SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6547

BYSenators Sellar, Madsen, Johnson, Nelson, Owen, Craswell, Hayner, von Reichbauer, Stratton, Deccio, Smith, Zimmerman, Benitz, Garrett, Smitherman and Warnke

Specifying use of portions of low-level radioactive waste surcharges.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1988

Senate Staff:William Bafus (786-7437)

AS OF FEBRUARY 2, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Law requires users of the Hanford Low-Level Radioactive Waste Repository to contribute to a perpetual care and maintenance fund which will be used to pay for state activities in the maintenance and surveillance at the site after its closure.  The fund is receiving a $1.75 per cubic foot disposal fee plus interest earned on accumulated balances, and has a balance of approximately $15 million. 

Law also provides for the levying of a surcharge upon waste brought to the site from outside of the Northwest region. The latest available estimate of the revenue which this surcharge will generate during fiscal year 1989 is approximately $5 million.  Presently, all revenues from this source go into the state general fund.

SUMMARY:

One half of the revenue from the low-level radioactive waste surcharge is deposited in the Perpetual Maintenance Account for use in post closure monitoring and maintenance activities at the Hanford Low-level Radioactive Waste Repository.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested February 2, 1988