House Bill Analysis

SSB 6349

HOUSE AGRICULTURE AND ECOLOGY COMMITTEE          February 22, 2000

$Removes the termination date for the Department of Ecology to delegate authority for well tagging, sealing, and decommissioning.

BACKGROUND:

In 1992 legislation was enacted to allow the Department of Ecology to delegate to a health district or county upon request, the authority to administer and enforce the well sealing and decommissioning portions of the water well construction program.  Well tagging was expressly added to these delegable authorities in 1993.  The statute which allowed the delegation of this authority was originally set to expire in 1996, but was extended for an additional four years.

The authority for the Department of Ecology to delegate the administration and enforcement of tagging, sealing, and decommissioning portions of the water well construction program expires on June 30, 2000, unless extended by the Legislature.

SUMMARY:

The authority for the Department of Ecology to delegate the administration and enforcement of tagging, sealing, and decommissioning portions of the water well construction program is extended to June 30, 2006.

Appropriation:  None

Fiscal Note:  Not requested

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session.