SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5406

BYSenators Bluechel, Hansen, Kreidler and Kiskaddon; by request of Department of Ecology

Changing provisions relating to wastewater treatment facilities.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5406 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Hansen.

Senate Staff:Henry Yates (786-7708)

                  January 29, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, JANUARY 29, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1973, the Legislature authorized the wastewater treatment plant operator certification program.  All persons in "responsible charge" of the day-to-day operation of a waste treatment plant are to be certified through a testing procedure. Tests are to be based on type of plant and size of plant where the potential operator will work.  Upon completion of the exam, the operator will be certified.  An application fee of $10 was set by statute.

There are currently about 1600 certified waste treatment plant operators in the state.  The program is subsidized by Referendum 39 monies.  Other states charge more to administer this program than does Washington State.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Ecology is to develop rules establishing renewal periods for wastewater treatment plant operation certification not to exceed once every three years.  The agency is to set application and renewal fees by rule.  Individuals who fail to renew certificates before December 31 of each renewal year are subject to a 60 day certificate suspension.  Several housekeeping corrections are also made.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The definition of "owner" is clarified.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: David Jansen, Ecology