EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
*sb0353*
SENATE BILL 353
M3, R2 4lr0488
By: Senator Simonaire
Introduced and read first time: January 16, 2024
Assigned to: Education, Energy, and the Environment
A BILL ENTITLED
AN ACT concerning 1
Confined Aquatic Disposal Task Force 2
FOR the purpose of establishing the Confined Aquatic Disposal Task Force; and generally 3
relating to the Confined Aquatic Disposal Task Force. 4
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 5
That: 6
(a) There is a Confined Aquatic Disposal Task Force. 7
(b) The Task Force consists of the following members: 8
(1) one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of 9
the Senate; 10
(2) one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the 11
House; 12
(3) the Secretary of the Environment, or the Secretary’s designee; 13
(4) the Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration, or the 14
Executive Director’s designee; and 15
(5) the following members, appointed by the Governor: 16
(i) one member who is an expert on confined aquatic disposal 17
programs; 18
(ii) one representative of a sports fishing organization; 19
(iii) one representative of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; 20 2 SENATE BILL 353
(iv) one representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and 1
(v) two members from water privileged communities located in 2
Baltimore County, Baltimore City, or Anne Arundel County that are in close proximity to 3
dredged materials from Baltimore Harbor. 4
(c) The Governor shall designate the chair of the Task Force. 5
(d) The Maryland Port Administration shall provide staff for the Task Force. 6
(e) A member of the Task Force: 7
(1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Task Force; but 8
(2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State 9
Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. 10
(f) (1) The Task Force shall strive for consensus among its members. 11
(2) An affirmative vote of a majority of members is needed for the Task 12
Force to act. 13
(g) The Task Force shall: 14
(1) discuss and review: 15
(i) the overall concept, viability, and available options associated 16
with confined aquatic disposal programs; 17
(ii) the State’s requirements and long –term strategies for 18
maintaining functional and thriving ports in Maryland; 19
(iii) the capacity limitations of the State’s dredged material 20
placement sites and the State’s needs going forward; 21
(iv) the potential benefits and risks associated with confined aquatic 22
disposal programs; 23
(v) the categories of dredged materials that should be permitted 24
within confined aquatic disposal sites; 25
(vi) any financial impacts on neighboring communities in close 26
proximity to confined aquatic disposal sites; 27
(vii) any limitations to be placed on confined aquatic disposal 28
programs with consideration given to the following factors: 29 SENATE BILL 353 3
1. the location of confined aquatic disposal sites, including 1
the selection of industrial versus residential areas and distance from shore; 2
2. the size of confined aquatic disposal sites; 3
3. noise levels associated with confined aquatic disposal; 4
4. times of day when dredged material may be added to 5
confined aquatic disposal sites; 6
5. environmental impacts; and 7
6. any other factors the Task Force deems necessary; and 8
(viii) an approach for community outreach for any future confined 9
aquatic disposal program; 10
(2) make a recommendation on whether the Maryland Port Authority 11
should pursue the development of a confined aquatic disposal program or prohibit its use 12
in the State; and 13
(3) if the Task Force recommends developing a confined aquatic disposal 14
program, develop a list of best practices and legislative or other policy recommendations 15
regarding the authorization or implementation of the program, including: 16
(i) selecting locations for confined aquatic disposal sites; 17
(ii) the size of confined aquatic disposal sites; 18
(iii) specifications on allowable dredged materials; 19
(iv) the consideration of impacts to neighboring communities, 20
habitat, and the environment; 21
(v) outreach programs; and 22
(vi) any other subjects the Task Force deems necessary. 23
(h) On or before July 1, 2025, the Task Force shall report its findings and 24
recommendations to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment, 25
the House Environment and Transportation Committee, the Governor, and, in accordance 26
with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly. 27
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 28
1, 2024. It shall remain effective for a period of 1 year and 6 months and, at the end of 29 4 SENATE BILL 353
December 31, 2025, this Act, with no further action required by the General Assembly, shall 1
be abrogated and of no further force and effect. 2