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 management program between local governments and the state, outlines responsibilities for enforcing solid waste regulations, and establishes civil penalties for non-compliance, which can escalate for persistent violations.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for appeals of enforcement actions and penalties, ensuring effective responses to violations by both jurisdictional health departments and the state department. It specifies decisions and orders made by various departments that are subject to review or appeal, while also clarifying that certain hearings will not be conducted by the hearings board. A significant addition is a new section 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, highlighting the necessity of securing financial resources for its implementation.

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