Ohio Gov. John Kasich is expected to sign Senate Bill 2, a law that would give the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) new authority over construction and demolition (C&D) recycling sites and limit the potential for expensive cleanup situations, according to the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer.
Currently, the Ohio EPA does not have jurisdiction over C&D recycling facilities. However, Senate Bill 2 would give the agency licensing and approval powers, the Plain Dealer reports. Senate Bill 2 would also require facilities to demonstrate financial capabilities for a site cleanup and allow the Ohio EPA to enforce that with court approval.
Senate Bill 2 emerged not long after the Ohio EPA decided to spend $6 million on cleaning up the Arco Recycling facility in East Cleveland, the Plain Dealer says. Residents had been complaining about debris piles that reached four stories high in some cases at the site.
The bill would also give the Ohio EPA new authority over public water systems and the disposal of sediment dredge from waterways. Senate Bill 2 has received endorsements from the Port of Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland Partnership and a C&D trade group, according to the Plain Dealer.