Rainwater harvesting is gaining attention in Washington. An article in the Seattle PI today, July 21, 2008, details what the state has been doing with regard to rainwater collection. The article also prompted an hour of debate on KIRO (710 a.m.) radio’s Dori Monson program. You can download and listen to a copy of the show here, click on the 1:00 pm-2:00 pm slot.
The Council continues to work with a broad group of stakeholders and attend meetings on this issue as part of our overall efforts to promote sustainable development in Washington. We encourage the use of reclaimed water and see potential for captured rainwater to expand the availability of usable water in our state.
Showing posts with label Water Laws. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water Laws. Show all posts
6.12.2008
Director's Message - Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Yesterday, I participated in the first stakeholder's workshop with the Department of Ecology (Ecology) regarding the development of new regulations for rainwater capturing. Ecology is genuinely interested in facilitating a resolution but in the end not much was resolved.
Results Depend on Answers
The Council needs some good examples of rainwater harvesting as a conversation measure on projects. The beneficial use of harvesting rainwater is not being discussed as much as it should be. In addition, answers from engineers and hydrologists would be invaluable. Comments from the tribes and environmental organizations went unanswered today. This workshop gave voice to many objections. It is difficult to nail down exactly what the resistance is, but it appears to be a fear that rainwater/stormwater harvesting removes such water from the ecosystem. We need knowledgeable sources to develop a response.
The Discussion
Tribal interest groups promoted a strict and limiting regulatory approach, but the remainder of the participants found some consensus. There was general agreement about allowing property owners with existing legal access to water to utilize rainwater harvesting. However, there is still debate about rainwater capturing without an existing water right or where rainwater is the sole source of water for a location. While even the tribes appeared to agree that roof-top capturing is acceptable, there remained disagreement about capturing from other surfaces.
Support from Environmental Groups is Oddly Missing
Negotiations with the environmental community will take some effort. An attendee who was affiliated with, though not an official representative of, the Washington Environmental Council (WEC) had negative comments on most proposals that authorized rainwater capturing. His statements were congruent with WEC testimony against rainwater capturing last session. However, that position would appear to be inconsistent with efforts to promote sustainable construction. It could be that representatives of the WEC who are interested in sustainable construction are unaware how impactful this issue is.
Codes need to be Addressed
During the discussion it was noted that the Uniform Plumbing Code currently is prohibitive of recycling grey water. However it was stated that changes are in the works that would treat grey water and rainwater as the same for purposes of plumbing. Interestingly, the International Plumbing Code was noted as being more progressive in the way it deals with these issues. If legislation is pursued in 2009, inclusion of a codes section may be needed.
Next Meetings
The next stakeholder meeting is July 1 and the final meeting is July 11. Open house meetings are scheduled June 17, 18 and 19. The open house sessions are an important place for architects, engineers and hydrologists to speak up. I encourage your participation at these meetings.
Stan L. Bowman, Hon. AIA/WA,
Executive Director for the AIA Washington Council and the AIA Northwest & Pacific Region
Results Depend on Answers
The Council needs some good examples of rainwater harvesting as a conversation measure on projects. The beneficial use of harvesting rainwater is not being discussed as much as it should be. In addition, answers from engineers and hydrologists would be invaluable. Comments from the tribes and environmental organizations went unanswered today. This workshop gave voice to many objections. It is difficult to nail down exactly what the resistance is, but it appears to be a fear that rainwater/stormwater harvesting removes such water from the ecosystem. We need knowledgeable sources to develop a response.
The Discussion
Tribal interest groups promoted a strict and limiting regulatory approach, but the remainder of the participants found some consensus. There was general agreement about allowing property owners with existing legal access to water to utilize rainwater harvesting. However, there is still debate about rainwater capturing without an existing water right or where rainwater is the sole source of water for a location. While even the tribes appeared to agree that roof-top capturing is acceptable, there remained disagreement about capturing from other surfaces.
Support from Environmental Groups is Oddly Missing
Negotiations with the environmental community will take some effort. An attendee who was affiliated with, though not an official representative of, the Washington Environmental Council (WEC) had negative comments on most proposals that authorized rainwater capturing. His statements were congruent with WEC testimony against rainwater capturing last session. However, that position would appear to be inconsistent with efforts to promote sustainable construction. It could be that representatives of the WEC who are interested in sustainable construction are unaware how impactful this issue is.
Codes need to be Addressed
During the discussion it was noted that the Uniform Plumbing Code currently is prohibitive of recycling grey water. However it was stated that changes are in the works that would treat grey water and rainwater as the same for purposes of plumbing. Interestingly, the International Plumbing Code was noted as being more progressive in the way it deals with these issues. If legislation is pursued in 2009, inclusion of a codes section may be needed.
Next Meetings
The next stakeholder meeting is July 1 and the final meeting is July 11. Open house meetings are scheduled June 17, 18 and 19. The open house sessions are an important place for architects, engineers and hydrologists to speak up. I encourage your participation at these meetings.
