Chapter 173-98 WAC
Last Update: 8/9/17USES AND LIMITATIONS OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING FUND
WAC Sections
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-010 | Purpose. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-020 | Integrated funding approach. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-030 | Definitions. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-040 | Revolving fund uses. |
PART 1 ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPE | ||
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-100 | Eligible. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-110 | Ineligible. |
PART 2 HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING | ||
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-200 | Application for funding. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-210 | The department's responsibilities. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-220 | Final offer and applicant list. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-230 | Revolving fund intended use plan (IUP). |
PART 3 FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE | ||
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-300 | Wastewater treatment facilities construction. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-310 | On-site sewage system repair and replacement programs. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-320 | Forgivable principal. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-330 | Preconstruction category. |
PART 4 LOAN TERMS | ||
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-400 | Loan interest rates. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-410 | Refinancing. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-420 | Defeasance. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-430 | Repayment. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-440 | Loan security. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-450 | Loan reserve requirements. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-460 | Loan default. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-470 | Late payments. |
PART 5 FUNDING DISTRIBUTION AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS | ||
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-500 | Funding categories. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-510 | Funding recognition. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-520 | Ceiling amounts. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-530 | Step process for water pollution control facilities. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-540 | Process for water pollution control activities. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-550 | Preconstruction category. |
PART 6 ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTING | ||
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-600 | Alternative public works contracting requirements. |
PART 7 TIMELY USE OF CENTENNIAL PROGRAM FUNDS | ||
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-700 | General requirements. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-710 | The Growth Management Act. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-720 | State environmental review process (SERP). |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-730 | Cost-effectiveness analysis. |
PART 8 TIMELY USE OF REVOLVING FUND LOAN FUNDS | ||
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-800 | Starting a project. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-810 | Finishing a project. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-830 | Performance measures and postproject assessment. |
PART 9 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS | ||
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-900 | Revolving fund perpetuity. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-910 | Accounting requirements. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-920 | Appealing a department decision. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-930 | Audit requirements for loan recipients. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-940 | Insurance for water pollution control facilities projects. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-950 | Indemnification. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-960 | Sale of facilities to private enterprises. |
| HTMLPDF | 173-98-970 | Self-certification. |
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
| 173-98-050 | What are the limitations on the use of funds and how are the funds categorized? [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 01-01-043 (Order 00-11), § 173-98-050, filed 12/8/00, effective 1/8/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-050, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-050, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.] Repealed by WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. |
| 173-98-060 | What is the step process for planning facilities and activities projects? [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 01-01-043 (Order 00-11), § 173-98-060, filed 12/8/00, effective 1/8/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-060, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-060, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.] Repealed by WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. |
| 173-98-070 | What other laws, regulations, or requirements must recipients comply with? [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-070, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-070, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.] Repealed by WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. |
| 173-98-075 | How does the Growth Management Act impact the use of funds? [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 01-01-043 (Order 00-11), § 173-98-075, filed 12/8/00, effective 1/8/01.] Repealed by WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. |
| 173-98-080 | Indemnification. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-080, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-080, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.] Repealed by WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. |
| 173-98-090 | How are loans managed? [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 01-01-043 (Order 00-11), § 173-98-090, filed 12/8/00, effective 1/8/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-090, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-090, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.] Repealed by WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. |
| 173-98-120 | General provisions. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 01-01-043 (Order 00-11), § 173-98-120, filed 12/8/00, effective 1/8/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-120, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-120, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.] Repealed by WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. |
| 173-98-130 | Green project reserves projects. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-130, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11.] Repealed by WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. |
| 173-98-560 | Approval of plans and specifications. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-560, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-560, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.] Repealed by WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. |
| 173-98-820 | Declaration of construction after project completion. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-820, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11.] Repealed by WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. |
PDF173-98-010
Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to set forth requirements for the Washington state department of ecology's (department) administration of Washington state's water pollution control revolving fund (revolving fund), and the water pollution control revolving administration account (administration account) as authorized by chapter 90.50A RCW, water pollution control facilities federal capitalization grants.
The revolving fund is primarily comprised of federal capitalization grants, state matching funds, and principal and interest repayments. It is used to provide loan assistance to public bodies for statewide, high-priority water quality projects that are consistent with the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251-1388.
The administration account is comprised of an administration charge applied to the outstanding loan balance on revolving fund loans. The administration account may be used for the following:
(1) Administration costs associated with conducting application processes, managing contracts, collecting loan repayments, managing the revolving fund, providing technical assistance, and meeting state and federal reporting requirements; and
(2) Information and data system costs associated with loan tracking and fund management.
At the point where the administration account adequately covers the program administration costs, the department may no longer use the federal administration allowance. If a federal capitalization grant is awarded after that point, all federal capitalization grant dollars must be used for making loans.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-010, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 13-24-005 (Order 13-05), § 173-98-010, filed 11/20/13, effective 12/21/13. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-010, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-010, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-010, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-010, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.]
PDF173-98-020
Integrated funding approach.
(1) Where possible, the department combines the management of the revolving fund with other funding programs, such as the centennial clean water program, the stormwater financial assistance program, and the federal Clean Water Act section 319 nonpoint source program.
(2) The integrated funding process includes a combined funding cycle, program guidelines, funding offer and applicant list, and statewide funding workshops.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-020, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-020, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-020, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 01-01-043 (Order 00-11), § 173-98-020, filed 12/8/00, effective 1/8/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-020, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-020, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.]
PDF173-98-030
Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
(1) Act means the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251-1388).
(2) Activities, see water pollution control activities.
(3) Annual debt service means the amount of debt the applicant is obligated to pay on the loan in one year.
(4) Applicant means a public body that has applied for funding.
(5) Best management practices (BMP) means physical, structural, and/or managerial practices approved by the department that prevent or reduce pollutant discharges.
(6) Capitalization grant means a federal grant awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the state to help expand the revolving fund.
(7) Ceiling amount means the highest level of financial assistance the department can provide to a recipient for an individual project.
(8) Commercial, industrial, and institutional flows mean the portion of the total flows to a facility that originate from large commercial establishments, industrial facilities, or institutional sources such as state schools, hospitals, and prisons.
(9) Competitive funding means funds available for projects through a statewide evaluation process.
(10) Completion date or expiration date means the date indicated in the funding agreement in which all milestones and objectives associated with the goals of the project are met.
(11) Concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) means:
(a) An animal livestock feeding operation that discharges animal waste to the waters of Washington state more frequently than the twenty-five-year, twenty-four-hour storm event;
(b) An animal livestock feeding operation that is under a department administrative order, notice of violation, or a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit;
(c) An animal livestock feeding operation that will be required to have a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit coverage in the near future; or
(d) An animal livestock feeding operation designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as polluting the waters of Washington state.
(12) Conservation easement means a recorded legal agreement between a landowner and a public body to allow or restrict certain activities and uses that may take place on his or her property.
(13) Conservation plan means a document that outlines how a project site will be managed using best management practices to avoid potential negative environmental impacts.
(14) Construction means to erect, install, expand, or improve water pollution control facilities or activities. Construction includes construction phase engineering and preparation of the operation and maintenance manual.
(15) Cost-effective alternative means the option selected in an approved planning document that meets the requirements of the project, recognizes environmental and other nonmonetary impacts, and offers the lowest cost over the life of the project (i.e., life cycle cost).
