BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 746
85R8068 SLB-F	By: Kolkhorst
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	3/24/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Formerly, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) was issuing experimental permits that would allow a person to dump biosolids mixed with grease and grit trap waste from food service establishments and car washes on open land. Stakeholders expressed opposition to this practice, citing concerns over contamination of ground and surface water. Additionally, the land application of this type of waste attracts rodents and other wildlife to the area. Biosolids when combined with grease and grit trap waste may include heavy metals that could potentially migrate to water resources, including local groundwater supplies.

S.B. 746 prohibits TCEQ from issuing a permit, registration, or other authorization for land application of grit trap waste or grease trap waste. This would not apply to a permit for waste disposal in a landfill or composting facility.

As proposed, S.B. 746 amends current law relating to a prohibition of the land application of grit or grease trap waste.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 361, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 361.1215, as follows:

Sec. 361.1215. LAND APPLICATION OF GRIT AND GREASE TRAP WASTE PROHIBITED. (a) Defines "grease trap waste," "grit trap," and "grit trap waste."

(b) Prohibits the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) from issuing a permit, registration, or other authorization for land application of grit trap waste or grease trap waste.

(c) Provides that this section does not apply to a permit, registration, or other authorization issued to an entity for the disposal of grease trap waste or grit trap waste at a municipal solid waste Type I landfill, a municipal solid waste Type V facility, or a compost facility.

SECTION 2. Provides that a permit, registration, or other authorization issued by TCEQ that allows the land application of grease trap waste or grit trap waste expires on the effective date of this Act. Provides that the remainder of a permit, registration, or other authorization that contains items in addition to an authorization allowing the land application of grease trap waste or grit trap waste remains in effect to the extent that it does not authorize the land application of grease trap waste or grit trap waste.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.