HB 6269 Summary

• Establishes regulatory framework for coal ash landfills and impoundments with minimum design standards requiring 5-foot clearance from groundwater, detection monitoring of specific constituents (boron, calcium, chloride, fluoride, iron, pH, sulfate, total dissolved solids), and compliance with federal 40 CFR 257 standards.

• Requires coal ash facilities to implement closure procedures within 6 months of final ash placement, with unlined impoundments facing stricter requirements including cessation of ash acceptance within 180 days if groundwater contamination is detected.

• Creates $13,000 annual licensing fees and dedicated coal ash care fund for coal ash landfills and impoundments, separate from general solid waste management fund, to support permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities specific to coal ash disposal.

• Exempts existing coal ash impoundments from licensing requirements for 2 years after the act's effective date, allowing time for compliance assessment and closure planning under specified standards.

• Modifies financial assurance requirements permitting use of financial tests for up to 95% of closure costs for coal ash impoundments meeting specific criteria, and eliminates financial assurance obligations upon completion of closure by removal meeting environmental standards.