Texas Senate Bill SB213

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/09

Caption

Relating to a manifest system to record the transportation of certain liquid wastes.

Impact

If enacted, SB213 would significantly impact state laws related to waste management and environmental protection. The introduction of a standardized manifest system aims to streamline tracking processes and promote best practices in waste disposal. Additionally, the bill mandates that records relating to waste transport must be retained for a minimum of three years, fostering a culture of compliance and responsibility among waste management stakeholders. This legislative measure is positioned to bolster oversight and regulation of hazardous waste activities, potentially reducing illegal dumping and other unsafe disposal methods.

Summary

Senate Bill 213, proposed by Senator Shapleigh, aims to establish a manifest system for tracking the transportation of specific types of liquid wastes, including municipal sewage sludge, grit trap waste, and grease trap waste. The bill mandates that any entity involved in the generation, transportation, or disposal of these waste types must maintain detailed records and utilize a sequentially numbered transportation manifest issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This requirement seeks to ensure that these wastes are only transported to authorized facilities, thereby enhancing the accountability in waste management practices within the state.

Contention

While the bill has been introduced with the intent of strengthening waste management systems, it may also provoke discussions about the potential increased administrative burdens placed on waste generators and transporters. Critics may argue that such regulations could impose additional costs and operational challenges on smaller waste management companies. Furthermore, there might be concerns regarding the practicality of enforcement, especially in rural areas where waste disposal facilities may be limited. Balancing regulatory compliance with operational feasibility will likely be a focal point of debates surrounding SB213.