(16) Debt service means the total of all principal, interest, and administration charges associated with a water pollution control revolving fund loan that must be repaid to the department by the public body.
(17) Department means the Washington state department of ecology.
(18) Design means the preparation of the plans and specifications used for construction of water pollution control facilities or activities.
(19) Director means the director of the Washington state department of ecology or his or her authorized designee.
(20) Draft offer and applicant list means a catalog of all applications for financial assistance considered and those proposed for funding, based on estimates of state and federal budgets.
(21) Easement means a recorded legal agreement between a public body and a landowner that allows the public body to have access to the landowner's property at any time to inspect, maintain, or repair loan-funded activities or facilities; sewer use ordinances and other legal documents may be sufficient.
(22) Effective date means the date the loan agreement is signed by the department's water quality program manager.
(23) Eligible cost means the portion of a facilities or activities project that can be funded based on program eligibility as defined in WAC 173-98-100 and in the most recently updated edition of the Water Quality Financial Assistance Guidelines (publication # 10-10-049).
(24) Energy efficiency means the use of improved technologies and practices to reduce the energy consumption of water quality projects, use energy in a more efficient way, and produce/use renewable energy.
(25) Enforcement order means an administrative requirement issued by the department under the authority of RCW 90.48.120 that directs a public body to complete a specified course of action within an explicit period to achieve compliance with the provisions of chapter 90.48 RCW.
(26) Environmental degradation means the reduced capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological objectives and needs.
(27) Environmental emergency means a problem that a public body and the department agree poses a serious, immediate threat to the environment or to the health or safety of a community and requires immediate corrective action.
(28) Environmentally innovative means projects that demonstrate new or innovative approaches to managing water quality issues in a more sustainable way.
(29) Equivalent residential unit (ERU) means a unit of measurement used to express the average sewage loading discharged from a typical full-time single-family dwelling unit.
(30) Estimated construction cost means the expected amount for labor, materials, equipment, and other related work necessary to construct the proposed project.
(31) Existing need means water pollution control facility's capacity reserved for all users, at the time of application.
(32) Existing residential need means that portion of a water pollution control facility's capacity reserved for residential structures that:
(a) Exist within the project service area at the time of application;
(b) Are connected to the facility or scheduled to be connected to the facility in an approved planning document; and
(c) Will bear the financial burden of paying for the new facility.
(33) Facilities, see water pollution control facility.
(34) Federal capitalization grant, see capitalization grant.
(35) Final offer and applicant list means a catalog of all applications for financial assistance considered and those offered funding, based on adopted state and federal budgets.
(36) Force account means loan project work performed using labor, materials, or equipment of a public body.
(37) Forgivable principal means the portion of a loan made by the department that is not required to be paid back by the borrower if allowable by the act or Congress through federal appropriation.
(38) Funding category see "water pollution control activities funding category," "water pollution control facilities funding category," and "preconstruction funding category."
(39) Funding cycle means the events related to the competitive process used to allocate funds from the revolving fund, centennial clean water program, stormwater financial assistance program, and the Clean Water Act section 319 nonpoint source program for a state fiscal year.
(40) General obligation debt means an obligation of the recipient secured by annual ad valorem taxes levied by the recipient and by the full faith, credit, and resources of the recipient.
(41) Green infrastructure means a wide array of practices at multiple scales that manage wet weather and that maintain and restore natural hydrology by infiltrating, evapotranspiring and harvesting and using stormwater.
(42) Green project reserve means water efficiency, energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and environmentally innovative projects.
(43) Growth means the portion of the total flows to a facility that is reserved for future residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional flows.
(44) Indirect cost means costs that benefit more than one activity of the recipient and not directly assigned to a particular project objective.
(45) Infiltration and inflow means water, other than wastewater, that enters a sewer system.
(46) Infiltration and inflow correction means the cost-effective alternative or alternatives and the associated corrective actions identified in an approved planning document for eliminating or reducing the infiltration and inflow to existing sewer system.
(47) Initiation of operation means the actual date the recipient begins using, or could begin using, the facilities for its intended purpose. This date may occur before final inspection or project completion.
(48) Intended use plan means a document identifying the types of projects proposed and the amount of all money available for financial assistance from the revolving fund for a fiscal year as described in section 606(c) of the act.
(49) Landowner agreement means a written arrangement between a public body and a landowner that allows the public body to have access to the property to inspect project-related components.
(50) Loan agreement means a contractual arrangement between a public body and the department that involves a disbursement of funds that must be repaid.
(51) Loan default means failure to make a loan repayment to the department within sixty days after the payment was due.
(52) Nonpoint source water pollution means pollution that enters any waters from widespread water-based or land-use activities. Nonpoint source water pollution includes, but is not limited to atmospheric deposition; surface water runoff from agricultural lands, urban areas, and forest lands; subsurface or underground sources; and discharges from some boats or other marine vessels.
(53) Perpetuity means the department will seek to manage the revolving fund account so that available future funds at least match the rate of growth of Engineering News-Record "Construction Cost Index" for the city of Seattle.
(54) Plans and specifications means the construction contract documents and supporting engineering documents prepared in sufficient detail to allow contractors to bid on and construct water pollution control facilities. "Plans and specifications" and "design" may be used interchangeably.
(55) Preconstruction means facility planning, facility design, rate studies, value engineering, sewer use ordinances, and utility formation.
(56) Preconstruction funding category means that portion of the revolving fund dedicated to preconstruction projects.
(57) Preliminary project priority list means a catalog of all applications for financial assistance considered for funding and submitted to the Washington state legislature for its consideration during budget development.
(58) Project means a water quality improvement effort funded with a grant or loan.
(59) Project completion or expiration means the date indicated in the funding agreement in which all milestones and objectives associated with the goals are met.
(60) Public body means a state of Washington county, city or town, conservation district, other political subdivision, municipal corporation, quasi-municipal corporation, those Indian tribes recognized by the federal government, or institutions of higher education when the proposed project is not part of the school's statutory responsibility.
(61) Public health emergency means a situation declared by the Washington state department of health in which illness or exposure known to cause illness is occurring or is imminent.
(62) Recipient means a public body that has an effective loan agreement with the department.
(63) Reserve account means an account created by the recipient to secure the payment of the principal and interest on the revolving fund loan.
(64) Residential means the portion of the total flows to a facility that originates from single-family houses, apartments, mobile home parks, small commercial facilities, and community facilities such as local K-12 public schools, libraries, and fire stations.
(65) Revenue-secured debt means an obligation of the recipient secured by a pledge of the revenue of a utility.
(66) Revolving fund means Washington state's water pollution control revolving fund.
(67) Riparian buffer or zone means a swath of vegetation along a channel bank that provides protection from the erosive forces of water along the channel margins and external nonpoint sources of pollution.
(68) Scope of work means a detailed description of project tasks, milestones, and measurable objectives.
(69) Senior lien obligations means all revenue bonds and other obligations of the recipient outstanding on the date of execution of a loan agreement (or subsequently issued on a parity therewith, including refunding obligations) or issued after the date of execution of a loan agreement having a claim or lien on the gross revenue of the utility prior and superior to the claim or lien of the loan, subject only to maintenance and operation expense.
(70) Service area population means the number of people served in the area of the project.
