Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-212-206 — TN Code / Title 68 / Chapter 212 / Section 68-212-206
Powers and duties of commissioner
Status: in_force

(a) In order to effectuate the purposes of this part, the commissioner is authorized to: (1) Request any liable or potentially liable party to investigate and identify possible inactive hazardous substance sites, and furnish information relating to possible hazardous substances; (2) Issue an order to any liable or potentially liable party requiring such party to investigate and identify inactive hazardous substance sites; (3) Issue an order to any liable or potentially liable party requiring such party to contain, clean up, monitor and maintain inactive hazardous substance sites; (4) Inspect and copy at reasonable times any records, reports, test results, or other information relating to inactive hazardous substance sites; (5) Enter, pursuant to § 68-212-216 , any place where hazardous substance or substances which the commissioner has reason to believe may be hazardous, are, may be, or may have been generated, stored, transported, treated, disposed of, or otherwise handled; (6) Inspect and obtain samples of any substance which the commissioner has reason to believe may be hazardous, samples of any containers or labeling for such hazardous substance, and samples of ambient air, waters, or soil at the hazardous substance site or at any other property which must be entered in order to reach the hazardous substance site; (7) Perform or cause to be performed all other actions necessary to carry out this part; and (8) Delegate to the director of the division of superfund any of the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the commissioner under this part. (b) In the event that any identified liable party or parties are unable or unwilling to provide for the investigation, identification, or for the reasonable and safe containment and clean up, including monitoring and maintenance, pursuant to an order issued under this section, or no such liable party can reasonably be identified by the commissioner, the commissioner may provide for such actions whether or not the site has been listed pursuant to subsection (e). (c) If, at any time, the commissioner, after investigation, finds that an inactive hazardous waste substance site constitutes an imminent, substantial danger to the public health, safety or environment, the commissioner may undertake such actions as are necessary to abate the imminent and substantial danger. Such actions may be taken whether or not the site has been listed pursuant to subsection (e). (d) (1) In selecting containment and clean up actions, including monitoring and maintenance, under this section, the commissioner shall evaluate reasonable alternatives and select those actions which the commissioner determines are necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment. The goal of any such action shall be clean up and containment of the site through the elimination of the threat to the public health, safety, and the environment posed by the hazardous substance. In choosing the necessary actions at each site, the commissioner shall consider the following factors: (A) The technological feasibility of each alternative; (B) The cost-effectiveness of each alternative; (C) The nature of the danger to the public health, safety, and the environment posed by the hazardous substance at the site; and (D) The extent to which each alternative would achieve the goal of this subsection (d). (2) To the extent practicable, any such containment and clean up, including monitoring and maintenance, shall be consistent with the national contingency plan promulgated pursuant to § 105 of Public Law 96-510 ( 42 U.S.C. § 9605 ). (e) Whenever necessary to protect the public health, safety, or the environment, but at least annually, the commissioner shall propose and the board shall promulgate, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, any necessary revisions to the list of those inactive hazardous substance sites within the state that are eligible for investigation, identification, containment, and clean up, including monitoring and maintenance, and that pose or may reasonably be anticipated to pose a danger to public health, safety or the environment. An inactive hazardous substance site which has been identified as a solid waste management unit and is subjected to a requirement for investigation and/or for corrective action pursuant to § 3004(u) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) ( 42 U.S.C. § 6924(u) ) and which requirements are included in a facility permit issued pursuant to RCRA shall not be proposed by the commissioner for addition to the list of sites eligible for investigation, identification, containment and clean up under this part. An inactive hazardous substance site listed under this part which subsequently becomes subject to a requirement, as previously described under § 3004(u) ( 42 U.S.C. § 6924(u) ), shall be removed from the list by the board pursuant to a proposal which shall be made by the commissioner. (f) A program of waste reduction and pollution prevention is established in the office of the commissioner to encourage hazardous waste generators to reduce the volume and toxicity of hazardous waste generated in Tennessee. The commissioner is authorized to carry out the functions of § 68-212-205(d) . Acts 1983, ch. 423, § 6; 1986, ch. 644, §§ 13, 14; 1988, ch. 578, § 3; T.C.A., § 68-46-206; Acts 1994, ch. 890, §§ 7-9, 13.
(a) In order to effectuate the purposes of this part, the commissioner is authorized to: (1) Request any liable or potentially liable party to investigate and identify possible inactive hazardous substance sites, and furnish information relating to possible hazardous substances; (2) Issue an order to any liable or potentially liable party requiring such party to investigate and identify inactive hazardous substance sites; (3) Issue an order to any liable or potentially liable party requiring such party to contain, clean up, monitor and maintain inactive hazardous substance sites; (4) Inspect and copy at reasonable times any records, reports, test results, or other information relating to inactive hazardous substance sites; (5) Enter, pursuant to § 68-212-216 , any place where hazardous substance or substances which the commissioner has reason to believe may be hazardous, are, may be, or may have been generated, stored, transported, treated, disposed of, or otherwise handled; (6) Inspect and obtain samples of any substance which the commissioner has reason to believe may be hazardous, samples of any containers or labeling for such hazardous substance, and samples of ambient air, waters, or soil at the hazardous substance site or at any other property which must be entered in order to reach the hazardous substance site; (7) Perform or cause to be performed all other actions necessary to carry out this part; and (8) Delegate to the director of the division of superfund any of the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the commissioner under this part.
(1) Request any liable or potentially liable party to investigate and identify possible inactive hazardous substance sites, and furnish information relating to possible hazardous substances;
(2) Issue an order to any liable or potentially liable party requiring such party to investigate and identify inactive hazardous substance sites;
(3) Issue an order to any liable or potentially liable party requiring such party to contain, clean up, monitor and maintain inactive hazardous substance sites;
(4) Inspect and copy at reasonable times any records, reports, test results, or other information relating to inactive hazardous substance sites;
(5) Enter, pursuant to § 68-212-216 , any place where hazardous substance or substances which the commissioner has reason to believe may be hazardous, are, may be, or may have been generated, stored, transported, treated, disposed of, or otherwise handled;
(6) Inspect and obtain samples of any substance which the commissioner has reason to believe may be hazardous, samples of any containers or labeling for such hazardous substance, and samples of ambient air, waters, or soil at the hazardous substance site or at any other property which must be entered in order to reach the hazardous substance site;
(7) Perform or cause to be performed all other actions necessary to carry out this part; and
(8) Delegate to the director of the division of superfund any of the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the commissioner under this part.
(b) In the event that any identified liable party or parties are unable or unwilling to provide for the investigation, identification, or for the reasonable and safe containment and clean up, including monitoring and maintenance, pursuant to an order issued under this section, or no such liable party can reasonably be identified by the commissioner, the commissioner may provide for such actions whether or not the site has been listed pursuant to subsection (e).
(c) If, at any time, the commissioner, after investigation, finds that an inactive hazardous waste substance site constitutes an imminent, substantial danger to the public health, safety or environment, the commissioner may undertake such actions as are necessary to abate the imminent and substantial danger. Such actions may be taken whether or not the site has been listed pursuant to subsection (e).
(d) (1) In selecting containment and clean up actions, including monitoring and maintenance, under this section, the commissioner shall evaluate reasonable alternatives and select those actions which the commissioner determines are necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment. The goal of any such action shall be clean up and containment of the site through the elimination of the threat to the public health, safety, and the environment posed by the hazardous substance. In choosing the necessary actions at each site, the commissioner shall consider the following factors: (A) The technological feasibility of each alternative; (B) The cost-effectiveness of each alternative; (C) The nature of the danger to the public health, safety, and the environment posed by the hazardous substance at the site; and (D) The extent to which each alternative would achieve the goal of this subsection (d). (2) To the extent practicable, any such containment and clean up, including monitoring and maintenance, shall be consistent with the national contingency plan promulgated pursuant to § 105 of Public Law 96-510 ( 42 U.S.C. § 9605 ).
(1) In selecting containment and clean up actions, including monitoring and maintenance, under this section, the commissioner shall evaluate reasonable alternatives and select those actions which the commissioner determines are necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment. The goal of any such action shall be clean up and containment of the site through the elimination of the threat to the public health, safety, and the environment posed by the hazardous substance. In choosing the necessary actions at each site, the commissioner shall consider the following factors: (A) The technological feasibility of each alternative; (B) The cost-effectiveness of each alternative; (C) The nature of the danger to the public health, safety, and the environment posed by the hazardous substance at the site; and (D) The extent to which each alternative would achieve the goal of this subsection (d).
(A) The technological feasibility of each alternative;
(B) The cost-effectiveness of each alternative;
(C) The nature of the danger to the public health, safety, and the environment posed by the hazardous substance at the site; and
(D) The extent to which each alternative would achieve the goal of this subsection (d).
(2) To the extent practicable, any such containment and clean up, including monitoring and maintenance, shall be consistent with the national contingency plan promulgated pursuant to § 105 of Public Law 96-510 ( 42 U.S.C. § 9605 ).
(e) Whenever necessary to protect the public health, safety, or the environment, but at least annually, the commissioner shall propose and the board shall promulgate, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, any necessary revisions to the list of those inactive hazardous substance sites within the state that are eligible for investigation, identification, containment, and clean up, including monitoring and maintenance, and that pose or may reasonably be anticipated to pose a danger to public health, safety or the environment. An inactive hazardous substance site which has been identified as a solid waste management unit and is subjected to a requirement for investigation and/or for corrective action pursuant to § 3004(u) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) ( 42 U.S.C. § 6924(u) ) and which requirements are included in a facility permit issued pursuant to RCRA shall not be proposed by the commissioner for addition to the list of sites eligible for investigation, identification, containment and clean up under this part. An inactive hazardous substance site listed under this part which subsequently becomes subject to a requirement, as previously described under § 3004(u) ( 42 U.S.C. § 6924(u) ), shall be removed from the list by the board pursuant to a proposal which shall be made by the commissioner.
(f) A program of waste reduction and pollution prevention is established in the office of the commissioner to encourage hazardous waste generators to reduce the volume and toxicity of hazardous waste generated in Tennessee. The commissioner is authorized to carry out the functions of § 68-212-205(d) .
Acts 1983, ch. 423, § 6; 1986, ch. 644, §§ 13, 14; 1988, ch. 578, § 3; T.C.A., § 68-46-206; Acts 1994, ch. 890, §§ 7-9, 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-202-309 — TN Code / Title 68 / Chapter 202 / Section 68-202-309
Civil and criminal penalties
Status: in_force

(a) Any person violating any of this part, any order issued in accordance with this part or any rule, regulation or standard adopted pursuant to this part commits a Class A misdemeanor. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate punishable offense. (b) Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this part, any order issued in accordance with this part, or any rule, regulation, or standard adopted pursuant to this part shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per day for each violation. Each day such violation continues constitutes a separate violation, and such person shall also be liable for any damages to the state resulting from such violation. (1) Any civil penalty or damages shall be assessed in the following manner: (A) The commissioner may issue an assessment against any person responsible for the violation or damages. Such person shall receive notice of such assessment by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by any other method authorized by law; (B) Any person against whom an assessment has been issued may request a hearing before the commissioner for a review of the assessment; (C) If a petition for review of assessment is not filed within thirty (30) days after the date the assessment is served, the violator shall be deemed to have consented to the assessment, and it shall become final; (D) Whenever an assessment has become final because of a person's failure to appeal the assessment, the commissioner may apply to the appropriate court for a judgment and seek execution on such judgment. The court, in such proceedings, shall treat the failure to appeal such assessment as a confession of judgment in the amount of the assessment; and (E) The commissioner may institute proceedings for assessment in the chancery court of Davidson County or in the chancery court of the county in which all or part of the violation or failure to comply occurred. (2) In assessing a civil penalty, the following factors may be considered: (A) The harm or potential harm done to the public or the environment; (B) The economic benefit gained by the violators; (C) The amount of effort put forth by the violator to attain compliance; (D) Any unusual or extraordinary enforcement cost incurred by the state; and (E) The need for an economic deterrent from future violations. (3) Damages to the state may include any reasonable expenses incurred in investigating and enforcing violations of this part, and in restoring the air, water, land and other property, including animal, plant and aquatic life, of the state to their former condition. Acts 1982, ch. 693, § 6; T.C.A., § 53-3338; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111; T.C.A., § 68-23-309.
(a) Any person violating any of this part, any order issued in accordance with this part or any rule, regulation or standard adopted pursuant to this part commits a Class A misdemeanor. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate punishable offense.
(b) Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this part, any order issued in accordance with this part, or any rule, regulation, or standard adopted pursuant to this part shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per day for each violation. Each day such violation continues constitutes a separate violation, and such person shall also be liable for any damages to the state resulting from such violation. (1) Any civil penalty or damages shall be assessed in the following manner: (A) The commissioner may issue an assessment against any person responsible for the violation or damages. Such person shall receive notice of such assessment by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by any other method authorized by law; (B) Any person against whom an assessment has been issued may request a hearing before the commissioner for a review of the assessment; (C) If a petition for review of assessment is not filed within thirty (30) days after the date the assessment is served, the violator shall be deemed to have consented to the assessment, and it shall become final; (D) Whenever an assessment has become final because of a person's failure to appeal the assessment, the commissioner may apply to the appropriate court for a judgment and seek execution on such judgment. The court, in such proceedings, shall treat the failure to appeal such assessment as a confession of judgment in the amount of the assessment; and (E) The commissioner may institute proceedings for assessment in the chancery court of Davidson County or in the chancery court of the county in which all or part of the violation or failure to comply occurred. (2) In assessing a civil penalty, the following factors may be considered: (A) The harm or potential harm done to the public or the environment; (B) The economic benefit gained by the violators; (C) The amount of effort put forth by the violator to attain compliance; (D) Any unusual or extraordinary enforcement cost incurred by the state; and (E) The need for an economic deterrent from future violations. (3) Damages to the state may include any reasonable expenses incurred in investigating and enforcing violations of this part, and in restoring the air, water, land and other property, including animal, plant and aquatic life, of the state to their former condition.
