Amends TCA Title 68.

Present law generally requires the department of environment and conservation to exercise general supervision over the construction of solid waste processing facilities and disposal facilities or sites throughout the state. The department's Rule 0400-11-01-.04(3) requires, in part, that Class I-IV landfills are located at least 500 feet from all residences, unless the owner of the residential property agrees in writing to a shorter distance. Additional provisions of present law require local approval for any new solid waste landfill. This bill prohibits the department of environment and conservation from issuing a permit for a landfill, unless the landfill is located, designed, constructed, operated, and maintained such that the fill areas are, at a minimum: (1) For any landfill site where the neighboring area's population exceeds 35,000 residents within a 15 square mile radius, one mile from all residences; or (2) For any landfill site to which (1) does not apply, 500 feet from all residences, unless the owner of the residential property agrees in writing to a shorter distance.