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Cities, utilities and developers split over bill to allow sewage grinder pumps statewide
Summary
SB 6,234 would prohibit local bans on sewage grinder pumps in specified new residential contexts. Cities and sewer districts warned the bill could preempt local engineering standards and shift maintenance risk; developers and land-use consultants said it would lower barriers to infill.
A state Senate committee heard competing views on SB 6,234, a bill that would prevent cities, counties and water/sewer districts from prohibiting the installation of sewage grinder pumps in new residential developments when gravity sewers are infeasible.
Jacob Ewing, committee staff, described situations where grinder pumps are used — lots below the grade of public sewer lines, steep topography, low-pressure systems or where wastewater must move vertically — and said the bill sets a statewide baseline allowing installation in those scenarios.
Industry and local-government witnesses split. Steven Ellis of the Association of Washington…
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