Missouri House Bill HB184

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Requires a notice of intent to excavate to the department of natural resources to check whether the excavation is in a site contaminated with hazardous waste

Impact

If passed, HB184 will amend Chapter 319 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new section that mandates the DNR to promptly relay information about excavation notices to responsible parties. This means the DNR will be tasked with determining if the excavation falls within hazardous waste sites or those that are under investigation and notifying the excavators accordingly. This could lead to increased operational costs and regulatory compliance for excavation companies while aiming to protect public health.

Summary

House Bill 184 aims to enhance safety measures related to excavations in sites potentially contaminated with hazardous waste. The bill requires excavators to notify the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of their intent to excavate, allowing the DNR to check whether the excavation is in a contaminated area. This legislation is focused on ensuring that any excavation does not pose a risk to the health and safety of workers and the surrounding community by identifying hazardous sites that require attention before any work is conducted.

Contention

Debate around the bill may center on the complexity this adds to excavation processes and potential pushback from the construction and excavation industry. While proponents may argue that it empowers regulatory agencies to better protect worker safety and the environment, detractors might claim that it introduces unnecessary bureaucratic delays and could hinder the timely execution of construction projects. The balance between safety and efficiency in project management is likely to be a significant point of contention among stakeholders.