SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 832

BYHouse Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Sprenkle, Allen, Rust, Grant, Unsoeld and Todd)

Penalizing governmental entities for the unauthorized disposal of solid waste.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1988; February 25, 1988

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

     Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Benitz, Kreidler, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

                February 25, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 25, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Solid waste law allows persons to dispose of garbage on their own land, provided that the disposal does not create a nuisance or violate any local or environmental laws.  Otherwise, garbage must be disposed into a permitted disposal facility if that facility is on land subject to state jurisdiction.  Persons violating these provisions are guilty of a misdemeanor.  There are currently no statutory provisions prohibiting the transportation of garbage to a nonpermitted landfill.

SUMMARY:

It is illegal for persons to transport waste to a nonpermitted facility.  Penalty provisions are increased from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor and a maximum civil penalty of $10,000 is added.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS:

Haulers operating under contract or under authority of the Utilities and Transportation are exempt from the penalty provisions of this act.

Cities and counties planning to send their garbage to a disposal facility where a Washington State permit is not required (i.e., to another state or nation) may do so only if: (1) the disposal facility meets all Washington State requirements; or (2) a state or local agency of Washington State is granted authority to enforce state laws at the disposal facility.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    available

Senate Committee - Testified:   Representative Art Sprenkle (pro); Nancy Pearson, WCFR (pro); Bill Robinson, Tulallip Tribes/Ogden Martin (con)