CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5504

Chapter 456, Laws of 2009

61st Legislature
2009 Regular Session



RECLAIMED WATER PERMITTING



EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/26/09

Passed by the Senate April 19, 2009
  YEAS 45   NAYS 2

BRAD OWEN
________________________________________    
President of the Senate
Passed by the House April 9, 2009
  YEAS 98   NAYS 0

FRANK CHOPP
________________________________________    
Speaker of the House of Representatives


 
CERTIFICATE

I, Thomas Hoemann, Secretary of the Senate of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5504 as passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on the dates hereon set forth.

THOMAS HOEMANN
________________________________________    
Secretary
Approved May 11, 2009, 3:16 p.m.








CHRISTINE GREGOIRE
________________________________________    
Governor of the State of Washington
 
FILED
May 11, 2009







Secretary of State
State of Washington


_____________________________________________ 

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5504
_____________________________________________

AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE

Passed Legislature - 2009 Regular Session
State of Washington61st Legislature2009 Regular Session

By Senate Environment, Water & Energy (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Honeyford, Rockefeller, Marr, Kline, and Morton; by request of Department of Ecology)

READ FIRST TIME 02/11/09.   



     AN ACT Relating to reclaimed water permitting; amending RCW 90.46.010, 90.46.015, 90.46.040, 90.46.080, 90.46.120, 90.48.465, 43.21B.110, 43.21B.300, and 43.21B.310; adding new sections to chapter 90.46 RCW; creating new sections; repealing RCW 90.46.060; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 90.46.010 and 2006 c 279 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Agricultural industrial process water" means water that has been used for the purpose of agricultural processing and has been adequately and reliably treated, so that as a result of that treatment, it is suitable for other agricultural water use.
     (2) "Agricultural processing" means the processing of crops or milk to produce a product primarily for wholesale or retail sale for human or animal consumption, including but not limited to potato, fruit, vegetable, and grain processing.
     (3) "Agricultural water use" means the use of water for irrigation and other uses related to the production of agricultural products. These uses include, but are not limited to, construction, operation, and maintenance of agricultural facilities and livestock operations at farms, ranches, dairies, and nurseries. Examples of these uses include, but are not limited to, dust control, temperature control, and fire control.
     (4) (("Beneficial use" means the use of reclaimed water, that has been transported from the point of production to the point of use without an intervening discharge to the waters of the state, for a beneficial purpose.
     (5)
)) "Constructed beneficial use wetlands" means those wetlands intentionally constructed on nonwetland sites to produce or ((replace)) create natural wetland functions and values. ((Constructed beneficial use wetlands are considered "waters of the state."
     (6)
)) (5) "Constructed treatment wetlands" means ((those wetlands)) wetland-like impoundments intentionally constructed on nonwetland sites and managed for the primary purpose of ((polishing)) further treatment or retention of reclaimed water ((or aesthetics)) as distinct from creating natural wetland functions and values. ((Constructed treatment wetlands are considered part of the collection and treatment system and are not considered "waters of the state."
     (7)
)) (6) "Direct groundwater recharge" means the controlled subsurface addition of water directly ((to the groundwater basin that results in the replenishment of)) into groundwater for the purpose of replenishing groundwater.
     (((8))) (7) "Greywater or gray water" means ((wastewater having the consistency and strength of residential)) domestic type ((wastewater. Greywater includes wastewater)) flows from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, and kitchen or utility sinks((, showers, and laundry fixtures, but)). Gray water does not include flow from a toilet or urinal ((waters)).
     (((9) "Groundwater recharge)) (8) "State drinking water contaminant criteria" means the contaminant criteria found in the drinking water quality standards adopted by the state board of health pursuant to chapter 43.20 RCW and the department of health pursuant to chapter 70.119A RCW.
     (((10))) (9) "Industrial reuse water" means water that has been used for the purpose of industrial processing and has been adequately and reliably treated so that, as a result of that treatment, it is suitable for other uses.
     (((11))) (10) "Land application" means use of reclaimed water as permitted under this chapter for the purpose of irrigation or watering of landscape ((enhancement for residential, business, and governmental purposes)) vegetation.
     (((12))) (11) "Person" means any state, individual, public or private corporation, political subdivision, governmental subdivision, governmental agency, municipality, copartnership, association, firm, trust estate, or any other legal entity whatever.
     (((13))) (12) "Planned groundwater recharge project" means any reclaimed water project designed for the purpose of recharging groundwater((, via direct recharge or surface percolation)).
     (((14))) (13) "Reclaimed water" means ((effluent)) water derived in any part from ((sewage from a)) wastewater ((treatment system)) with a domestic wastewater component that has been adequately and reliably treated, so that ((as a result of that treatment, it is suitable for a beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur and is no longer considered wastewater.
     (15) "Reclamation criteria" means the criteria set forth in the water reclamation and reuse interim standards and subsequent revisions adopted by the department of ecology and the department of health
)) it can be used for beneficial purposes. Reclaimed water is not considered a wastewater.
     (14) "Wastewater" means water-carried wastes from residences, buildings, industrial and commercial establishments, or other places, together with such groundwater infiltration and inflow as may be present
.
     (((16) "Sewage")) (15) "Domestic wastewater" means ((water-carried human wastes from residences, buildings, industrial and commercial establishments, or other places, together with such groundwater infiltration, surface waters, or industrial wastewater as may be present)) wastewater from greywater, toilet, or urinal sources.
     (((17))) (16) "Streamflow or surface water augmentation" means the ((discharge)) intentional use of reclaimed water ((to)) for rivers and streams of the state or other surface water bodies, ((but not wetlands)) for the purpose of increasing volumes.
     (((18))) (17) "Surface percolation" means the controlled application of water to the ground surface or to unsaturated soil for the purpose of replenishing groundwater.
     (((19))) (18) "User" means any person who uses reclaimed water.
     (((20) "Wastewater" means water and wastes discharged from homes, businesses, and industry to the sewer system.
     (21)
)) (19) "Wetland or wetlands" means areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands regulated under this chapter shall be delineated in accordance with the manual adopted by the department of ecology pursuant to RCW 90.58.380.
     (20) "Lead agency" means either the department of health or the department of ecology that has been designated by rule as the agency that will coordinate, review, issue, and enforce a reclaimed water permit issued under this chapter.
     (21) "Nonlead agency" means either the department of health or the department of ecology, whichever is not the lead agency for purposes of this chapter.

