SB1695 Summary

• Amends the Environmental Protection Act to establish comprehensive regulations for coal combustion residuals (CCR) surface impoundments, including construction, operation, and closure requirements.

• Requires owners/operators of CCR surface impoundments to post performance bonds or other security (trust funds, surety bonds, letters of credit, or insurance) to ensure closure, post-closure care, and remediation of releases.

• Establishes detailed criteria for insurance as financial assurance, including requirements for surety bonds covering premium costs, trust funds for forfeited funds, advance premium payments of at least 2 years, and policy face values matching cost estimates for closure, post-closure care, or remediation.

• Mandates that all contractors, subcontractors, and installers working on CCR surface impoundments complete Department of Labor-approved training programs in hazardous waste handling, erosion control, environmental remediation, heavy equipment operation, and excavation.

• Requires owners of CCR surface impoundments to submit annual reports on coal combustion byproducts sold, post closure plans and permit applications on public websites, and pay initial ($50,000-$75,000 per impoundment) and annual fees ($15,000-$25,000 per impoundment) to the Agency.