SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5574

BYSenators Kreidler, Bluechel and Smitherman

Requiring periodic pumping of onsite sewage disposal systems.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 12, 1987

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

AS OF FEBRUARY 11, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Onsite sewage disposal systems serve approximately 1.4 million people in the state of Washington.  The Legislature declared in 1977 that failure of large numbers of septic systems has resulted in significant health hazards, loss of property values and water quality degradation.  The 1987 Puget Sound water quality management plan identifies the need for enhanced programs relating to septic systems as a source of nonpoint pollution.  The state Board of Health has promulgated regulations providing for a uniform framework through which local boards of health may establish local regulations.  These regulations are to provide design, installation and management requirements for onsite sewage systems.  The regulations exempt systems constructed prior to 1979, and exempt small systems from the maintenance program regulations.  The regulations also lack an enforcement component.

SUMMARY:

The state Board of Health is directed to adopt rules requiring the periodic inspection of onsite sewage disposal systems, including operation and maintenance requirements.  The Departments of Social and Health Services and Ecology shall be consulted in promulgation of the rules.  The rules are to require periodic removal of the contents of sewage disposal systems, inspection on a periodic basis by a licensed professional, and filing of the inspection report with the appropriate local agency, or in the case of systems with a design capacity in excess of 3,500 gallons per day, provided to the Department of Social and Health Services.  The contents removed from onsite sewage disposal systems shall be disposed of in accordance with local and state law.  Local health jurisdictions administering the rules may collect a filing fee to reimburse the jurisdiction for the costs of administering the filing of reports received.

Fiscal Note:      requested