| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Select Committee on Environmental Health | |
HB 3345
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 inspection intervals for properly functioning on-site sewage disposal systems.
Sponsors: Representative Linville.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/08
Staff: Brad Avy (786-7289).
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. The DOH regulates the location, design, installation, operation, maintenance,
and monitoring of on-site sewage disposal systems.
The DOH develops standards and guidance to assist local health officers in permitting different
types of sewage treatment and distribution technologies. The State Board of Health (SBOH) and
the DOH develop rules for regulation of on-site sewage disposal systems.
Summary of Bill:
House Bill 3345 affirms that an on-site sewage disposal system owner is responsible for
operating, monitoring, and maintaining the owner's on-site sewage disposal system to minimize
the risk of failure. This includes inspecting the on-site sewage disposal system and ensuring a
complete evaluation of the on-site sewage disposal system components and property as necessary
to determine functionality, maintenance needs, compliance with regulations, and any permits.
The bill modifies the existing frequency of inspections for on-site sewage disposal systems
currently found in the SBOH rules from:
The bill provides for longer inspection intervals if the system is maintained and continues to
function properly. The inspection interval may increase by one year for gravity systems and by
six months for other systems if the system is functioning properly at the time of inspection.
If the system, on inspection, is found to be functioning improperly, the inspection interval
decreases by one year for gravity systems and by six months for other systems.
Inspections may not be required more frequently than annually for gravity systems and every six
months for other systems, except to resolve performance problems.
If an inspection does not occur at least once within the three year interval between June 2009 and
June 2012 for gravity systems, the inspection frequency will start at one year if once the system is
inspected, it is found to be functioning improperly.
If an inspection does not occur at least once between June 2009 and June 2010 for other systems,
the inspection frequency will start at six months if once the system is inspected, it is found to be
functioning improperly.
The DOH must revise the on-site sewage disposal system rules in accordance with the
requirements of the bill.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 4, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.