Strikes the words "which is naturally occurring" with regard to any promulgated rules and regulations of the department of environmental management (DEM) relating to the remediation of arsenic.
Impact
The impact of this bill is significant as it alters how hazardous waste, particularly arsenic, is managed within the state. By removing the exemption for naturally occurring arsenic, it places a greater responsibility on the DEM to address potential environmental health threats associated with this substance. Critics argue that the change could lead to unnecessary remediation efforts in areas where arsenic levels are low and could strain state resources, while proponents believe it upholds public safety and health standards.
Summary
Bill S0644 pertains to the management of hazardous waste in Rhode Island. Specifically, the bill proposes to amend the existing statutes regarding the remediation of arsenic by striking the phrase 'which is naturally occurring' from the regulations promulgated by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). This change means that the DEM would no longer be able to exempt areas with naturally occurring arsenic levels—below nineteen parts per million—from remediation efforts. The intent behind this is to enhance public health and safety by ensuring that all hazardous waste, regardless of its natural occurrence, is subject to appropriate management and remediation.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding S0644 may include discussions on balancing environmental protection with economic considerations in remediation processes. Stakeholders from environmental advocacy groups are likely to support the bill for its aim to improve community health, while some industry representatives may express concerns about increased regulatory burdens and costs associated with mandatory remediation of naturally occurring arsenic. There could also be debates on practicality and feasibility of implementing such rules effectively within the state's existing infrastructure.
Requires that the DEM rules and regulations for remediation of hazardous material releases not include any provision requiring the remediation of arsenic which is naturally occurring at levels less than 19 parts per million.
Requires that the DEM rules and regulations for remediation of hazardous material releases not include any provision requiring the remediation of arsenic which is naturally occurring at levels less than nineteen parts per million (19 ppm).
Establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department of environmental management. An advisory committee would be established to determine suggested uses of the funds in said account.
Prohibits the department of environmental management from adopting motor vehicle emissions standards based on California's promulgated standards. It also requires any rules or regulations related to said standards be repealed.
Establishes the Rhode Island lake management program within the department of environmental management to aid with lake and pond management issues relating to the control of aquatic invasive plants.
Establishes the Rhode Island lake management program within the department of environmental management to aid with lake and pond management issues relating to the control of aquatic invasive plants.
Requires the department of environmental management to promulgate by rule, a list of "furbearers" for purposes of the furbearing animals chapter of the general laws.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.