Amador County - Action by state and local officials is adding momentum to protests against proposed Assembly Bill 885, which would increase statewide minimum standards for Onsite Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Systems. The original bill was signed in to law by Governor Gray Davis on September 28, 2000, but updated regulations controlled through the State Water Resources Control Board are proposed for 2010. The State Board is up against protests from residents and officials in rural counties who feel the uniform standards originally proposed for coastal communities are ineffective when applied across the state as blanket legislation. Recently, three members of the State Legislature have introduced three separate bills addressing the issue. Freshman Assemblywoman Alyson Huber, who represents Amador County and the 10th District, introduced AB 580, which amends one section of the water code and has gained the support of the Regional Council of Rural Counties. AB 916, authored by Assemblyman Dan Logue, also amends two sections of the water code. And AB 268, introduced by Assemblyman Ted Gaines, would repeal 885 entirely. The latter bill is not expected to make it to the assembly floor for discussion. Supervisor Richard Forster, in an exclusive interview with TSPN, called the proposal unrealistic and an additional burden on that segment of our community. He also cited the hefty fines against owner’s of onsite treatment systems should this legislation pass. Information based on the 2000 U.S. Census suggests that of the approximate 15,034 housing units in Amador County, 8,347 use Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. That’s approximately 55.5 percent of the county’s housing units. Amador Water Agency Board member Debbie Dunn said in a public email that “Amador County hosts a significant population that will be affected by this legislation. It would behoove all agencies and councils to hold some level of dialogue with their members, attendees and residents in the near future.” Assemblywoman Huber is holding a public workshop in Amador County to address this and other issues facing the county, as well as take time for public input. That workshop is being held this Wednesday evening, April 1st, 6:30pm at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 810 Court Street in Jackson. The Control Board is scheduled to discuss the matter further on April 14th. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.