(71) Severe public health hazard means a situation declared by the Washington state department of health in which the potential for illness exists, but illness is not occurring or imminent.
(72) Sewer means the pipe and related pump stations located on public property, or on public rights of way and easements that convey wastewater from buildings.
(73) Side sewer means a sanitary sewer service extension from the point five feet outside the building foundation to the publicly owned collection sewer.
(74) State environmental review process (SERP) means the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)-like environmental review process adopted to comply with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency's Code of Regulations (40 C.F.R. § 35.3140). SERP combines the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review with additional elements to comply with federal requirements.
(75) Total eligible project cost means the sum of all expenses associated with a water quality project that are eligible for funding.
(76) Total project cost means the sum of all expenses associated with a water quality project.
(77) Water efficiency projects means the use of improved technologies and practices to deliver equal or better water quality services with less water. Water efficiency encompasses conservation and reuse efforts, as well as water loss reduction and prevention, to protect water resources for the future.
(78) Water pollution means contamination or other alteration of the physical, chemical, or biological properties of any waters of the state, including change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity, or odor of the waters; or any discharge of a liquid, gas, solid, radioactive substance, or other substance into any waters of the state that creates a nuisance or renders the waters harmful, detrimental, or injurious to the public, to beneficial uses, or to livestock, wild animals, birds, fish, or other aquatic life.
(79) Water pollution control activities or activities means actions taken by a public body for the following purposes:
(a) To prevent or mitigate pollution of underground water;
(b) To control nonpoint sources of water pollution;
(c) To restore the water quality of freshwater lakes; and
(d) To maintain or improve water quality through the use of water pollution control facilities or other means.
(80) Water pollution control activities funding category means that portion of the revolving fund dedicated to nonpoint source pollution projects.
(81) Water pollution control facility or facilities means any facilities or systems for the control, collection, storage, treatment, disposal, or recycling of wastewater, including, but not limited to, sanitary sewage, stormwater, residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural wastes. Facilities include all necessary equipment, utilities, structures, real property, and interests in and improvements on real property.
(82) Water pollution control facilities funding category means that portion of the revolving fund dedicated to facilities projects.
(83) Water pollution control revolving fund (revolving fund) means the water pollution control revolving fund established by RCW 90.50A.020.
(84) Water resource inventory area (WRIA) means one of the watersheds in the state of Washington, each composed of the drainage areas of a stream or streams, as established in the Water Resources Management Act of 1971 (chapter 173-500 WAC).
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-030, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 13-24-005 (Order 13-05), § 173-98-030, filed 11/20/13, effective 12/21/13. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-030, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-030, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 01-01-043 (Order 00-11), § 173-98-030, filed 12/8/00, effective 1/8/01; WSR 00-09-010 (Order 00-02), § 173-98-030, filed 4/7/00, effective 5/8/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-030, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-030, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.]
PDF173-98-040
Revolving fund uses.
The revolving fund may be used for the following purposes:
(1) To provide loans to finance the planning, design, and/or construction of water pollution control facilities;
(2) To provide loans for nonpoint source pollution control management projects that implement the Washington's Water Quality Management Plan to Control Nonpoint Sources of Pollution, and for developing and implementing a conservation and management plan under section 320 of the act;
(3) To buy or refinance the debt obligations incurred by applicants after March 7, 1985, for the construction of water pollution control facilities;
(4) To guarantee or buy insurance for local obligations to improve credit market access or reduce interest rates;
(5) As a source of revenue or security for the payment of principal and interest on revenue or general obligation bonds issued by the state if the proceeds of those bonds will be deposited in the revolving fund;
(6) To finance administration costs incurred by the department as authorized by the act and chapter 90.50A RCW; and
(7) To provide loan subsidies in the form of reduced interest rates and forgivable principal to public bodies for statewide, high-priority water quality projects that are consistent with the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251-1388.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-040, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-040, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-040, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 01-01-043 (Order 00-11), § 173-98-040, filed 12/8/00, effective 1/8/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-040, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-040, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.]
PART 1
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPE
PDF173-98-100
Eligible.
Certain projects or project elements may be eligible for loan assistance including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Alternative public works contracting for water pollution control facilities allowed under state statute including, but not limited to, design-build, design-build-operate, and general contractor/construction manager;
(2) Aquatic plant control when the water quality degradation is due to the presence of aquatic plants, and the source(s) of pollution is addressed sufficiently to ensure that the pollution is eliminated;
(3) BMP implementation on private property:
(a) Best management practices that consist of new, innovative, or alternative technology not yet demonstrated in the department's region in which it is proposed;
(b) Best management practices in the riparian buffer or zone, such as revegetation or fence construction and where a conservation easement or landowner agreement is granted by the landowner; and
(c) Other water quality best management practices that are evaluated and approved by the department on a case-by-case basis, and where a conservation easement or landowner agreement is granted by the landowner.
(4) BMP implementation on public property;
(5) Capacity for growth. Loans for up to twenty years capacity for water pollution control facilities. Capacity in excess of the twenty year design capacity are not eligible;
(6) Computer equipment and software specific to the funded project and preapproved by the department;
(7) Confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) water pollution control projects located in federally designated national estuaries;
(8) Conservation planning;
(9) Diagnostic studies to assess current water quality;
(10) Education and outreach efforts for the public;
(11) Environmental checklists, assessments, and impact statements necessary to satisfy requirements for the SEPA, the NEPA, and the SERP;
(12) Environmental emergencies as defined in WAC 173-98-030 and applied for in accordance with the provisions described in the published funding guidelines for the funding cycle in which the emergency occurs;
(13) Equipment and tools as identified in a loan agreement;
(14) Facilities for the control, storage, treatment, conveyance, disposal, or recycling of domestic wastewater and stormwater for residential, and/or a combination of residential, commercial, institutional and industrial:
(a) Planning:
(i) Comprehensive sewer planning, including wastewater elements of capital facilities planning under the Growth Management Act;
(ii) Stormwater planning;
(iii) Facilities planning for water pollution control facilities.
(b) Design preparation of plans and specifications for water pollution control facilities;
(c) Construction of:
(i) Facilities for the control, storage, treatment, conveyance, disposal, or recycling of domestic wastewater and stormwater;
(ii) Combined sewer overflow abatement;
(iii) Side sewers, pump stations, or other appurtenances on public property or private property if solving a nonpoint source pollution problem, such as failing on-site sewage systems; and
(iv) Side sewers, pump stations, or other appurtenances on public property or private property to correct infiltration and inflow.
(d) Value engineering for water pollution control facilities.
(15) Green project reserve projects such as water efficiency, energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and environmentally innovative projects or project elements as defined by EPA guidance;
(16) Groundwater protection activities such as wellhead protection and critical aquifer recharge area protection;
(17) Hardship assistance for preconstruction projects, wastewater treatment facilities construction, and on-site sewage system repair and replacement;
(18) Indirect costs as defined in the most recently updated edition of Administrative Requirements for Recipients of Ecology Grants and Loans (publication #91-18) or Administrative Requirements for Recipients of Ecology Grants and Loans Managed in EAGL (publication # 14-01-002);
(19) Lake implementation and associated planning activities on lakes with public access;
(20) Land acquisition:
(a) As an integral part of the treatment process (e.g., land application);
(b) For siting of water pollution control facilities;
(c) For wetland habitat preservation and protection;
(d) For riparian area and watershed preservation and protection; or
(e) For drinking water source protection.
