HB1576

House Bill 1576 amends the Arkansas Solid Waste Management Act to prohibit the construction, installation, modification, use, or operation of any new solid waste landfill in areas characterized by karst topography. The bill defines karst topography as regions where soluble carbonate rocks, such as limestone and dolomite, undergo dissolution, creating interconnected fissures and conduits that allow for rapid groundwater movement. This prohibition does not apply to facilities existing prior to the effective date of the act, nor does it apply to transfer stations, recycling facilities, or composting facilities. The legislation aims to mitigate environmental risks associated with waste disposal in geologically sensitive areas prone to groundwater contamination. Existing regulations concerning permits and illegal dumping remain in effect, with minor adjustments to the numbering of definitions and prohibited actions within the code.