Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Waste Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee tightens penalties for illegal septic dumping following federal incident
Summary
After testimony about a small operator illegally dumping waste on federal land, the subcommittee advanced HB 23-55 to increase penalties to a Class B misdemeanor and authorize permit suspensions and revocations.
Chairman Howe described HB 23-55 as a response to an incident where a septic operator illegally spread waste in the Cherokee National Forest. He told the committee the U.S. Attorney declined to prioritize the case and urged state-level strengthening of penalties.
The bill increases intentional dumping to a Class B misdemeanor with potential jail time and higher fines (up to $500) and permits TDEC to suspend or revoke a pumping business’ permit after repeated violations (30 days first violation, 90 days second, revocation on the third). The committee voted 9–0 to send the bill to full committee.
