SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8003

BYSenators Conner, Bender, Madsen, DeJarnatt and Murray

Requesting that the practice of railroad holding tanks dumping on the right of way be discontinued.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1989

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; Conner, Hansen, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

                January 23, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The federal Public Rail Passenger Service Act exempts from state control the practice of roadway dumping of holding tanks by Amtrak trains.  Persons who work along the right of way argue that this dumping creates both a health and safety problem for railway employees and others who use the railroad right of way.

SUMMARY:

The President and the Congress of the United States are memorialized to ensure that Amtrak install holding tanks for all waste on rail cars and that those tanks be relieved through proper waste disposal methods at terminal areas.  It is further requested that these holding tanks be of sufficient capacity to prevent future dumping of tanks on railroad rights of way.  Copies of the memorial are to be transmitted to the President of the United States, President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and each member of the Washington congressional delegation.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Charles Butterfield, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees; Tom Retterath, Railroad Workers, United Transportation Union