SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5072

                    As of January 18, 1999

Title:  An act relating to the reclamation, closure, or decommissioning of a uranium or thorium mill or tailings facility.

Brief Description:  Regulating reclamation and closure of uranium and thorium mills.

Sponsors:  Senator Morton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  1/19/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background:  The site of the uranium milling operation next to the Spokane Indian Reservation in Stevens County is being reclaimed.  The Department of Health has the authority to direct reclamation of uranium and thorium mills.

In 1995 the state approved a closure plan for the mill and authorized the importation of low-level radioactive waste to use as fill material on the site.  The state permit is due to expire at the end of January 1999.

Summary of Bill:  No state agency may issue a permit for the transportation of low-level radioactive mill tailings which is classified as 11e(2) waste under the Atomic Energy Act.

The Department of Health may not approve the license or re-licensure for the reclamation, closure or decommissioning of a uranium mill, thorium mill, or tailing facility if the reclamation uses 11e(2) radioactive materials not produced at the site.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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