Texas Senate Bill SB2155

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the issuance or amendment of a permit for a solid waste landfill facility or hazardous waste land disposal unit to be located in a special flood hazard area.

Impact

Should SB2155 become law, it would significantly change how landfill permits are managed in flood-prone areas. It prohibits the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) from issuing permits for new landfills or expansions if any part of the site lies within designated flood zones, unless specific and stringent criteria are met. Applicants would be required to provide evidence that no other viable site is available outside the flood hazard area or that relocating would be prohibitively costly. Additionally, facilities must be designed to withstand a 100-year flood event without risk of contaminating surrounding areas with waste.

Summary

SB2155 is a proposed legislative act concerning the issuance or amendment of permits for municipal solid waste landfill facilities and hazardous waste land disposal units situated in special flood hazard areas. The bill defines a special flood hazard area as land with a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year, as designated by FEMA. The legislation aims to protect these vulnerable areas by imposing strict conditions on permits allowing landfill facilities to be established or expanded within such zones.

Contention

The bill raises notable points of contention among stakeholders involved in environmental regulation, community safety, and waste management. Proponents argue that SB2155 is crucial for safeguarding communities from the potential environmental risks associated with landfills in flood-prone areas, enhancing public health and safety. Conversely, critics raise concerns regarding the bill's stringent regulations, which may hinder necessary waste management solutions in areas where landfill space is already limited. They argue that the proposed requirements could complicate the permit process and diminish the efficacy of waste disposal operations while establishing solid waste management solutions.