Committee Backs Extending Supervision Window for On-Site Wastewater Inspectors to Ease Workforce Bottlenecks
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Summary
SB 6,291 would allow non-certified local health jurisdiction staff to perform on-site wastewater reviews under BRPELS-certified supervision for up to four years instead of the current two. Local health officials said the change helps workforce stability given the exam schedule and costs.
The committee heard a staff briefing and testimony on Senate Bill 6,291, which would allow a local board of health to permit non-certified employees to review designs and inspect on-site wastewater treatment systems under the supervision of a Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS)-certified individual for up to four years following hire, an increase from the current two-year limit.
Jacob Ewing, staff to the committee, said the change responds to workforce capacity issues in local health jurisdictions charged with wastewater-system oversight. Jamie Bodden of the State Association of Local Public Health Officials explained that the current two-year window, combined with a certification exam offered twice a year and a one-year experience prerequisite, often leaves staff with effectively a single attempt to secure certification. Extending the window to four years would allow multiple exam attempts and reduce forced turnover.
Erin Hockaday of the Benton-Franklin Health District said the exam can carry a high public cost when employees are forced out because of timing or travel expenses — she cited an illustrative figure of about $6,500 per failed exam attempt when travel and staff time are considered — and that the extension supports workforce stability without removing supervisory requirements.
Supporters called the bill small and budget-neutral; the committee did not record opposition in the hearing but allowed further questions and written follow-ups.