SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1391

BYHouse Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Haugen, S. Wilson, Fox, Zellinsky, J. Williams, P. King, May, Sanders, Unsoeld, Spanel and Ferguson)

Providing oil dump and holding tank pump stations information to boaters.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1988; February 25, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Patterson, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  February 25, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 25, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Boating activity contributes pollution to the state's waterways from sewage and petroleum products.  Illegal sewage discharges are of particular importance because of their effect on shellfish beds.  Some commercial shellfish beds near areas of heavy boating activity have been closed or decertified due to elevated measurements of fecal coliform bacteria.

The federal government regulates sewage discharges from boats and ships under the Clean Water Act.  Direct discharge of raw sewage is illegal.  Sewage must be treated by an approved marine sanitation device before discharge, or held in a holding tank to be pumped ashore.  The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcement of these regulations, though actual enforcement is difficult. State boat licensing regulations require annual boat registration.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Licensing must provide boat owners with information on the location of marine oil recycling tanks and holding tank pumping stations.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Haugen, prime sponsor; Mike Reed, State Parks (for); Rhonda Hunter, Dept. of Ecology (for)