Stan L. Bowman, Hon. AIA/WA,
Executive Director for the AIA Washington Council and the AIA Northwest & Pacific Region
Rainwater Rules - Your Opinion Needed
How could a lack of water a problem in Washington? Actually it is. Water that can be used for development is in short supply becuase of water rights. However, utilization of captured rainwater decreases the need for treated water and lessons the demands on rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Should rainwater collection be subject to regulation? Should a water right permit be required for rainwater catchment systems?
Your opinion matters. Rules are being crafted regarding the collection of rainwater right now. Attend these open house sessions held by the Department of Ecology to lend your voice.
June 17 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Everett Community College - Jackson Center
801 Wetmore Avenue
Everett WA
June 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Department of Ecology - Auditorium
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey WA
June 19 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Wenatchee Convention Center
Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel - Golden Delicious Room
201 N. Wenatchee Avenue
Wenatchee WA
The Council is working with a broad group of stakeholders on this issue and attended a stakeholder meeting on the proposed rule yesterday, June 11. Two more stakeholder meetings have been scheduled for: Tuesday, July 1, 8:00-12:00 and Friday, July 11, 8:00-12:00. A report on discussions and results from the first meeting will follow.
Your opinion matters. Rules are being crafted regarding the collection of rainwater right now. Attend these open house sessions held by the Department of Ecology to lend your voice.
June 17 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Everett Community College - Jackson Center
801 Wetmore Avenue
Everett WA
June 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Department of Ecology - Auditorium
300 Desmond Drive
Lacey WA
June 19 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Wenatchee Convention Center
Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel - Golden Delicious Room
201 N. Wenatchee Avenue
Wenatchee WA
The Council is working with a broad group of stakeholders on this issue and attended a stakeholder meeting on the proposed rule yesterday, June 11. Two more stakeholder meetings have been scheduled for: Tuesday, July 1, 8:00-12:00 and Friday, July 11, 8:00-12:00. A report on discussions and results from the first meeting will follow.
1.23.2008
Water Capturing Bill Has Hearing
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on HB 2584 to alter laws related to rainwater capturing. The bill would exempt catchment systems of up to 5,000 gallons from water permitting and water right permitting. For larger systems, the Department of Ecology would develop rules for where and how such systems could be implemented.
The AIA/WA testified in support of the bill, but also cited several concerns with the bill.
We agree that rainwater and stormwater capturing should be exempt from water right permitting and most systems should be exempt from regulation by the Department of Ecology (DOE). In general, water catchments systems positively contribute to the environment and water quality and should be encouraged.
However, the exemption threshold is too low to be effective for even the most basic residential catchment systems. There are concerns that Ecology move swiftly to complete rulemaking to authorize new, larger systems. It would be better to provide a blanket exemption for systems in statute and then require DOE to develop rules on reporting requirements.
Also, the bill has a provision that would apply the new rules retroactively to systems already in place. Existing systems should be grandfathered into the law so property owners don’t face the prospect of having expensive retrofits or even having to remove the catchment system.
You can watch the hearing or download the audio MP3 file from www.tvw.org.
3.10.2007
Senate Passes Environmental Bills
The State Senate took up and passed several environmental bills today.
The highest profile bill was Substitute SB 6001 addressing global warming. The bill establishes state goals for reducing greenhouse gases and promotes the use of cleaner energy.
Also passing today was Second Substitute SB 6117 promoting the use of reclaimed water. Reclaimed water is part of the AIA/WA’s water conservation focus.
Engrossed Substitute SB 5372 establishes the Puget Sound Partnership as a new state agency focused on cleaning up Puget Sound. The bill sets a goal of attaining a healthy Puget Sound by 2020. While there are many bills dealing with water quality, ESSB 5372 sets the overall regulatory framework to coordinate efforts.
The Energy Freedom Program was enacted in 2006 to promote the development of renewable energy resources in the farming industry. These efforts include the conversion of farm waste into energy. SB 5383 expands the program to include wind power projects owned by community action agencies in the state.
SB 5421 adopts The Uniform Environmental Covenants Act (UECA). Environmental covenants control future use of contaminated land to ensure it that it is appropriately developed. The UECA ensures that environmental covenants remain legally valid over the long term. Adoption of the UECA is an important step in the future redevelopment of brownfields and other contaminated sites.
The highest profile bill was Substitute SB 6001 addressing global warming. The bill establishes state goals for reducing greenhouse gases and promotes the use of cleaner energy.
Also passing today was Second Substitute SB 6117 promoting the use of reclaimed water. Reclaimed water is part of the AIA/WA’s water conservation focus.
Engrossed Substitute SB 5372 establishes the Puget Sound Partnership as a new state agency focused on cleaning up Puget Sound. The bill sets a goal of attaining a healthy Puget Sound by 2020. While there are many bills dealing with water quality, ESSB 5372 sets the overall regulatory framework to coordinate efforts.
The Energy Freedom Program was enacted in 2006 to promote the development of renewable energy resources in the farming industry. These efforts include the conversion of farm waste into energy. SB 5383 expands the program to include wind power projects owned by community action agencies in the state.
SB 5421 adopts The Uniform Environmental Covenants Act (UECA). Environmental covenants control future use of contaminated land to ensure it that it is appropriately developed. The UECA ensures that environmental covenants remain legally valid over the long term. Adoption of the UECA is an important step in the future redevelopment of brownfields and other contaminated sites.
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