SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6367

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 6, 2018

Title: An act relating to publicly owned industrial wastewater treatment facilities.

Brief Description: Concerning publicly owned industrial wastewater treatment facilities.

Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Cleveland, Warnick and Walsh.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Energy, Environment & Technology: 1/23/18.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes loans from the water pollution control revolving account for certain publicly owned industrial wastewater treatment facilities.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & TECHNOLOGY

Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)

Background: The water pollution control revolving fund provides loans to state and local governments for:

The account is funded by capitalization grants provided by the federal government under the Clean Water Act, state matching funds, repayment of loans, interest, and other fees paid in administration of the fund. Loans are made at or below market interest rates and at terms not to exceed 30 years of the projected useful life of the facility.

During the 2013-2015 biennium, approximately $157 million was provided for combined sewer overflow projects, repairing sewer connections, wastewater treatment facilities, and reclaimed water projects.

A water pollution control facility includes a system to collect, store, treat, and dispose of sanitary sewage, stormwater, combined sewer overflows, residential, commercial, and agricultural wastes. Industrial wastewater is the result of manufacturing, remediation, cleaning or rinsing processes, while residential household wastewater includes domestic sewage from toilets, showers, washing machines, and other activities.

Summary of Bill: Loans from the water pollution control revolving fund may be granted to publicly owned industrial wastewater treatment facilities that reduce the burden on a municipal wastewater facility.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Water infrastructure funding is limited and is vital to support economic growth and development of cities. Industrial wastewater treatment provides an affordable and effectives means to address agricultural processing. Cities are unable to support growth due to the limits of wastewater treatment facilities. This would provide true industrial reuse of water that meet environment standards.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jim Honeyford, Prime Sponsor; Dan Ford, City Engineer, City of Pasco; Chelsea Hager, Lobbyist, City of Pasco.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.