or extended to areas in which: (1) Clusters of high-density development are present;

(2) Water quality problems associated with discharge of nutrients from on-site sewage treatment systems have been documented; and

(3) The treatment efficiency of existing on-site sewage treatment systems is poor.

Requires systems and facilities constructed in or extended into rural areas to include nitrogen removal treatment capability when practicable.

Provides that consistent with the requirements of RCW 36.70A.110(4), any system or facility constructed or expanded to serve residences in rural areas of aquatic rehabilitation zone one shall be: (1) Financially supportable at rural densities; and

(2) Conditioned to prohibit service of urban development.

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, 2005.