Bill > HB1670

This bill aims to increase transparency around sewage spills by requiring the Washington State Department of Ecology to create a public-facing website that provides detailed information about sewage spills. By July 1, 2026, the department must develop a website that posts notices of sewage spills reported under water quality permits, including specific details such as the estimated discharge volume, treatment level, date and time of the incident, location, potential impact area, and steps taken to contain the spill. The bill defines key terms like "combined sewer" (a sewer designed to handle both sanitary and storm water) and "sewage spill" (an unauthorized discharge of untreated or undertreated wastewater). The legislature recognizes that people who rely on clean water for fishing, aquaculture, recreation, or cultural traditions will benefit from timely and accessible information about sewage spills. The website must be designed to be accessible to people with limited English proficiency, ensuring broader community awareness about potential water quality issues.