Press release [Oct. 31, 2003]

10-1879-5032 For Immediate Release:

Georgia House of Representatives Public Information Office
Room 131, State Capitol 30334 404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800

Drenner Holds Hearing

October 31, 2003

Waste Management Bills Discussed
Atlanta State Representative Karla Drenner, D-Avondale Estates, Chairwoman of the Waste Management Sub-Committee recently held a hearing at the state capitol on two pieces of legislation. They were HB 882, which removes the 3 year waiting period before landfill permits can be modified and HB 992 that sets up uniform standards for on-site sewage management systems.

On HB 992 committee members heard from representatives of the on-site sewage management industry as well as state officials from the Environmental Science Division of the Department of Human Resources who regulate the industry in Georgia. The measure applies uniform standards to all companies who sell sewage systems in the state. Specifically, it eliminates a grandfather provision that creates an industry advantage for one company when certain new rules and regulations for on-site sewage management go into effect, thus creating a level playing field.

Removing the 3 year waiting period before landfill permits can be modified, which is done under HB 882, would be helpful to the environment and speed up the landfill permitting process. This is according to officials of the landfill industry who also say advances in technology and changing environmental concerns that arise now can not be taken into consideration under current law.

"These bills deserve serious consideration because they will be beneficial to the environment," said Drenner. "HB 992 corrects a market inequity and HB 882 allows landfill operators to make modifications that incorporate changes in technology or in the environmental conditions at the site. I look forward to further input as the legislative session draws closer."

# # # For further information contact Rep. Drenner @ 404-656-0298.