REFERENCE TITLE: uranium; radioactive materials; transportation; monitoring

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-third Legislature Second Regular Session 2018

HB 2480

Introduced by Representatives Descheenie: Benally, Chávez, Epstein, Espinoza, Gabaldón, Navarrete, Senator Peshlakai

 

AN ACT

 

amending title 28, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding chapter 31; appropriating monies; relating to the transportation of materials.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Title 28, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding chapter 31, to read:

CHAPTER 31

TRANSPORTING URANIUM AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

ARTICLE 1.  GENERAL PROVISIONS

START_STATUTE28-9601.  Definitions

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1.  "Transport" means to move uranium or radioactive materials by road, rail or water routes.

2.  "Uranium" means natural ore that contains uranium minerals or isotopes.  END_STATUTE

START_STATUTE28-9602.  Department of environmental quality; monitoring; study

The department of transportation shall work in conjunction with the department of environmental quality and the Navajo nation to both:

1.  Use drones to monitor uranium and radioactive materials transportation haul routes for leaks and spills of uranium or radioactive materials.

2.  study the proposed routes of a person that plans to transport uranium or radioactive materials along highways in this state to:

(a)  Find the best and most practical locations and costs associated with installing and operating air monitoring equipment where a person intends to transport uranium or radioactive materials.

(b)  Secure monies for water sampling if any body of water, either surface or subsurface, is impacted by transporting uranium or radioactive materials. END_STATUTE

START_STATUTE28-6903.  Radioactivity release; requirements

If an accidental or excessive release of uranium or radioactive materials occurs in this state, the department shall work cooperatively with the division of emergency management to minimize harm to the public. END_STATUTE

Sec. 2.  Legislative findings and intent

The legislature finds that the inhalation of radioactive particles or exposure to radiation can result in human health problems.  The legislature seeks to reduce all harm to human health of living and future residents of this state by reducing unnecessary emissions from transporting uranium and radioactive materials.

Sec. 3.  Appropriation; uranium and radioactive materials monitoring

The sum of $200,000 is appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2018‑2019 to the department of environmental quality to purchase drones to monitor uranium and radioactive materials transportation haul routes for leaks and spills of uranium or radioactive materials.