H-0720.2  _______________________________________________

 

                          HOUSE BILL 1390

          _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1995 Regular Session

 

By Representatives Beeksma, Sehlin, Hymes and Quall

 

Read first time 01/24/95.  Referred to Committee on Health Care.

 

Regulating alternative methods of effluent disposal.



    AN ACT Relating to improving public health through the use of alternative methods of effluent disposal; and amending RCW 70.118.020 and 70.118.030.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

    Sec. 1.  RCW 70.118.020 and 1994 c 281 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

    As used in this chapter, the terms defined in this section shall have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

    (1) "Nonwater-carried sewage disposal devices" means any device that stores and treats nonwater-carried human urine and feces.

    (2) "Alternative methods of effluent disposal" means systems approved by ((the department of health)) a local board of health for that jurisdiction, including at least, mound systems, alternating drain fields, anaerobic filters, evapotranspiration systems, and aerobic systems.

    (3) "Failure" means((:  (a) Effluent has been discharged on the surface of the ground prior to approved treatment; or (b) effluent has percolated to the surface of the ground; or (c) effluent has contaminated or threatens to contaminate a ground water supply)) a condition of an on-site sewage system that threatens the public health by creating a potential for direct or indirect contact between sewage and the public.

    (4) "Additive" means any commercial product intended to affect the performance or aesthetics of an on-site sewage disposal system.

    (5) "Department" means the department of health.

    (6) "On-site sewage disposal system" means any system of piping, treatment devices, or other facilities that convey, store, treat, or dispose of sewage on the property where it originates or on nearby property under the control of the user where the system is not connected to a public sewer system.  For purposes of this chapter, an on-site sewage disposal system does not include indoor plumbing and associated fixtures.

    (7) "Chemical additive" means those additives containing acids, bases, or other chemicals deemed unsafe by the department for use in an on-site sewage disposal system.

    (8) "Additive manufacturer" means any person who manufactures, formulates, blends, packages, or repackages an additive product for sale, use, or distribution within the state.

 

    Sec. 2.  RCW 70.118.030 and 1977 ex.s. c 133 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Local boards of health may adopt regulations concerning alternative methods of effluent disposal, shall identify failing septic tank drainfield systems in the normal manner, and ((will)) shall use reasonable effort to determine new failures.  Local boards of health shall use discretionary judgment ((will be made)) in implementing corrections by specifying nonwater-carried sewage disposal devices or other alternative methods of treatment and effluent disposal as a measure of ameliorating existing substandard conditions.  Local regulations shall be consistent with the intent and purposes stated ((herein)) in this chapter.  A local board of health must approve an alternative method of effluent disposal if:  (a) The method complies with the national sanitation foundation standard number 40 relating to materials, design, construction, performance, installation, operation, maintenance, and safety, as in effect on the effective date of this act; and (b) the soil has been given a percolation test and meets applicable standards.

    (2) Local regulations relating to alternative methods of effluent disposal shall be applicable to local soil conditions and shall assure protection of public health.  Local health districts shall regularly monitor performance of alternative methods of effluent disposal and establish a program to enhance maintenance and operation of systems using alternative methods of effluent disposal.

 


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