HB 1663 is a technical bill that intends to address methane emissions from landfills—opened or closed, and public or privately owned. At first glance, it may appear this bill applies only to municipal landfills, but that’s a common misperception. The “municipal” refers to the origin of the waste (ie. residential waste), not the ownership.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Davina Duerr (D–Bothell), sets forth requirements that apply to all municipal solid waste landfills and limited purpose landfills that received solid waste after January 1, 1977. The two exceptions are facilities regulated under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and those that receive waste that does not decompose (i.e. inert waste). The proposal would require:

• Each owner or operator of an active landfill
  • Having fewer than 450,000 tons of waste in place to submit an annual waste in place report or
  • Having greater than or equal to 450,000 tons of waste in place to calculate the landfill gas heat input capacity and submit a report.
• Depending on the calculation, the bill requires more reporting or action to decrease the gas heat input amount.
• Any landfill that has a gas heat input capacity greater than or equal to three million British thermal units per hour recovered, must install a gas collection and control system per the specifics in the legislation.

The bill also establishes a limit on methane concentration, requires monitoring and record keeping, allows for a capping or gas system removal on closed landfills, provides for alternative compliance, and provides penalties.

Due to the highly technical nature of this bill, your feedback is especially appreciated. Please reach out to Carl and Shannon with your comments.

Dates to remember

HB 1663 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Environment & Energy Committee on Tuesday, January 11 at 8 am.