The bill aims to enhance environmental and public health protections concerning solid waste handling facility operations in Washington State by amending several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It establishes clearer guidelines for the permitting process, requiring jurisdictional health departments to refer permit applications to the state department for review to ensure compliance with local and state regulations. Additionally, permits for landfills must be reviewed and approved by the state department before issuance, with specific timelines set for permit approvals and renewals—90 days for initial applications and 45 days for renewals. The bill also introduces a cooperative enforcement program between local governments and the state, allowing state intervention when local enforcement is inadequate, and establishes penalties for violations, including fines up to $10,000 per day.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the review process for decisions and hearings by various departments, specifying which hearings will not be conducted by the hearings board. It also includes a new provision stating that if specific funding for the act is not provided by June 30, 2025, in the omnibus appropriations act, the act will be null and void. This ensures that the implementation of the act is contingent upon the allocation of necessary funds, thereby reinforcing the importance of financial support for effective solid waste management and environmental protection.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.205.125, 70A.205.130, 70A.205.135, 70A.205.140
Substitute Bill: 70A.205.125, 70A.205.130, 70A.205.135, 70A.205.140
Second Substitute: 70A.205.125, 70A.205.130, 70A.205.135, 70A.205.140
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70A.205.125, 70A.205.130, 70A.205.135, 70A.205.140
Session Law: 70A.205.125, 70A.205.130, 70A.205.135, 70A.205.140