SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1039

BYHouse Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Haugen, S. Wilson, R. King, May, Zellinsky, Spanel, Horn, Jones, Leonard, Heavey, P. King and Phillips)

Providing oil dump and holding tank pump station information to boaters.

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 20, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Barr, Bauer, Kreidler, Owen.

Senate Staff:Barry Brandon (786-7717)

                  March 20, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 20, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Boating activity contributes pollution to the state's waterways from sewage and petroleum products.  Illegal sewage discharges are of particular importance because of their effect on shellfish beds.  Some commercial shellfish beds near areas of heavy boating activity have been closed or decertified due to elevated measurements of sewage related bacteria.

The federal government regulates sewage discharges from boats and ships under the Clean Water Act.  Direct discharge of raw sewage is illegal.  Sewage must be treated by an approved marine sanitation device before discharge, or held in a holding tank to be pumped ashore.  The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcement of these regulations, though actual enforcement is difficult.

Some marinas in the state have oil dumping and/or sewage pumpout facilities.  The State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Ecology have issued a flyer containing information about laws and programs relating to sewage treatment and oil recycling.  The flyer identifies those marinas which have sewage pumpout and oil dumping facilities.  However, there is no method of providing this information to all boaters.

State boat licensing regulations require annual boat registration with the Department of Licensing.

SUMMARY:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Ecology are required to prepare written information about the location of marine oil refuse dumps and holding tank pumping stations.  This information will be provided in a form ready for distribution to the Department of Licensing.  Upon issuance of vessel registration or decals, owners will receive this information.  The three agencies must enter into a written agreement about how to implement this process.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one