EXCEPTION TO BULK BIOSOLIDS RULES                                                          S.B. 1206:

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

Senate Bill 1206 (as reported by the Committee of the Whole)

Sponsor:  Senator Tom Casperson

Committee:  Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 31 (Water Resources Protection) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to make an exception to several administrative rules regarding the land application of biosolids for bulk biosolids and derivatives that were sold or given away if all of the following requirements were met:

-- The material was finished compost or other material that was demonstrated to be mature and stable and to present minimal vector attraction and potential to generate a nuisance.

-- The material was of exceptional quality.

-- The material was used beneficially for its nutrient value in accordance with the generator's approved residuals program.

Also, the material could be used only for landscaping uses at one or more of the following locations: a public park, athletic field, cemetery, plant nursery, turf farm, golf course, lawn, home garden, or any other location approved by the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or his or her designee.

The bill also would make an exception to certain record-keeping requirements of the rules for bulk biosolids or a bulk derivative of exceptional quality used for landscaping purposes.

The bill would require a person who generated bulk biosolids or a bulk derivative of exceptional quality for landscaping uses to keep a record of quantities that exceeded 20 cubic yards sold or given away in a single transaction, and make it available to the DEQ for inspection and copying. 

(Part 24 of the Michigan Administrative Code regulates the land application of biosolids.  These rules define "biosolids" as solid, semisolid, or liquid residue generated during the treatment of sanitary sewage or domestic sewage in a treatment works.  "Bulk biosolids" means biosolids that are not sold or given away in a bag or other container for application to a lawn or home garden.)

MCL 324.3131                                                              Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  9-25-12                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.