(21) Landscaping for erosion control directly related to a project, or site-specific landscaping to mitigate site conditions and comply with requirements in the SERP;
(22) Legal expenses will be determined on a case-by-case basis, such as development of local ordinances, use of a bond counsel, review of technical documents;
(23) Light refreshments for meetings when preapproved by the department;
(24) Mitigation, determined on a case-by-case basis, that addresses water quality impacts directly related to the project;
(25) Monitoring BMP effectiveness;
(26) Monitoring equipment used for water quality assessment;
(27) Monitoring water quality;
(28) Model ordinances development and dissemination of model ordinances to prevent or reduce pollution from nonpoint sources;
(29) On-site sewage systems:
(a) On-site sewage system repair and replacement for residential and small commercial systems;
(b) On-site sewage system surveys;
(c) Local loan fund program development and implementation.
(30) Planning, including comprehensive basin plans, watershed plans, and area-wide water quality plans;
(31) Refinancing of water pollution control facility debt;
(32) Riparian and wetlands habitat restoration and enhancement, including revegetation;
(33) Sales tax;
(34) Spare parts, an initial set of spare parts for equipment that is critical for a facility to operate in compliance with discharge permit requirements;
(35) Stream restoration projects;
(36) Total maximum daily load study development and implementation;
(37) Training to develop specific skills that are necessary to directly satisfy the funding agreement scope of work. Training, conference registration or annual meeting fees must be preapproved by the department;
(38) Transferring ownership of a small wastewater system to a public body;
(39) Wastewater or stormwater utility development;
(40) Wastewater or stormwater utility rate or development impact fee studies;
(41) Water quality education and stewardship programs.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-100, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-100, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-100, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-100, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-100, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.]
PDF173-98-110
Ineligible.
Certain projects or project elements are not eligible for loan assistance including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Abandonment or demolition of existing structures not interfering with proposed construction of a wastewater or stormwater treatment facility;
(2) Aquatic plant control for aesthetic reasons, navigational improvements, or other purposes unrelated to water quality;
(3) Bond costs for debt issuance;
(4) Bonus or acceleration payments to contractors to meet contractual completion dates for construction;
(5) Commercial, institutional or industrial wastewater pollution control facilities or portions of those facilities that are solely intended to control, transport, treat, dispose, or otherwise manage commercial, institutional, or industrial wastewater;
(6) Commercial, institutional or industrial monitoring equipment for sampling and analysis of discharges from municipal water pollution control facilities;
(7) Commercial, institutional or industrial wastewater pretreatment;
(8) Compensation or damages for any claim or injury of any kind arising out of the project, including any personal injury, damage to any kind of real or personal property, or any kind of contractual damages, whether direct, indirect, or consequential;
(9) Cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contracts (also known as multiplier contracts), time and materials contracts, and percent-of-construction contracts in facilities projects (a negotiated fee in general contractor/construction manager contracts is not a cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contract);
(10) Fines and penalties due to violations of or failure to comply with federal, state, or local laws;
(11) Flood control projects or project elements intended solely for flood control;
(12) Funding application preparation for loans or grants;
(13) Interest on bonds, interim financing, and associated costs to finance projects;
(14) Landscaping for aesthetic reasons;
(15) Legal expenses associated with claims and litigation;
(16) Lobbying or expenses associated with lobbying;
(17) Mitigation is not eligible unless it addresses water quality impacts directly related to the project, and will be determined on a case-by-case basis;
(18) Office furniture not included in the recipient's indirect rate;
(19) Operating expenses of local government, such as the salaries and expenses of a mayor, city councilmember, and city attorney;
(20) Operation and maintenance costs for work not performed by contract and that is performed on a regularly scheduled basis (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, seasonally, semiannually, but not less frequently than once per year), to service, check, or replace items that are not broken; or work not performed by contract that is not regularly scheduled but is required to maintain the asset so that repair does not become necessary;
(21) Overtime differential paid to employees of public body to complete administrative or force account work;
(22) Permit fees not directly required for the completion of a project;
(23) Personal injury compensation or damages arising out of the project, whether determined by adjudication, arbitration, negotiation, or other means;
(24) Professional dues;
(25) Reclamation of abandoned mines;
(26) Refinancing of existing debt not related to a water pollution control facility;
(27) Solid or hazardous waste cleanup;
(28) Utility local improvement district (ULID) formation;
(29) Vehicle purchase, except for vehicles intended for the transportation of liquid, dewatered sludge, septage, or special purpose vehicles as approved by the department; and
(30) Water quantity or other water resource projects that solely address water quantity issues such as reservoirs and dams.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-110, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-110, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-110, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 01-01-043 (Order 00-11), § 173-98-110, filed 12/8/00, effective 1/8/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21.080 and chapters 34.05 and 90.50A RCW. WSR 98-24-036 (Order 98-10), § 173-98-110, filed 11/24/98, effective 12/25/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 89-18-019 (Order 89-34), § 173-98-110, filed 8/29/89, effective 9/29/89.]
PART 2
HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING
PDF173-98-200
Application for funding.
(1) To apply for funding, the applicant must submit a completed application to the department. The department will provide the application on the department website.
(2) Minimum score on application.
(a) An applicant must receive a minimum score equal to fifty percent of the available points on the water quality and public health improvements form, of the water quality financial assistance application to be eligible for funding consideration. The department may offer funding to applicants with fewer than fifty percent of the points available on the form if demand for funding is low; and
(b) An applicant must also receive a minimum score equal to sixty percent of the available points on the entire water quality financial assistance application to be eligible for funding consideration. The department may offer funding to applicants with fewer than sixty percent of the points available on the financial assistance application if demand for funding is low.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-200, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-200, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-200, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-210
The department's responsibilities.
(1) A general funding cycle schedule is provided in Figure 1.
 |
(2) In general, the department will provide the following services, although modifications may be made to accommodate legislative schedules and requirements:
(a) Make available the application and applicable guidelines before the associated funding cycle begins;
(b) Conduct application workshops that are accessible statewide;
(c) Conduct preapplication workshops to discuss regional level priorities if applicable;
(d) Complete an initial review of project proposals for funding eligibility after the application deadline;
(e) Request other agencies to provide evaluation assistance as needed;
(f) Rate and rank the applications using a consistent scoring system;
(g) Develop a combined Draft Offer and Applicant List and a Draft Intended Use Plan (IUP);
(h) Facilitate a public review and comment period for the combined Draft Offer and Applicant List and Draft IUP;
(i) Sponsor at least one public meeting to explain the combined Draft Offer List and Applicant List and Draft IUP;
(j) Develop a combined Final Offer and Applicant List and a Final IUP. Public comments collected during the public review period will be incorporated;
(k) Issue funding decision letters to all applicants; and
(l) Negotiate, develop, and finalize loan agreements.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-210, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-210, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-210, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-220
Final offer and applicant list.
Loan offers identified on the Final Offer and Applicant List will be effective for up to one year from the publication date of the Final Offer and Applicant List. Loan offers that do not result in a signed agreement or a letter of binding commitment may be ended.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-220, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-220, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-220, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-230
Revolving fund intended use plan (IUP).
(1) As required by the EPA, the department issues a Draft IUP and a FinalIUP for each funding cycle.
