SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5978

BYSenate Committee on Parks & Ecology (originally sponsored by Senators Bottiger, Kreidler and Vognild)

Prohibiting the use of tributyltin in paints.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 4, 1987; March 5, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5978 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

                  April 14, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Tributyltins (TBT) have been called the most toxic compounds ever deliberately introduced into natural waters.  A growing body of research indicates that TBT may seriously affect nontarget organisms such as shrimp, clams, and oysters and have unknown effects on humans who eat marine organisms containing TBT.

TBT is added to paints and applied to boat and ship hulls to retard the growth of fouling organisms such as barnacles, tubeworms, algae, etc.  These organisms increase hull friction and weight, causing increased fuel consumption.

Several countries including France, England and Japan have placed partial bans on TBT usage.  The Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a special review to assess the toxicity of TBT.

SUMMARY:

Use and sale of anti-fouling paints containing TBT are prohibited unless such paints meet specified standards as of January 1, 1989.  The Department of Agriculture shall develop rules to implement the act.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: George Prescott, Northwest Marine Trade Association; Errett Deck, self; Mike Schwisow, Department of Agriculture

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The use and/or sale of tributyltin, or any of its derivatives, in marine anti-fouling paints is banned except for the following exemptions: (a) to vessels having aluminum vessels; (b) to vessels greater than 25 meters (approximately 75 feet); and (c) to spray cans applying anti-fouling paint to outboard motors.  TBT-based marine anti-fouling paint must have a rate of release standard of not more than five micrograms per square centimeter per day in order for the exemption to apply.

This Act will expire upon the Environmental Protection Agency's adoption of rules relating to TBT-based marine anti-fouling paints.