SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5483

As of February 15, 2001

Title:  An act relating to solid waste disposal standards.

Brief Description:  Modifying solid waste disposal standards.

Sponsors:  Senator Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environment, Energy & Water:  2/16/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & WATER

Staff:  Jim Metropulos (786‑7784)

Background:  Current law provides for stringent siting and design standards for new large, above-grade landfills.  These landfills have a design of greater than 100 acres and with an average horizontal height of 100 feet or more above existing elevations.  The law does not effect the expansion or modification of a landfill to this size.

Summary of Bill:  On or after July 1, 2001, an existing landfill is not allowed to expand or modify if  such expansion or modification would result in its design capacity exceeding 100 acres and whose horizontal height averages 100 hundred feet or more above existing site elevations; and (a) if the landfill is less than five miles from any national park or public or private nonprofit zoological park displaying native animals in native habitats; or (b) it is over a sole source aquifer designated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, as designated before July 1, 1999.

Expanded or modified landfills larger than 100 acres and whose horizontal height averages 100 hundred feet or more above existing site elevations are required to install a berm around the facility.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 7, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.