SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 509

BYHouse Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Holland, Rust, Walker, Valle, J. Williams, Unsoeld, Allen, Patrick, Ferguson and Lux)

Limiting the use of landfills for solid waste disposal.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 31, 1987; April 2, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

     Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Bluechel, Kiskaddon.

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY

APRIL 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Disposal of untreated or "raw" garbage has caused serious environmental problems in landfills due to groundwater contamination and methane gas migration.  To date, 14 county and municipal landfills have been designated as state and federal Superfund sites.  It is widely believed that many more landfills will eventually be identified as Superfund sites.

In 1984 the Legislature established management priorities for solid waste.  Waste reduction is the highest priority, followed by recycling, incineration, and the lowest priority, landfilling. Most wastes disposed in landfills can be incinerated, but certain wastes (such as large appliances), cannot.

SUMMARY:

After January 1, 1992, solid waste will not be allowed in landfills in class AA and class A counties (i.e. King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane), except for ash residues from incinerators and wastes unsuitable for incineration.

These counties may not construct new landfills unless they can demonstrate that a landfill is needed exclusively for ash residues and noncombustible solid wastes.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS:

The prohibition on disposal of untreated solid waste into landfills is extended to January 1, 1999 from January 1, 1992.

Solid waste generated on certain islands in class AA or A counties is exempt.

The Board of Natural Resources is given the authority to reconvey land which is leased to a county for the purposes of solid waste disposal.

Fiscal Note:    Available.

Senate Committee - Testified:   Chuck Hardaway, Maple Valley Area Council