(1) Any civil penalty or damages shall be assessed in the following manner: (A) The commissioner may issue an assessment against any person responsible for the violation or damages. Such person shall receive notice of such assessment by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by any other method authorized by law; (B) Any person against whom an assessment has been issued may request a hearing before the commissioner for a review of the assessment; (C) If a petition for review of assessment is not filed within thirty (30) days after the date the assessment is served, the violator shall be deemed to have consented to the assessment, and it shall become final; (D) Whenever an assessment has become final because of a person's failure to appeal the assessment, the commissioner may apply to the appropriate court for a judgment and seek execution on such judgment. The court, in such proceedings, shall treat the failure to appeal such assessment as a confession of judgment in the amount of the assessment; and (E) The commissioner may institute proceedings for assessment in the chancery court of Davidson County or in the chancery court of the county in which all or part of the violation or failure to comply occurred.
(A) The commissioner may issue an assessment against any person responsible for the violation or damages. Such person shall receive notice of such assessment by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by any other method authorized by law;
(B) Any person against whom an assessment has been issued may request a hearing before the commissioner for a review of the assessment;
(C) If a petition for review of assessment is not filed within thirty (30) days after the date the assessment is served, the violator shall be deemed to have consented to the assessment, and it shall become final;
(D) Whenever an assessment has become final because of a person's failure to appeal the assessment, the commissioner may apply to the appropriate court for a judgment and seek execution on such judgment. The court, in such proceedings, shall treat the failure to appeal such assessment as a confession of judgment in the amount of the assessment; and
(E) The commissioner may institute proceedings for assessment in the chancery court of Davidson County or in the chancery court of the county in which all or part of the violation or failure to comply occurred.
(2) In assessing a civil penalty, the following factors may be considered: (A) The harm or potential harm done to the public or the environment; (B) The economic benefit gained by the violators; (C) The amount of effort put forth by the violator to attain compliance; (D) Any unusual or extraordinary enforcement cost incurred by the state; and (E) The need for an economic deterrent from future violations.
(A) The harm or potential harm done to the public or the environment;
(B) The economic benefit gained by the violators;
(C) The amount of effort put forth by the violator to attain compliance;
(D) Any unusual or extraordinary enforcement cost incurred by the state; and
(E) The need for an economic deterrent from future violations.
(3) Damages to the state may include any reasonable expenses incurred in investigating and enforcing violations of this part, and in restoring the air, water, land and other property, including animal, plant and aquatic life, of the state to their former condition.
Acts 1982, ch. 693, § 6; T.C.A., § 53-3338; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111; T.C.A., § 68-23-309.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-217-105 — TN Code / Title 68 / Chapter 217 / Section 68-217-105
Duties and responsibilities of commissioner
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner has the following duties and responsibilities: (1) Develop and approve investigation and remediation strategies, including, but not limited to, presumptive remedial responses, establish a mechanism for approving contractors to perform investigation and remediation actions under this chapter, and establish a schedule of acceptable registration fees and costs for services rendered by approved contractors under this chapter; (2) Oversee expenditures required to provide administrative support and maximize the funds available for cleanup and minimize the administrative expenditures of the department; (3) Review and accept or deny the petition for entry into the program based on the standards set out in subdivision (a)(4)(B), and prioritize petitions described in this chapter according to promulgated rules and established guidelines. In establishing guidelines for site prioritization, the commissioner shall consider the degree of risk to human health and the environment and other factors as the commissioner may deem appropriate; (4) (A) Develop rules which establish a process for the owner or operator of a drycleaning facility or in-state wholesale distribution facility, the current or prior owner or operator of an abandoned drycleaning facility, or impacted third party to petition the commissioner for: (i) Entry into the program; (ii) The expenditure of monies from the fund for reimbursement of approved investigative or remedial response costs; (iii) Scheduling investigatory and remedial measures; and (iv) Administrative review of the final actions of the commissioner. (B) Once a drycleaning facility, in-state wholesale distribution facility, abandoned drycleaning facility, or impacted third party has petitioned the commissioner and has complied with all the requirements for entry into the program as established by this chapter, including the payment of necessary registration fees and, if applicable, surcharges on drycleaning solvents, then the commissioner shall accept the petition, inform the party of the decision to allow the site into the program established by this chapter, and inform the party of the priority ranking of the site. The commissioner may reject any petition and deny coverage under the chapter if the commissioner determines that the drycleaning facility, abandoned drycleaning facility, or in-state wholesale distribution facility has been in willful noncompliance with this chapter or the rules enacted under this chapter; (5) Develop rules which establish a process for the commissioner to withdraw the grant of a petition after notice to the petitioning party and all impacted third parties and a reasonable opportunity to cure. The commissioner may withdraw any favorable determination concerning any petition previously granted if the commissioner determines that the petitioner is in willful noncompliance with this chapter or the rules enacted under this chapter. A determination of ineligibility against the petitioning party, due to conduct that occurred after the granting of the initial petition by the commissioner, shall not otherwise affect another eligible party's ability to obtain reimbursement from the fund; (6) Authorize payments from the fund established by this chapter to a petitioner or its designee to reimburse the cost of an investigative or remedial response undertaken and approved pursuant to its rules. Sites which are high priority sites, as determined during the program entry process, will be reviewed by the commissioner, who will authorize the reimbursement of funds necessary for the cleanup of such sites with money available from the fund. Such authorization for payment from the fund to a petitioner or its designee shall be given prior to the expenditure of any fund monies; (7) Develop rules that institute a process for certification of the completion of all necessary investigation and remedial work or further that no investigation and remediation is necessary with respect to a site; and (8) Develop and promulgate regulations or guidelines establishing ongoing best management practices for the drycleaner industry in this state with respect to the handling of drycleaning solvent. (b) The commissioner shall promulgate all rules and regulations necessary to implement this chapter, including, but not limited to, rules on the subjects specified above, and shall conduct all contested case proceedings in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Judicial review of final orders of the commissioner in contested case proceedings shall be in the chancery court of Davidson County pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. (c) The commissioner shall promulgate rules that establish a schedule of amounts of annual registration fees to be paid by drycleaning facilities that is based on the amount of drycleaning solvent purchased. The maximum annual registration fee shall be one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) and this is the amount that shall be paid by abandoned drycleaning facilities. (d) The commissioner shall promulgate rules that establish three (3) categories of drycleaning facilities based on the amount of solvent used requiring payment of the different levels of deductible amounts stated in § 68-217-106 . Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 976,s 3, eff. 5/22/2014. Acts 1995, ch. 541, § 5; 2002, ch. 598, § 3.
(a) The commissioner has the following duties and responsibilities: (1) Develop and approve investigation and remediation strategies, including, but not limited to, presumptive remedial responses, establish a mechanism for approving contractors to perform investigation and remediation actions under this chapter, and establish a schedule of acceptable registration fees and costs for services rendered by approved contractors under this chapter; (2) Oversee expenditures required to provide administrative support and maximize the funds available for cleanup and minimize the administrative expenditures of the department; (3) Review and accept or deny the petition for entry into the program based on the standards set out in subdivision (a)(4)(B), and prioritize petitions described in this chapter according to promulgated rules and established guidelines. In establishing guidelines for site prioritization, the commissioner shall consider the degree of risk to human health and the environment and other factors as the commissioner may deem appropriate; (4) (A) Develop rules which establish a process for the owner or operator of a drycleaning facility or in-state wholesale distribution facility, the current or prior owner or operator of an abandoned drycleaning facility, or impacted third party to petition the commissioner for: (i) Entry into the program; (ii) The expenditure of monies from the fund for reimbursement of approved investigative or remedial response costs; (iii) Scheduling investigatory and remedial measures; and (iv) Administrative review of the final actions of the commissioner. (B) Once a drycleaning facility, in-state wholesale distribution facility, abandoned drycleaning facility, or impacted third party has petitioned the commissioner and has complied with all the requirements for entry into the program as established by this chapter, including the payment of necessary registration fees and, if applicable, surcharges on drycleaning solvents, then the commissioner shall accept the petition, inform the party of the decision to allow the site into the program established by this chapter, and inform the party of the priority ranking of the site. The commissioner may reject any petition and deny coverage under the chapter if the commissioner determines that the drycleaning facility, abandoned drycleaning facility, or in-state wholesale distribution facility has been in willful noncompliance with this chapter or the rules enacted under this chapter; (5) Develop rules which establish a process for the commissioner to withdraw the grant of a petition after notice to the petitioning party and all impacted third parties and a reasonable opportunity to cure. The commissioner may withdraw any favorable determination concerning any petition previously granted if the commissioner determines that the petitioner is in willful noncompliance with this chapter or the rules enacted under this chapter. A determination of ineligibility against the petitioning party, due to conduct that occurred after the granting of the initial petition by the commissioner, shall not otherwise affect another eligible party's ability to obtain reimbursement from the fund; (6) Authorize payments from the fund established by this chapter to a petitioner or its designee to reimburse the cost of an investigative or remedial response undertaken and approved pursuant to its rules. Sites which are high priority sites, as determined during the program entry process, will be reviewed by the commissioner, who will authorize the reimbursement of funds necessary for the cleanup of such sites with money available from the fund. Such authorization for payment from the fund to a petitioner or its designee shall be given prior to the expenditure of any fund monies; (7) Develop rules that institute a process for certification of the completion of all necessary investigation and remedial work or further that no investigation and remediation is necessary with respect to a site; and (8) Develop and promulgate regulations or guidelines establishing ongoing best management practices for the drycleaner industry in this state with respect to the handling of drycleaning solvent.
(1) Develop and approve investigation and remediation strategies, including, but not limited to, presumptive remedial responses, establish a mechanism for approving contractors to perform investigation and remediation actions under this chapter, and establish a schedule of acceptable registration fees and costs for services rendered by approved contractors under this chapter;
(2) Oversee expenditures required to provide administrative support and maximize the funds available for cleanup and minimize the administrative expenditures of the department;
(3) Review and accept or deny the petition for entry into the program based on the standards set out in subdivision (a)(4)(B), and prioritize petitions described in this chapter according to promulgated rules and established guidelines. In establishing guidelines for site prioritization, the commissioner shall consider the degree of risk to human health and the environment and other factors as the commissioner may deem appropriate;
(4) (A) Develop rules which establish a process for the owner or operator of a drycleaning facility or in-state wholesale distribution facility, the current or prior owner or operator of an abandoned drycleaning facility, or impacted third party to petition the commissioner for: (i) Entry into the program; (ii) The expenditure of monies from the fund for reimbursement of approved investigative or remedial response costs; (iii) Scheduling investigatory and remedial measures; and (iv) Administrative review of the final actions of the commissioner. (B) Once a drycleaning facility, in-state wholesale distribution facility, abandoned drycleaning facility, or impacted third party has petitioned the commissioner and has complied with all the requirements for entry into the program as established by this chapter, including the payment of necessary registration fees and, if applicable, surcharges on drycleaning solvents, then the commissioner shall accept the petition, inform the party of the decision to allow the site into the program established by this chapter, and inform the party of the priority ranking of the site. The commissioner may reject any petition and deny coverage under the chapter if the commissioner determines that the drycleaning facility, abandoned drycleaning facility, or in-state wholesale distribution facility has been in willful noncompliance with this chapter or the rules enacted under this chapter;
(A) Develop rules which establish a process for the owner or operator of a drycleaning facility or in-state wholesale distribution facility, the current or prior owner or operator of an abandoned drycleaning facility, or impacted third party to petition the commissioner for: (i) Entry into the program; (ii) The expenditure of monies from the fund for reimbursement of approved investigative or remedial response costs; (iii) Scheduling investigatory and remedial measures; and (iv) Administrative review of the final actions of the commissioner.
(i) Entry into the program;
(ii) The expenditure of monies from the fund for reimbursement of approved investigative or remedial response costs;
(iii) Scheduling investigatory and remedial measures; and
(iv) Administrative review of the final actions of the commissioner.
(B) Once a drycleaning facility, in-state wholesale distribution facility, abandoned drycleaning facility, or impacted third party has petitioned the commissioner and has complied with all the requirements for entry into the program as established by this chapter, including the payment of necessary registration fees and, if applicable, surcharges on drycleaning solvents, then the commissioner shall accept the petition, inform the party of the decision to allow the site into the program established by this chapter, and inform the party of the priority ranking of the site. The commissioner may reject any petition and deny coverage under the chapter if the commissioner determines that the drycleaning facility, abandoned drycleaning facility, or in-state wholesale distribution facility has been in willful noncompliance with this chapter or the rules enacted under this chapter;
(5) Develop rules which establish a process for the commissioner to withdraw the grant of a petition after notice to the petitioning party and all impacted third parties and a reasonable opportunity to cure. The commissioner may withdraw any favorable determination concerning any petition previously granted if the commissioner determines that the petitioner is in willful noncompliance with this chapter or the rules enacted under this chapter. A determination of ineligibility against the petitioning party, due to conduct that occurred after the granting of the initial petition by the commissioner, shall not otherwise affect another eligible party's ability to obtain reimbursement from the fund;
(6) Authorize payments from the fund established by this chapter to a petitioner or its designee to reimburse the cost of an investigative or remedial response undertaken and approved pursuant to its rules. Sites which are high priority sites, as determined during the program entry process, will be reviewed by the commissioner, who will authorize the reimbursement of funds necessary for the cleanup of such sites with money available from the fund. Such authorization for payment from the fund to a petitioner or its designee shall be given prior to the expenditure of any fund monies;
(7) Develop rules that institute a process for certification of the completion of all necessary investigation and remedial work or further that no investigation and remediation is necessary with respect to a site; and
(8) Develop and promulgate regulations or guidelines establishing ongoing best management practices for the drycleaner industry in this state with respect to the handling of drycleaning solvent.