(2) The IUP contains a detailed report of how the department expects to allocate funds available in the current funding cycle.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-230, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-230, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-230, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PART 3
FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE
PDF173-98-300
Wastewater treatment facilities construction.
(1) There are three primary factors considered in determining hardship funding for the construction portion of wastewater treatment facilities projects:
(a) Service area population;
(b) Existing residential need at the time of application; and
(c) Level of financial burden placed on the ratepayers.
(2) Service area population. Applicants with a service area population of twenty-five thousand or less can request hardship funding consideration by submitting a financial hardship analysis form along with the funding application. If the service area population is different from the population of the applicant, the applicant must show that the hardship assistance is solely used to benefit the population of the service area.
(3) Existing residential need. The applicant and the department calculate the water pollution control facilities construction costs that are associated with existing residential need at the time of application.
(4) Level of financial burden.
(a) Financial burden for the sewer ratepayer is determined by calculating the residential sewer user fee as a percent of the median household income (MHI) for the project area. The annual residential sewer user fee is calculated using:
(i) Estimated construction costs;
(ii) Existing annual operation and maintenance costs;
(iii) Discounted, existing annual operation and maintenance costs as a result of constructing the project;
(iv) Projected future annual operation and maintenance costs for the total facility;
(v) The applicant's current and future annual debt service on the project;
(vi) The annual debt service for the project if funded with a revolving fund loan;
(vii) Other grants and loans funding the project;
(viii) The applicant's level of debt for other wastewater facilities not associated with the project;
(ix) The total number of households or equivalent residential units (ERUs) existing at the time of application that will be served by the project;
(x) The nonresidential share of the total annual costs is deducted; and
(xi) MHI for the project area;
(b) The sewer user fee as a percentage of MHI is the basis for the department's hardship loan interest rates shown in Table 1;
(c) The most recent available American Community Survey data determines the MHI;
(d) If MHI data are not available for a community, the county MHI in which the community resides will be used; and
(e) If the applicant disputes the data used by the department, the department may allow an applicant to conduct a scientific survey to determine the MHI for the project area.
(5) Loan terms and interest rates. The department uses Table 1 to determine the hardship loan interest rates.
Table 1
Hardship Loan Interest Rates
Sewer fee divided by MHI is: | Below two percent (nonhardship) | Above two but below three percent (moderate hardship) | Above three but below five percent (elevated hardship) | Above five percent (severe hardship) |
One to five years term: | Thirty percent of market rate | Twenty percent of market rate | Ten percent of market rate | Zero percent |
Six to twenty years term: | Sixty percent of market rate | Forty percent of market rate | Twenty percent of market rate | Zero percent |
Twenty-one to thirty years term: | Eighty percent of market rate | Sixty percent of market rate | Forty percent of market rate | Twenty percent of market rate |
(6) Partially funded projects: If a project in the hardship category receives partial funding due to department funding constraints, the department may offer the remaining funding, subject to funding ceilings, in the next funding cycle. The department may require further hardship analysis before offering the remaining funds.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-300, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-300, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-300, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-310
On-site sewage system repair and replacement programs.
(1) Applicants may apply for a revolving fund loan to establish or continue programs that provide funding for on-site sewage repair and replacement for homeowners and small commercial enterprises.
(2) Final loan blended interest rate. The department may adjust the recipient's interest rates based on the proportion of loans that the recipient charged provided to homeowners in accordance with Table 2. Loans provided to small commercial enterprises do not affect the final loan blended interest rate.
Table 2
Interest Rate Schedule for Loans Targeted to Homeowners
Homeowner income is: | Above eighty percent of county MHI (nonhardship) | Above fifty but below eighty percent of county MHI (moderate hardship) | Below fifty percent of county MHI (severe hardship) |
One to five years term: | Thirty percent of market rate | Fifteen percent of market rate | Zero percent |
Six to twenty years term: | Sixty percent of market rate | Thirty percent of market rate | Fifteen percent of market rate |
Twenty-one to thirty years term: | Eighty percent of market rate | Forty percent of market rate | Twenty percent of market rate |
(3) For the purposes of this section, small commercial enterprises are those with an average daily flow of less than three thousand five hundred gallons.
(4) The recipient must submit a final compilation of the local loans provided to homeowners throughout the duration of the project. The list will include information provided by the recipient regarding the number and final dollar amounts of loans funded in the following respective homeowner income levels:
(a) Above eighty percent of county MHI;
(b) Fifty to eighty percent of county MHI;
(c) Below fifty percent of county MHI.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-310, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-310, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-310, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-320
Forgivable principal.
Forgivable principal. The department will use Table 3 to determine the amount of forgivable principal loan funding provided to an eligible hardship project. Financial hardship will be determined based on the provisions in WAC 173-98-300 and the ceiling amounts in WAC 173-98-520. In addition, in accordance with the act, the department must consider unemployment for the purposes of awarding forgivable principal loan for hardship.
Table 3
Forgivable Principal for Hardship
Sewer user fee divided by MHI is: | Below two percent (nonhardship) | Above two but below three percent (moderate hardship) | Above three but below five percent (elevated hardship) | Above five percent (severe hardship) |
Forgivable principal eligibility: | Not eligible | Fifty percent up to ceiling amount | Seventy-five percent up to ceiling amount | One hundred percent up to ceiling amount |
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-320, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-320, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-320, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-330
Preconstruction category.
(1) An applicant will be considered for hardship funding when submitting a funding application if the service area population is twenty-five thousand or less and the MHI is less than eighty percent of the state MHI.
(2) If the service area population is different from the population of the applicant, the applicant must show that the hardship assistance is solely used to benefit the population of the service area.
(3) The most recent available American community survey data determines the MHI.
(4) If MHI data are not available for a community then the county MHI in which the community resides will be used.
(5) If the applicant disputes the data used by the department, the department may allow an applicant to conduct a scientific survey to determine the MHI for the project area.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-330, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-330, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11.]
PART 4
LOAN TERMS
PDF173-98-400
Loan interest rates.
(1) Interest will accrue on each disbursement as it is paid to the recipient. This is "deferred interest." Deferred interest is added to the principal at project completion.
(2) The department bases loan interest rates on the average market interest rate. The average market interest rate is:
(a) Based on the daily market rate published in the bond buyer's index for tax-exempt municipal bonds; and
(b) Taken from the period one hundred eighty to thirty days before the funding application cycle begins.
(3) See WAC 173-98-300 and 173-98-310 for hardship interest rates.
Table 4
Standard Loan Interest Rates
Loan term | Interest rate |
One to five years: | Thirty percent of market rate |
Six to twenty years: | Sixty percent of market rate |
Twenty-one to thirty years: | Eighty percent of market rate |
(4) The standard interest rates for water pollution control activities projects are the rates calculated for "moderate" hardship in accordance with Table 1 in WAC 173-98-300. The department may work with stakeholders to develop a program that may further adjust interest rates for the purposes of further encouraging the funding of water pollution control activities projects.
(5) The director may adjust interest rates for the funding application cycle if a financial analysis of the revolving fund demonstrates that the interest rates are not detrimental to the perpetuity of the revolving fund.
(6) Prior to issuing its Final Offer and Applicant List the department will examine and may lower interest rates if the rates for tax-exempt municipal bonds are significantly lower than when the funding cycle interest rate was determined in accordance with subsection (2) of this section.
