SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1222

BYRepresentatives G. Fisher, D. Sommers, Rust, Fraser, Pruitt, Hine, Winsley, May, Phillips, Spanel, Cooper and Ebersole; by request of Department of Ecology and Washington State Patrol

Providing for containment of waste.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 16, 1989; March 30, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Bauer, Kreidler, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Atsushi Kiuchi (786-7708)

                  March 30, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 30, 1989

BACKGROUND:

As much as 40 percent of the litter along roads and highways in Washington State come from loose materials (unsecured loads) escaping from open vehicles.  Current state motor vehicle laws only cover safety issues regarding loose loads and do not address waste materials that are spilled affecting health and environment.

SUMMARY:

Garbage and any other waste materials must be covered so they cannot become loose or detached from, or blown out of vehicles while being transported.  The loads do not have to be covered if there is six inches of freeboard and the materials cannot come out of the bed of the vehicle.

The Washington State Patrol may draw up rules as necessary for local and state enforcement entities.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 19, 1989

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS:

The State Model Litter Control Act, Chapter 70.93 RCW, is amended to prohibit spillage of litter from motor vehicles.  The vehicle loads will be covered or secured to prevent spillage.

The Department of Ecology shall begin giving public notice of the spillage provisions and penalties on August 1, 1989.  Informational materials shall include but not be limited to signs and brochures at appropriate landfills, transfer stations and motor vehicle registration offices.

An effective date of January 1, 1990 is added.

Senate Committee - Testified: Duke Schaub, Associated General Contractors; George Cvitanich, Washington Waste Management Association; Bill Alkire, Department of Ecology (for)