SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5607

                    As of February 13, 1997

Title:  An act relating to financial responsibility requirements for operators of solid waste landfills.

Brief Description:  Changing financial responsibility requirements for operators of solid waste landfills.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen and Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Environment:  2/18/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Staff:  Richard Duggan (786-7414)

Background:  A demonstration of financial responsibility has been required of operators of solid waste disposal landfills since 1987.  Holders of permits to operate landfill disposal facilities, and permit applicants, are required to establish a reserve account to cover the costs of closing their facilities in a manner conforming to state and federal regulations.  The account must be programed to provide the necessary funding by the projected date of closure.  

Summary of Bill:  In addition to a reserve account, operators of larger landfills are required to maintain a cash bond.  Permit holders and applicants operating landfills larger than 100 acres with an average design capacity horizontal height exceeding 100 feet above the existing elevation are included in the new requirement.  The amount of the bond must be sufficient to fund the full cost of a temporary or permanent closure necessitated by an emergency or disaster.  A definition of "emergency or disaster" is provided to illustrate the kind of circumstances which the bill is intended to provide for.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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