(7) An administration charge will be applied to all loans that enter repayment after the effective date of this section. The following conditions apply to the administration charge.
(a) The administration charge will be applied to the outstanding loan balance at the time of each payment.
(b) The administration charge will be subtracted from the interest rate established in the loan agreement so there is no additional cost to the borrower.
(c) The administration charge will not be applied to loans with interest rates less than the administration charge.
(d) The maximum allowable administration charge is one percent. Initially the administration charge will be set at this level.
(e) Beginning with its 2017-2019 biennial operating budget submittal and each biennium thereafter, the department will compare the projected administration account balance and the projected administration charge income with projected program costs, including an adequate working capital reserve as defined by the office of financial management. In its submittal to the office of financial management, the department may:
(i) Find that the projected administration charge income is inadequate to fund the cost of administering the program, and that the rate of the charge must be increased; however, the administration charge may never exceed one percent;
(ii) Find that the projected administration charge income exceeds what is needed to fund the cost of administering the program, and that the rate of the charge must be decreased;
(iii) Find that there is an excess balance in the administration account, and that the excess must be transferred to the water pollution control revolving fund to be used for loans; or
(iv) Find that there is no need for any rate adjustments or balance transfers.
(f) If the department determines the administration charge should be adjusted, it will increase (up to the maximum of one percent) or decrease the administration charge and apply the new administration charge to loans that enter repayment after the administration charge has been adjusted. Loans already in repayment will not be affected by the adjusted administration charge.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-400, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW. WSR 13-24-005 (Order 13-05), § 173-98-400, filed 11/20/13, effective 12/21/13. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-400, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-400, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-410
Refinancing.
(1) There are two kinds of refinance with different rules: Standard refinance and interim refinance.
(2) Standard refinance refers to a completed project funded with funds from a source other than the department. It is limited to water pollution control facilities where project construction began after March 7, 1985.
(a) Applicants requesting standard refinancing must meet all the requirements contained in the act;
(b) Standard refinance projects will only be funded if there is limited demand for funds for new projects;
(c) All department prerequisites and revolving fund conditions must have been met at the time the project was undertaken;
(d) If multiple standard refinance applications are received, priority will be given based on impacts to the ratepayers in the service area of the project;
(e) Standard refinance projects are not eligible for hardship financial assistance; and
(f) Repayment begins six months after a funding agreement becomes effective.
(3) Interim refinance applies to a project that is in progress using funds from a source other than the department. Interim refinance retires existing debt and also covers the remaining eligible project costs. Interim refinance projects must meet all applicable requirements of this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-410, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-410, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-410, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-420
Defeasance.
(1) No defeasance is allowed as long as the department holds the loan.
(2) Defeasance means setting money aside in a special account that is dedicated to pay all or some of the principal and interest on a debt when it comes due.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-420, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-430
Repayment.
When a project is complete and all disbursements are made, the department will execute a final amendment that will include:
(1) A final loan repayment schedule that reflects the length of repayment terms and the principal from disbursements and accrued interest;
(2) The first repayment of principal and interest will be due one year after the initiation of operation date, or one year after the project completion date, whichever occurs first;
(3) Equal payments will be due every six months;
(4) If the due date for any payment falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or designated holiday for Washington state agencies, the payment shall be due on the next business day for Washington state agencies;
(5) Loan balances may be repaid or additional principal payments may be made at any time without penalty; and
(6) The department may assess a late fee for delinquent payments, according to WAC 173-98-470.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-430, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-430, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-440
Loan security.
Loans shall be secured by a general obligation pledge or a revenue pledge of the recipient. The obligation of the recipient to make loan repayments from the sources identified in its revolving fund loan agreement shall be absolute and unconditional, and shall not be subject to diminution by setoff, counterclaim, or abatement of any kind.
(1) General obligation. Repayment of the loan may be secured by a general obligation pledge. The recipient shall pledge to include in its budget an amount sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the loan when due. For so long as the loan is outstanding, the recipient shall ensure adequate funds are available to enable timely loan repayment, which may require the recipient to levy additional annual taxes against the taxable property within its boundaries. The full faith, credit, and resources of the recipient shall be pledged irrevocably for the annual levy and collection of those taxes and the prompt payment of the principal of and interest on the loan.
(2) Revenue obligation. Repayment of a loan may be secured by an irrevocable pledge of the net revenues of the recipient's utility and, in appropriate cases, utility local improvement district assessments.
Repayment of a loan shall constitute a lien and charge upon the net revenues of the recipient's utility prior and superior to any other charges whatsoever, except that the lien and charge shall be junior and subordinate to the lien and charge of any senior lien obligations. If applicable, repayment of a loan shall constitute a lien and charge upon utility local improvement district assessments prior and superior to any other charges whatsoever.
(3) Tribal governmental enterprises. Federally recognized Indian tribes may provide loan security through dedicated revenue from governmental enterprises. The recipient must demonstrate that the security used has a sufficient track record of income to secure the loan. Tribal governmental enterprises may include leases, gaming as provided under approved gaming compacts, forestry, or other tribal government-owned enterprises.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-440, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-450
Loan reserve requirements.
The department may require a recipient to create a reserve account to secure the payment of the principal and interest on the revolving fund loan.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-450, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-450, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-450, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-460
Loan default.
In the event of loan default, the state of Washington may withhold any amounts due to the recipient from the state for other purposes. The funds will be applied to the debt.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-460, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-460, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-460, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-470
Late payments.
A late fee of one percent per month on the past due amount may be assessed starting on the date the debt becomes past due and until it is paid in full.
PART 5
FUNDING DISTRIBUTION AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
PDF173-98-500
Funding categories.
(1) The revolving fund is divided into three funding categories:
(a) Water pollution control facilities category: Seventy-five percent of the revolving fund will be available for facilities projects;
(b) Preconstruction category: Five percent of the revolving fund will be available for preconstruction category; and
(c) Water pollution control activities category: Twenty percent of the revolving fund will be available for the implementation of programs or projects established under the Washington's Water Quality Management Plan to Control Nonpoint Sources of Pollution.
(2) Forgivable principal.
(a) Additional subsidization in the form of forgivable principal loans may be provided at an amount equal to the maximum allowed by the act and/or a capitalization grant;
(b) Additional subsidization in the form of forgivable principal loans may be provided for eligible hardship projects, eligible green project reserve projects or project elements, and eligible preconstruction projects.
(3) If the demand is limited in any of the funding categories or to meet funding levels required in federal laws, the department can shift funds between the funding categories.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-500, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-500, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-500, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-510
Funding recognition.
(1) Where applicable, the recipient must acknowledge department and EPA funding in reports, technical documents, publications, brochures, and other materials.
(2) Where applicable, the recipient must acknowledge department and EPA funding for site-specific projects by one of the following means:
(a) Standard signage (appropriately sized and weather resistant);
(b) Posters and wall signage in a public building or location;
(c) Newspaper or periodical advertisement for project construction, groundbreaking ceremony, or operation of the new or improved facility;
(d) Online signage placed on community website or social media outlet; or
(e) Press release.
PDF173-98-520
Ceiling amounts.
(1) Green project reserve: The ceiling amount for forgivable principal provided for eligible green project reserve projects is up to twenty-five percent of the total green project reserve-eligible portion of the project costs.
