SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6266

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Metcalf, Vognild and Barr)

Revising provisions for aquifer protection districts.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 14, 1988; February 5, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6266 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, Kreidler, Owen, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  March 4, 1988

House Committe on Local Government

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1985 the Legislature authorized the creation of aquifer protection areas to finance the protection, preservation, and rehabilitation of subterranean water, and to reduce special assessments imposed upon households to finance facilities for such purposes.  County legislative authorities may create such areas upon approval by majority vote of the voters residing within the proposed area.  Aquifer protection areas may charge fees on the withdrawal of subterranean water and on on-site sewage disposal.  Fee revenues may be used to fund comprehensive plan preparation, construction of water quality facilities, and the reduction of special assessments imposed for construction of water quality facilities.

SUMMARY:

Any aquifer protection area formed after the effective date of this 1988 act may impose fees to operate and maintain facilities constructed by it.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Gary Lowe, Association of Counties (for); Don Leaf, Thurston County Environmental Health (for); Representative Jean Silver (against); Bill Popo, City of Spokane (against)

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

The amendment replaces the Senate bill language to specify the particular types of operating costs which may be funded by charges of an aquifer protection area formed after the effective date of the act.  These are costs for monitoring and inspecting on-site sewage disposal systems or community sewage disposal systems, and for enforcement of compliance with standards applicable to such systems.