LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE
74th Regular Session
May 4, 1995
TO: Honorable Bill Sims, Chair IN RE: Committee Substitute
Committee on Natural Resources for Senate
Senate Bill No. 977
Austin, Texas By: Sims
FROM: John Keel, Director
In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on Senate Bill No.
977 (Relating to the beneficial land application of biosolids.)
this office has determined the following:
The bill would authorize several changes to the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission's (TNRCC) biosolids (i.e.,
sludge) regulation program including: authorizing the TNRCC to
hold hearings on applications on request; deleting sign posting
requirements at sludge application sites; reducing the spacing
and frequency requirements for sampling at sludge application
sites; precluding the regulation of sludge that falls below
certain thresholds for pathogens and metals; and exempting small
facilities from reporting requirements.
The exemption of small facilities from reporting requirements
will result in a revenue loss from the Municipal Solid Waste
Fund.
While the bill could result in cost savings to both the TNRCC and
units of local government, these savings cannot be determined.
The probable fiscal implication of implementing the provisions of
the bill during each of the first five years following passage
is estimated as follows:
Fiscal Probable Revenue
Year Loss from
Municipal Solid
Waste Fund
1996 $150,000
1997 150,000
1998 150,000
1999 150,000
2000 150,000
Similar annual fiscal implications would continue as long as the
provisions of the bill are in effect.
The fiscal implication to units of local government cannot be
determined.
Source: Railroad Commission, Department of Health, Department
of Agriculture,
Natural Resource Conservation Commission
LBB Staff: JK, JB, DF