SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5786

BYSenators Kreidler and Bluechel

Providing for sewer connections by residents of cities, towns, counties, and public utility districts.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 12, 1987

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

AS OF FEBRUARY 12, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Under present law, RCW 56.08.010, sewer districts may compel property owners within an area served by the sewer district system to connect to the sewer district system.  However, no similar authority exists for cities, counties, or public utility districts.  As a result, many local government entities have been frustrated in their attempt to improve the adverse environmental problems associated with septic tanks.

Local health jurisdictions do have regulatory authority to require hook-up in cases where the property owner's septic tank is failing, provided that a sewer system is within 200 feet.  This authority has typically not been exercised by the local health jurisdictions.

SUMMARY:

Cities, towns, counties, and public utility districts will have the authority to compel property owners to connect to the sewer system if the owner is in an area served by a sewer system.  Property owners are to pay all normal fees and charges including a monthly sewer fee, and to comply with connection permit conditions.

Fiscal Note:      none requested