SRC-AXB H.B. 480 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 480
76R9287  JJT-FBy: Seaman (Armbrister)
Natural Resources
5/9/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, a commercial surface disposal facility (oil field and drilling
waste handler) permit applicant is only required to notify adjacent
landowners of the permit application.  Safe drinking water supplies and the
local environment could be threatened by the placement of such facilities.
County officials and citizens affected by such a facility must travel to
Austin to voice their opinion during the Railroad Commission's (RRC)
application review process.  H.B. 480 sets forth specific notification
requirements for a commercial surface disposal facility permit applicant,
and authorizes the RRC to hold hearings in the affected county, rather than
only Austin, in Travis County. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 480 creates regulation for the notice of a commercial
surface disposal facility permit application. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 91D, Natural Resources Code, by adding Sections
91.116 and 91.117, as follows: 

Sec.  91.116.  NOTICE OF COMMERCIAL SURFACE DISPOSAL FACILITY PERMIT
APPLICATION.  Defines "commercial surface disposal facility (CSDF)."
Requires a CSDF permit applicant to publish notice of the application.
Sets forth notice requirements, and notice publication requirements. 

Sec. 91.117.  PUBLIC INFORMATION HEARING ON APPLICATION FOR COMMERCIAL
SURFACE DISPOSAL FACILITY PERMIT.  Defines "commercial surface disposal
facility."   Authorizes the Railroad Commission of Texas to hold a public
meeting on a CSDF application.  Requires the meeting to be held in same
county as the facility location. 

SECTION 2.Effective date:  September 1, 1999.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.