| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Select Committee on Environmental Health | |
HB 1821
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.
Brief Description: Regarding on-site sewage disposal systems biological remediation technologies.
Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Kenney, O'Brien, Haigh, Darneille, Lovick, Eickmeyer, McCoy, Chase, Linville and Wood.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/7/07
Staff: Amy McCormick (786-7290).
Background:
The Department of Health (DOH) protects public health by promoting the safe treatment and
disposal of domestic and other non-industrial wastewater in areas of Washington not served by
municipal sewage treatment works. Rules and standards have been adopted to prevent, control,
and abate health hazards and nuisances related to the disposal of wastes, including on-site sewage
disposal systems. DOH regulates the location, design, installation, operation, maintenance, and
monitoring of on-site sewage disposal systems.
DOH develops standards and guidance to assist local health officers in permitting different types
of sewage treatment and distribution technologies, including public domain treatment
technologies, proprietary treatment products, public domain distribution technologies, and
proprietary distribution products. Manufacturers of proprietary treatment products must register
their product with the department before the local health officer may permit their use. To qualify
for product registration, manufacturers must meet several requirements, including verifying
product performance through testing, and reporting test results.
DOH does not currently recognize any testing protocol for use in the repair or recovery of failed
drain fields of on-site sewage disposal systems.
Summary of Bill:
Definitions for "repair" and "biological remediation" are added.
Manufacturers of biological remediation technologies for use in on-site sewage disposal systems
are exempt from registering their products with DOH, if the following conditions are met:
1) Product performance is verified through product testing using IAPMO IGC standard
180-2003 and at an approved testing facility;
2) Product continues to be certified under IAPMO IGC standard 180-2003; and
3) Product meets additive requirements.
ANSI-approved IAPMO IGC standard 180-2003 is applied only to biological remediation
technologies used in on-site sewage disposal systems or in the repair or recovery of failed drain
fields or soil dispersal components of on-site sewage disposal systems.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.