(b) The commissioner shall promulgate all rules and regulations necessary to implement this chapter, including, but not limited to, rules on the subjects specified above, and shall conduct all contested case proceedings in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Judicial review of final orders of the commissioner in contested case proceedings shall be in the chancery court of Davidson County pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
(c) The commissioner shall promulgate rules that establish a schedule of amounts of annual registration fees to be paid by drycleaning facilities that is based on the amount of drycleaning solvent purchased. The maximum annual registration fee shall be one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) and this is the amount that shall be paid by abandoned drycleaning facilities.
(d) The commissioner shall promulgate rules that establish three (3) categories of drycleaning facilities based on the amount of solvent used requiring payment of the different levels of deductible amounts stated in § 68-217-106 .
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 976,s 3, eff. 5/22/2014.
Acts 1995, ch. 541, § 5; 2002, ch. 598, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-825 — TN Code / Title 68 / Chapter 211 / Section 68-211-825
Matching grant program - Recycling collection site equipment - State surcharge on tipping fee - Rebate
Status: in_force

(a) From funds available from the solid waste management fund established by § 68-211-821 , the department shall establish a matching grant program for the purchase of equipment needed to establish or upgrade recycling at a public or not-for-profit recycling collection site. Such equipment may include, but is not limited to, containers, balers, crushers and grinders. No grant shall be awarded for the purchase of mechanical processing equipment to be used at a public or not-for-profit recycling collection site if there is adequate mechanical processing equipment at privately owned facilities which serve the relevant geographical area, unless the grant applicant demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the mechanical processing equipment is an indispensable component of an otherwise eligible grant project and will not be used to compete with a privately owned facility. The local share of the match shall be determined by the department, using an economic index based upon factors which include, but are not limited to, per capita income and property values of the jurisdiction to be served. Areas falling within the lower economic scale on the index shall be eligible for lower matching rates. The department shall establish criteria under which applicants for such matching grants will receive preference if their program employs adults with a developmental disability, as defined in § 33-1-101 , in such a manner that improves the recycling rate of the city or county and thereby contributes to progress towards meeting or exceeding its solid waste reduction and diversion goal under § 68-211-861 . (b) (1) For the five (5) most populous counties according to the annual estimated census released in April by the United States census bureau, the state shall grant a rebate against the amount due to the state under the state surcharge on the tipping fee imposed by this part. The state shall rebate the amount of a county's credit to the county on an annual basis. The total amount of credits shall not exceed an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the funds allocated for recycling equipment grants and shall be allocated proportionately by population to each county. Municipalities that manage solid waste within the five (5) counties shall be offered a proportionate share of their county's rebate, based on population. (2) Such rebate shall be in lieu of recycling equipment grants for these five (5) counties. Within a county, the rebate shall be allocated proportionately by population among the municipalities in the county which provide collection or disposal services and the county for the remaining population of the county. A county or municipality may only expend such rebate for recycling purposes and they must expend from local funds an amount equal to the amount of the rebate towards such purposes. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 742, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1991, ch. 451, § 29; T.C.A., § 68-31-825; Acts 1992, ch. 693, § 24; 1995, ch. 501, § 3; 1996, ch. 846, §§ 25, 26; 1997 , ch. 221, § 2; 2003 , ch. 332, § 1; 2005, ch. 317, § 1.
(a) From funds available from the solid waste management fund established by § 68-211-821 , the department shall establish a matching grant program for the purchase of equipment needed to establish or upgrade recycling at a public or not-for-profit recycling collection site. Such equipment may include, but is not limited to, containers, balers, crushers and grinders. No grant shall be awarded for the purchase of mechanical processing equipment to be used at a public or not-for-profit recycling collection site if there is adequate mechanical processing equipment at privately owned facilities which serve the relevant geographical area, unless the grant applicant demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that the mechanical processing equipment is an indispensable component of an otherwise eligible grant project and will not be used to compete with a privately owned facility. The local share of the match shall be determined by the department, using an economic index based upon factors which include, but are not limited to, per capita income and property values of the jurisdiction to be served. Areas falling within the lower economic scale on the index shall be eligible for lower matching rates. The department shall establish criteria under which applicants for such matching grants will receive preference if their program employs adults with a developmental disability, as defined in § 33-1-101 , in such a manner that improves the recycling rate of the city or county and thereby contributes to progress towards meeting or exceeding its solid waste reduction and diversion goal under § 68-211-861 .
(b) (1) For the five (5) most populous counties according to the annual estimated census released in April by the United States census bureau, the state shall grant a rebate against the amount due to the state under the state surcharge on the tipping fee imposed by this part. The state shall rebate the amount of a county's credit to the county on an annual basis. The total amount of credits shall not exceed an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the funds allocated for recycling equipment grants and shall be allocated proportionately by population to each county. Municipalities that manage solid waste within the five (5) counties shall be offered a proportionate share of their county's rebate, based on population. (2) Such rebate shall be in lieu of recycling equipment grants for these five (5) counties. Within a county, the rebate shall be allocated proportionately by population among the municipalities in the county which provide collection or disposal services and the county for the remaining population of the county. A county or municipality may only expend such rebate for recycling purposes and they must expend from local funds an amount equal to the amount of the rebate towards such purposes.
(1) For the five (5) most populous counties according to the annual estimated census released in April by the United States census bureau, the state shall grant a rebate against the amount due to the state under the state surcharge on the tipping fee imposed by this part. The state shall rebate the amount of a county's credit to the county on an annual basis. The total amount of credits shall not exceed an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the funds allocated for recycling equipment grants and shall be allocated proportionately by population to each county. Municipalities that manage solid waste within the five (5) counties shall be offered a proportionate share of their county's rebate, based on population.
(2) Such rebate shall be in lieu of recycling equipment grants for these five (5) counties. Within a county, the rebate shall be allocated proportionately by population among the municipalities in the county which provide collection or disposal services and the county for the remaining population of the county. A county or municipality may only expend such rebate for recycling purposes and they must expend from local funds an amount equal to the amount of the rebate towards such purposes.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 742, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1991, ch. 451, § 29; T.C.A., § 68-31-825; Acts 1992, ch. 693, § 24; 1995, ch. 501, § 3; 1996, ch. 846, §§ 25, 26; 1997 , ch. 221, § 2; 2003 , ch. 332, § 1; 2005, ch. 317, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-202-709 — TN Code / Title 68 / Chapter 202 / Section 68-202-709
Show cause meetings - Complaint - Emergency orders
Status: in_force

(a) Upon receipt of information that any person is or may be in violation of any of the provisions of this part or the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee may request that the person appear informally and show cause why enforcement action should not be taken. Show cause meetings undertaken pursuant to this section are informal, voluntary and are not contested cases within the definition of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (b) Whenever the commissioner has reason to believe that a violation of any provision of this part or regulation promulgated thereunder or orders issued pursuant thereto has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur, the commissioner may cause a written complaint to be served upon the alleged violator or violators. The complaint shall specify the provisions or provision of this part or regulations or order alleged to be violated or about to be violated, the facts alleged to constitute a violation thereof, may order that necessary corrective action be taken within a reasonable time to be prescribed in the order and shall inform the violators of the opportunity for a hearing before the commissioner or the commissioner's designee. Any order shall become final and not subject to review unless the person or persons named therein request a hearing in writing, no later than thirty (30) days after the date the order is served. (c) Whenever the commissioner finds that the public health, safety or welfare is threatened by radiation hazards and that immediate action is necessary to protect the public, an emergency order may be issued stating the issue of the emergency and directing immediate action as required to alleviate the situation. Immediate compliance with the order is required, notwithstanding any request for a hearing. Acts 1993, ch. 143, § 6.
(a) Upon receipt of information that any person is or may be in violation of any of the provisions of this part or the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee may request that the person appear informally and show cause why enforcement action should not be taken. Show cause meetings undertaken pursuant to this section are informal, voluntary and are not contested cases within the definition of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(b) Whenever the commissioner has reason to believe that a violation of any provision of this part or regulation promulgated thereunder or orders issued pursuant thereto has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur, the commissioner may cause a written complaint to be served upon the alleged violator or violators. The complaint shall specify the provisions or provision of this part or regulations or order alleged to be violated or about to be violated, the facts alleged to constitute a violation thereof, may order that necessary corrective action be taken within a reasonable time to be prescribed in the order and shall inform the violators of the opportunity for a hearing before the commissioner or the commissioner's designee. Any order shall become final and not subject to review unless the person or persons named therein request a hearing in writing, no later than thirty (30) days after the date the order is served.
(c) Whenever the commissioner finds that the public health, safety or welfare is threatened by radiation hazards and that immediate action is necessary to protect the public, an emergency order may be issued stating the issue of the emergency and directing immediate action as required to alleviate the situation. Immediate compliance with the order is required, notwithstanding any request for a hearing.
