HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5939

BYSenators Smitherman, von Reichbauer, Kreidler and Bluechel

Directing the department of social and health services to review alternatives for on-site sewage disposal systems.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (14)

      Signed by Representatives Rust, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; Allen, Brekke, Ferguson, Jesernig, Lux, May, Pruitt, Schoon, D. Sommers, Sprenkle, Unsoeld and Walker.

House Staff:Susan Gulick (786-7116)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS APRIL 3, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1977 the legislature found that the failure of large numbers of septic tank systems has resulted in significant health hazards, loss of property values, and water quality degradation.  Local boards of health were directed to identify failing septic tank drain field systems and to determine the existence of new failures.  The legislature encouraged implementation of corrective methods by specifying nonwater-carried sewage disposal devices, or other alternative methods of treatment as a measure of ameliorating existing substandard conditions.  Local boards of health were authorized, in consultation with the Department of Social and Health Services, to waive applicable sections of local plumbing and building codes that would inhibit use of alternative methods of on-site sewage disposal.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is directed to perform a review of the alternative on-site sewage program at the state and local level. The report shall recommend funding methods, means of expediting review of applications, changes in existing rules and statutes to address alternative on-site system applications, and necessary staffing and resources.  DSHS will consult with representatives of the alternative on-site disposal system industry, the environmental community, local health departments, the Department of Ecology and the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority in implementing these provisions.

Appropriation:    $49,500 from the General Fund to the Department of Social and Health Services.

Fiscal Note:      Attached.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Smitherman.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Alternatives to septic tanks could provide improved environmental protection and should be studied.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.