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State
Washington
Chapter 70.95L RCW Detergent phosphorus content





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70.95L.005
Finding.
The legislature hereby finds and declares that:

(1) Phosphorus loading of surface waters can stimulate the growth of weeds and algae, and that such growth can have adverse environmental, health, and aesthetic effects;

(2) Household detergents contribute to phosphorus loading, and that a limit on detergents containing phosphorus can significantly reduce the discharge of phosphorus into the state's surface and ground waters;

(3) Household detergents containing no or very low phosphorus are readily available and that over thirty percent of the United States population lives in areas with a ban on detergents containing phosphorus; and

(4) Phosphorus limits on household detergents can significantly reduce treatment costs at those sewage treatment facilities that remove phosphorus from the waste stream.

It is therefore the intent of the legislature to impose a statewide limit on the phosphorus content of household detergents.


[1993 c 118 § 1.]




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70.95L.010
Definitions.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 70.95L.005 through 70.95L.030.

(1) "Department" means the department of ecology.

(2) "Dishwashing detergent" means a cleaning agent sold, used, or manufactured for the purpose of cleaning dishes, whether by hand or by household machine.

(3) "Laundry detergent" means a cleaning agent sold, used, or manufactured for the purpose of cleaning laundry, whether by hand or by household machine.

(4) "Person" means an individual, firm, association, copartnership, political subdivision, government agency, municipality, industry, public or private corporation, or any other entity whatsoever.

(5) "Phosphorus" means elemental phosphorus.


[1993 c 118 § 2.]




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70.95L.020
Phosphorus content regulated.
(1) After July 1, 1994, a person may not sell or distribute for sale a laundry detergent that contains 0.5 percent or more phosphorus by weight.

(2) After July 1, 1994, a person may not sell or distribute for sale a dishwashing detergent that contains 8.7 percent or more phosphorous by weight.

(3) This section does not apply to the sale or distribution of detergents for commercial and industrial uses.


[1993 c 118 § 3.]




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70.95L.030
Notice to distributors and wholesalers.
The department is responsible for notifying major distributors and wholesalers of the statewide limit on phosphorus in detergents.


[1993 c 118 § 4.]




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70.95L.040
Injunction.
The attorney general or appropriate city or county prosecuting attorney is authorized to bring an appropriate action to enjoin any violation of the provisions of RCW 70.95L.020.


[1993 c 118 § 5.]