Acts 1993, ch. 143, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-202-701 — TN Code / Title 68 / Chapter 202 / Section 68-202-701
Text of compact
Status: in_force

By this part, Tennessee shall become a party to the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste compact in accordance with the terms of the compact. "Compact" means the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste compact. The compact is as follows: Article I. Policy and Purpose There is hereby created the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste compact. The party states recognize and declare that each state is responsible for providing for the availability of capacity either within or outside the state for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated within its borders, except for waste generated as a result of defense activities of the federal government or federal research and development activities. They also recognize that the management of low-level radioactive waste is handled most efficiently on a regional basis. The party states further recognize that the congress of the United States, by enacting the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, P.L. 96-573, compiled in 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d , has provided for and encouraged the development of low-level radioactive waste compacts as a tool for disposal of such waste. The party states recognize that the safe and efficient management of low-level radioactive waste generated within the region requires that sufficient capacity to dispose of such waste be properly provided. It is the policy of the party states to: enter into a regional low-level radioactive waste management compact for the purpose of providing the instrument and framework for a cooperative effort, provide sufficient facilities for the proper management of low-level radioactive waste generated in the region, promote the health and safety of the region, limit the number of facilities required to effectively and efficiently manage low-level radioactive waste generated in the region, encourage the reduction of the amounts of low-level waste generated in the region, distribute the costs, benefits and obligations of successful low-level radioactive waste management equitably among the party states, and ensure the ecological and economical management of low-level radioactive wastes. Implicit in the congressional consent to this compact is the expectation by the congress and the party states that the appropriate federal agencies will actively assist the compact commission and the individual party states to this compact by: (1) Expeditious enforcement of federal rules, regulations and laws; (2) Imposing sanctions against those found to be in violation of federal rules, regulations and laws; (3) Timely inspection of their licenses to determine their capability to adhere to such rules, regulations and laws; and (4) Timely provision of technical assistance to this compact in carrying out their obligations under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, P.L. 96-573; 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d . Article II. Definitions As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction: (a) "Commission" or "compact commission" means the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste management commission; (b) "Facility" means a parcel of land, together with the structures, equipment and improvements thereon or appurtenant thereto, which is used or is being developed for the treatment, storage, or disposal of low-level radioactive waste; (c) "Generator" means any person who produces or possesses low-level radioactive waste in the course of or as an incident to manufacturing, power generation, processing, medical diagnosis and treatment, research, or other industrial or commercial activity. This does not include persons who provide a service to generators by arranging for the collection, transportation, storage or disposal of wastes with respect to such waste generated outside the region; (d) "High-level waste" means irradiated reactor fuel, liquid wastes from reprocessing irradiated reactor fuel and solids into which such liquid wastes have been converted, and other high-level radioactive waste as defined by the United States nuclear regulatory commission; (e) "Host state" means any state in which a regional facility is situated or is being developed; (f) "Low-level radioactive waste" or "waste" means radioactive waste not classified as high-level radioactive waste, transuranic waste, spent nuclear fuel or by-product material as defined in § 11e(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or as may be further defined by federal law or regulation; (g) "Party state" means any state which is a signatory party to this compact; (h) "Person" means any individual, corporation, business enterprise or other legal entity (either public or private); (i) "Region" means the collective party states; (j) "Regional facility" means: (1) A facility as defined in this section which has been designated, authorized, accepted or approved by the commission to receive waste; or (2) The disposal facility in Barnwell County, South Carolina, owned by the state of South Carolina and as licensed for the burial of low-level radioactive waste on July 1, 1982, but in no event shall this disposal facility serve as a regional facility beyond December 31, 1992; (k) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or any other territorial possession of the United States; (l) "Transuranic waste" means waste material containing transuranic elements with contamination levels as determined by the regulations of (1) the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission or (2) any host state, if it is an agreement state under § 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; and (m) "Waste management" means the storage, treatment or disposal of waste. Article III. Rights and Obligations The rights granted to the party states by this compact are additional to the rights enjoyed by sovereign states, and nothing in this compact shall be construed to infringe upon, limit or abridge those rights. (a) Subject to any license issued by the United States nuclear regulatory commission or a host state, each party state shall have the right to have all wastes generated within its borders stored, treated, or disposed of, as applicable, at regional facilities, and additionally shall have the right of access to facilities made available to the region through agreements entered into by the commission pursuant to Article IV(e)(9). The right of access by a generator within a party state to any regional facility is limited by its adherence to applicable state and federal law and regulation. (b) If no operating regional facility is located within the borders of a party state and the wastes generated within its borders must therefore be stored, treated, or disposed of, as applicable, at a regional facility in another party state, the party state without such facilities may be required by the host state or states to establish a mechanism which provides compensation for access to the regional facility according to terms and conditions established by the host state or states and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the commission. (c) Each party state must establish the capability to regulate, license and ensure the maintenance and extended care of any facility within its borders. Host states are responsible for the availability, the subsequent post-closure observation and maintenance, and the extended institutional control of their regional facilities, in accordance with the provisions of Article V(b). (d) Each party state must establish the capability to enforce any applicable federal or state laws and regulations pertaining to the packaging and transportation of waste generated within or passing through its borders. (e) Each party state must provide to the commission on an annual basis, any data and information necessary to the implementation of the commission's responsibilities. Each party state must establish the capability to obtain any data and information necessary to meet its obligation herein defined. (f) Each party state must, to the extent authorized by federal law, require generators within its borders to use the best available waste management technologies and practices to minimize the volumes of wastes requiring disposal. Article IV. The Commission (a) There is hereby created the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste management commission, (the "commission" or "compact commission"). The commission shall consist of two (2) voting members from each party state to be appointed according to the laws of each state. The appointing authorities of each state must notify the commission in writing of the identity of its members and any alternates. An alternate may act on behalf of the member only in the member's absence. (b) Each commission member is entitled to one (1) vote. No action of the commission shall be binding unless a majority of the total membership casts its vote in the affirmative, or unless a greater than majority vote is specifically required by any other provision of this compact. (c) The commission must elect from among its members a presiding officer. The commission shall adopt and publish, in convenient form, bylaws which are consistent with this compact. (d) The commission must meet at least once a year and shall also meet upon the call of the presiding officer, by petition of a majority of the party states, or upon the call of a host state. All meetings of the commission must be open to the public. (e) The commission has the following powers, to: (1) Receive and approve the application of a non-party state to become an eligible state in accordance with Article VII(b); (2) Receive and approve the application of an eligible state to become a party state in accordance with Article VII(c); (3) Submit an annual report and other communications to the governors and to the presiding officer of each body of the legislature of the party states regarding the activities of the commission; (4) Develop and use procedures for determining, consistent with considerations for public health and safety, the type and number of regional facilities which are presently necessary and which are projected to be necessary to manage waste generated within the region; (5) Provide the party states with reference guidelines for establishing the criteria and procedures for evaluating alternative locations for emergency or permanent regional facilities; (6) (A) Develop and adopt within one (1) year after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), procedures and criteria for identifying a party state as a host state for a regional facility as determined pursuant to the requirements of this article. In accordance with these procedures and criteria, the commission shall identify a host state for the development of a second regional disposal facility within three (3) years after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), and shall seek to ensure that such facility is licensed and ready to operate as soon as required, but in no event later than 1991. (B) In developing criteria, the commission must consider the following: the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the party states; the existence of regional facilities within each party state; the minimization of waste transportation; the volumes and types of wastes generated within each party state; and the environmental, economic, and ecological impacts on the air, land and water resources of the party states. (C) The commission shall conduct such hearings; require such reports, studies, evidence and testimony; and do what is required by its approved procedures in order to identify a party state as a host state for a needed regional facility; (7) In accordance with the procedures and criteria developed pursuant to subdivision (e)(6), designate, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, a host state for the establishment of a needed regional facility. The commission shall not exercise this authority unless the party states have failed to voluntarily pursue the development of such facility. The commission shall have the authority to revoke the membership of a party state that willfully creates barriers to the siting of a needed regional facility; (8) Require of and obtain from party states, eligible states seeking to become party states, and non-party states seeking to become eligible states, data and information necessary to the implementation of commission responsibilities; (9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this compact, enter into agreements with any person, state, or similar regional body or group of states for the importation of waste into the region and for the right of access to facilities outside the region for waste generated within the region. The authorization to import requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the commission, including an affirmative vote of both representatives of a host state in which any affected regional facility is located. This shall be done only after an assessment of the affected facility's capability to handle such wastes; (10) Act or appear on behalf of any party state or states, only upon written request of both members of the commission for such state or states, as an intervenor or party in interest before congress, state legislatures, any court of law, or any federal, state or local agency, board or commission which has jurisdiction over the management of wastes. The authority to act, intervene or otherwise appear shall be exercised by the commission only after approval by a majority vote of the commission; and (11) Revoke the membership of a party state in accordance with Article VII(f). (f) The commission may establish any advisory committees as it deems necessary for the purpose of advising the commission on any matters pertaining to the management of low-level radioactive waste. (g) The commission may appoint or contract for and compensate a limited staff necessary to carry out its duties and functions. The staff shall serve at the commission's pleasure irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit laws of any of the party states or the federal government and shall be compensated from funds of the commission. In selecting any staff, the commission shall assure that the staff has adequate experience and formal training to carry out such functions as may be assigned to it by the commission. If the commission has a headquarters it shall be in a party state. (h) Funding for the commission shall be provided as follows: (1) Each eligible state, upon becoming a party state, shall pay twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to the commission which shall be used for costs of the commission's services; (2) Each state hosting a regional disposal facility shall annually levy special fees or surcharges on all users of such facility, based upon the volume of wastes disposed of at such facilities, the total of which: (a) Must be sufficient to cover the annual budget of the commission; (b) Must represent the financial commitments of all party states to the commission; and (c) Must be paid to the commission; provided, that each host state collecting such fees or surcharges may retain a portion of the collection sufficient to cover its administrative costs of collection, and that the remainder be sufficient only to cover the approved annual budgets of the commission; (3) The commission must set and approve its first annual budget as soon as practicable after its initial meeting. Host states for disposal facilities must begin imposition of the special fees and surcharges provided for in this section as soon as practicable after becoming party states, and must remit to the commission funds resulting from collection of such special fees and surcharges within sixty (60) days of their receipt. (i) The commission must keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. An independent certified public accountant shall annually audit all receipts and disbursements of commission funds, and submit an audit report to the commission. Such audit report shall be made a part of the annual report of the commission required by Article IV(e)(3). (j) The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions any and all donations, grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services (conditional or otherwise) from any state or the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, or interstate agency, or from any institution, person, firm or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. The nature, amount and condition, if any, attendant upon any donation or grant accepted pursuant to this paragraph, together with the identity of the donor, grantor or lendor, shall be detailed in the annual report of the commission. (k) The commission is not responsible for any costs associated with: (1) The creation of the facility; (2) The operation of any facility; (3) The stabilization and closure of any facility; (4) The post-closure observation and maintenance of any facility; or (5) The extended institutional control, after post-closure observation and maintenance of any facility. (l) As of January 1, 1986, the management of wastes at regional facilities is restricted to wastes generated within the region, and to wastes generated within non-party states when authorized by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this compact. After January 1, 1986, the commission may prohibit the exportation of waste from the region for the purposes of management. (m) (1) The commission herein established is a legal entity separate and distinct from the party states, capable of acting in its own behalf, and is liable for its actions. Liabilities of the commission shall not be deemed liabilities of the party states. Members of the commission shall not be personally liable for action taken by them in their official capacity. (2) Except as specifically provided in this compact, nothing in this compact shall be construed to alter the incidence of liability of any kind for any act, omission, course of conduct, or on account of any casual or other relationships. Generators, transporters of wastes, owners and operators of sites shall be liable for their acts, omissions, conduct, or relationships in accordance with all laws relating thereto. Article V. Development and Operation of Facilities (a) Any party state which becomes a host state in which a regional facility is operated shall not be designated by the compact commission as a host state for an additional regional facility until each party state has fulfilled its obligation, as determined by the commission, to have a regional facility operated within its borders. (b) A host state desiring to close a regional facility located within its borders may do so only after notifying the commission in writing of its intention to do so and the reasons therefor. Such notification shall be given to the commission at least four (4) years prior to the intended date of closure. Notwithstanding the four-year notice requirement herein provided, a host state is not prevented from closing its facility or establishing conditions of its use and operations as necessary for the protection of the health and safety of its citizens. A host state may terminate or limit access to its regional facility if it determines that congress has materially altered the conditions of this compact. (c) Each party state designated as a host for a regional facility shall take appropriate steps to ensure that an application for a license to construct and operate a facility of the designated type is filed with and issued by the appropriate authority. (d) No party state shall have any form of arbitrary prohibition on the treatment, storage or disposal of low-level radioactive waste within its borders. (e) No party state shall be required to operate a regional facility for longer than a twenty-year period, or to dispose of more than thirty-two million (32,000,000) cubic feet of low-level radioactive waste, whichever first occurs. Article VI. Other Laws and Regulations (a) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to: (1) Abrogate or limit the applicability of any act of congress or diminish or otherwise impair the jurisdiction of any federal agency expressly conferred thereon by the congress; (2) Abrogate or limit the regulatory responsibility and authority of the United States nuclear regulatory commission or of an agreement state under § 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 in which a regional facility is located; (3) Make inapplicable to any person or circumstance any other law of a party state which is not inconsistent with this compact; (4) Make unlawful the continued development and operation of any facility already licensed for development or operation on the date this compact becomes effective, except that any such facility shall comply with Article III, IV and V and shall be subject to any action lawfully taken pursuant thereto; (5) Prohibit any storage or treatment of waste by the generator on its own premises; (6) Affect any judicial or administrative proceeding pending on the effective date of this compact; (7) Alter the relations between, and the respective internal responsibilities of, the government of a party state and its subdivisions; (8) Affect the generation, treatment, storage or disposal of waste generated by the atomic energy defense activities of the secretary of the United States department of energy or federal research and development activities as defined in P.L. 96-573, compiled in 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d ; and (9) Affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to regulate and license any facility within its borders or to affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to tax or impose fees on the waste managed at any facility within its borders. (b) No party state shall pass any law or adopt any regulation which is inconsistent with this compact. To do so may jeopardize the membership status of the party state. (c) Upon formation of the compact, no law or regulation of a party state or of any subdivision or instrumentality thereof may be applied so as to restrict or make more inconvenient access to any regional facility by the generators of another party state than for the generators of the state where the facility is situated. (d) Restrictions of waste management of regional facilities pursuant to Article IV( l ) shall be enforceable as a matter of state law. Article VII. Eligible Parties, Withdrawal, Revocation, Entry into Force, Termination (a) This compact shall have as initially eligible parties the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. (b) Any state not expressly declared eligible to become a party state to this compact in section (a) of this article may petition the commission, once constituted, to be declared eligible. The commission may establish such conditions as it deems necessary and appropriate to be met by a state wishing to become eligible to become a party state to this compact pursuant to the provisions of this section. Upon satisfactorily meeting such conditions and upon the affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3) of the commission, including the affirmative vote of both representatives of a host state in which any affected regional facility is located, the petitioning state shall be eligible to become a party state to this compact and may become a party state in the same manner as those states declared eligible in section (a) of this article. (c) Each state eligible to become a party state to this compact shall be declared a party state upon enactment of this compact into law by the state and upon payment of the fees required by Article IV(h)(1). The commission shall be the judge of the qualifications of the party states and of its members and of their compliance with the conditions and requirements of this compact and the laws of the party states relating to the enactment of this compact. (d) (1) The first three (3) states eligible to become party states to this compact which enact this compact into law and appropriate the fees required by Article IV(h)(1) shall immediately, upon the appointment of their commission members, constitute themselves as the southeast low-level radioactive waste management commission, shall cause legislation to be introduced in the congress which grants the consent of the congress to this compact, and shall do those things necessary to organize the commission and implement the provisions of this compact. (2) All succeeding states eligible to become party states to this compact shall be declared party states pursuant to the provisions of section (c) of this article. (3) The consent of the congress shall be required for full implementation of this compact. The provisions of Article V(d) shall not become effective until the effective date of the import ban authorized by Article IV( l ) as approved by congress. The congress may by law withdraw its consent only every five (5) years. (e) No state which holds membership in any other regional compact for the management of low-level radioactive waste may be considered by the compact commission for eligible state status or party state status. (f) (1) Any party state which fails to comply with the provisions of this compact or to fulfill the obligations incurred by becoming a party state to this compact may be subject to sanctions by the commission, including suspension of its rights under this compact, and revocation of its status as a party state. Any sanction shall be imposed only upon the affirmative vote of at least two thirds (2/3) of the commission members. Revocation of party state status takes effect on the date of the meeting at which the commission approves the resolution imposing such sanction, but in no event shall revocation take effect later than ninety (90) days from the date of such meeting. Rights and obligations incurred by being declared a party state to this compact shall continue until the effective date of the sanction imposed or as provided in the resolution of the commission imposing the sanction. (2) The commission must, as soon as practicable after the meeting at which a resolution revoking status as a party state is approved, provide written notice of the action along with a copy of the resolution to the governors, the presiding officers of the senates, and the speakers of the houses of representatives of the party states, as well as chairs of the appropriate committees of the congress. (g) Subject to the provisions of Article VII(h), any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a law repealing the compact; provided, that if a regional facility is located within such state, such regional facility shall remain available to the region for four (4) years after the date the commission receives notification in writing from the governor of such party state of the rescission of the compact. The commission, upon receipt of the notification, shall, as soon as practicable, provide copies of such notification to the governors, the presiding officers of the senates, and the speakers of the houses of representatives of the party states, as well as the chairs of the appropriate committees of the congress. (h) The right of a party state to withdraw pursuant to Article VII(g) shall terminate thirty (30) days following the commencement of operation of the second host state disposal facility. Thereafter, a party state may withdraw only with the unanimous approval of the commission and with the consent of congress. For purposes of this section, the low-level radioactive waste disposal facility located in Barnwell County, South Carolina, shall be considered the first host state disposal facility. (i) This compact may be terminated only by the affirmative action of the congress or by the rescission of all laws enacting the compact in each of the party states. Article VIII. Penalties (a) Each party state, consistently with its own law, shall prescribe and enforce penalties against any person not an official of another state for violation of any provision of this compact. (b) Each party state acknowledges that the receipt by a host state of waste packaged or transported in violation of applicable laws and regulations can result in imposition of sanctions by the host state which may include suspension or revocation of the violator's right of access to the facility in the host state. Article IX. Severability and Construction The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any participating state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If any provision of this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to give effect to the purposes thereof. Acts 1982, ch. 843, § 1; T.C.A., § 53-7101; Acts 1983, ch. 433, §§ 1-47; 1988, ch. 540, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 68-23-701.
