Hawaii Senate Bill SCR202

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Urging The Department Of Health To Ensure The Safe Management Of Incinerator Ash From Waste Incinerator Facilities.

Impact

The resolution highlights that although incineration ash is sometimes treated as non-hazardous, it can pose serious risks due to the presence of toxic metals and substances such as dioxins and furans. These risks are not only related to groundwater contamination, as evaluated by the EPA, but also extend to inhalation and dermal contact. Thus, it emphasizes the importance of classifying incinerator ash as solid waste for better regulation and control to protect public health and the environment.

Summary

SCR202 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the Department of Health in Hawaii to ensure the safe management of incinerator ash produced by waste incineration facilities. It notes that waste incineration facilities significantly reduce the volume of trash, but the resulting ash, especially from Hawaii's only incinerator, the Covanta Honolulu Resource Recovery Venture (H-Power), raises public health concerns. Currently, a substantial amount of this ash is disposed of in landfills, which may not adequately address potential hazards associated with it.

Contention

SCR202 explicitly advises against the City and County of Honolulu's plans to recycle incinerator ash for use in construction. It argues that such practices could increase exposure risks for workers and the public. The resolution puts forth the assertion that the safe management of this waste is not just a regulatory obligation but a public health imperative, suggesting that failure to address these concerns may lead to violations of state law.