HB 1743-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/13/03)

Finds that: (1) Substantial volumes of hazardous wastes, and used oil and other recycled materials, are being accumulated and managed at facilities located throughout Washington;

(2) Some hazardous waste management facilities, used oil processors, and recyclers have been abandoned, shut down, or gone bankrupt in Washington, leaving taxpayers, property owners, or former customers with millions of dollars in clean-up costs and significant environmental impacts; and

(3) The proper management and oversight of wastes at these facilities is essential to prevent adverse effects to the environment and economy and to protect public health and safety.

Requires that by December 31, 2003, the department of ecology shall, in consultation with representatives of the waste management industry, businesses that generate waste, financial institutions, insurance companies, local government, environmental groups, and other interested parties, provide a report to the appropriate standing committees of the house of representatives and the senate containing at least the following information and recommendations: (1) Recommended requirements for financial assurance to appropriately close and clean up these facilities;

(2) Recommended requirements for liability insurance to address any unplanned sudden or nonsudden contaminant release to the environment of these facilities;

(3) Recommend a system for authorizing off-site recycling and used oil processing operations that are not currently subject to hazardous waste permits; and

(4) Information on a possible fee-based system to provide adequate funding for the department's permitting, compliance, and assistance programs for hazardous waste facilities, including recyclers and used oil processors.

Declares that nothing in this act applies to waste generators.