BILL REQ. #:  S-1299.1 

Read first time 02/11/11.   Referred to Committee on Environment, Water & Energy.

     AN ACT Relating to protecting water quality; adding new sections to chapter 90.48 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.230 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) Outdoor car washing has the potential to result in high loads of nutrients, metals, and hydrocarbons draining directly into Washington waters as a result of the detergent and chemical-rich water used to wash cars flowing into storm drains.
     (2) The legislature finds that vehicle washing activities affect local water quality and drinking water quality, and that the water from car washes and the chemicals in many detergents are harmful to fish and other aquatic life.
     (3) The legislature intends to make Washington waters cleaner and healthier by limiting the pollution from car washes from entering into watersheds.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:
     All charity car wash fund-raisers that do not use the facilities and premises of a commercial car wash facility must adhere to the following requirements:
     (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)(a) Block off all storm drains surrounding the premises during the charity car wash event; or
     (b) Use a storm drain insert on all storm drains surrounding the premises to catch car wash water during the charity car wash event; and
     (5)(a) Pump water from car washes into a sanitary sewer drain; or
     (b) If (a) of this subsection is not feasible, pump car wash water onto grass or landscaping to provide filtration.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:
     A person found in violation of section 2 of this act must serve a minimum of six hours of community service related to storm water education.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 28A.230 RCW to read as follows:
     Annually, during the month of May, each public school shall conduct or promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of the effects of storm water pollution in Washington, including the effects of vehicle washing activities on local water quality and drinking water quality.