The bill aims to enhance transparency regarding sewage spills in Washington State by establishing a public notification system and a dedicated website for reporting such incidents. It mandates the Department of Ecology to develop a public-facing website by July 1, 2026, which will provide real-time information about sewage spills, including details such as the estimated volume of discharge, treatment level, and geographic areas potentially impacted. Additionally, the department is required to update this information following the conclusion of a spill to reflect final data. The website will also be designed to effectively communicate with individuals who have limited English proficiency.
Furthermore, the bill requires the implementation of a public notification system by July 1, 2027, which will inform the public within four hours of a sewage spill during regular business hours. The department must also publish an annual report by March 15 each year, detailing sewage spills reported in the previous calendar year, including information on impacted waters and actions taken. This legislation is intended to ensure that communities, particularly those reliant on clean water for their livelihoods and cultural practices, are promptly informed about sewage spills that may affect them.