Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a key industry bill doubling the permit terms for solid waste facilities.
House Bill 503 extends the permit term for a solid waste management facility with a leachate collection system to 20 years from 10. Facilities without leachate collection systems can extend the term to 10 years from 5, said Keyna Cory, longtime Florida Chapter lobbyist for the Washington-based National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA), in an e-mail.
The law will take effect July 1. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-Panama City).
The NSWMA called the bill a top priority for the region and the industry when it passed the state legislature in March, and applauded the bill being passed into law.
"The new law will save the industry millions of dollars," said John Clifford, NSWMA Florida Chapter chairman in a news release. "The language in this bill will help companies of all sizes in Florida, from the small business to the large international companies. The money saved with the extension of the permit renewal can be used by NSWMA members to invest in equipment; upgrade facilities and increase workforce. This legislation maintains environmental protection, but does so without needless burdensome regulation. It is really a win-win for all involved."
The cost for landfill permit renewals vary depending on the type of facility, Cory said. It currently takes about six to eight months to renew a permit if there are no issues.