HB 3039-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Provides that, before issuing or renewing a permit for a sewage system within an aquatic rehabilitation zone established under RCW 90.88.010(2), the department shall ensure that the system removes nitrogen from the wastewater to the fullest extent practical. The department shall specify conditions in each permit necessary to ensure that nitrogen removal is effective. This requirement must be implemented without requiring rule making by the department.

Provides that existing permittees under RCW 90.48.160 and 90.48.162 that operate a sewage system within an aquatic rehabilitation zone established under RCW 90.88.010(2), may have a compliance schedule established by the department to adopt nitrogen removal treatment. The compliance schedule must be as short as possible and may not extend beyond January 1, 2014. Any new system or replacement system permitted after the effective date of this act must install nitrogen removing treatment before a permit may be granted.

Requires the department of ecology to offer financial and technical assistance to local governments and tribal entities in the aquatic rehabilitation zone established under RCW 90.88.010(2) to establish or expand on-site sewage system repair and replacement local loan and grant programs. The programs shall give priority to low-income home owners and award grants based on financial need.