SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 26

92^ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

3609L.03I

         Whereas, Missouri's primary goal for solid waste is to reduce the amount generated and promote programs to reuse, recycle, and compost discarded materials. Based on a need to develop and promote feasible alternatives to the disposal of waste in landfills, one alternative is the development and application of plasma-arc torch technology for solid waste management, with the cooperation and guidance of the Air and Land Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources; and

            Whereas, improper processing or disposal of solid waste can cause health and environmental problems, such as ground and surface water pollution, air pollution, and the transmission of disease; and

            Whereas, solid waste reduction is a positive measure and has been achieved in Missouri by mandates that ban major appliances, whole tires, waste oil, lead batteries, and yard waste from landfills; and

            Whereas, as long as landfill disposal costs in Missouri remain lower than the cost of recycling, it will continue to be difficult to increase the percentage of waste being diverted from the landfills; and

            Whereas, plasma-arc torch technology offers an alternative means of managing solid waste that would reduce Missouri's dependence on landfills; and

            Whereas, plasma-arc torch technology is apparently capable of treating asbestos-containing waste, infectious biomedical waste, and hazardous waste to the extent required to eliminate threats posed by such wastes to human health and the environment; and

            Whereas, plasma-arc torch technology will reduce the volume of radioactive waste, but the radioactive waste will still exist; and

            Whereas, permits are required from the Air and Land Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources before plasma-arc torch technology can be implemented as a solid waste thermal treatment technology; and

            Whereas, cooperation and guidance from the Air and Land Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources in the permitting of a plasma-arc torch facility is desired to encourage the development of such a facility in Missouri:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-second General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the Air and Land Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources to assist any applicant desiring to locate a plasma-arc torch facility for the purpose of disposing of solid waste in Missouri by meeting with prospective applicants to facilitate understanding of the regulatory requirements and processes, educating local governments and the citizens of Missouri on the relative benefits of plasma-arc torch technology compared to current landfill disposal practices, and reviewing all permit applications for such a facility in a timely and expeditious manner; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for James D. Werner, the Director of the Air and Land Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources.