The bill amends the Hazardous Waste Act by introducing a new definition for "hazardous waste constituent," which encompasses chemicals or substances recognized by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state board as having harmful effects, including toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic properties. It expands the responsibilities of the Environmental Improvement Board to include the management of these hazardous waste constituents, requiring the board to adopt regulations that are at least as stringent as federal standards, establish guidelines for hazardous waste generators and transporters, and ensure corrective actions are taken in the event of hazardous waste releases.

Additionally, the bill mandates the board to identify and list hazardous waste and constituents based on toxicity and environmental impact, implement a manifest system for tracking hazardous waste from generation to disposal, and ensure that all hazardous waste is managed in permitted facilities. It also introduces new regulations for the management of hazardous waste and storage tanks, requiring permits for treatment, storage, or disposal facilities, and outlines procedures for permit issuance and modifications, including public notice and comment opportunities. The board is tasked with aligning its rules with federal regulations concerning hazardous substance incidents and storage tank management, while also establishing standards for the operation and maintenance of storage tanks and allowing for exceptions in rural areas to maintain access to motor fuel during emergencies.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 74-4-3, 74-4-4
EN substitute: 74-4-3, 74-4-4