HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2558
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Ecology & Parks
Title: An act relating to exempting certain minor new construction associated with construction storm water general permits from the state environmental policy act.
Brief Description: Exempting certain minor new construction associated with construction storm water general permits from SEPA.
Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Clibborn, O'Brien, Kenney and Rolfes; by request of Department of Ecology.
Brief History:
Ecology & Parks: 1/18/08, 1/22/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Upthegrove, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Sump, Ranking Minority Member; Dickerson, Dunshee, Eickmeyer, Kristiansen, O'Brien and Pearson.
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
In 2005 the Department of Ecology (DOE) issued a new construction storm water general
permit to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act. The permit requires construction
projects that disturb one or more acres of land to get a storm water permit from the DOE
before the start of construction. Because of the permit requirement, local governments are
required to do a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review of the project. A SEPA
review requires an environmental impact statement be written in order for the project to
begin.
Summary of Bill:
A new construction storm water project does not need to have a SEPA review if it disturbs
less than five acres. The exemption does not occur if the project is being constructed in an
environmentally sensitive area.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The current law simply adds a regulatory burden without environmental benefits.
This bill would correct the unintended consequences of additional workload for local
governments. The requirement of a SEPA evaluation under current law adds time and cost
without any additional benefits.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Upthegrove, prime sponsor; Tom Clingman, Department of Ecology; Harry Reinert, King County; and Andy Cook, Building Industry Association of Washington.