Maryland Senate Bill SB718

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/6/23
• Report Pass: 3/2/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Enrolled: 4/6/23
• Chaptered: 4/11/23
• Passed: 4/11/23

Caption

Voluntary Cleanup Program - Determination and Recordation Deadlines

Impact

This bill aims to streamline processes pertaining to the cleanup of contaminated properties and enhance the participation of 'inculpable persons'—those who did not contribute to contamination—by making it easier for them to engage in voluntary cleanup. By changing the deadlines for their applications and the necessary documentation, SB718 promotes quicker responses to environmental concerns, potentially leading to faster rehabilitation of contaminated areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 718, also known as the Voluntary Cleanup Program - Determination and Recordation Deadlines, modifies the timelines related to the approval and recording processes for Maryland's Voluntary Cleanup Program. The bill enables the Department to notify applicants about their application status within 60 days of receipt, compared to the previous 45-day timeline. Additionally, it extends the timeframe for participants to record determinations and certificates of completion in local land records from 30 to 60 days.

Sentiment

The sentiment expressed by stakeholders regarding SB718 is largely supportive, particularly from environmental advocates and the Department of the Environment. They view the bill as a step towards more effective management of contaminated sites, which could have positive implications for public health and environmental safety. However, concerns were voiced about the potential for bureaucratic delays in approval processes, even with the extended timelines.

Contention

Discussions around SB718 brought some points of contention, specifically regarding the adequacy of the new timeframes. Critics argue that while extending the deadlines may reduce the pressure on applicants, it could lead to delays in important cleanup activities. Stakeholders also debated the definition of 'eligible property' and the criteria for determining responsible parties, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines to ensure effective enforcement of the new rules.