Sec. 2   RCW 90.46.015 and 2006 c 279 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department of ecology shall, in coordination with the department of health, adopt rules for reclaimed water use consistent with this chapter. The rules must address all aspects of reclaimed water use, including commercial and industrial uses, land applications, direct groundwater recharge, wetland discharge, surface percolation, constructed wetlands, and streamflow or surface water augmentation. The department of health shall, in coordination with the department of ecology, adopt rules for greywater reuse. The rules must also designate whether the department of ecology or the department of health will be the lead ((permitting or regulatory)) agency responsible for a particular aspect of reclaimed water use. In developing the rules, the departments of health and ecology shall amend or rescind any existing rules on reclaimed water in conflict with the new rules.
     (2) All rules required to be adopted pursuant to this section must be completed no later than December 31, 2010, although the department of ecology is encouraged to adopt the final rules as soon as possible.
     (3) The department of ecology must consult with the advisory committee created under RCW 90.46.050 in all aspects of rule development required under this section.

Sec. 3   RCW 90.46.040 and 2006 c 279 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(((a))) The department of ecology shall, in coordination with the department of health, adopt a single set of standards, procedures, and guidelines, on or before August 1, 1993, for land applications of reclaimed water.
     (((b))) (2) Standards adopted under this section are superseded by any rules adopted by the department of ecology pursuant to RCW 90.46.015 as they relate to the land application of reclaimed water.
     (((2) A permit is required for any land application of reclaimed water. The department of ecology may issue a reclaimed water permit under chapter 90.48 RCW to the generator of reclaimed water who may then distribute the water, subject to provisions in the permit governing the location, rate, water quality, and purpose of use. The department of ecology shall not issue more than one permit for any individual land application of reclaimed water to a single generator.
     (3) In cases where the department of ecology determines, in land applications of reclaimed water, that a significant risk to the public health exists, the department shall refer the application to the department of health for review and consultation and the department of health may require fees appropriate for review and consultation from the applicant pursuant to RCW 43.70.250.
     (4) A permit under this section for use of reclaimed water may be issued only to:
     (a) A municipal, quasi-municipal, or other governmental entity;
     (b) A private utility as defined under RCW 36.94.010; or
     (c) The holder of a waste discharge permit issued under chapter 90.48 RCW.
     (5) The authority and duties created in this section are in addition to any authority and duties already provided in law. Nothing in this section limits the powers of the state or any political subdivision to exercise such authority.
     (6) Before deciding whether to issue a permit under this section to a private utility, the department of ecology may require information that is reasonable and necessary to determine whether the private utility has the financial and other resources to ensure the reliability, continuity, and supervision of the reclaimed water facility.
))

