FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 385

                                   C 86 L 87

BYHouse Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Representatives Cooper, Spanel, L. Smith, Sutherland, Peery, Nutley, Walk, Dellwo, Wang, Cole and Brough)

Establishing procedures for designating ports of entry for radioactive waste.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In order to keep better track of radioactive materials shipments and to ensure that trucks carrying them are in safe operating condition, two ports of entry into the state for such material have been designated by administrative rule.  These ports of entry are Plymouth, near McNary Dam, and at the eastern extremity of I-90 in the state, east of Spokane.  Federal policy is to emphasize transportation of radioactive materials on interstate highways.

The state administrative rule and the federal policy come into conflict in transporting low level radioactive waste from the Trojan nuclear power plant which is located near Rainier, Oregon and about five miles south of Longview, Washington.  Interstate highway use would have the waste brought into Washington near Longview, down I-5 and I-205 back into Oregon to connect with I-84 going east to Plymouth. The state of Oregon has initiated negotiations with Washington on this matter.

SUMMARY:

Any additional ports of entry for highway transportation of radioactive waste must be authorized by the legislature.  The act expires when Washington and one other eligible state enact an interstate agreement on radioactive materials transportation management.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 56  39

      Senate    25    24

EFFECTIVE:April 20, 1987