INCREASE MOISTURE LEVEL OF SUGAR BEET SOIL EXCLUDED FROM SOLID WASTE DEFINITION

House Bill 6122 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Tom Barrett

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 9-25-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 6122 would amend Part 115 (Solid Waste Management) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to increase the moisture level of soil removed from sugar beets that is excluded from being defined as solid waste.

Under NREPA, solid waste means garbage, rubbish, ashes, incinerator ash or residue, street cleanings, municipal and industrial sludges, solid commercial and industrial waste, and animal waste other than organic waste generated in the production of livestock and poultry.

However, solid waste currently does not include other various forms of waste, including soil that is washed or otherwise removed from sugar beets with not more than 35% moisture content and that is registered as a soil conditioner under Part 85 (Fertilizers). The bill would increase the allowable moisture level to 50% moisture content.

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

MCL 324.11506

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 6122 is unlikely to have a direct effect on current costs or revenues for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The bill would alter exemptions to the definition of solid waste, which is regulated by the DEQ. It is unclear whether this potential change would affect the DEQ’s solid waste program and the program’s corresponding costs and revenues. The bill would not have an impact on local government costs or revenues.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Emily S. Smith

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Austin Scott

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.