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 H6208 is significant as it seeks to clarify the standards under which arsenic, a potentially harmful contaminant, would be regulated in Rhode Island. By striking the phrase 'which is naturally occurring' from existing regulations, the bill aims to reduce the burden on wastewater management systems and industries that may inadvertently handle such materials. This could potentially lead to reduced compliance costs and increased operational efficiency for affected businesses. However, it raises questions about the environmental implications of allowing higher levels of naturally occurring arsenic without remediation.
Summary
House Bill H6208 pertains to the remediation of hazardous waste in Rhode Island, specifically concerning the treatment of naturally occurring arsenic. Introduced by Representative Terri Cortvriend, the bill seeks to amend Section 23-19.1-6 of the General Laws regarding the powers and duties of the director of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The proposed amendment removes the stipulation that arsenic considered to be naturally occurring should be subject to remediation regulations if its levels are less than nineteen parts per million (19 ppm). This change reflects an effort to streamline hazardous waste management concerning naturally occurring materials.
Contention
Notably, while proponents may argue that this bill facilitates better management practices by eliminating unnecessary regulations for naturally occurring arsenic, opponents may contend that it risks public health and environmental safety. The contention lies in the balance between regulatory compliance costs for businesses and the potential risk to the community's health from exposure to higher levels of arsenic without mitigation efforts. Discussions surrounding the bill emphasize the need for careful consideration of environmental protections alongside economic impacts.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.