Sec. 4   RCW 90.46.080 and 2006 c 279 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, reclaimed water may be beneficially used for surface percolation provided the reclaimed water meets the ((groundwater recharge)) state drinking water contaminant criteria as measured in groundwater beneath or down gradient of the recharge project site, and has been incorporated into a sewer or water comprehensive plan, as applicable, adopted by the applicable local government and approved by the department of health or department of ecology as applicable.
     (2) If the state ((groundwater recharge)) drinking water contaminant criteria ((as defined by RCW 90.46.010)) do not contain a standard for a constituent or contaminant, the department of ecology shall establish a discharge limit consistent with the goals of this chapter, except as otherwise provided in this section.
     (3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, reclaimed water that does not meet the ((groundwater recharge)) state drinking water contaminant criteria may be beneficially used for surface percolation where the department of ecology, in consultation with the department of health, has specifically authorized such use at such lower standard.
     (4) The provisions of this section are superseded by any rules adopted by the department of ecology pursuant to RCW 90.46.015 as they relate to surface percolation.

Sec. 5   RCW 90.46.120 and 2007 c 445 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The owner of a wastewater treatment facility that is reclaiming water with a permit issued under this chapter has the exclusive right to any reclaimed water generated by the wastewater treatment facility. Use, distribution, storage, and the recovery from ((aquifer)) storage of reclaimed water ((by the owner of the wastewater treatment facility)) permitted under this chapter is exempt from the permit requirements of RCW 90.03.250 and 90.44.060, provided that a permit for recovery of reclaimed water from aquifer storage ((and recovery)) shall be reviewed under the standards established under RCW 90.03.370(2) for aquifer storage and recovery projects. Revenues derived from the reclaimed water facility shall be used only to offset the cost of operation of the wastewater utility fund or other applicable source of systemwide funding.
     (2) If the proposed use ((or uses)) of reclaimed water ((are intended)) is to augment or replace potable water supplies or to create the potential for the development of an additional new potable water ((supplies, such use or uses shall be considered in the development of any regional water supply plan or plans addressing potable water supply service by multiple water purveyors. Such water supply plans include plans developed by multiple jurisdictions under the relevant provisions of chapters 43.20, 70.116, 90.44, and 90.82 RCW, and the water supply provisions under the utility element of chapter 36.70A RCW. The method by which such plans are approved shall remain unchanged. The owner of a wastewater treatment facility that proposes to reclaim water shall be included as a participant in the development of such regional water supply plan or plans)) supply, then regional water supply plans, or any other potable water supply plans prepared by multiple water purveyors, must consider the proposed use of the reclaimed water as they are developed or updated.
     (a) Regional water supply plans include those adopted under state board of health laws (chapter 43.20 RCW), the public water system coordination act of 1977 (chapter 70.116 RCW), groundwater protection laws (chapter 90.44 RCW), and the watershed planning act (chapter 90.82 RCW).
     (b) The requirement to consider the use of reclaimed water does not change the plan approval process established under these statutes.
     (c) When regional water supply plans are being developed, the owners of wastewater treatment facilities that produce or propose to produce reclaimed water for use within the planning area must be included in the planning process.

