Solid Waste Disposal Act Amendments of 1980

Summary

Solid Waste Disposal Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to redefine the terms "open dump" and "recovered materials." Allows the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to delegate to other agencies the power to enforce solid waste disposal regulations where such delegation would prevent unnecessary duplication of enforcement efforts. Adds a specific dollar limitation on the authorized appropriations which may be used for purposes of the Resource Recovery and Conservation Panels. Sets forth a minimum amount of the total amount appropriated under this Act which must be used for support to State, regional, local, and interstate agencies for the development and implementation of Solid Waste Plans. Suspends, for a minimum of 24 months, regulations on disposal of drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, and production of crude oil or natural gas, provided that existing State or Federal programs provide mechanisms for obtaining certain information or disposal sites which are to be closed. Stipulates that such suspension will apply until the Congress acts affirmatively to endorse any proposed EPA regulations which are recommended as necessary in the study of such wastes required by this Act. Expands the standards applicable to generators of hazardous waste requiring that such generators be responsible for assuring the arrival of wastes at an appropriate facility. Authorizes the Administrator to distinguish between new facilities and facilities in existence on the date of promulgation of regulations related to performance standards for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. Permits hazardous waste facilities coming into existence between the date of enactment of the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1976 and the date of final promulgation of regulations on identification and listing of hazardous waste and performance standards to qualify for "interim status" with respect to permit requirements. Expands the Administrator's authority to request information or examine the records of a person handling solid waste. Extends EPA's access, entry, and inspection authority to persons or sites which have handled hazardous waste in the past but are not presently doing so. Authorizes EPA contractors as well as officers and employees to obtain samples, perform inspections, and examine records at hazardous waste facilities. Imposes a fine of up to $5,000 and possible imprisonment on any person who knowingly and willfully discloses any information entitled to confidential treatment under the inspection of records provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Amends the enforcement provisions of such Act to impose a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per day for each violation of the provisions of such Act dealing with hazardous wastes. Authorizes the Administrator to issue an order suspending or revoking an operating permit in any compliance order issued under such Act. Modifies the authorization provisions of such Act to include the use of funds for programs to protect health and the environment from hazardous waste disposal sites or facilities no longer in operation. Provides that both States and local governments may enter into long-term contracts for the operation of hazardous waste disposal facilities or for securing long-term markets for material and energy recovered from such facilities. Prohibits open dumping of solid waste and hazardous waste after promulgation of criteria defining this practice. Requires each Federal procuring agency, to procure products composed of the highest percentage of recovered materials practicable, consistent with maintaining competition, pursuant to guidelines to be promulgated by the Administrator for the use of such agencies. Directs contracting officers to require vendors to certify adherence to contract specifications and requirements with respect to the percentage of recovered materials to be used in performance of the contract and to estimate the percentage of the total material utilized for such performance which is recovered material. Extends from 18 months to five years the deadline for changing procurement specifications to allow use of recovered materials. Requires that such specifications include the use of recovered materials to the maximum extent possible without jeopardizing the intended end use of a procured item. Modifies the components of the procurement guidelines to be issued by the Administrator for the use of procuring agencies in complying with the requirements of such Act. Sets September 30, 1980, as the deadline for the promulgation of guidelines for at least three product categories including paper, and September 30, 1982, for two additional product categories, including construction materials. Authorizes the EPA to seek injunctive relief or to take such other necessary action against any practice presenting a substantial endangerment to health or the environment. Modifies the judicial review provisions of such Act: (1) to permit review of the Administrator's denial of any petition for the promulgation, amendment, or repeal of any regulation under such Act; and (2) to permit review of the Administrator's action (A) in issuing, denying, modifying, or revoking any treatment, storage, or disposal permit; and (B) in granting, denying or withdrawing authorization of State hazardous waste programs. Authorizes the Administrator to subpoena records and compel witness testimony in carrying out such Act. Directs the Administrator to prepare and submit to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and to the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce a study on: (1) the adverse health and environmental effects, if any, of drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with crude oil and natural gas exploration, development, or production; and (2) the adequacy of existing regulatory programs related thereto. Requires the Administrator to prepare a plan for research, development, and demonstration respecting the findings of such study and to submit appropriate recommendations.

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Documents

5 official files

• Public Law (PDF)

  Public Law · EN · 22 October 1980

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• Conference report filed in House

  summary · EN · 1 October 1980

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• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 20 February 1980

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• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 4 June 1979

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• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 15 May 1979

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