Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Capital Budget Committee |
HB 1557
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: Concerning publicly owned industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Chandler and Takko.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/15/13
Staff: Meg Van Schoorl (786-7105).
Background:
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Wastewater treatment facilities are facilities or systems owned or operated by a public body for the control, collection, storage, treatment, disposal, or recycling of wastewater. Wastewater includes sanitary sewage, storm water, residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural wastes that are causing water quality degradation due to concentrations of pollutants.
Water Pollution Control Financing
The Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Loan program was established by Congress under the federal Clean Water Act. Known also as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program, it is managed jointly with the Centennial Clean Water Grant program by the Department of Ecology (DOE).
The SRF program provides low-interest loans to cities, counties, special purpose districts including ports, federally-recognized Indian tribes, and other public bodies, to plan, design, construct, and improve water pollution control facilities, such as wastewater treatment plants, sewers, and storm water control projects. The SRF program receives funding primarily from three sources: loan repayments; an annual capitalization grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and a required 20 percent state match to the federal grant.
State and federal laws do not specifically prohibit funding of industrial wastewater treatment facilities. However, under existing DOE rules, wastewater pollution control facilities that are solely industrial are ineligible for SRF loans or for Centennial loans and grants. Centennial grants are specifically limited in rule to addressing residential need. As reflected in rule, DOE policy is to focus on providing low interest loans and grants to systems that primarily address residential need.
Summary of Bill:
The DOE may make loans to publicly owned industrial wastewater treatment facilities that relieve a city of the burden of processing industrial wastewater. The DOE may use moneys in the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund for the planning, design, and construction of publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities, including facilities that relieve a city of the burden of processing industrial wastewater.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.