What's happening
This bill establishes a one-year moratorium on new sewer sludge processing facilities in New York while environmental and health impacts are studied.
Why it matters
Pauses expansion of potentially controversial facilities. By halting new sewer sludge processing plants for a year, the bill temporarily prevents the establishment of sites that could have significant impacts on local communities and ecosystems, giving time for careful consideration.
Prioritizes public and environmental health. The mandated review by both the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health signals an official recognition of possible risks—such as soil, air, and water contamination—from these facilities.
Requires stakeholder engagement and transparency. The law calls for input from environmental, health experts, and the public, ensuring the review process isn't just internal but includes voices from potentially affected groups and those with relevant expertise.
Creates a pathway for evidence-based policy. The required public report on environmental and health impacts could shape future regulations or restrictions on these facilities, ensuring future decisions are informed by gathered data and stakeholder perspectives.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Pause New Sludge Facilities
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Assembly Member · Assembly District 111
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to environmental conservation
- Referred to environmental conservation
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1636
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 16, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. SANTABARBARA -- read once and referred to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
AN ACT to establish a moratorium on the siting of sewer sludge processing facilities in the state
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Moratorium on the siting of sewer sludge processing facilities. 1. For the purposes of this act, "sewer sludge processing facility" shall include any facility that converts sewer sludge, including but not limited to human waste, farm animal waste, and food waste, such as yogurt by-products, into a bio-solid fertilizer.
2. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, there is hereby established a moratorium upon the siting of sewer sludge processing facilities in this state. The moratorium shall continue for a period of one year from the effective date of this act or until the department of environmental conservation reports to the governor and the legislature on its findings and recommendations as required by subdivision 3 of this section.
3. a. The department of environmental conservation, in cooperation with the department of health, shall immediately undertake a review of all available data relating to the potential environmental and health risks and effects of sewer sludge processing facilities.
b. The commissioner of environmental conservation, or his or her designee, shall:
i. Solicit input from environmental and public health specialists, and other stakeholders in an open, public process;
ii. Examine various routes of exposure and the health and environmental impact of sewer sludge processing facilities, including, but not limited to, effects on soil, air quality, and drinking water; and
iii. Prepare a report to the governor and the legislature which includes research and studies conducted on sewer sludge processing
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06491-01-9
A. 1636 2
facilities which were the source of the report findings and recommendations for the siting of sewer sludge processing facilities. Such report shall be filed within one year of the effective date of this act, unless the commissioner of environmental conservation requests in writing, an extension of time.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.