By this part, Tennessee shall become a party to the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste compact in accordance with the terms of the compact. "Compact" means the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste compact. The compact is as follows:
Article I. Policy and Purpose There is hereby created the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste compact. The party states recognize and declare that each state is responsible for providing for the availability of capacity either within or outside the state for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated within its borders, except for waste generated as a result of defense activities of the federal government or federal research and development activities. They also recognize that the management of low-level radioactive waste is handled most efficiently on a regional basis. The party states further recognize that the congress of the United States, by enacting the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, P.L. 96-573, compiled in 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d , has provided for and encouraged the development of low-level radioactive waste compacts as a tool for disposal of such waste. The party states recognize that the safe and efficient management of low-level radioactive waste generated within the region requires that sufficient capacity to dispose of such waste be properly provided. It is the policy of the party states to: enter into a regional low-level radioactive waste management compact for the purpose of providing the instrument and framework for a cooperative effort, provide sufficient facilities for the proper management of low-level radioactive waste generated in the region, promote the health and safety of the region, limit the number of facilities required to effectively and efficiently manage low-level radioactive waste generated in the region, encourage the reduction of the amounts of low-level waste generated in the region, distribute the costs, benefits and obligations of successful low-level radioactive waste management equitably among the party states, and ensure the ecological and economical management of low-level radioactive wastes. Implicit in the congressional consent to this compact is the expectation by the congress and the party states that the appropriate federal agencies will actively assist the compact commission and the individual party states to this compact by: (1) Expeditious enforcement of federal rules, regulations and laws; (2) Imposing sanctions against those found to be in violation of federal rules, regulations and laws; (3) Timely inspection of their licenses to determine their capability to adhere to such rules, regulations and laws; and (4) Timely provision of technical assistance to this compact in carrying out their obligations under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, P.L. 96-573; 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d .
There is hereby created the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste compact.
The party states recognize and declare that each state is responsible for providing for the availability of capacity either within or outside the state for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated within its borders, except for waste generated as a result of defense activities of the federal government or federal research and development activities. They also recognize that the management of low-level radioactive waste is handled most efficiently on a regional basis. The party states further recognize that the congress of the United States, by enacting the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, P.L. 96-573, compiled in 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d , has provided for and encouraged the development of low-level radioactive waste compacts as a tool for disposal of such waste. The party states recognize that the safe and efficient management of low-level radioactive waste generated within the region requires that sufficient capacity to dispose of such waste be properly provided.
It is the policy of the party states to: enter into a regional low-level radioactive waste management compact for the purpose of providing the instrument and framework for a cooperative effort, provide sufficient facilities for the proper management of low-level radioactive waste generated in the region, promote the health and safety of the region, limit the number of facilities required to effectively and efficiently manage low-level radioactive waste generated in the region, encourage the reduction of the amounts of low-level waste generated in the region, distribute the costs, benefits and obligations of successful low-level radioactive waste management equitably among the party states, and ensure the ecological and economical management of low-level radioactive wastes.
Implicit in the congressional consent to this compact is the expectation by the congress and the party states that the appropriate federal agencies will actively assist the compact commission and the individual party states to this compact by:
(1) Expeditious enforcement of federal rules, regulations and laws;
(2) Imposing sanctions against those found to be in violation of federal rules, regulations and laws;
(3) Timely inspection of their licenses to determine their capability to adhere to such rules, regulations and laws; and
(4) Timely provision of technical assistance to this compact in carrying out their obligations under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, P.L. 96-573; 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d .
Article II. Definitions As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction: (a) "Commission" or "compact commission" means the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste management commission; (b) "Facility" means a parcel of land, together with the structures, equipment and improvements thereon or appurtenant thereto, which is used or is being developed for the treatment, storage, or disposal of low-level radioactive waste; (c) "Generator" means any person who produces or possesses low-level radioactive waste in the course of or as an incident to manufacturing, power generation, processing, medical diagnosis and treatment, research, or other industrial or commercial activity. This does not include persons who provide a service to generators by arranging for the collection, transportation, storage or disposal of wastes with respect to such waste generated outside the region; (d) "High-level waste" means irradiated reactor fuel, liquid wastes from reprocessing irradiated reactor fuel and solids into which such liquid wastes have been converted, and other high-level radioactive waste as defined by the United States nuclear regulatory commission; (e) "Host state" means any state in which a regional facility is situated or is being developed; (f) "Low-level radioactive waste" or "waste" means radioactive waste not classified as high-level radioactive waste, transuranic waste, spent nuclear fuel or by-product material as defined in § 11e(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or as may be further defined by federal law or regulation; (g) "Party state" means any state which is a signatory party to this compact; (h) "Person" means any individual, corporation, business enterprise or other legal entity (either public or private); (i) "Region" means the collective party states; (j) "Regional facility" means: (1) A facility as defined in this section which has been designated, authorized, accepted or approved by the commission to receive waste; or (2) The disposal facility in Barnwell County, South Carolina, owned by the state of South Carolina and as licensed for the burial of low-level radioactive waste on July 1, 1982, but in no event shall this disposal facility serve as a regional facility beyond December 31, 1992; (k) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or any other territorial possession of the United States; (l) "Transuranic waste" means waste material containing transuranic elements with contamination levels as determined by the regulations of (1) the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission or (2) any host state, if it is an agreement state under § 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; and (m) "Waste management" means the storage, treatment or disposal of waste.
As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:
(a) "Commission" or "compact commission" means the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste management commission;
(b) "Facility" means a parcel of land, together with the structures, equipment and improvements thereon or appurtenant thereto, which is used or is being developed for the treatment, storage, or disposal of low-level radioactive waste;
(c) "Generator" means any person who produces or possesses low-level radioactive waste in the course of or as an incident to manufacturing, power generation, processing, medical diagnosis and treatment, research, or other industrial or commercial activity. This does not include persons who provide a service to generators by arranging for the collection, transportation, storage or disposal of wastes with respect to such waste generated outside the region;
(d) "High-level waste" means irradiated reactor fuel, liquid wastes from reprocessing irradiated reactor fuel and solids into which such liquid wastes have been converted, and other high-level radioactive waste as defined by the United States nuclear regulatory commission;
(e) "Host state" means any state in which a regional facility is situated or is being developed;
(f) "Low-level radioactive waste" or "waste" means radioactive waste not classified as high-level radioactive waste, transuranic waste, spent nuclear fuel or by-product material as defined in § 11e(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or as may be further defined by federal law or regulation;
(g) "Party state" means any state which is a signatory party to this compact;
(h) "Person" means any individual, corporation, business enterprise or other legal entity (either public or private);
(i) "Region" means the collective party states;
(j) "Regional facility" means: (1) A facility as defined in this section which has been designated, authorized, accepted or approved by the commission to receive waste; or (2) The disposal facility in Barnwell County, South Carolina, owned by the state of South Carolina and as licensed for the burial of low-level radioactive waste on July 1, 1982, but in no event shall this disposal facility serve as a regional facility beyond December 31, 1992;
(1) A facility as defined in this section which has been designated, authorized, accepted or approved by the commission to receive waste; or
(2) The disposal facility in Barnwell County, South Carolina, owned by the state of South Carolina and as licensed for the burial of low-level radioactive waste on July 1, 1982, but in no event shall this disposal facility serve as a regional facility beyond December 31, 1992;
(k) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or any other territorial possession of the United States;
(l) "Transuranic waste" means waste material containing transuranic elements with contamination levels as determined by the regulations of (1) the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission or (2) any host state, if it is an agreement state under § 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; and
(m) "Waste management" means the storage, treatment or disposal of waste.
Article III. Rights and Obligations The rights granted to the party states by this compact are additional to the rights enjoyed by sovereign states, and nothing in this compact shall be construed to infringe upon, limit or abridge those rights. (a) Subject to any license issued by the United States nuclear regulatory commission or a host state, each party state shall have the right to have all wastes generated within its borders stored, treated, or disposed of, as applicable, at regional facilities, and additionally shall have the right of access to facilities made available to the region through agreements entered into by the commission pursuant to Article IV(e)(9). The right of access by a generator within a party state to any regional facility is limited by its adherence to applicable state and federal law and regulation. (b) If no operating regional facility is located within the borders of a party state and the wastes generated within its borders must therefore be stored, treated, or disposed of, as applicable, at a regional facility in another party state, the party state without such facilities may be required by the host state or states to establish a mechanism which provides compensation for access to the regional facility according to terms and conditions established by the host state or states and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the commission. (c) Each party state must establish the capability to regulate, license and ensure the maintenance and extended care of any facility within its borders. Host states are responsible for the availability, the subsequent post-closure observation and maintenance, and the extended institutional control of their regional facilities, in accordance with the provisions of Article V(b). (d) Each party state must establish the capability to enforce any applicable federal or state laws and regulations pertaining to the packaging and transportation of waste generated within or passing through its borders. (e) Each party state must provide to the commission on an annual basis, any data and information necessary to the implementation of the commission's responsibilities. Each party state must establish the capability to obtain any data and information necessary to meet its obligation herein defined. (f) Each party state must, to the extent authorized by federal law, require generators within its borders to use the best available waste management technologies and practices to minimize the volumes of wastes requiring disposal.
The rights granted to the party states by this compact are additional to the rights enjoyed by sovereign states, and nothing in this compact shall be construed to infringe upon, limit or abridge those rights.
(a) Subject to any license issued by the United States nuclear regulatory commission or a host state, each party state shall have the right to have all wastes generated within its borders stored, treated, or disposed of, as applicable, at regional facilities, and additionally shall have the right of access to facilities made available to the region through agreements entered into by the commission pursuant to Article IV(e)(9). The right of access by a generator within a party state to any regional facility is limited by its adherence to applicable state and federal law and regulation.
(b) If no operating regional facility is located within the borders of a party state and the wastes generated within its borders must therefore be stored, treated, or disposed of, as applicable, at a regional facility in another party state, the party state without such facilities may be required by the host state or states to establish a mechanism which provides compensation for access to the regional facility according to terms and conditions established by the host state or states and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the commission.
(c) Each party state must establish the capability to regulate, license and ensure the maintenance and extended care of any facility within its borders. Host states are responsible for the availability, the subsequent post-closure observation and maintenance, and the extended institutional control of their regional facilities, in accordance with the provisions of Article V(b).
(d) Each party state must establish the capability to enforce any applicable federal or state laws and regulations pertaining to the packaging and transportation of waste generated within or passing through its borders.
(e) Each party state must provide to the commission on an annual basis, any data and information necessary to the implementation of the commission's responsibilities. Each party state must establish the capability to obtain any data and information necessary to meet its obligation herein defined.
(f) Each party state must, to the extent authorized by federal law, require generators within its borders to use the best available waste management technologies and practices to minimize the volumes of wastes requiring disposal.
