BILL REQ. #:  H-2179.3 

READ FIRST TIME 03/05/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to the use of a leaching test in state water quality certifications; adding new sections to chapter 90.48 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) In order to ensure that construction projects involving the use of fill material do not pose a threat to water quality, the department may require that the suitability of potential fill material be evaluated using a leaching test included in the soil clean-up rules adopted by the department under chapter 70.105D RCW in any water quality certification issued under section 401 of the federal clean water act and in any administrative order issued under this chapter, where such certification or administrative order authorizes the placement of fill material, some or all of which will be placed in waters of the state. Any such requirement imposed by the department in a water quality certification or administrative order issued prior to the effective date of this section is ratified and approved by the legislature as a valid and reliable method for determining concentrations of chemical constituents that can be present in fill material without posing an unacceptable risk of violating water quality standards, and shall be in effect as imposed by the department for all work not completed by June 1, 2003.
     (2) Nothing in this section limits, in any way, the department's authority under this chapter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:
     The department shall identify the leaching tests utilized for evaluating the potential impacts to water quality in situations where fill material is imported. The tests may include those identified in the soil clean-up rules adopted by the department under chapter 70.105D RCW. Within existing resources, the department shall assess whether this list of leaching tests provides appropriate methods for analyzing water quality impacts for all types of projects and in all circumstances where fill material is imported. The department shall also identify any gaps in leaching test methodology. The department shall report both the leaching test list and the list of test methodology gaps to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2003.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.