SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 385
BYHouse Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Representatives Cooper, Spanel, L. Smith, Sutherland, Peery, Nutley, Walk, Dellwo, Wang, Cole and Brough)
Establishing procedures for designating ports of entry for radioactive waste.
House Committe on Energy & Utilities
Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities
Senate Hearing Date(s):March 24, 1987
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Williams, Chairman; Owen, Vice Chairman; Smitherman; Stratton.
Senate Staff:Paul Parker (786-7455)
March 24, 1987
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, MARCH 24, 1987
BACKGROUND:
Federal regulations require that vehicles transporting placarded radioactive materials travel routes that minimize radiological risk. Since 1979, state regulations have allowed motor carriers transporting radioactive waste to enter the state only through two designated ports of entry -- on Interstate 90 at the Idaho state line in Spokane County, and on State Route 14 one mile north of the Oregon border in Benton County. Trucks entering at the ports of entry are inspected by the State Patrol.
Currently, port of entry rules prevent shipments of radioactive waste from the Trojan nuclear power plant in Oregon from reaching I-84 via Longview to the I-5 freeway. Instead, Trojan shipments must reach I-84 via U.S. 30 on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. Oregon officials believe the Longview route is preferable. Discussions over the routing of Trojan shipments have taken place between state officials in Washington and Oregon.
SUMMARY:
Legislative authorization is required to establish highway ports of entry for radioactive waste in addition to those in Spokane and Benton counties until Washington and at least one other state enact an interstate agreement on managing the transport of radioactive material.
Fiscal Note: none requested
Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Senate Committee - Testified: Representative David Cooper