(2) Preconstruction category:
(a) No more than twenty percent of the revolving fund in this category will be available to any one applicant per funding cycle.
(b) The ceiling amount for a forgivable principal loan provided for financial hardship for WAC 173-98-330 is up to fifty percent of the eligible project costs.
(c) The ceiling amount for this category applies to the combined total of all preconstruction elements for loans and forgivable principal loans.
(3) Water pollution control facilities category:
(a) No more than fifty percent of the revolving fund in this category will be available to any one applicant per funding cycle;
(b) The ceiling amount for a forgivable principal loan provided for financial hardship for WAC 173-98-330 is five million dollars. If a forgivable principal loan is provided for a hardship project in conjunction with a centennial program grant award for hardship, then the ceiling amount for the combined forgivable principal loan and centennial program grant is five million dollars; and
(c) No more than seven million dollars is available for each smaller combined design-construct project (step four). See WAC 173-98-530 for information on smaller combined design-construct projects (step four).
(4) Water pollution control activities category: No more than fifty percent of the revolving fund in this category will be available to any one applicant per funding cycle.
(5) Water pollution control facilities construction bid overruns:
(a) If the low responsive responsible construction bid(s) exceeds the engineer's estimate of construction costs, the department may approve funding increases for up to ten percent of the engineer's cost estimate as supplied with the bid documents;
(b) The ceiling amounts that were established in the fiscal year in which the project was offered funding apply; and
(c) First priority for funding bid overruns will be given to hardship communities based on the severity of financial need.
(6) Water pollution control facilities construction change orders:
(a) The department may approve funding for change orders for up to five percent of the eligible portion of the low responsive responsible construction bid(s);
(b) The department may approve funding for change orders for greater than five percent of the eligible portion of the low responsive responsible construction bid(s) only if the recipient can demonstrate that the additional funding is needed to remedy unforeseeable, extraordinary site-specific conditions;
(c) The ceiling amounts that were established in the fiscal year in which the project was offered funding apply; and
(d) First priority for funding change orders will be given to hardship communities based on the severity of financial need.
(7) If a project qualifies for both hardship funding and green project reserve funding, then the ceiling amount for total forgivable principal and centennial grant funding for the project is the combined ceiling amount of both hardship and green project reserve categories.
(8) If demand is limited for projects eligible for any category, the ceiling amounts may be raised in other categories to fully use available funding.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-520, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-520, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-520, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-530
Step process for water pollution control facilities.
(1) The step process is required for wastewater facilities projects. The process begins with site-specific planning, and continues through design to construction.
(2) For steps one through three, an applicant may only apply for funding for one step of the process at a time. Funding of one step does not guarantee the funding of subsequent steps.
(3) The step process includes the following:
(a) Planning (step one): Step one involves the preparation of a site-specific planning document that identifies the cost-effective alternatives for addressing a water pollution control problem in accordance with WAC 173-98-730. There is no prerequisite for planning;
(b) Design (step two): Step two includes the preparation of plans and specifications for use in construction. These must be based on the preferred cost-effective alternative identified in the planning document. In order to be eligible for design a planning document must be approved by the department without conditions at least thirty days before issuance of the Draft Offer and Applicant List.
Planning documents approved by the department more than two years before the close of the application period must contain evidence of recent review by the department to ensure the document reflects current conditions; and
(c) Construction (step three): Step three includes construction of facilities based on the approved design. In order to be eligible for construction, design plans and specifications must be approved by the department without conditions, in accordance with WAC 173-240-030, at least thirty days before issuance of the Draft Offer and Applicant List.
(4) Combined steps for smaller design-construct projects (step four): In some cases, design and construction may be combined into one project. Step four applicants must demonstrate that step two (design) can be completed and approved by the department within one year of the signature date of the funding agreement. In order to be eligible for step four, a planning document must be approved by the department without conditions at least thirty days before issuance of the Draft Offer and Applicant List. The total project costs for step four projects must be seven million dollars or less.
(5) Step deviations. During the application phase of the funding cycle, the department may allow an applicant to deviate from the traditional step requirements if:
(a) The Washington state department of health has declared a public health emergency, and the proposed project would remedy this situation; or
(b) The department has declared an environmental emergency, and the proposed project would remedy this situation.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-530, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-530, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-530, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-540
Process for water pollution control activities.
The following process is required for lake projects and recommended for all water pollution control activities projects.
(1) Planning involves the identification of problems, evaluation of cost-effective alternatives in accordance with WAC 173-98-730, and preparation of a planning document.
(2) Implementation is the actual implementation of the project based on the planning document.
PDF173-98-550
Preconstruction category.
Eligibility. Only applicants with a population of twenty-five thousand or less and a median household income below the state median household income are eligible for funding in the preconstruction category.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-550, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-550, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PART 6
ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTING
PDF173-98-600
Alternative public works contracting requirements.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-600, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-600, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-600, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PART 7
COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS, RULES, AND REQUIREMENTS
PDF173-98-700
General requirements.
(1) Recipients must fully comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and rules relating to topics such as procurement, discrimination, labor, job safety, drug-free environments, and minority and women owned businesses.
(2) Ongoing management of most aspects of loan projects is subject to the most recent edition of Administrative Requirements for Recipients of Ecology Grants and Loans (publication #91-18) or Administrative Requirements for Recipients of Ecology Grants and Loans Managed in EAGL (publication # 14-01-002).
(3) Ongoing management of all aspects of loan projects is subject to the associated funding program guidelines.
(4) The applicant shall secure all necessary permits required by authorities having jurisdiction over the project. Copies must be available to the department upon request.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-700, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-700, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-700, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-710
The Growth Management Act.
(1) A county, city, or town that has been offered a loan for a water pollution control facilities project may not receive loan funds while the county, city, or town is not in compliance with the Growth Management Act unless:
(a) Documentation showing that a public health need has been provided by the Washington state department of health; or documentation showing that a substantial environmental degradation exists has been provided by the department;
(b) The county, city, or town has provided documentation to the department that actions or measures are being implemented to address the public health need or substantial environmental degradation; and
(c) The department has determined that the project is designed to address only the public health need or substantial environmental degradation described in the documentation, and does not address unrelated needs including, but not limited to, provisions for additional growth.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "compliance with the Growth Management Act" means: A county, city, or town that must or chooses to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 and has adopted a comprehensive plan, including a capital facilities plan element, and development regulations as required by chapter 36.70A RCW.
(3) For the purposes of this chapter, a public health need related to a loan must be documented by a letter signed by the secretary of the Washington state department of health or his or her designee and addressed to the public official who signed the loan application. "Public health need" means a situation where:
(a) There is a documented potential for:
(i) Contaminating a source of drinking water; or
(ii) Failure of existing wastewater system or systems resulting in contamination being present on the surface of the ground in the quantities and locations as to create a potential for public contact; or
(iii) Contamination of a commercial or recreational shellfish bed as to create a critical public health risk associated with consumption of the shellfish; or
(iv) Contamination of surface water so as to create a critical public health risk associated with recreational use; and
(b) The problem generally involves a serviceable area including, but not limited to, a subdivision, town, city, or county, or an area serviced by on-site sewage disposal systems; and
(c) The problem cannot be corrected through more efficient operation and maintenance of an existing wastewater disposal system or systems.
