SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6585

                    As of January 31, 1996

Title:  An act relating to the revocation of the solid waste landfill operator certification program.

Brief Description:  Repealing the landfill operators certification program.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Swecker and Fraser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ecology & Parks:  2/1/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS

Staff:  Susan Ridgley (786-7444)

Background:  The Solid Waste Operator Certification Program, created in 1989, requires that there be a certified operator in responsible charge during hours of operation at solid waste landfills and solid waste incinerators.  Inspectors of the facilities, usually county health department employees, also must have the same training and competence. There are currently 286 persons certified for landfills, and 147 for incinerators.

The certification training is now a home study course which costs about $500 per person, followed by periodic exams. The training and exams are provided through private organizations, such as the Solid Waste Association of North America. 

It has been suggested that this program is an extraneous level of bureaucracy, and imposes costs without producing any documented improvement in the operation of solid waste facilities.

Summary of Bill:  The solid waste operator certification program is wholly revoked.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.