HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5978

BYSenate Committee on Parks & Ecology (originally sponsored by Senators Bottiger, Kreidler and Vognild)

Prohibiting the use of tributyltin in paints.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (10)

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

House Staff:Susan Gulick (786-7116)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 13, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Tributyltin (TBT) is used in antifouling paints and is primarily applied to boat and ship hulls to control the growth of fouling organisms such as barnacles, tubeworms, algae, bacteria, and sponges.  These organisms increase hull friction and weight, which in turn increases fuel consumption by reducing vessel speed.  The antifouling paints are also used to control fouling organisms on docks, buoys, and other marine structures.  TBT has been used in antifouling paints for almost 10 years and replaced the copper-based antifouling paints.  The paints with tributyltins last approximately 5-7 years, whereas the copper-based paints last approximately two years.

A growing body of scientific research indicates that TBT may seriously affect non-target organisms and have unknown effects on humans who either eat marine organisms containing TBT or are exposed to it in the workplace.

In the United States, many bodies of water have concentrations of TBT that have reached levels which may cause lethal and sublethal effects in non-target organisms.  For example, TBT levels in San Diego Bay have been measured at levels which could cause lethal effects in fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and algae.

SUMMARY:

After April 1, 1988, no person may sell or use tributylin (TBT) marine paint unless a method of using the paint exists that does not release TBT into marine waters.  There are three exceptions to this prohibition:  TBT paints that release less than five micrograms per square centimeter per day may be used 1) on boats with aluminum hulls, 2) on boats over twenty-five meters long and 3) if the paint is intended for use on an outboard motor and is administered from a spray can.

The Department of Agriculture will enforce these provisions and adopt implementing rules.

The state standards will only remain in effect until federal standards are adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Fiscal Note:      Requested March 25, 1987.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Haugen's intern; Todd Shipyards; Sierra Club; Northwest Marine Trade Association; Washington Department of Agriculture.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    TBT is extremely toxic and there are alternatives available.  The proposed amendments are good because they are consistent with California and Oregon's legislation so there will not be any competitive advantages.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.