BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.S.B. 2070
86R27218 SLB-F	By: Men�ndez
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	4/18/2019
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Grease traps, also called grease interceptors, are specialized tanks that capture the oil and grease in hot greasy wastewater by slowing down the flow of water and allowing it to cool. As it cools, the grease and oil separate out of the water and float to the top of the trap, while solids accumulate at the bottom. The cooler water continues to flow out of the trap to the sewer while baffles and screens in the trap help keep the accumulated grease and solids from flowing out.

Private companies have been accused dumping processed grease trap waste or grit trap waste combined with sewage sludge. Interested parties state that this has had a negative impact on adjacent landowners and could negatively impact the environment through groundwater runoff. In communities across the state, especially in larger cities, restaurants and other food service businesses generate tons of cooking oil and grease wastes every day. If this waste is not managed properly, it can cause major environmental problems to adjoining properties, to the city's infrastructure.

Much of this waste is in solid form; it can be safely packaged and either placed in the trash or sent to a composter for processing. Liquid waste containing oil and grease dumped directly into the sewer, however, can block the system and cause wastewater to back up into restaurants. This causes a disruption in businesses and a health hazard for customers, and over time can cause problems to plumbing and sewage systems.

S.B. 2070 addresses this issue by providing for a prohibition of the land application of grease trap waste or grit trap waste or grease and grit trap waste mixed with sewage sludge. This bill defines grease trap waste and grit trap waste. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

C.S.S.B. 2070 amends current law relating to a prohibition of the land application of grease or grit 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 Section 361.121(a)(2), Health and Safety Code, to provide that "land application unit" does not include placement of waste on a liner registered or permitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

SECTION 2. 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" for purposes of this section.

(b) Prohibits TCEQ from issuing a permit, registration, or other authorization for land application of grease trap waste or grit trap waste, including processed grease trap waste or grit trap waste, or sewer sludge mixed with grease trap waste or grit trap waste.

(c) Provides that this section does not apply to:

(1) the disposal of grease trap waste or grit trap waste at a municipal solid waste Type I landfill permitted by TCEQ;

(2) the processing of grease trap waste or grit trap waste at a municipal solid waste Type V compost facility permitted or registered by TCEQ; or

(3) land application of Grade 1 or Grade 2 compost generated at a Type V compost facility permitted to compost grease trap waste by TCEQ.

SECTION 3. 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 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.