Solid waste: green material: land application.
The legislation imposes new requirements on local enforcement agencies, effectively mandating a local program for monitoring land applications of green material. This increased oversight is projected to help mitigate potential negative impacts associated with the application of unprocessed green materials, including risks to agriculture biosecurity, human health, and water quality, while also addressing concerns over methane emissions and physical contamination. The bill does not require state reimbursement to local agencies for the additional costs incurred, based on the assertion that local agencies can levy fees to cover these expenses.
Assembly Bill 2680, introduced by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, focuses on regulating the land application of green materials derived from solid waste. The bill aims to amend the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 by requiring disposal facility operators to submit quarterly disposal tonnage reports. Furthermore, the bill mandates that entities applying 250 or more tons of green material per year on a single parcel must notify local enforcement agencies and prohibits the application of 1,000 or more tons without a solid waste facility permit. These measures are intended to enhance the oversight of solid waste management practices and protect public health and the environment.
The sentiment around AB 2680 appears to be cautious but largely supportive from environmental advocates, who argue that it is necessary to regulate the land application of green materials to protect health and safety. However, there are concerns from certain stakeholders about the potential burdens this may impose on local agencies and landowners, particularly regarding the compliance costs and operational complexities associated with new reporting requirements. The discussions indicate a desire to balance environmental protection with the practicalities of enforcement at the local level.
One notable point of contention relates to the imposition of additional responsibilities on local enforcement agencies without the provision for state reimbursement, which could lead to discontent regarding funding and resource allocation for local programs. Stakeholders have raised questions about the adequacy of local capacity to manage these new requirements and the implications for agricultural producers who may be directly affected by the stricter regulations on how green materials are handled in land applications.