SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB
2135
As of February 12, 1996
Title: An act relating to solid waste permit renewal.
Brief Description: Revising provisions for solid waste permits.
Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology (originally sponsored by Representatives Chandler, Chappell, Horn, Rust, Mastin, Regala and Murray; by request of Department of Ecology).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ecology & Parks: 2/14/96.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS
Staff: Susan Ridgley (786-7444)
Background: Local health jurisdictions are responsible for issuing permits to solid waste facilities. In issuing permits, the local health department must determine if the solid waste facility meets the local health and zoning requirements, the local solid waste management plan, and all applicable state and federal solid waste laws and regulations. Current state law requires these permits to be renewed annually.
Ecology also receives copies of permit applications and provides comments.
The term "solid waste handling facility" refers to all types of solid waste facilities, including recycling centers, transfer stations, drop-boxes, landfills and incinerators.
Summary of Bill: The local health jurisdiction is authorized to issue a permit for all solid waste handling facilities, not just disposal sites. The local health jurisdiction decides the duration of the permit, which may be between one and five years. The local health jurisdiction must hold a public hearing prior to issuance of the permit.
An existing solid waste handling facility must first be issued a permit, before it can make substantial modifications in its design or operational plans.
The Department of Ecology need only be informed about permit renewals involving substantial modifications in design or operation, not for minor improvements.
Duplicative language in the statute is deleted.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.