The purpose of this chapter is to establish a comprehensive statewide framework for the planning, regulation, control, and management of hazardous waste which will prevent land, air, and water pollution and conserve the natural, economic, and energy resources of the state. To this end it is the purpose of this chapter:

Terms Used In Washington Code 70A.300.007

  • Department: means the department of ecology. See Washington Code 70A.300.010
  • Hazardous substances: means any liquid, solid, gas, or sludge, including any material, substance, product, commodity, or waste, regardless of quantity, that exhibits any of the characteristics or criteria of hazardous waste as described in rules adopted under this chapter. See Washington Code 70A.300.010
  • Hazardous waste: means and includes all dangerous and extremely hazardous waste, including substances composed of both radioactive and hazardous components. See Washington Code 70A.300.010
  • Local government: means a city, town, or county. See Washington Code 70A.300.010
  • Moderate-risk waste: means (a) any waste that exhibits any of the properties of hazardous waste but is exempt from regulation under this chapter solely because the waste is generated in quantities below the threshold for regulation, and (b) any household wastes which are generated from the disposal of substances identified by the department as hazardous household substances. See Washington Code 70A.300.010
(1) To provide broad powers of regulation to the department of ecology relating to management of hazardous wastes and releases of hazardous substances;
(2) To promote waste reduction and to encourage other improvements in waste management practices;
(3) To promote cooperation between state and local governments by assigning responsibilities for planning for hazardous wastes to the state and planning for moderate-risk waste to local government;
(4) To provide for prevention of problems related to improper management of hazardous substances before such problems occur; and
(5) To assure that needed hazardous waste management facilities may be sited in the state, and to ensure the safe operation of the facilities.
[ 1985 c 448 § 3. Formerly RCW 70.105.007.]

NOTES:

Severability1985 c 448: See note following RCW 70A.300.005.