SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1182

BYRepresentatives Rust, D. Sommers, G. Fisher, Fraser and Phillips; by request of Director of Ecology

Revising local government roles in hazardous waste siting.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 16, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Benitz, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Barry Brandon (786-7717)

                  March 17, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 16, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Hazardous Waste Management Act (RCW 70.105) recognizes that safe and responsible management of hazardous waste is necessary to prevent adverse effects on the environment.  State and local responsibility is delineated in the siting of hazardous waste facilities.  In certain situations, local government authority is preempted in permitting and regulating these facilities.

By June 30, 1988, cities and counties were to designate land use zones where hazardous waste treatment and storage facilities could be located.  Failure to designate such zones resulted in the state, instead of local agencies, writing land use approvals and permits.  However, Department of Ecology's repeal of detailed state regulations for siting hazardous waste facilities has impacted local government's ability to designate zones.  More than 150 towns and cities in 15 counties failed to meet the June 30, 1988 deadline.

SUMMARY:

The cut-off date for designation of zones is eliminated.  Zones may be completed or revised within 18 months after state siting standards are adopted.  If a local government does not comply with the deadline, they are subject to the preemptive provisions of the act until the local zone designations are completed and approved by the Department of Ecology.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The Department of Ecology is required to adopt detailed siting criteria by May 31, 1990.

Senate Committee - Testified: Earl Tower, Department of Ecology (pro)