SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5372

BYSenators Williams, Hansen, Bauer and Smitherman; by request of Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council

Changing provisions relating to issuance of permits and site certification for energy facilities.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 20, 1987; February 3, 1987; March 3, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5372 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Williams, Chairman; Owen, Vice Chairman; Benitz, Cantu, Nelson, Smitherman.

Senate Staff:Glenn Blackmon (786-7455)

                  March 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, MARCH 3, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) currently issues National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits to energy facilities that are not owned by the federal government.  State law does not allow EFSEC to accept authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue NPDES permits to federal energy facilities.

EFSEC's licensing jurisdiction includes the siting of large intrastate natural gas pipelines and electric transmission lines that exceed 200 kilovolts and connect a new thermal power plant to the "northwest grid."  EFSEC does not have jurisdiction over interstate gas pipelines.

SUMMARY:

EFSEC is authorized to issue NPDES permits for federal energy facilities with waste water discharges.

EFSEC's licensing authority is: (1) extended to include interstate gas pipelines in Washington, (2) expanded for electric transmission lines to include any line with a capacity of more than 500 kilovolts and 200-500 kilovolt lines that are longer than 20 miles.  EFSEC is to adopt an expedited hearing process for electric transmission lines.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

References to natural gas pipeline and electrical transmission line siting authority are removed.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Curt Eschels, EFSEC; Stu Trefry, Washington State Grange; Jim Boldt, Washington PUDs Association; Bill Fitch, EFSEC; Arnold Tomas, Puget Power