Article IV. The Commission (a) There is hereby created the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste management commission, (the "commission" or "compact commission"). The commission shall consist of two (2) voting members from each party state to be appointed according to the laws of each state. The appointing authorities of each state must notify the commission in writing of the identity of its members and any alternates. An alternate may act on behalf of the member only in the member's absence. (b) Each commission member is entitled to one (1) vote. No action of the commission shall be binding unless a majority of the total membership casts its vote in the affirmative, or unless a greater than majority vote is specifically required by any other provision of this compact. (c) The commission must elect from among its members a presiding officer. The commission shall adopt and publish, in convenient form, bylaws which are consistent with this compact. (d) The commission must meet at least once a year and shall also meet upon the call of the presiding officer, by petition of a majority of the party states, or upon the call of a host state. All meetings of the commission must be open to the public. (e) The commission has the following powers, to: (1) Receive and approve the application of a non-party state to become an eligible state in accordance with Article VII(b); (2) Receive and approve the application of an eligible state to become a party state in accordance with Article VII(c); (3) Submit an annual report and other communications to the governors and to the presiding officer of each body of the legislature of the party states regarding the activities of the commission; (4) Develop and use procedures for determining, consistent with considerations for public health and safety, the type and number of regional facilities which are presently necessary and which are projected to be necessary to manage waste generated within the region; (5) Provide the party states with reference guidelines for establishing the criteria and procedures for evaluating alternative locations for emergency or permanent regional facilities; (6) (A) Develop and adopt within one (1) year after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), procedures and criteria for identifying a party state as a host state for a regional facility as determined pursuant to the requirements of this article. In accordance with these procedures and criteria, the commission shall identify a host state for the development of a second regional disposal facility within three (3) years after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), and shall seek to ensure that such facility is licensed and ready to operate as soon as required, but in no event later than 1991. (B) In developing criteria, the commission must consider the following: the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the party states; the existence of regional facilities within each party state; the minimization of waste transportation; the volumes and types of wastes generated within each party state; and the environmental, economic, and ecological impacts on the air, land and water resources of the party states. (C) The commission shall conduct such hearings; require such reports, studies, evidence and testimony; and do what is required by its approved procedures in order to identify a party state as a host state for a needed regional facility; (7) In accordance with the procedures and criteria developed pursuant to subdivision (e)(6), designate, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, a host state for the establishment of a needed regional facility. The commission shall not exercise this authority unless the party states have failed to voluntarily pursue the development of such facility. The commission shall have the authority to revoke the membership of a party state that willfully creates barriers to the siting of a needed regional facility; (8) Require of and obtain from party states, eligible states seeking to become party states, and non-party states seeking to become eligible states, data and information necessary to the implementation of commission responsibilities; (9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this compact, enter into agreements with any person, state, or similar regional body or group of states for the importation of waste into the region and for the right of access to facilities outside the region for waste generated within the region. The authorization to import requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the commission, including an affirmative vote of both representatives of a host state in which any affected regional facility is located. This shall be done only after an assessment of the affected facility's capability to handle such wastes; (10) Act or appear on behalf of any party state or states, only upon written request of both members of the commission for such state or states, as an intervenor or party in interest before congress, state legislatures, any court of law, or any federal, state or local agency, board or commission which has jurisdiction over the management of wastes. The authority to act, intervene or otherwise appear shall be exercised by the commission only after approval by a majority vote of the commission; and (11) Revoke the membership of a party state in accordance with Article VII(f). (f) The commission may establish any advisory committees as it deems necessary for the purpose of advising the commission on any matters pertaining to the management of low-level radioactive waste. (g) The commission may appoint or contract for and compensate a limited staff necessary to carry out its duties and functions. The staff shall serve at the commission's pleasure irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit laws of any of the party states or the federal government and shall be compensated from funds of the commission. In selecting any staff, the commission shall assure that the staff has adequate experience and formal training to carry out such functions as may be assigned to it by the commission. If the commission has a headquarters it shall be in a party state. (h) Funding for the commission shall be provided as follows: (1) Each eligible state, upon becoming a party state, shall pay twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to the commission which shall be used for costs of the commission's services; (2) Each state hosting a regional disposal facility shall annually levy special fees or surcharges on all users of such facility, based upon the volume of wastes disposed of at such facilities, the total of which: (a) Must be sufficient to cover the annual budget of the commission; (b) Must represent the financial commitments of all party states to the commission; and (c) Must be paid to the commission; provided, that each host state collecting such fees or surcharges may retain a portion of the collection sufficient to cover its administrative costs of collection, and that the remainder be sufficient only to cover the approved annual budgets of the commission; (3) The commission must set and approve its first annual budget as soon as practicable after its initial meeting. Host states for disposal facilities must begin imposition of the special fees and surcharges provided for in this section as soon as practicable after becoming party states, and must remit to the commission funds resulting from collection of such special fees and surcharges within sixty (60) days of their receipt. (i) The commission must keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. An independent certified public accountant shall annually audit all receipts and disbursements of commission funds, and submit an audit report to the commission. Such audit report shall be made a part of the annual report of the commission required by Article IV(e)(3). (j) The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions any and all donations, grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services (conditional or otherwise) from any state or the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, or interstate agency, or from any institution, person, firm or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. The nature, amount and condition, if any, attendant upon any donation or grant accepted pursuant to this paragraph, together with the identity of the donor, grantor or lendor, shall be detailed in the annual report of the commission. (k) The commission is not responsible for any costs associated with: (1) The creation of the facility; (2) The operation of any facility; (3) The stabilization and closure of any facility; (4) The post-closure observation and maintenance of any facility; or (5) The extended institutional control, after post-closure observation and maintenance of any facility. (l) As of January 1, 1986, the management of wastes at regional facilities is restricted to wastes generated within the region, and to wastes generated within non-party states when authorized by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this compact. After January 1, 1986, the commission may prohibit the exportation of waste from the region for the purposes of management. (m) (1) The commission herein established is a legal entity separate and distinct from the party states, capable of acting in its own behalf, and is liable for its actions. Liabilities of the commission shall not be deemed liabilities of the party states. Members of the commission shall not be personally liable for action taken by them in their official capacity. (2) Except as specifically provided in this compact, nothing in this compact shall be construed to alter the incidence of liability of any kind for any act, omission, course of conduct, or on account of any casual or other relationships. Generators, transporters of wastes, owners and operators of sites shall be liable for their acts, omissions, conduct, or relationships in accordance with all laws relating thereto.
(a) There is hereby created the southeast interstate low-level radioactive waste management commission, (the "commission" or "compact commission"). The commission shall consist of two (2) voting members from each party state to be appointed according to the laws of each state. The appointing authorities of each state must notify the commission in writing of the identity of its members and any alternates. An alternate may act on behalf of the member only in the member's absence.
(b) Each commission member is entitled to one (1) vote. No action of the commission shall be binding unless a majority of the total membership casts its vote in the affirmative, or unless a greater than majority vote is specifically required by any other provision of this compact.
(c) The commission must elect from among its members a presiding officer. The commission shall adopt and publish, in convenient form, bylaws which are consistent with this compact.
(d) The commission must meet at least once a year and shall also meet upon the call of the presiding officer, by petition of a majority of the party states, or upon the call of a host state. All meetings of the commission must be open to the public.
(e) The commission has the following powers, to: (1) Receive and approve the application of a non-party state to become an eligible state in accordance with Article VII(b); (2) Receive and approve the application of an eligible state to become a party state in accordance with Article VII(c); (3) Submit an annual report and other communications to the governors and to the presiding officer of each body of the legislature of the party states regarding the activities of the commission; (4) Develop and use procedures for determining, consistent with considerations for public health and safety, the type and number of regional facilities which are presently necessary and which are projected to be necessary to manage waste generated within the region; (5) Provide the party states with reference guidelines for establishing the criteria and procedures for evaluating alternative locations for emergency or permanent regional facilities; (6) (A) Develop and adopt within one (1) year after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), procedures and criteria for identifying a party state as a host state for a regional facility as determined pursuant to the requirements of this article. In accordance with these procedures and criteria, the commission shall identify a host state for the development of a second regional disposal facility within three (3) years after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), and shall seek to ensure that such facility is licensed and ready to operate as soon as required, but in no event later than 1991. (B) In developing criteria, the commission must consider the following: the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the party states; the existence of regional facilities within each party state; the minimization of waste transportation; the volumes and types of wastes generated within each party state; and the environmental, economic, and ecological impacts on the air, land and water resources of the party states. (C) The commission shall conduct such hearings; require such reports, studies, evidence and testimony; and do what is required by its approved procedures in order to identify a party state as a host state for a needed regional facility; (7) In accordance with the procedures and criteria developed pursuant to subdivision (e)(6), designate, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, a host state for the establishment of a needed regional facility. The commission shall not exercise this authority unless the party states have failed to voluntarily pursue the development of such facility. The commission shall have the authority to revoke the membership of a party state that willfully creates barriers to the siting of a needed regional facility; (8) Require of and obtain from party states, eligible states seeking to become party states, and non-party states seeking to become eligible states, data and information necessary to the implementation of commission responsibilities; (9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this compact, enter into agreements with any person, state, or similar regional body or group of states for the importation of waste into the region and for the right of access to facilities outside the region for waste generated within the region. The authorization to import requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the commission, including an affirmative vote of both representatives of a host state in which any affected regional facility is located. This shall be done only after an assessment of the affected facility's capability to handle such wastes; (10) Act or appear on behalf of any party state or states, only upon written request of both members of the commission for such state or states, as an intervenor or party in interest before congress, state legislatures, any court of law, or any federal, state or local agency, board or commission which has jurisdiction over the management of wastes. The authority to act, intervene or otherwise appear shall be exercised by the commission only after approval by a majority vote of the commission; and (11) Revoke the membership of a party state in accordance with Article VII(f).
(1) Receive and approve the application of a non-party state to become an eligible state in accordance with Article VII(b);
(2) Receive and approve the application of an eligible state to become a party state in accordance with Article VII(c);
(3) Submit an annual report and other communications to the governors and to the presiding officer of each body of the legislature of the party states regarding the activities of the commission;
(4) Develop and use procedures for determining, consistent with considerations for public health and safety, the type and number of regional facilities which are presently necessary and which are projected to be necessary to manage waste generated within the region;
(5) Provide the party states with reference guidelines for establishing the criteria and procedures for evaluating alternative locations for emergency or permanent regional facilities;
(6) (A) Develop and adopt within one (1) year after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), procedures and criteria for identifying a party state as a host state for a regional facility as determined pursuant to the requirements of this article. In accordance with these procedures and criteria, the commission shall identify a host state for the development of a second regional disposal facility within three (3) years after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), and shall seek to ensure that such facility is licensed and ready to operate as soon as required, but in no event later than 1991. (B) In developing criteria, the commission must consider the following: the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the party states; the existence of regional facilities within each party state; the minimization of waste transportation; the volumes and types of wastes generated within each party state; and the environmental, economic, and ecological impacts on the air, land and water resources of the party states. (C) The commission shall conduct such hearings; require such reports, studies, evidence and testimony; and do what is required by its approved procedures in order to identify a party state as a host state for a needed regional facility;
(A) Develop and adopt within one (1) year after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), procedures and criteria for identifying a party state as a host state for a regional facility as determined pursuant to the requirements of this article. In accordance with these procedures and criteria, the commission shall identify a host state for the development of a second regional disposal facility within three (3) years after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), and shall seek to ensure that such facility is licensed and ready to operate as soon as required, but in no event later than 1991.
(B) In developing criteria, the commission must consider the following: the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the party states; the existence of regional facilities within each party state; the minimization of waste transportation; the volumes and types of wastes generated within each party state; and the environmental, economic, and ecological impacts on the air, land and water resources of the party states.
(C) The commission shall conduct such hearings; require such reports, studies, evidence and testimony; and do what is required by its approved procedures in order to identify a party state as a host state for a needed regional facility;
(7) In accordance with the procedures and criteria developed pursuant to subdivision (e)(6), designate, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, a host state for the establishment of a needed regional facility. The commission shall not exercise this authority unless the party states have failed to voluntarily pursue the development of such facility. The commission shall have the authority to revoke the membership of a party state that willfully creates barriers to the siting of a needed regional facility;
(8) Require of and obtain from party states, eligible states seeking to become party states, and non-party states seeking to become eligible states, data and information necessary to the implementation of commission responsibilities;
(9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this compact, enter into agreements with any person, state, or similar regional body or group of states for the importation of waste into the region and for the right of access to facilities outside the region for waste generated within the region. The authorization to import requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the commission, including an affirmative vote of both representatives of a host state in which any affected regional facility is located. This shall be done only after an assessment of the affected facility's capability to handle such wastes;
(10) Act or appear on behalf of any party state or states, only upon written request of both members of the commission for such state or states, as an intervenor or party in interest before congress, state legislatures, any court of law, or any federal, state or local agency, board or commission which has jurisdiction over the management of wastes. The authority to act, intervene or otherwise appear shall be exercised by the commission only after approval by a majority vote of the commission; and
(11) Revoke the membership of a party state in accordance with Article VII(f).
(f) The commission may establish any advisory committees as it deems necessary for the purpose of advising the commission on any matters pertaining to the management of low-level radioactive waste.
(g) The commission may appoint or contract for and compensate a limited staff necessary to carry out its duties and functions. The staff shall serve at the commission's pleasure irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit laws of any of the party states or the federal government and shall be compensated from funds of the commission. In selecting any staff, the commission shall assure that the staff has adequate experience and formal training to carry out such functions as may be assigned to it by the commission. If the commission has a headquarters it shall be in a party state.
(h) Funding for the commission shall be provided as follows: (1) Each eligible state, upon becoming a party state, shall pay twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to the commission which shall be used for costs of the commission's services; (2) Each state hosting a regional disposal facility shall annually levy special fees or surcharges on all users of such facility, based upon the volume of wastes disposed of at such facilities, the total of which: (a) Must be sufficient to cover the annual budget of the commission; (b) Must represent the financial commitments of all party states to the commission; and (c) Must be paid to the commission; provided, that each host state collecting such fees or surcharges may retain a portion of the collection sufficient to cover its administrative costs of collection, and that the remainder be sufficient only to cover the approved annual budgets of the commission; (3) The commission must set and approve its first annual budget as soon as practicable after its initial meeting. Host states for disposal facilities must begin imposition of the special fees and surcharges provided for in this section as soon as practicable after becoming party states, and must remit to the commission funds resulting from collection of such special fees and surcharges within sixty (60) days of their receipt.
