ANALYSIS OF SB 5331

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                        March 24, 1997

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 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.  A local health jurisdiction is not required to hold a public hearing prior to making a permit decision.  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:

A local health jurisdiction is authorized to issue a permit for solid waste handling facilities for a period of one to five years.  The decision on the duration of the permit is to be determined by the local health jurisdiction issuing the permit.  A public hearing is required prior to issuing a permit for any solid waste handling facility if the term of the permit is longer than one year.  A solid waste facility must be permitted prior to making any substantial change.