SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6061

BYSenators Benitz, Stratton and Bluechel

Requiring the state patrol to develop a permanent working group to periodically review guidelines and response capabilities to radioactive materials and waste.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1989; February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6061 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                  February 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

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

There is some concern that if an accident were to occur during a radioactive materials shipment in a remote area, there could be confusion over the response roles of local and state agencies.

SUMMARY:

The State Patrol is directed to develop a permanent working group to periodically review guidelines and response capabilities pertaining to radioactive materials and radioactive waste.  Members of the group include representatives of DSHS' Office of Radiation Protection, Emergency Management, county sheriffs and any other entity chosen by the chief.

The State Patrol and the Office of Radiation Protection are directed to report annually on the use and transportation of radioactive materials within the state.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The appropriation of $15,000 to DSHS is removed.

Appropriation:    $25,000 to WSP

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 23, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Rick Jensen, WSP; Barry Bede, US Ecology; Terry Strong, DSHS