Natural Resources & Environment Committee Report – Week 7, 2019

COMMITTEE ACTION:

SSB 1119 – Administrative procedures by DNR

 

COMMITTEE ACTION:

SSB 1119 – Administrative procedures by DNR

SSB 1119 is a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposal to standardize administrative appeal procedures. Existing laws provide 30 days to appeal or do not establish a timeframe. Additionally, the start of an appeal period is variously defined or not defined. The proposed revisions establish a consistent period of 60 days from when DNR mails the order.

The bill also allows for waiver of certain requirements for written permits. Under the bill, the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) may allow exemptions for a class of disposal systems or the DNR director may allow exemptions for individual systems. The bill also exempts DNR from having to publish notices for public water supply permits in a local newspaper, though public notice is still required.

The committee adopted an amendment to clarify that a rural water utility can construct extensions of sewer or water supply systems under existing permitting authority in certain circumstances. A second amendment directs DNR to send information on an administrative order to the attorney representing the party in the matter.
[2/26: Short Form (Absent: Cournoyer, Hogg)]