As noted in last month's update, the Legislature is now adjourned and all bills that have not been adopted are dead. The Legislature will next convene in January of 2007. There are two solid waste rules that are active and the Governor's Task Force is continuing to move forward.

Rules revisions
Current active rule revisions in the solid waste field include hazardous waste regulations and organic stability for landfills.

A comprehensive (1000+ pages) revision of the hazardous waste regulations has been approved by the Legislature and is scheduled to become effective August 1, 2006. The web page for this rule is http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/wm/hazard/proprules/indexnew.htm.

The proposed rule for organic stability has had both its public hearings and the period for written comment is now closed. The DNR is preparing responses to the comments received and is making several changes in the rule. Staff expects to submit the revised proposed rule the Natural Resources Board for approval in June, followed by a review by the Legislature. The web page for the rule is at https://apps4.dhfs.state.wi.us/admrules/public/Rmo?nRmoId=783>.

Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force
The Blue Ribbon Task Force had its most recent meeting in Madison in early May and had a variety of presentations, including:

- from DNR regarding on-site burning

- from a task force member on single stream collection and processing

- from the waste reduction and recycling workgroup on their recommendations for construction and demolition debris.

- from DNR about their main issues for the future of solid waste and materials management

The Task Force also revisited the major issues outlined at their initial meeting last August, to focus attention again on this issues as its work moves forward. The next meeting is scheduled for June 21st, at a location yet to be specified, probably in Waukesha. The Task Force is required to finish its work by December, and it expects to hold hearings on its recommendations this fall. A web page of the Task Force's membership and meeting materials is available at http://www.wasteresources.wi.gov/.

For questions regarding legislation, please contact John Reindl at Reindl@co.dane.wi.us

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