(1) Each eligible state, upon becoming a party state, shall pay twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to the commission which shall be used for costs of the commission's services;
(2) Each state hosting a regional disposal facility shall annually levy special fees or surcharges on all users of such facility, based upon the volume of wastes disposed of at such facilities, the total of which: (a) Must be sufficient to cover the annual budget of the commission; (b) Must represent the financial commitments of all party states to the commission; and (c) Must be paid to the commission; provided, that each host state collecting such fees or surcharges may retain a portion of the collection sufficient to cover its administrative costs of collection, and that the remainder be sufficient only to cover the approved annual budgets of the commission;
(a) Must be sufficient to cover the annual budget of the commission;
(b) Must represent the financial commitments of all party states to the commission; and
(c) Must be paid to the commission; provided, that each host state collecting such fees or surcharges may retain a portion of the collection sufficient to cover its administrative costs of collection, and that the remainder be sufficient only to cover the approved annual budgets of the commission;
provided, that each host state collecting such fees or surcharges may retain a portion of the collection sufficient to cover its administrative costs of collection, and that the remainder be sufficient only to cover the approved annual budgets of the commission;
(3) The commission must set and approve its first annual budget as soon as practicable after its initial meeting. Host states for disposal facilities must begin imposition of the special fees and surcharges provided for in this section as soon as practicable after becoming party states, and must remit to the commission funds resulting from collection of such special fees and surcharges within sixty (60) days of their receipt.
(i) The commission must keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. An independent certified public accountant shall annually audit all receipts and disbursements of commission funds, and submit an audit report to the commission. Such audit report shall be made a part of the annual report of the commission required by Article IV(e)(3).
(j) The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions any and all donations, grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services (conditional or otherwise) from any state or the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, or interstate agency, or from any institution, person, firm or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. The nature, amount and condition, if any, attendant upon any donation or grant accepted pursuant to this paragraph, together with the identity of the donor, grantor or lendor, shall be detailed in the annual report of the commission.
(k) The commission is not responsible for any costs associated with: (1) The creation of the facility; (2) The operation of any facility; (3) The stabilization and closure of any facility; (4) The post-closure observation and maintenance of any facility; or (5) The extended institutional control, after post-closure observation and maintenance of any facility.
(1) The creation of the facility;
(2) The operation of any facility;
(3) The stabilization and closure of any facility;
(4) The post-closure observation and maintenance of any facility; or
(5) The extended institutional control, after post-closure observation and maintenance of any facility.
(l) As of January 1, 1986, the management of wastes at regional facilities is restricted to wastes generated within the region, and to wastes generated within non-party states when authorized by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this compact. After January 1, 1986, the commission may prohibit the exportation of waste from the region for the purposes of management.
(m) (1) The commission herein established is a legal entity separate and distinct from the party states, capable of acting in its own behalf, and is liable for its actions. Liabilities of the commission shall not be deemed liabilities of the party states. Members of the commission shall not be personally liable for action taken by them in their official capacity. (2) Except as specifically provided in this compact, nothing in this compact shall be construed to alter the incidence of liability of any kind for any act, omission, course of conduct, or on account of any casual or other relationships. Generators, transporters of wastes, owners and operators of sites shall be liable for their acts, omissions, conduct, or relationships in accordance with all laws relating thereto.
(1) The commission herein established is a legal entity separate and distinct from the party states, capable of acting in its own behalf, and is liable for its actions. Liabilities of the commission shall not be deemed liabilities of the party states. Members of the commission shall not be personally liable for action taken by them in their official capacity.
(2) Except as specifically provided in this compact, nothing in this compact shall be construed to alter the incidence of liability of any kind for any act, omission, course of conduct, or on account of any casual or other relationships. Generators, transporters of wastes, owners and operators of sites shall be liable for their acts, omissions, conduct, or relationships in accordance with all laws relating thereto.
Article V. Development and Operation of Facilities (a) Any party state which becomes a host state in which a regional facility is operated shall not be designated by the compact commission as a host state for an additional regional facility until each party state has fulfilled its obligation, as determined by the commission, to have a regional facility operated within its borders. (b) A host state desiring to close a regional facility located within its borders may do so only after notifying the commission in writing of its intention to do so and the reasons therefor. Such notification shall be given to the commission at least four (4) years prior to the intended date of closure. Notwithstanding the four-year notice requirement herein provided, a host state is not prevented from closing its facility or establishing conditions of its use and operations as necessary for the protection of the health and safety of its citizens. A host state may terminate or limit access to its regional facility if it determines that congress has materially altered the conditions of this compact. (c) Each party state designated as a host for a regional facility shall take appropriate steps to ensure that an application for a license to construct and operate a facility of the designated type is filed with and issued by the appropriate authority. (d) No party state shall have any form of arbitrary prohibition on the treatment, storage or disposal of low-level radioactive waste within its borders. (e) No party state shall be required to operate a regional facility for longer than a twenty-year period, or to dispose of more than thirty-two million (32,000,000) cubic feet of low-level radioactive waste, whichever first occurs.
(a) Any party state which becomes a host state in which a regional facility is operated shall not be designated by the compact commission as a host state for an additional regional facility until each party state has fulfilled its obligation, as determined by the commission, to have a regional facility operated within its borders.
(b) A host state desiring to close a regional facility located within its borders may do so only after notifying the commission in writing of its intention to do so and the reasons therefor. Such notification shall be given to the commission at least four (4) years prior to the intended date of closure. Notwithstanding the four-year notice requirement herein provided, a host state is not prevented from closing its facility or establishing conditions of its use and operations as necessary for the protection of the health and safety of its citizens. A host state may terminate or limit access to its regional facility if it determines that congress has materially altered the conditions of this compact.
(c) Each party state designated as a host for a regional facility shall take appropriate steps to ensure that an application for a license to construct and operate a facility of the designated type is filed with and issued by the appropriate authority.
(d) No party state shall have any form of arbitrary prohibition on the treatment, storage or disposal of low-level radioactive waste within its borders.
(e) No party state shall be required to operate a regional facility for longer than a twenty-year period, or to dispose of more than thirty-two million (32,000,000) cubic feet of low-level radioactive waste, whichever first occurs.
Article VI. Other Laws and Regulations (a) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to: (1) Abrogate or limit the applicability of any act of congress or diminish or otherwise impair the jurisdiction of any federal agency expressly conferred thereon by the congress; (2) Abrogate or limit the regulatory responsibility and authority of the United States nuclear regulatory commission or of an agreement state under § 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 in which a regional facility is located; (3) Make inapplicable to any person or circumstance any other law of a party state which is not inconsistent with this compact; (4) Make unlawful the continued development and operation of any facility already licensed for development or operation on the date this compact becomes effective, except that any such facility shall comply with Article III, IV and V and shall be subject to any action lawfully taken pursuant thereto; (5) Prohibit any storage or treatment of waste by the generator on its own premises; (6) Affect any judicial or administrative proceeding pending on the effective date of this compact; (7) Alter the relations between, and the respective internal responsibilities of, the government of a party state and its subdivisions; (8) Affect the generation, treatment, storage or disposal of waste generated by the atomic energy defense activities of the secretary of the United States department of energy or federal research and development activities as defined in P.L. 96-573, compiled in 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d ; and (9) Affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to regulate and license any facility within its borders or to affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to tax or impose fees on the waste managed at any facility within its borders. (b) No party state shall pass any law or adopt any regulation which is inconsistent with this compact. To do so may jeopardize the membership status of the party state. (c) Upon formation of the compact, no law or regulation of a party state or of any subdivision or instrumentality thereof may be applied so as to restrict or make more inconvenient access to any regional facility by the generators of another party state than for the generators of the state where the facility is situated. (d) Restrictions of waste management of regional facilities pursuant to Article IV( l ) shall be enforceable as a matter of state law.
(a) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to: (1) Abrogate or limit the applicability of any act of congress or diminish or otherwise impair the jurisdiction of any federal agency expressly conferred thereon by the congress; (2) Abrogate or limit the regulatory responsibility and authority of the United States nuclear regulatory commission or of an agreement state under § 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 in which a regional facility is located; (3) Make inapplicable to any person or circumstance any other law of a party state which is not inconsistent with this compact; (4) Make unlawful the continued development and operation of any facility already licensed for development or operation on the date this compact becomes effective, except that any such facility shall comply with Article III, IV and V and shall be subject to any action lawfully taken pursuant thereto; (5) Prohibit any storage or treatment of waste by the generator on its own premises; (6) Affect any judicial or administrative proceeding pending on the effective date of this compact; (7) Alter the relations between, and the respective internal responsibilities of, the government of a party state and its subdivisions; (8) Affect the generation, treatment, storage or disposal of waste generated by the atomic energy defense activities of the secretary of the United States department of energy or federal research and development activities as defined in P.L. 96-573, compiled in 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d ; and (9) Affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to regulate and license any facility within its borders or to affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to tax or impose fees on the waste managed at any facility within its borders.
(1) Abrogate or limit the applicability of any act of congress or diminish or otherwise impair the jurisdiction of any federal agency expressly conferred thereon by the congress;
(2) Abrogate or limit the regulatory responsibility and authority of the United States nuclear regulatory commission or of an agreement state under § 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 in which a regional facility is located;
(3) Make inapplicable to any person or circumstance any other law of a party state which is not inconsistent with this compact;
(4) Make unlawful the continued development and operation of any facility already licensed for development or operation on the date this compact becomes effective, except that any such facility shall comply with Article III, IV and V and shall be subject to any action lawfully taken pursuant thereto;
(5) Prohibit any storage or treatment of waste by the generator on its own premises;
(6) Affect any judicial or administrative proceeding pending on the effective date of this compact;
(7) Alter the relations between, and the respective internal responsibilities of, the government of a party state and its subdivisions;
(8) Affect the generation, treatment, storage or disposal of waste generated by the atomic energy defense activities of the secretary of the United States department of energy or federal research and development activities as defined in P.L. 96-573, compiled in 42 U.S.C. §§ 2021b - 2021d ; and
(9) Affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to regulate and license any facility within its borders or to affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to tax or impose fees on the waste managed at any facility within its borders.
(b) No party state shall pass any law or adopt any regulation which is inconsistent with this compact. To do so may jeopardize the membership status of the party state.
(c) Upon formation of the compact, no law or regulation of a party state or of any subdivision or instrumentality thereof may be applied so as to restrict or make more inconvenient access to any regional facility by the generators of another party state than for the generators of the state where the facility is situated.
(d) Restrictions of waste management of regional facilities pursuant to Article IV( l ) shall be enforceable as a matter of state law.
Article VII. Eligible Parties, Withdrawal, Revocation, Entry into Force, Termination (a) This compact shall have as initially eligible parties the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. (b) Any state not expressly declared eligible to become a party state to this compact in section (a) of this article may petition the commission, once constituted, to be declared eligible. The commission may establish such conditions as it deems necessary and appropriate to be met by a state wishing to become eligible to become a party state to this compact pursuant to the provisions of this section. Upon satisfactorily meeting such conditions and upon the affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3) of the commission, including the affirmative vote of both representatives of a host state in which any affected regional facility is located, the petitioning state shall be eligible to become a party state to this compact and may become a party state in the same manner as those states declared eligible in section (a) of this article. (c) Each state eligible to become a party state to this compact shall be declared a party state upon enactment of this compact into law by the state and upon payment of the fees required by Article IV(h)(1). The commission shall be the judge of the qualifications of the party states and of its members and of their compliance with the conditions and requirements of this compact and the laws of the party states relating to the enactment of this compact. (d) (1) The first three (3) states eligible to become party states to this compact which enact this compact into law and appropriate the fees required by Article IV(h)(1) shall immediately, upon the appointment of their commission members, constitute themselves as the southeast low-level radioactive waste management commission, shall cause legislation to be introduced in the congress which grants the consent of the congress to this compact, and shall do those things necessary to organize the commission and implement the provisions of this compact. (2) All succeeding states eligible to become party states to this compact shall be declared party states pursuant to the provisions of section (c) of this article. (3) The consent of the congress shall be required for full implementation of this compact. The provisions of Article V(d) shall not become effective until the effective date of the import ban authorized by Article IV( l ) as approved by congress. The congress may by law withdraw its consent only every five (5) years. (e) No state which holds membership in any other regional compact for the management of low-level radioactive waste may be considered by the compact commission for eligible state status or party state status. (f) (1) Any party state which fails to comply with the provisions of this compact or to fulfill the obligations incurred by becoming a party state to this compact may be subject to sanctions by the commission, including suspension of its rights under this compact, and revocation of its status as a party state. Any sanction shall be imposed only upon the affirmative vote of at least two thirds (2/3) of the commission members. Revocation of party state status takes effect on the date of the meeting at which the commission approves the resolution imposing such sanction, but in no event shall revocation take effect later than ninety (90) days from the date of such meeting. Rights and obligations incurred by being declared a party state to this compact shall continue until the effective date of the sanction imposed or as provided in the resolution of the commission imposing the sanction. (2) The commission must, as soon as practicable after the meeting at which a resolution revoking status as a party state is approved, provide written notice of the action along with a copy of the resolution to the governors, the presiding officers of the senates, and the speakers of the houses of representatives of the party states, as well as chairs of the appropriate committees of the congress. (g) Subject to the provisions of Article VII(h), any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a law repealing the compact; provided, that if a regional facility is located within such state, such regional facility shall remain available to the region for four (4) years after the date the commission receives notification in writing from the governor of such party state of the rescission of the compact. The commission, upon receipt of the notification, shall, as soon as practicable, provide copies of such notification to the governors, the presiding officers of the senates, and the speakers of the houses of representatives of the party states, as well as the chairs of the appropriate committees of the congress. (h) The right of a party state to withdraw pursuant to Article VII(g) shall terminate thirty (30) days following the commencement of operation of the second host state disposal facility. Thereafter, a party state may withdraw only with the unanimous approval of the commission and with the consent of congress. For purposes of this section, the low-level radioactive waste disposal facility located in Barnwell County, South Carolina, shall be considered the first host state disposal facility. (i) This compact may be terminated only by the affirmative action of the congress or by the rescission of all laws enacting the compact in each of the party states.
