Texas House Bill HB2517

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a prohibition of the land application of grit or grease trap waste.

Impact

If enacted, HB2517 will significantly change how grease and grit trap waste are managed in the state. By disallowing land application of these wastes, Texas aims to enhance its environmental protection efforts. The bill mandates that any existing permits for land application issued prior to this law will expire, ensuring that all operations involving such waste management are in compliance with the new regulations. This move aligns with broader efforts to improve waste management practices and reduce pollution in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2517 seeks to prohibit the land application of grit and grease trap waste in Texas. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code by adding a new section that explicitly states that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) may not issue any permits or authorizations for such land application. This legislative measure is a response to growing concerns regarding the environmental impact of improperly managed waste from food service and industrial facilities, which can potentially contaminate soil and groundwater if applied to land.

Contention

Notably, there may be points of contention regarding the economic impact on businesses that currently utilize land application as a disposal method for their grease and grit trap waste. Stakeholders from the waste management and food service industries may express concern about increased disposal costs and the lack of alternative disposal methods. Environmental advocacy groups are likely to support the bill, arguing that it is a crucial step towards protecting public health and the environment from hazardous waste practices.