| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Ecology & Parks Committee | |
SB 6504
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: Exempting certain minor new construction associated with construction storm water general permits from SEPA.
Sponsors: Senators Hatfield, Swecker, Delvin, Regala, Schoesler, Morton, Pridemore and Rasmussen; by request of Department of Ecology.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/08
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: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.