Manny Castro
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang on Thursday approved Senate Bill 24-8, transferring the advanced disposal fee program from the Division of Environmental Quality to the Department of Public Works.
Authored by Sen. Manny Gregory T. Castro, S.B. 24-8 is now Public Law 24-12.
It amends the CNMI Recycling Act of 1999, giving DPW authority to manage the advanced disposal fee program, previously overseen by DEQ. DPW can now collect advanced disposal fees for materials deemed viable for diversion and develop a fee structure through regulation to provide proper economic support for the diversion program.
The new law requires DPW, when evaluating materials for diversion, to consider environmental and economic benefits, existing and potential markets, and current collection and processing infrastructure.
According to P.L. 24-12, it is appropriate to grant DPW the authority to carry out the advanced disposal fee program. Since the department oversees solid waste management, it has a better understanding of the management and operation of relevant facilities.
The evaluation of benefits for diverting materials from disposal will be based on the following criteria:
– The environmental impacts of the material, both from disposal and from improper management.
– The toxicity of the material within the waste stream.
– The quantities of the material within the waste stream.
– The strength and stability of markets for the material.
– The ease of separation and collection of the material using existing equipment and technology.
– The local benefits, both environmental and economic, of on-island uses for products made from the material.
P.L. 24-12 also authorizes the DPW secretary, in consultation with the solid waste management director, to oversee expenditures for the Environmental Management Fund.