     (3) ((Where opportunities for the use of reclaimed water exist within the period of time addressed by a water system plan, a water supply plan, or a coordinated water system plan developed)) When reclaimed water is available or is proposed for use under a water supply or wastewater plan developed under chapter((s)) 43.20, 70.116, 90.44, ((and)) 90.48, or 90.82 RCW((, and the water supply provisions under the utility element of chapter 36.70A RCW,)) these plans must be ((developed and)) coordinated to ensure that opportunities for reclaimed water are evaluated. The requirements of this subsection (3) do not apply to water system plans developed under chapter 43.20 RCW for utilities serving less than one thousand service connections.
     (4) The provisions of any plan for reclaimed water, developed under the authorities in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, should be included by a city, town, or county in reviewing provisions for water supplies in a proposed short plat, short subdivision, or subdivision under chapter 58.17 RCW, where reclaimed water supplies may be proposed for nonpotable purposes in the short plat, short subdivision, or subdivision.
     (5) By November 30, 2009, the department of ecology shall review comments from the reclaimed water advisory committee under RCW 90.46.050 and the reclaimed water and water rights advisory committee under the direction of the department of ecology and submit a recommendation to the legislature on the impairment requirements and standards for reclaimed water. The department of ecology shall also provide a report to the legislature that describes the opinions of the stakeholders on the impairment requirements and standards for reclaimed water.

Sec. 6   RCW 90.48.465 and 2002 c 361 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall establish annual fees to collect expenses for issuing and administering each class of permits under RCW 90.48.160, 90.48.162, and 90.48.260. An initial fee schedule shall be established by rule and be adjusted no more often than once every two years. This fee schedule shall apply to all permits, regardless of date of issuance, and fees shall be assessed prospectively. All fees charged shall be based on factors relating to the complexity of permit issuance and compliance and may be based on pollutant loading and toxicity and be designed to encourage recycling and the reduction of the quantity of pollutants. Fees shall be established in amounts to fully recover and not to exceed expenses incurred by the department in processing permit applications and modifications, monitoring and evaluating compliance with permits, conducting inspections, securing laboratory analysis of samples taken during inspections, reviewing plans and documents directly related to operations of permittees, overseeing performance of delegated pretreatment programs, and supporting the overhead expenses that are directly related to these activities.
     (2) The annual fee paid by a municipality, as defined in 33 U.S.C. Sec. 1362, for all domestic wastewater facility permits issued under RCW 90.48.162 and 90.48.260 shall not exceed the total of a maximum of fifteen cents per month per residence or residential equivalent contributing to the municipality's wastewater system.
     (3) The department shall ensure that indirect dischargers do not pay twice for the administrative expense of a permit. Accordingly, administrative expenses for permits issued by a municipality under RCW 90.48.165 are not recoverable by the department.
     (4) In establishing fees, the department shall consider the economic impact of fees on small dischargers and the economic impact of fees on public entities required to obtain permits for storm water runoff and shall provide appropriate adjustments.
     (5) The fee for an individual permit issued for a dairy farm as defined under chapter 90.64 RCW shall be fifty cents per animal unit up to one thousand two hundred fourteen dollars for fiscal year 1999. The fee for a general permit issued for a dairy farm as defined under chapter 90.64 RCW shall be fifty cents per animal unit up to eight hundred fifty dollars for fiscal year 1999. Thereafter, these fees may rise in accordance with the fiscal growth factor as provided in chapter 43.135 RCW.
     (6) The fee for a general permit or an individual permit developed solely as a result of the federal court of appeals decision in Headwaters, Inc. v. Talent Irrigation District, 243 F.3rd 526 (9th Cir. 2001) is limited, until June 30, 2003, to a maximum of three hundred dollars. Such a permit is required only, and as long as, the interpretation of this court decision is not overturned or modified by future court rulings, administrative rule making, or clarification of scope by the United States environmental protection agency or legislative action. In such a case the department shall take appropriate action to rescind or modify these permits.
     (7) All fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the water quality permit account hereby created in the state treasury. Moneys in the account may be appropriated only for purposes of administering permits under section 9 of this act, RCW 90.48.160, 90.48.162, and 90.48.260.
     (8) The department shall present a biennial progress report on the use of moneys from the account to the legislature. The report will be due December 31st of odd-numbered years. The report shall consist of information on fees collected, actual expenses incurred, and anticipated expenses for the current and following fiscal years.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   LEAD AGENCY DUTIES. (1) The department of ecology and the department of health shall have authority to carry out all the provisions of this chapter including, but not limited to, permitting and enforcement. Only the department of ecology or the department of health may act as a lead agency for purposes of this chapter and will be established as such by rule. Enforcement of a permit issued under this chapter shall be at the sole discretion of the lead agency that issued the permit.
     (2) All permit applications shall be referred to the nonlead agency for review and consultation. The nonlead agency may choose to limit the scope of its review.
     (3) The authority and duties created in this chapter are in addition to any authority and duties already provided in law. Nothing in this chapter limits the powers of the state or any political subdivision to exercise such authority.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8   VIOLATIONS--INJUNCTIONS AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AUTHORIZED. The lead agency, with the assistance of the attorney general, is authorized to bring any appropriate action at law or in equity, including action for injunctive relief, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The lead agency may bring the action in the superior court of the county in which the violation occurred or in the superior court of Thurston county. The court may award reasonable attorneys' fees for the cost of the attorney general's office in representing the lead agency.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 9   OPERATING PERMIT REQUIRED. (1) Any person proposing to generate any type of reclaimed water for a use regulated under this chapter shall obtain a permit from the lead agency prior to distribution or use of that water. The permittee may then distribute and use the water, subject to the provisions in the permit. The permit must include provisions that protect human health and the environment. At a minimum, the permit must:
     (a) Assure adequate and reliable treatment; and
     (b) Govern the water quality, location, rate, and purpose of use.
     (2) A permit under this chapter may be issued only to:
     (a) A municipal, quasi-municipal, or other governmental entity;
     (b) A private utility as defined in RCW 36.94.010;
     (c) The holder of a waste disposal permit issued under chapter 90.48 RCW; or
     (d) The owner of an agricultural processing facility that is generating agricultural industrial process water for agricultural use, or the owner of an industrial facility that is generating industrial process water for reuse.
     (3) Before deciding whether to issue a permit under this section to a private utility, the lead agency may require information that is reasonable and necessary to determine whether the private utility has the financial and other resources to ensure the reliability, continuity, and supervision of the reclaimed water facility.
     (4) Permits shall be issued for a fixed term specified by the rules adopted under RCW 90.46.015. A permittee shall apply for permit renewal prior to the end of the term. The rules adopted under RCW 90.46.015 shall specify the process of renewal, modification, change of ownership, suspension, and termination.
     (5) The lead agency may deny an application for a permit or modify, suspend, or revoke a permit for good cause, including but not limited to, any case in which it finds that the permit was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, or there is or has been a failure, refusal, or inability to comply with the requirements of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter.
     (6) The lead agency shall provide for adequate public notice and opportunity for review and comment on all initial permit applications and renewal applications. Methods for providing notice may include electronic mail, posting on the lead agency's internet site, publication in a local newspaper, press releases, mailings, or other means of notification the lead agency determines appropriate. The lead agency shall also publicize notice of final permitting decisions.
     (7) Any person aggrieved by a permitting decision has the right to an adjudicative proceeding. An adjudicative proceeding conducted under this subsection is governed by chapter 34.05 RCW. For any permit decision for which the department of ecology is the lead agency under this chapter, any appeal shall be in accordance with chapter 43.21B RCW. For any permit decision for which department of health is the lead agency under this chapter, any application for an adjudicative proceeding must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the action, include a copy of the decision, be served on and received by the department of health within twenty-eight days of receipt of notice of the final decision, and be served in a manner that shows proof of receipt.
     (8) Permit requirements for the distribution and use of greywater will be established in rules adopted by the department of health under RCW 90.46.015.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 10   AUTHORITY TO ENTER PREMISES--SEARCH WARRANTS. (1)(a) Except as otherwise provided in (b) of this subsection, the lead agency or its designee shall have the right to enter and inspect any property related to the purpose of the permit, public or private, at reasonable times with prior notification in order to determine compliance with laws and rules administered by the lead agency. During such inspections, the lead agency shall have free and unimpeded access to all data, facilities, and property involved in the generation, distribution, and use of reclaimed water.
     (b) The lead agency or its designee need not give prior notification to enter property under (a) of this subsection if the purpose of the entry is to ensure compliance by the permittee with a prior order of the lead agency or if the lead agency or its designee has reasonable cause to believe there is a violation of the law that poses a serious threat to public health and safety or the environment.
     (2) The lead agency or its designee may apply for an administrative search warrant to a court of competent jurisdiction and an administrative search warrant may issue where:
     (a) The lead agency has attempted an inspection under this chapter and access has been actually or constructively denied; or
     (b) There is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter is occurring or has occurred.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 11   PLANS, REPORTS, AND PROPOSED METHODS OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE TO BE SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENTS. All required feasibility studies, planning documents, engineering reports, and plans and specifications for the construction of new reclaimed water, agricultural industrial process water, and industrial reuse water facilities, including generation, distribution, and use facilities, or for improvements or extensions to existing facilities, and the proposed method of future operation and maintenance of said facility or facilities, shall be submitted to and be approved by the lead agency, before construction thereof may begin. No approval shall be given until the lead agency is satisfied that the plans, reports, and specifications and the methods of operation and maintenance submitted are adequate to protect the quality of the water for the intended use as provided for in this chapter and are adequate to protect public health and safety as necessary.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12   NOTICE OF DETERMINATION THAT VIOLATION HAS OR WILL OCCUR--REPORT OF COMPLIANCE WITH DETERMINATION--ORDER OR DIRECTIVE TO BE ISSUED--NOTICE. (1) When, in the opinion of the lead agency, a person violates or creates a substantial potential to violate this chapter, the lead agency shall notify the person of its determination by registered mail. The determination shall not constitute an appealable order or directive. Within thirty days from the receipt of notice of such determination, the person shall file with the lead agency a full report stating what steps have been and are being taken to comply with the determination of the lead agency. After the full report is filed or after the thirty days have elapsed, the lead agency may issue the order or directive as it deems appropriate under the circumstances, shall notify the person by registered mail, and shall inform the person of the process for requesting an adjudicative hearing.
     (2) When it appears to the lead agency that water quality conditions or other conditions exist which require immediate action to protect human health and safety or the environment, the lead agency may issue a written order to the person or persons responsible without first issuing a notice of determination pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. An order or directive issued pursuant to this subsection shall be served by registered mail or personally upon any person to whom it is directed, and shall inform the person or persons responsible of the process for requesting an adjudicative hearing.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 13   PENALTY. Any person found guilty of willfully violating any of the provisions of this chapter, or any final written orders or directive of the lead agency or a court in pursuance thereof, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of up to ten thousand dollars and costs of prosecution, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or both, in the discretion of the court. Each day upon which a willful violation of the provisions of this chapter occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 14   VIOLATIONS--CIVIL PENALTY--PROCEDURE. (1) Except as provided in RCW 43.05.060 through 43.05.080, 43.05.100, 43.05.110, and 43.05.150, any person who:
     (a) Generates any reclaimed water for a use regulated under this chapter and distributes or uses that water without a permit;
     (b) Violates the terms or conditions of a permit issued under this chapter; or
     (c) Violates rules or orders adopted or issued pursuant to this chapter,
shall incur, in addition to any other penalty as provided by law, a penalty in an amount of up to ten thousand dollars per day for every violation. Each violation shall be a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a continuing violation, every day's continuance shall be a separate and distinct violation. Every act of commission or omission which procures, aids, or abets in the violation shall be considered a violation under the provisions of this section and subject to the penalty herein provided for. The penalty amount shall be set in consideration of the previous history of the violator and the severity of the violation's impact on public health, the environment, or both, in addition to other relevant factors.
     (2) A penalty imposed by a final administrative order is due upon service of the final administrative order. A person who fails to pay a penalty assessed by a final administrative order within thirty days of service of the final administrative order shall pay, in addition to the amount of the penalty, interest at the rate of one percent of the unpaid balance of the assessed penalty for each month or part of a month that the penalty remains unpaid, commencing within the month in which the notice of penalty was served, and reasonable attorneys' fees as are incurred if civil enforcement of the final administrative order is required to collect penalty.
     (3) A person who institutes proceedings for judicial review of a final administrative order assessing a civil penalty under this chapter shall place the full amount of the penalty in an interest bearing account in the registry of the reviewing court. At the conclusion of the proceeding the court shall, as appropriate, enter a judgment on behalf of the lead agency and order that the judgment be satisfied to the extent possible from moneys paid into the registry of the court or shall enter a judgment in favor of the person appealing the penalty assessment and order return of the moneys paid into the registry of the court together with accrued interest to the person appealing. The judgment may award reasonable attorneys' fees for the cost of the attorney general's office in representing the lead agency.
     (4) If no appeal is taken from a final administrative order assessing a civil penalty under this chapter, the lead agency may file a certified copy of the final administrative order with the clerk of the superior court in which the person resides, or in Thurston county, and the clerk shall enter judgment in the name of the lead agency and in the amount of the penalty assessed in the final administrative order.
     (5) When the penalty herein provided for is imposed by the department of ecology, it shall be imposed pursuant to the procedures set forth in RCW 43.21B.300. All penalties imposed by the department of ecology pursuant to RCW 43.21B.300 shall be deposited into the state treasury and credited to the general fund.
     (6) When the penalty is imposed by the department of health, it shall be imposed pursuant to the procedures set forth in RCW 43.70.095. All receipts from penalties shall be deposited into the health reclaimed water account. The department of health shall use revenue derived from penalties only to provide training and technical assistance to reclaimed water system owners and operators.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 15   APPLICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE LAW TO RULE MAKING AND ADJUDICATIVE PROCEEDINGS. The provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act, apply to all rule making and adjudicative proceedings authorized by or arising under the provisions of this chapter.

