Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Select Committee on Environmental Health

HB 3227

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: Protecting the water quality in Hood Canal.

Sponsors: Representatives Eickmeyer, Sump, Chase, Quall, Hasegawa, Appleton, Simpson, Haigh, Wallace, Dickerson, Takko, Conway, Pedersen, Kagi, Armstrong, Priest, Walsh, Hinkle, Condotta, McCoy, Roberts, Morris, Hudgins, Rolfes, Lantz, Schual-Berke, Morrell, Campbell, Sells, Sullivan and Kenney.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires after July 1, 2009 that nitrates and phosphates be removed to a level in sewage discharges that protects the health of Hood Canal.

Hearing Date: 1/29/08

Staff: Brad Avy (786-7289).

Background:

Hood Canal is a glacier-carved fjord approximately 60 miles in length with approximately 180 miles of shoreline. Portions of Hood Canal have had low dissolved oxygen concentrations for many years. The University of Washington recorded low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the 1950s. In recent years, low dissolved oxygen concentration conditions and significant fish kill events have been recorded on Hood Canal. Research and monitoring related to Hood Canal's low dissolved oxygen concentrations is underway to improve data on nitrogen loading from on-site septic systems, groundwater, and other sources in Hood Canal.

In 2005, authority was provided to establish Aquatic Rehabilitation Zones (ARZs) for areas whose surrounding marine water bodies pose serious environmental or public health concerns. The first ARZ, known as ARZ One, was created for the watersheds that drain into Hood Canal south of a line projected from Tala Point in Jefferson County to Foulweather Bluff in Kitsap County.

Summary of Bill:

In ARZ One, any new or retrofitted on-site sewage disposal systems or wastewater treatment systems installed after July 1, 2009, must remove nitrates and phosphates to a level that at a minimum meets the Department of Ecology's water quality standards and does not adversely impact the health of the Hood Canal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2008.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.