SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6735

BYSenators Stratton, Benitz and Owen

Regulating transport of highway route controlled quantity radioactive materials.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988; February 5, 1988

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6735 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Nelson, Owen, Stratton, Williams.

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                February 5, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 5, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) and the Utilities and Transportation Commission currently inspect shipments of radioactive waste entering the state.  Users of non-waste radioactive materials must be licensed by the state radiation control agency which is designated as the Department of Social and Health Services.

The most hazardous radioactive materials shipments are classified as "highway route controlled quantity".  There were eleven of these shipments within the state in 1987.  The number of these shipments will likely increase in the next several years as transuranic waste is shipped from Hanford to New Mexico.

In 1987 the Legislature passed legislation allowing the formation of a committee consisting of officials from Washington and neighboring states to develop standards for transporting radioactive materials.

SUMMARY:

A permit is required to ship any highway route controlled quantity radioactive materials within the state.  The chief of the WSP shall determine permit requirements.  State and local agencies may request information contained in the permits.

The WSP is designated as the agency to respond immediately to highway accidents or incidents involving radioactive materials and waste.  WSP may impound or immobilize vehicles transporting radioactive materials or waste if an immediate threat to the environment exists.

When making rules, the chief must consider any agreements reached within the Pacific States Committee on Radioactive Materials Transportation.

The WSP is directed to develop a permanent working group to review response capabilities pertaining to radioactive materials and radioactive waste.

WSP and the state radiation control agency shall submit an annual report on the use and transportation of radioactive materials within the state.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Utilities and Transportation Commission is the agency directed to develop and implement the permit system.  Permittees must notify the commission after a shipment reaches its final destination within the state.

Specific requirements of the permit are deleted.

Representatives of local fire departments are included as members of the working group on response capabilities.

Appropriation:  $25,000 to WSP; $15,000 to DSHS

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Barry Bede, U.S. Ecology