Sec. 16   RCW 43.21B.110 and 2003 c 393 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The hearings board shall only have jurisdiction to hear and decide appeals from the following decisions of the department, the director, local conservation districts, and the air pollution control boards or authorities as established pursuant to chapter 70.94 RCW, or local health departments:
     (a) Civil penalties imposed pursuant to RCW 18.104.155, 70.94.431, 70.105.080, 70.107.050, 88.46.090, 90.03.600, section 14 of this act, 90.48.144, 90.56.310, and 90.56.330.
     (b) Orders issued pursuant to RCW 18.104.043, 18.104.060, 43.27A.190, 70.94.211, 70.94.332, 70.105.095, 86.16.020, 88.46.070, 90.14.130, section 12 of this act, 90.48.120, and 90.56.330.
     (c) Except as provided in RCW 90.03.210(2), the issuance, modification, or termination of any permit, certificate, or license by the department or any air authority in the exercise of its jurisdiction, including the issuance or termination of a waste disposal permit, the denial of an application for a waste disposal permit, the modification of the conditions or the terms of a waste disposal permit, or a decision to approve or deny an application for a solid waste permit exemption under RCW 70.95.300.
     (d) Decisions of local health departments regarding the grant or denial of solid waste permits pursuant to chapter 70.95 RCW.
     (e) Decisions of local health departments regarding the issuance and enforcement of permits to use or dispose of biosolids under RCW 70.95J.080.
     (f) Decisions of the department regarding waste-derived fertilizer or micronutrient fertilizer under RCW 15.54.820, and decisions of the department regarding waste-derived soil amendments under RCW 70.95.205.
     (g) Decisions of local conservation districts related to the denial of approval or denial of certification of a dairy nutrient management plan; conditions contained in a plan; application of any dairy nutrient management practices, standards, methods, and technologies to a particular dairy farm; and failure to adhere to the plan review and approval timelines in RCW 90.64.026.
     (h) Any other decision by the department or an air authority which pursuant to law must be decided as an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW.
     (2) The following hearings shall not be conducted by the hearings board:
     (a) Hearings required by law to be conducted by the shorelines hearings board pursuant to chapter 90.58 RCW.
     (b) Hearings conducted by the department pursuant to RCW 70.94.332, 70.94.390, 70.94.395, 70.94.400, 70.94.405, 70.94.410, and 90.44.180.
     (c) Proceedings conducted by the department, or the department's designee, under RCW 90.03.160 through 90.03.210 or 90.44.220.
     (d) Hearings conducted by the department to adopt, modify, or repeal rules.
     (e) Appeals of decisions by the department as provided in chapter 43.21L RCW.
     (3) Review of rules and regulations adopted by the hearings board shall be subject to review in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.

Sec. 17   RCW 43.21B.300 and 2007 c 147 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Any civil penalty provided in RCW 18.104.155, 70.94.431, 70.105.080, 70.107.050, 88.46.090, 90.03.600, section 14 of this act, 90.48.144, 90.56.310, and 90.56.330 and chapter 90.76 RCW shall be imposed by a notice in writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the person incurring the penalty from the department or the local air authority, describing the violation with reasonable particularity. Within thirty days after the notice is received, the person incurring the penalty may apply in writing to the department or the authority for the remission or mitigation of the penalty. Upon receipt of the application, the department or authority may remit or mitigate the penalty upon whatever terms the department or the authority in its discretion deems proper. The department or the authority may ascertain the facts regarding all such applications in such reasonable manner and under such rules as it may deem proper and shall remit or mitigate the penalty only upon a demonstration of extraordinary circumstances such as the presence of information or factors not considered in setting the original penalty.
     (2) Any penalty imposed under this section may be appealed to the pollution control hearings board in accordance with this chapter if the appeal is filed with the hearings board and served on the department or authority thirty days after the date of receipt by the person penalized of the notice imposing the penalty or thirty days after the date of receipt of the notice of disposition of the application for relief from penalty.
     (3) A penalty shall become due and payable on the later of:
     (a) Thirty days after receipt of the notice imposing the penalty;
     (b) Thirty days after receipt of the notice of disposition on application for relief from penalty, if such an application is made; or
     (c) Thirty days after receipt of the notice of decision of the hearings board if the penalty is appealed.
     (4) If the amount of any penalty is not paid to the department within thirty days after it becomes due and payable, the attorney general, upon request of the department, shall bring an action in the name of the state of Washington in the superior court of Thurston county, or of any county in which the violator does business, to recover the penalty. If the amount of the penalty is not paid to the authority within thirty days after it becomes due and payable, the authority may bring an action to recover the penalty in the superior court of the county of the authority's main office or of any county in which the violator does business. In these actions, the procedures and rules of evidence shall be the same as in an ordinary civil action.
     (5) All penalties recovered shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the general fund except those penalties imposed pursuant to RCW 18.104.155, which shall be credited to the reclamation account as provided in RCW 18.104.155(7), RCW 70.94.431, the disposition of which shall be governed by that provision, RCW 70.105.080, which shall be credited to the hazardous waste control and elimination account created by RCW 70.105.180, RCW 90.56.330, which shall be credited to the coastal protection fund created by RCW 90.48.390, and RCW 90.76.080, which shall be credited to the underground storage tank account created by RCW 90.76.100.

