SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5978

BYSenators 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)

                  March 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, MARCH 5, 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 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 of TBT in marine anti-fouling paints is prohibited.  Sale of TBT as an aquatic pesticide is also prohibited.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

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

Fiscal Note:      requested

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