OPPOSE TEA-21 AMENDMENT TO USE ONE-CALL CENTERS TO LOCATE HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
In March AGC opposed a proposed Highway Bill amendment being offered in committee by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) calling for an EPA study on using one-call centers to identify and locate hazardous waste sites where excavation is scheduled. Senator Boxer chose not to offer her amendment. As Senate floor consideration continues, Senator Jim Jeffords, (I-VT), the Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee is considering offering the amendment.

AGC objects to this proposal. At AGC’s Convention in March, the Municipal & Utilities Division drafted a position paper outlining just some of the reasons that One-Call Centers are inappropriate for this task. AGC is a proud sponsor of the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) which was established to provide a forum for all parties that have a stake in issues related to underground utilities, to discuss concerns and come to a consensus on how to remedy problems. The CGA has twice deliberated the issue of involving One Call Centers in the identification and location of hazardous wastes at sites. Many concerns were expressed about this approach to the problem. No consensus was reached as several stakeholders agreed that land owners should locate and remediate hazardous wastes at their sites long before excavators are ready to dig. 

AGC Congressional Affairs staff and chapter staff alike are contacting legislators and Congressional staff to discourage inclusion of this amendment. AGC encourages our chapters and members to contact their US Senators via AGC’s Legislative Action Center to oppose such an amendment. For more information, contact Stu Megaw at 703/837-5321 or megaws@agc.org [ return to top ]