Environment (Parks & Recreation)

SB 725 would remove a two-mile buffer requirement that currently prohibits new or expanded landfills from being built within two miles of class II scenic rivers in Tennessee. This change would directly affect landfill operators and developers seeking to site facilities near these protected river areas. The bill deletes specific sections of state law (TCA Sections 11-13-111(b) and 68-211-118, 68-212-120, 68-212-223) that enforced the buffer. Consequently, landfills could be located closer to scenic rivers without the current setback.

HB 895 removes a requirement that new or expanded landfill sites must be located at least two miles away from designated Class II scenic rivers in Tennessee. This bill directly affects landfill developers and communities near these protected waterways by eliminating a buffer zone designed to limit development close to sensitive river environments. The bill achieves this by deleting specific provisions in Tennessee Code (Sections 68-211-118, 68-212-120, and 68-212-223) that previously enforced the two-mile restriction. The change would allow landfills to be built closer to scenic rivers without needing to comply with this distance rule. The bill is currently in committee referral and has not yet been voted on.