Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Capital Budget Committee |
HB 2838
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 Dent, Wylie, Nealey and Chandler.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/30/18
Staff: Melissa Palmer (786-7388).
Background:
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Wastewater treatment facilities are facilities or systems for the control, collection, storage, treatment, disposal, or recycling of wastewater. Wastewater includes sanitary sewage, storm water, residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural wastes that cause 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 (CWSRF) program, it is managed by the Department of Ecology (DOE). The CWSRF 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 CWSRF program receives funding primarily from four sources: loan repayments; an annual capitalization grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); a required 20 percent state match to the federal grant, and interest earnings on State Treasury investments.
State and federal laws do not specifically prohibit funding of industrial wastewater treatment facilities. However, under DOE rules, wastewater pollution control facilities that are solely industrial are ineligible for CWSRF loans. 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 reduce the burden on a municipal wastewater facility.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.