SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1325

BYRepresentatives Rust, Walker and Unsoeld; by request of Department of Ecology

Changing provisions relating to the state water pollution control agency's authority.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1988; February 18, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Owen, Patterson.

Minority Report:  Do not pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  March 3, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 18, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1983 the Legislature designated the Department of Ecology as the State Water Pollution Control Agency for purposes of the federal Clean Water Act, including authority to participate in programs of the federal act as well as to take all action necessary to receive benefits to the state and meet requirements of the federal law.  The federal law was amended in 1987, providing new requirements applicable to programs administered by the states.  These include changes to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES program), revisions in the financial assistance programs for water quality activities, new requirements for reducing toxic pollutants and developing nonpoint pollution management programs, and other requirements.

SUMMARY:

The department is authorized to administer programs under the federal Clean Water Act as it exists on February 4, 1987 and to exercise its responsibility jointly with the Puget Sound water quality authority with respect to the national estuary program established under the federal law.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Water discharge standards for treatment plants located on the Chehalis, Columbia, Cowlitz, Lewis or Skagit Rivers are to be adjusted to reflect credit for substances removed from plant intake water if the water is drawn from the same body of water into which the discharge is made, and no violation of water quality standards will result.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Llewellyn Mathews, Northwest Pulp and Paper Association (for); Carol Jolly, Department of Ecology; Bruce Wishart, Sierra Club