Oklahoma Senate Bill SB877

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Waste management; prohibiting new licenses or permits without certain determination by Department of Environmental Quality; establishing requirements for licensees. Effective date.

Impact

The bill's implementation would have a significant effect on how waste is managed in Oklahoma. By restricting new permits based on environmental safety assessments, it stresses the importance of monitoring perfluoroalkyl substances, which are known for their adverse health effects. Consequently, this bill could lead to stricter supervision and potentially reduce the number of farms and waste facilities that can apply septage, fostering a more cautious approach to waste management in the state. This could, however, also lead to increased costs and logistical challenges for existing businesses that depend on these operations for waste disposal.

Summary

Senate Bill 877 aims to address environmental concerns in waste management by regulating the issuance of licenses and permits for the application or spreading of septage. The bill specifically prohibits the Department of Environmental Quality from issuing new licenses unless it is determined that the concentration of perfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances in nearby groundwater or drinking water does not exceed established safety standards. This stipulation is crucial to ensure that public health is protected from potentially harmful chemical contaminants commonly found in wastewater and septage.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding SB877 is the balance between environmental regulation and economic activity in waste management. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for safeguarding water quality and public health, while opponents may view it as a hindrance to operational capabilities of industries reliant on the disposal of septage. There could be concerns from agricultural sectors regarding the impact on manure and fertilization practices if this legislation is seen as overly restrictive. Furthermore, the regulatory burden on the Department of Environmental Quality could evoke debate over resource allocation and efficacy in implementation.