(a) This compact shall have as initially eligible parties the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
(b) Any state not expressly declared eligible to become a party state to this compact in section (a) of this article may petition the commission, once constituted, to be declared eligible. The commission may establish such conditions as it deems necessary and appropriate to be met by a state wishing to become eligible to become a party state to this compact pursuant to the provisions of this section. Upon satisfactorily meeting such conditions and upon the affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3) of the commission, including the affirmative vote of both representatives of a host state in which any affected regional facility is located, the petitioning state shall be eligible to become a party state to this compact and may become a party state in the same manner as those states declared eligible in section (a) of this article.
(c) Each state eligible to become a party state to this compact shall be declared a party state upon enactment of this compact into law by the state and upon payment of the fees required by Article IV(h)(1). The commission shall be the judge of the qualifications of the party states and of its members and of their compliance with the conditions and requirements of this compact and the laws of the party states relating to the enactment of this compact.
(d) (1) The first three (3) states eligible to become party states to this compact which enact this compact into law and appropriate the fees required by Article IV(h)(1) shall immediately, upon the appointment of their commission members, constitute themselves as the southeast low-level radioactive waste management commission, shall cause legislation to be introduced in the congress which grants the consent of the congress to this compact, and shall do those things necessary to organize the commission and implement the provisions of this compact. (2) All succeeding states eligible to become party states to this compact shall be declared party states pursuant to the provisions of section (c) of this article. (3) The consent of the congress shall be required for full implementation of this compact. The provisions of Article V(d) shall not become effective until the effective date of the import ban authorized by Article IV( l ) as approved by congress. The congress may by law withdraw its consent only every five (5) years.
(1) The first three (3) states eligible to become party states to this compact which enact this compact into law and appropriate the fees required by Article IV(h)(1) shall immediately, upon the appointment of their commission members, constitute themselves as the southeast low-level radioactive waste management commission, shall cause legislation to be introduced in the congress which grants the consent of the congress to this compact, and shall do those things necessary to organize the commission and implement the provisions of this compact.
(2) All succeeding states eligible to become party states to this compact shall be declared party states pursuant to the provisions of section (c) of this article.
(3) The consent of the congress shall be required for full implementation of this compact. The provisions of Article V(d) shall not become effective until the effective date of the import ban authorized by Article IV( l ) as approved by congress. The congress may by law withdraw its consent only every five (5) years.
(e) No state which holds membership in any other regional compact for the management of low-level radioactive waste may be considered by the compact commission for eligible state status or party state status.
(f) (1) Any party state which fails to comply with the provisions of this compact or to fulfill the obligations incurred by becoming a party state to this compact may be subject to sanctions by the commission, including suspension of its rights under this compact, and revocation of its status as a party state. Any sanction shall be imposed only upon the affirmative vote of at least two thirds (2/3) of the commission members. Revocation of party state status takes effect on the date of the meeting at which the commission approves the resolution imposing such sanction, but in no event shall revocation take effect later than ninety (90) days from the date of such meeting. Rights and obligations incurred by being declared a party state to this compact shall continue until the effective date of the sanction imposed or as provided in the resolution of the commission imposing the sanction. (2) The commission must, as soon as practicable after the meeting at which a resolution revoking status as a party state is approved, provide written notice of the action along with a copy of the resolution to the governors, the presiding officers of the senates, and the speakers of the houses of representatives of the party states, as well as chairs of the appropriate committees of the congress.
(1) Any party state which fails to comply with the provisions of this compact or to fulfill the obligations incurred by becoming a party state to this compact may be subject to sanctions by the commission, including suspension of its rights under this compact, and revocation of its status as a party state. Any sanction shall be imposed only upon the affirmative vote of at least two thirds (2/3) of the commission members. Revocation of party state status takes effect on the date of the meeting at which the commission approves the resolution imposing such sanction, but in no event shall revocation take effect later than ninety (90) days from the date of such meeting. Rights and obligations incurred by being declared a party state to this compact shall continue until the effective date of the sanction imposed or as provided in the resolution of the commission imposing the sanction.
(2) The commission must, as soon as practicable after the meeting at which a resolution revoking status as a party state is approved, provide written notice of the action along with a copy of the resolution to the governors, the presiding officers of the senates, and the speakers of the houses of representatives of the party states, as well as chairs of the appropriate committees of the congress.
(g) Subject to the provisions of Article VII(h), any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a law repealing the compact; provided, that if a regional facility is located within such state, such regional facility shall remain available to the region for four (4) years after the date the commission receives notification in writing from the governor of such party state of the rescission of the compact. The commission, upon receipt of the notification, shall, as soon as practicable, provide copies of such notification to the governors, the presiding officers of the senates, and the speakers of the houses of representatives of the party states, as well as the chairs of the appropriate committees of the congress.
(h) The right of a party state to withdraw pursuant to Article VII(g) shall terminate thirty (30) days following the commencement of operation of the second host state disposal facility. Thereafter, a party state may withdraw only with the unanimous approval of the commission and with the consent of congress. For purposes of this section, the low-level radioactive waste disposal facility located in Barnwell County, South Carolina, shall be considered the first host state disposal facility.
(i) This compact may be terminated only by the affirmative action of the congress or by the rescission of all laws enacting the compact in each of the party states.
Article VIII. Penalties (a) Each party state, consistently with its own law, shall prescribe and enforce penalties against any person not an official of another state for violation of any provision of this compact. (b) Each party state acknowledges that the receipt by a host state of waste packaged or transported in violation of applicable laws and regulations can result in imposition of sanctions by the host state which may include suspension or revocation of the violator's right of access to the facility in the host state.
(a) Each party state, consistently with its own law, shall prescribe and enforce penalties against any person not an official of another state for violation of any provision of this compact.
(b) Each party state acknowledges that the receipt by a host state of waste packaged or transported in violation of applicable laws and regulations can result in imposition of sanctions by the host state which may include suspension or revocation of the violator's right of access to the facility in the host state.
Article IX. Severability and Construction The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any participating state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If any provision of this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to give effect to the purposes thereof.
The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any participating state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If any provision of this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to give effect to the purposes thereof.
Acts 1982, ch. 843, § 1; T.C.A., § 53-7101; Acts 1983, ch. 433, §§ 1-47; 1988, ch. 540, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 68-23-701.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-117 — TN Code / Title 68 / Chapter 211 / Section 68-211-117
Civil penalties
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this part or any rule, regulation, or standard adopted pursuant to this part shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per day for each day of violation; provided, however, that if the violation involves the disposal of solid waste in a sinkhole, it shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than seven hundred dollars ($700) nor more than seven thousand dollars ($7,000) per day for each day of violation because of the increased likelihood of harm to the environment and the public. (2) Each day such violation continues constitutes a separate violation. In addition, such person shall also be liable for any damages to the state resulting therefrom, without regard to whether any civil penalty is assessed. (b) Any civil penalty or damages shall be assessed in the following manner: (1) The commissioner may issue an assessment against any person responsible for the violation or damages. Such person shall receive notice of the assessment by certified mail, return receipt requested; (2) Any person against whom an assessment has been issued may secure a review of the assessment by filing with the commissioner a written petition setting forth the grounds and reasons for such person's objections and asking for a hearing in the matter involved before the board. When such a petition is timely filed, the procedure for conducting the contested case shall be in accordance with § 68-211-113(b) ; (3) If a petition for review of the assessment is not filed within thirty (30) days after the date the assessment is served, the violator is deemed to have consented to the assessment and it shall become final; (4) Whenever any assessment has become final because of a person's failure to appeal either the commissioner's assessment or the board's order, the commissioner may apply to the appropriate court for a judgment and seek execution on such judgment. The court, in such proceedings, shall treat the failure to appeal such assessment as a confession of judgment in the amount of the assessment; and (5) The commissioner may institute proceedings for assessment in the chancery court of Davidson County or in the chancery court of the county in which all or part of the violation or failure to comply occurred. Such court shall have venue over such actions, notwithstanding § 20-4-101 to the contrary. (c) In assessing a civil penalty, the following factors may be considered: (1) The harm done to public health or the environment; (2) The economic benefit gained by the violators; (3) The amount of effort put forth by the violator to attain compliance; and (4) Any unusual or extraordinary enforcement costs incurred by the commissioner. (d) Damages to the state may include any reasonable expenses incurred in investigating and enforcing violations of this part, and in restoring the air, water, land and other property, including animal, plant and aquatic life, of the state to their former condition. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 7, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1980, ch. 662, § 6; T.C.A., §§ 53-4344, 68-31-117; Acts 2004, ch. 848, § 2.
(a) (1) Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this part or any rule, regulation, or standard adopted pursuant to this part shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per day for each day of violation; provided, however, that if the violation involves the disposal of solid waste in a sinkhole, it shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than seven hundred dollars ($700) nor more than seven thousand dollars ($7,000) per day for each day of violation because of the increased likelihood of harm to the environment and the public. (2) Each day such violation continues constitutes a separate violation. In addition, such person shall also be liable for any damages to the state resulting therefrom, without regard to whether any civil penalty is assessed.
(1) Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this part or any rule, regulation, or standard adopted pursuant to this part shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per day for each day of violation; provided, however, that if the violation involves the disposal of solid waste in a sinkhole, it shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than seven hundred dollars ($700) nor more than seven thousand dollars ($7,000) per day for each day of violation because of the increased likelihood of harm to the environment and the public.
(2) Each day such violation continues constitutes a separate violation. In addition, such person shall also be liable for any damages to the state resulting therefrom, without regard to whether any civil penalty is assessed.
(b) Any civil penalty or damages shall be assessed in the following manner: (1) The commissioner may issue an assessment against any person responsible for the violation or damages. Such person shall receive notice of the assessment by certified mail, return receipt requested; (2) Any person against whom an assessment has been issued may secure a review of the assessment by filing with the commissioner a written petition setting forth the grounds and reasons for such person's objections and asking for a hearing in the matter involved before the board. When such a petition is timely filed, the procedure for conducting the contested case shall be in accordance with § 68-211-113(b) ; (3) If a petition for review of the assessment is not filed within thirty (30) days after the date the assessment is served, the violator is deemed to have consented to the assessment and it shall become final; (4) Whenever any assessment has become final because of a person's failure to appeal either the commissioner's assessment or the board's order, the commissioner may apply to the appropriate court for a judgment and seek execution on such judgment. The court, in such proceedings, shall treat the failure to appeal such assessment as a confession of judgment in the amount of the assessment; and (5) The commissioner may institute proceedings for assessment in the chancery court of Davidson County or in the chancery court of the county in which all or part of the violation or failure to comply occurred. Such court shall have venue over such actions, notwithstanding § 20-4-101 to the contrary.
(1) The commissioner may issue an assessment against any person responsible for the violation or damages. Such person shall receive notice of the assessment by certified mail, return receipt requested;
(2) Any person against whom an assessment has been issued may secure a review of the assessment by filing with the commissioner a written petition setting forth the grounds and reasons for such person's objections and asking for a hearing in the matter involved before the board. When such a petition is timely filed, the procedure for conducting the contested case shall be in accordance with § 68-211-113(b) ;
(3) If a petition for review of the assessment is not filed within thirty (30) days after the date the assessment is served, the violator is deemed to have consented to the assessment and it shall become final;
(4) Whenever any assessment has become final because of a person's failure to appeal either the commissioner's assessment or the board's order, the commissioner may apply to the appropriate court for a judgment and seek execution on such judgment. The court, in such proceedings, shall treat the failure to appeal such assessment as a confession of judgment in the amount of the assessment; and
(5) The commissioner may institute proceedings for assessment in the chancery court of Davidson County or in the chancery court of the county in which all or part of the violation or failure to comply occurred. Such court shall have venue over such actions, notwithstanding § 20-4-101 to the contrary.
(c) In assessing a civil penalty, the following factors may be considered: (1) The harm done to public health or the environment; (2) The economic benefit gained by the violators; (3) The amount of effort put forth by the violator to attain compliance; and (4) Any unusual or extraordinary enforcement costs incurred by the commissioner.
(1) The harm done to public health or the environment;
(2) The economic benefit gained by the violators;
(3) The amount of effort put forth by the violator to attain compliance; and
(4) Any unusual or extraordinary enforcement costs incurred by the commissioner.
(d) Damages to the state may include any reasonable expenses incurred in investigating and enforcing violations of this part, and in restoring the air, water, land and other property, including animal, plant and aquatic life, of the state to their former condition.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 181, s 7, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1980, ch. 662, § 6; T.C.A., §§ 53-4344, 68-31-117; Acts 2004, ch. 848, § 2.