SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6092

BYSenators Pullen, Garrett and Rasmussen

Providing for the location of energy recovery or incineration facilities for solid waste treatment.

Senate Committee on Environmental & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 27, 1988

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

AS OF JANUARY 22, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Statewide, approximately 3.1 million tons of commercial and residential garbage is generated annually.  The Legislature has adopted priorities for how to manage this solid waste, with waste reduction as the top priority, followed by recycling, incineration, and, lastly, landfilling.  Most jurisdictions continue to rely on landfills as the primary disposal option, and 82 percent (or 2.5 million tons) of garbage is landfilled in the state each year.

As an alternative to landfills, many local jurisdictions are considering incineration.  Incinerators emit air emissions and also create ash which needs to be disposed in landfills.  Due to disagreement over the extent of the environmental impacts of incinerators, there is increasing public concern about siting incinerators.

SUMMARY:

Solid waste incinerators may not be located or constructed within 10,000 feet of any established residential area, hospital or school.  Established residential area is defined as at least 20 acres with a density of two or more residences per acre.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested