HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 1684

BYHouse Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Sprenkle, May, Rust, Pruitt, D. Sommers, Cooper, Walker, Unsoeld, Nelson, Brekke, Ferguson, Todd and Spanel)

Establishing an analysis process for management of certain categories of solid waste.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (13)

      Signed by Representatives Rust, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; Brekke, Ferguson, Jesernig, Lux, May, Pruitt, Schoon, D. Sommers, Sprenkle, Unsoeld and Walker.

House Staff:Susan Gulick (786-7116)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 8, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The 1987 legislature established the Joint Select Committee on Preferred Solid Waste Management in order to determine the reasons why higher rates or waste reduction and recycling have not been achieved in the state and to develop recommendations on how to achieve higher rates.  Under that legislation the Committee will cease to exist on July 1, 1988.

The Committee's interim report to the legislature includes a recommendation that the Department of Ecology conduct an analysis of the solid waste stream to identify the major categories of waste, where they come from and how they are being managed.  The Committee also recommended that Ecology determine the best management alternative for each category of waste.  Once this information is gathered, the Joint Select Committee will be better able to assess the need for statutory or regulatory changes.  In order to make this assessment, the report recommends extending the duration of the Committee for an additional year.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Ecology must determine the best management practice for various categories of solid waste.  In order to make this determination, Ecology must conduct a comprehensive waste stream analysis and evaluation.  The waste stream analysis must address specified issues, including an assessment of current waste reduction and recycling rates, a review of available technologies for solid waste management and an assessment of waste segregation options. This information must be kept up to date and made available to local governments.

To determine the best management method for categories of solid waste, ecology must first determine the management method that has the least environmental impact.  After this assessment is complete, Ecology will consider costs and market availability and will determine the appropriate management strategy for each category of waste.  Certain categories must be evaluated by January 1, 1989, and others by January 1, 1990.

The results of the analysis must be incorporated into the state Solid Waste Management Plan. In July, Ecology will present a progress report to the Joint Select Committee on Preferred Solid Waste Management.  Ecology will also present a report to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by January 1, 1989.

The expiration date for the Joint Select Committee on Preferred Solid Waste Management is extended from July 1, 1988, to July 1, 1989.

EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):  Ecology is directed to take into consideration the economic impact on affected parties when evaluating the costs of various management options.  The prioritization of tasks required in the waste stream analysis is deleted.

The Department of Ecology and the Utilities and Transportation Commission are added to the list of those involved with the Joint Select Committee for Preferred Solid Waste Management.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 28, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Bruce Wishart, Sierra Club; Nancy Pearson, Washington Citizens for Recycling;  Jim Williams, Washington State Association of Counties.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Citizens and policymakers need accurate and up-to-date information in order to conduct responsible solid waste management. The bill would ensure that the Department of Ecology will develop expertise and therefore will be better able to provide effective technical assistance to local government.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Yeas 98