SB13-057 Summary

• Requires applicants for solid waste disposal site certificates to hire independent professional engineers to both prepare and review engineered design and operations plans, removing Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) review authority for these technical documents.

• Establishes optional preapplication conferences where CDPHE provides applicants with checklists of required documents and data at no cost, with conferences available electronically unless project scope requires in-person meetings.

• Shifts responsibility for soliciting and accepting public comments on solid waste disposal applications from CDPHE to local governing bodies, requiring a minimum 30-day public comment period prior to public hearings.

• Requires independent professional engineers reviewing plans to provide written statements confirming qualifications, absence of conflicts of interest, and proof of professional liability insurance or financial assurance before conducting reviews.

• Takes effect August 7, 2013, and applies to applications submitted on or after the effective date; subject to referendum petition approval if filed within 90 days.