Texas Senate Bill SB617

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SB617 is expected to enhance compliance and accountability within the waste management sector in Texas. By requiring detailed documentation and retention of manifest records for a minimum of three years, the bill aims to improve transparency and traceability of waste disposal practices. This could lead to greater oversight by the TCEQ and ultimately contribute to better environmental protection by ensuring that hazardous materials are adequately monitored and managed throughout their lifecycle.

Summary

SB617 aims to establish a uniform manifest system for the transportation of certain municipal liquid wastes, including sewage sludge, grit trap waste, and grease trap waste. The proposed legislation mandates that entities involved in the generation, collection, transportation, processing, storage, or disposal of these wastes maintain detailed records using sequentially numbered manifests issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This system is designed to ensure that waste is transported to appropriate facilities and processed in a manner that adheres to state regulations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB617 appears to be generally supportive from environmental advocates and regulatory agencies. Proponents argue that establishing a clear framework for recording the transportation of liquid wastes is a critical step toward safeguarding public health and the environment. However, there may be concerns among waste management entities about the potential administrative burden posed by the new record-keeping requirements, which could lead to debates on balancing efficiency with regulatory compliance.

Contention

While SB617 seeks to bolster waste management practices, the bill could face contention regarding implementation logistics and compliance costs for smaller waste management businesses. Stakeholders may argue about the adequacy of the timeline for the TCEQ to adopt necessary rules and whether the bill's mandates are sufficient to address the complexities of waste management in diverse municipal contexts. The discussions may also revolve around the effectiveness of the proposed measures in improving environmental outcomes versus the administrative challenges they impose.