Title 70A — Title 70A ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

(1) The legislature finds that:(a) Municipal sewage sludge is an unavoidable by-product of the wastewater treatment process;(b) Population growth and technological improvements in wastewater treatment processes will increase the production of biosolids in the future;(c) Sludge ma…

The purpose of this chapter is to provide the department and local governments with the authority and direction to meet federal regulatory requirements for municipal sewage sludge. The department may seek delegation and administer the sludge permit program required by the federal…

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.(1) "Biosolids" means municipal sewage sludge that is a primarily organic, semisolid product resulting from the wastewater treatment process, that can be beneficially recyc…

(1) The department shall adopt rules to implement a biosolid management program within 12 months of the adoption of federal rules, 40 C.F.R. Part 503, relating to technical standards for the use and disposal of sewage sludge. The biosolid management program shall, at a minimum, c…

(1) By September 30, 2028, and before developing the report required in RCW 70A.226.020(6)(d), the department must convene and consult with an advisory committee of representatives from:(a) The farming community;(b) Toxicologists;(c) Utilities that produce soil amendments, includ…

(1) The department shall establish annual fees to collect expenses for issuing and administering biosolids permits under this chapter. An initial fee schedule shall be established by rule and shall be adjusted no more often than once every two years. This fee schedule applies to …

The department may work with all appropriate state agencies, local governments, and private entities to establish beneficial uses for biosolids and glassified sewage sludge.[ 1992 c 174 s 5. Formerly RCW 70.95J.030.]

If a person violates any provision of this chapter, or a permit issued or rule adopted pursuant to this chapter, the department may issue an appropriate order to assure compliance with the chapter, permit, or rule.[ 1992 c 174 s 6. Formerly RCW 70.95J.040.]

The department, with the assistance of the attorney general, may bring an action at law or in equity, including an action for injunctive relief, to enforce this chapter or a permit issued or rule adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter.[ 1992 c 174 s 7. Formerly RCW 70…

A person who willfully violates, without sufficient cause, any of the provisions of this chapter, or a permit or order issued pursuant to this chapter, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Willful violation of this chapter, or a permit or order issued pursuant to this chapter is a g…

In addition to any other penalty provided by law, a person who violates this chapter or rules or orders adopted or issued pursuant to it shall be subject to a penalty in an amount of up to five thousand dollars a day for each violation. Each violation shall be a separate violatio…

The department may delegate to a local health department the powers necessary to issue and enforce permits to use or dispose of biosolids. A delegation may be withdrawn if the department finds that a local health department is not effectively administering the permit program.[ 19…

(1) Any permit issued by a local health department under RCW 70A.226.090 may be reviewed by the department to ensure that the proposed site or facility conforms with all applicable laws, rules, and standards under this chapter.(2) If the department does not approve or disapprove …