In general provisions, providing for areas where landfills are prohibited.
Summary
HB934 amends Pennsylvania’s Solid Waste Management Act to create a new setback rule for landfills. It prohibits landfills used for municipal waste, residual waste, or hazardous waste from being located within 2,500 feet, measured horizontally, of an occupied dwelling.
The bill applies to landfill projects seeking a Department of Environmental Protection permit to initially open, reopen, or expand operations, so long as the permit has not yet been finally granted by the department and any court with final jurisdiction. In practical terms, it would add a new siting restriction that could affect where new landfill projects may be proposed and whether certain pending projects can proceed.
Impact
The bill would amend the Solid Waste Management Act by adding a new Section 109 establishing a mandatory buffer zone between landfills and occupied homes. It would affect landfill operators, permit applicants, local communities, and the Department of Environmental Protection by limiting eligible landfill locations and potentially altering the review of pending permit applications for new, reopened, or expanded facilities. The change would apply immediately upon enactment.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to reflect a precautionary, community-protection approach focused on residential setbacks from landfill operations.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the 2,500-foot setback requirement, which could be viewed by supporters as necessary to protect residents from odors, traffic, noise, and other landfill impacts, while opponents may argue it is overly restrictive and could make it difficult to site, reopen, or expand landfill facilities. Another likely issue is the bill’s application to permits not yet finally granted, which may affect projects already in the permitting pipeline.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in residual waste, providing for prohibition on road spreading and land application of oil and gas wastewater.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in residual waste, further providing for disposal, processing and storage of residual waste and providing for exempt special wastes; and making an editorial change.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in residual waste, further providing for disposal, processing and storage of residual waste and providing for exempt special wastes; and making an editorial change.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in applications and permits, further providing for permit and license application requirements; and making a repeal.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of the department and for powers and duties of the Environmental Quality Board.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of the department; in applications and permits, further providing for permits and licenses required, transition scheme and reporting requirements and providing for food processing residuals; and imposing penalties.