Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Ecology & Parks Committee

HB 2643

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 Summary of Bill

Places restrictions on charity car wash fundraisers in order to limit the pollution from car washes from entering into Washington watersheds.

Background:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated that washwater generated from outdoor car washing may contain many types of contaminants, including large amounts of petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and nutrients. In addition, data provided by the International Carwash Association representing wastewater discharged to publicly owned treatment plants from various commercial facilities indicate a similar inventory of pollutants generated by car washing activity.

The Puget Sound Partnership 2008 Action Agenda (Action Agenda) declares that pollution-related water quality problems in the freshwaters and marine waters of Puget Sound include excess nutrients and contamination by toxic chemicals draining from urban areas. The Action Agenda also points out that pollution entering Puget Sound’s rivers, lakes, and marine waters does so through a variety of pathways, and that surface water runoff appears to be the primary transportation route, with the most concentrated loads coming from developed lands.

Summary of Bill:

Beginning January 1, 2011, all charity car wash fundraisers that do not use the facilities and premises of a commercial car wash facility must: (1) use only biodegradable soaps; (2) wash all cars on gravel, grass, or other permeable surfaces; (3) use hoses with nozzles that automatically turn off when left unattended; (4) block off all storm drains surrounding the premises during the charity car wash event or use a storm drain insert on all storm drains surrounding the premises to catch car wash water during the event; and (5) pump water from car washes into a sanitary sewer drain or pump car wash water onto grass or landscaping to provide filtration.