Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 2619 amends the Texas Used Oil Collection, Management, and Recycling Act to add provisions relating to used oil filter storage, transportation, and processing. The act prohibits a person from disposing of a used oil filter in any manner that would result in the discharge of oil into soil or water, sets forth requirements for bulk storage containers, and prohibits a used oil filter from being intentionally or knowingly placed in or accepted for disposal in a landfill permitted by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC).

The act prohibits a transporter, storage facility, or processor from storing, processing, recycling, or disposing of used oil filters unless they are registered with the TNRCC and requires the commission to make individuals wishing to register demonstrate adequate financial responsibility for their operations. House Bill 2619 places limitations on the storage of used oil filters and requires each shipment of used oil filters to be accompanied by a bill of lading. Each storage facility and facility used by a registered processor must also develop and implement an oil spill prevention and response plan that conforms with certain federal requirements. The act establishes a civil penalty for violations, and authorizes the TNRCC, attorney general, or local government to bring suit to recover the penalty. Violations are also subject to certain administrative penalties.

Provisions of the act apply only to a used oil filter that has not been separated into its component parts or burned for recovery of steel or energy. The act does not apply to certain industrial generators who are permitted by the TNRCC or who are under the waste management authority of another state agency. The act takes effect September 1, 1999, except for provisions relating to registration and reporting, shipment records, limitations on storage, and civil and administrative penalties which take effect January 1, 2000.