Sec. 18   RCW 43.21B.310 and 2004 c 204 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in RCW 90.03.210(2), any order issued by the department or local air authority pursuant to RCW 70.94.211, 70.94.332, 70.105.095, 43.27A.190, 86.16.020, 88.46.070, section 12 of this act, or 90.48.120(2) or any provision enacted after July 26, 1987, or any permit, certificate, or license issued by the department may be appealed to the pollution control hearings board if the appeal is filed with the board and served on the department or authority within thirty days after the date of receipt of the order. Except as provided under chapter 70.105D RCW and RCW 90.03.210(2), this is the exclusive means of appeal of such an order.
     (2) The department or the authority in its discretion may stay the effectiveness of an order during the pendency of such an appeal.
     (3) At any time during the pendency of an appeal of such an order to the board, the appellant may apply pursuant to RCW 43.21B.320 to the hearings board for a stay of the order or for the removal thereof.
     (4) Any appeal must contain the following in accordance with the rules of the hearings board:
     (a) The appellant's name and address;
     (b) The date and docket number of the order, permit, or license appealed;
     (c) A description of the substance of the order, permit, or license that is the subject of the appeal;
     (d) A clear, separate, and concise statement of every error alleged to have been committed;
     (e) A clear and concise statement of facts upon which the requester relies to sustain his or her statements of error; and
     (f) A statement setting forth the relief sought.
     (5) Upon failure to comply with any final order of the department, the attorney general, on request of the department, may bring an action in the superior court of the county where the violation occurred or the potential violation is about to occur to obtain such relief as necessary, including injunctive relief, to insure compliance with the order. The air authorities may bring similar actions to enforce their orders.
     (6) An appealable decision or order shall be identified as such and shall contain a conspicuous notice to the recipient that it may be appealed only by filing an appeal with the hearings board and serving it on the department within thirty days of the date of receipt.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 19   The code reviser shall alphabetize and renumber the definitions in RCW 90.46.010.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 20   Captions used in this act are not any part of the law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 21   Sections 7 through 15 of this act are each added to chapter 90.46 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 22   RCW 90.46.060 (Enforcement powers -- Secretary of health) and 1992 c 204 s 7 are each repealed.


         Passed by the Senate April 19, 2009.
         Passed by the House April 9, 2009.
         Approved by the Governor May 11, 2009.
         Filed in Office of Secretary of State May 11, 2009.