(4) For the purposes of this chapter, a substantial environmental degradation related to a loan must be documented by a letter signed by the director and addressed to the public official who signed the loan application. "Substantial environmental degradation" means that:
(a) There is a situation causing real, documented, critical environmental contamination that:
(i) Contributes to violations of the state's water quality standards; or
(ii) Interferes with beneficial uses of the waters of the state;
(b) The problem generally involves a serviceable area including, but not limited to, a subdivision, town, city, or county, or an area serviced by on-site sewage disposal systems; and
(c) The problem cannot be corrected through more efficient operation and maintenance of an existing wastewater disposal system or systems.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-710, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-710, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-710, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-720
State environmental review process (SERP).
(1) All recipients of funding for water pollution control facility projects must comply with the SERP.
(2) SERP includes all the provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), chapter 43.21C RCW, and the SEPA rules, chapter 197-11 WAC, and applicable federal requirements.
(3) All mitigation measures committed to in documents developed in the SERP process, such as the environmental checklist, environmental report, SEPA environmental impact statement (EIS), the finding of no significant impact/environmental assessment, or record of decision/federal EIS will become revolving fund loan agreement conditions. Failure to abide by these conditions will result in withholding of payments and may result in immediate repayment of the loan.
PDF173-98-730
Cost-effectiveness analysis.
(1) Funding will only be considered if a project is shown to be the cost-effective alternative/solution to a water quality problem and that the project maximizes the potential for energy conservation and efficient water use, reuse, recapture, and conservation. The cost-effective alternative is determined using a cost-effectiveness analysis.
(2) A cost-effectiveness analysis must include a comparison of the life cycle costs of alternatives considered for the planning period taking into account:
(a) The cost of constructing the project or activity;
(b) The cost of operating and maintaining the project or activity over the life of the project or activity; and
(c) The cost of replacing the project or activity.
(3) Applicants proposing alternative public works contracting for projects must demonstrate that this approach is the cost-effective alternative for procurement.
PART 8
TIMELY USE OF REVOLVING FUND LOAN FUNDS
PDF173-98-800
Starting a project.
(1) Project initiation. Loan funds must be spent in a timely fashion. The recipient must consistently meet the performance measures agreed to in the loan agreement. These performance measures include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Work on a project must be started within ten months of the publication date of the Final Offer and Applicant List on which the project was proposed.
(b) Starting a project means making any measurable step toward achieving the milestones, objectives, and overall goals of the project.
(2) Project initiation extension. Certain circumstances may allow a time extension of no more than twelve months for starting a project. For example:
(a) Schedules included in water quality permits, consent decrees, or enforcement orders; or
(b) There is a need to do work during an environmental window in a specific season of the year; or
(c) Other reasons as identified by the department on a case-by-case basis.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-800, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-800, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-800, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-810
Finishing a project.
Costs incurred after the project completion or expiration dates are not eligible for reimbursement.
(1) Project completion.
(a) Work on a project must be completed within five years of the publication date of the Final Offer and Applicant List on which the project was proposed. A shorter time period may be specified in the loan agreement; and
(b) Completing a project means completing all milestones and objectives associated with the goals of the loan agreement.
(2) Project completion extension.
(a) After the five-year limit is reached, a time extension of no more than twelve months may be made under certain circumstances, including but not limited to:
(i) Schedules included in water quality permits, consent decrees, or enforcement orders; or
(ii) There is a need to do work during an environmental window in a specific season of the year; and
(b) To ensure timely processing, the time extension request must be made before the completion or expiration date of the loan agreement.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-810, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-810, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-830
Performance measures and postproject assessment.
(1) The department may require a recipient to develop and implement a postproject assessment plan.
(2) A recipient may be required to participate in a postproject survey and interview regarding performance measures.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-830, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11.]
PART 9
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
PDF173-98-900
Revolving fund perpetuity.
(1) The act requires that the revolving fund be managed in perpetuity.
(2) The department will strive to achieve perpetuity, as defined by WAC 173-98-030.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-900, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-900, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-900, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-910
Accounting requirements.
(1) Recipients must maintain accurate records and accounts for the project in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), including standards related to the reporting of infrastructure assets, or in accordance with the state standards in RCW 43.09.200 "Local government accounting—Uniform system of accounting."
(2) Accounting irregularities may result in a payment hold until irregularities are resolved. The director may require immediate repayment of misused loan funds.
PDF173-98-920
Appealing a department decision.
If a dispute arises concerning eligibility decisions made by the department within the context of a loan agreement, the decision may be appealed. A lawsuit cannot be brought to superior court unless the aggrieved party follows these procedures, which are intended to encourage the informal resolution of disputes consistent with RCW 34.05.060.
(1) First, the recipient may seek review of the financial assistance program's initial decision within thirty days of the decision in writing to the water quality program manager. The program manager will consider the appeal information and may choose to discuss the matter by telephone or in person;
(2) The program manager will issue a written decision within thirty days from the time the appeal is received;
(3) If the recipient is not satisfied with the program manager's decision, the recipient has thirty days to submit a written request to the deputy director for a review of the decision;
(4) The deputy director will consider the appeal information, and may choose to discuss the matter by telephone or in person. The deputy director will issue a written decision within thirty days from the time the appeal is received. The deputy director's decision will be the final decision of the department;
(5) If the recipient is not satisfied with the deputy director's final decision, the recipient may appeal to the Thurston County superior court, pursuant to RCW 34.05.570(4), which pertains to the review of "other agency action"; and
(6) Unless all parties to the appeal agree that a different time frame is appropriate, the parties shall attempt to bring the matter for a superior court determination within four months of the date in which the administrative record is filed with the court. This time frame is to ensure minimal disruptions to the program.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-920, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-920, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-930
Audit requirements for loan recipients.
The department, or at the department's discretion, another authorized auditor may audit the revolving fund loan agreement and records.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-930, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-940
Insurance for water pollution control facilities projects.
Recipients shall maintain comprehensive insurance coverage on the project for an amount equal to the funds disbursed.
PDF173-98-950
Indemnification.
To the extent that the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington permit, the recipient shall indemnify and hold the department harmless from and against any liability for any or all injuries to persons or property arising out of a project funded with a revolving fund loan except for the damage, claim, or liability resulting from the negligence or omission of the department.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-950, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-950, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-960
Sale of facilities to private enterprises.
Recipients may sell facilities financed with the revolving fund to private enterprises. However, the revolving fund loan agreement must be terminated and the revolving fund loan must be repaid immediately upon the sale of that facility.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-960, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]
PDF173-98-970
Self-certification.
(1) The department may authorize a recipient to certify compliance with selected program requirements. The recipient must:
(a) Request certification authority;
(b) Document that it has the capability and resources;
(c) Document that it is in the best interest of the state; and
(d) Demonstrate that the request is consistent with state and federal laws and rules.
(2) Determinations required in the environmental review process cannot be delegated to recipients.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 90.50A and 70.146 RCW. WSR 17-17-040 (Order 16-04), § 173-98-970, filed 8/9/17, effective 9/9/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.50A RCW, RCW 90.48.035, and 43.21A.080. WSR 11-20-036 (Order 10-14), § 173-98-970, filed 9/27/11, effective 10/28/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.48.035. WSR 07-14-096 (Order 05-16), § 173-98-970, filed 6/29/07, effective 7/30/07.]