SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1865
AS OF MARCH 27, 1991
Brief Description: Providing for hazardous waste planning.
SPONSORS:House Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Rust, Chandler, Valle and Prince).
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
Staff: Atsushi Kiuchi (786‑7708)
Hearing Dates:April 2, 1991
BACKGROUND:
Waste reduction is the state's first priority to manage and regulate hazardous wastes. Other priorities identified in the state's hazardous waste management statutes include: recycling, treatment, incineration, solidification or stabilization and landfilling.
Legislation has directed the Department of Ecology to develop a statewide hazardous waste management plan. The plan is scheduled for completion by mid-1991. The Department has adopted rules leading to the issuance of hazardous waste facility permits.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Ecology may issue draft permits for new hazardous waste incinerators or landfills only if it determines the facility is sized to meet current and future capacity needs of the region. The department may impose conditions or deny a permit application based on the determination of regional needs.
In developing its hazardous waste management plan, the department shall estimate landfill and incinerator capacity needs for the next ten years.
Whenever a draft permit is issued, the state plan shall be updated to reflect current facility-specific needs. In determining the needs, the department shall consider: available capacity in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska; potential decreases in demand due to improved and more efficient management of hazardous wastes; and potential increases in demand due to economic growth, regulatory changes and expanded cleanup activities.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested March 27, 1991
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.