Indiana environmental law update.

• Author: Junk, Timothy J.

State of Indiana will take a leading role in developing markets for recycled products.

Several environmental laws were passed by the 1993 Indiana General Assembly, many of which are effective now. In addition, a new attorney general has started her turn at enforcing Indiana's environmental laws. Here are the newest parts of Indiana's environmental agenda.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

As a formal statement of policy, the General Assembly recognizes that pollution prevention is the most reliable and effective form of environmental protection. The General Assembly wants to reduce the use of toxic or harmful industrial materials and the generation of industrial pollutants. To accomplish this goal, the duties of the Pollution Prevention and Safe Materials Institute have been expanded to expressly include the analysis of pollution prevention alternatives.

The Environmental Study Committee is charged with the continuing study of environmental laws at the local, state and federal levels. The committee will consider consolidating and restating existing laws, enacting new laws to improve coordination between federal and state laws, and repealing outmoded or unnecessary laws.

RECYCLED PRODUCTS MARKET

The state of Indiana will take a leading role in developing markets for recycled products. The Department of Administration shall prepare state agency purchase specifications for recycled products that meet the reasonable requirements of the state, and which are technologically and economically feasible. There is a 15 percent price preference for supplies that contain at least 50 percent (by volume) of recycled materials.

By Jan. 1, 1994, state agencies are required to implement the recycled product specifications in the purchase of paper, plastic, glass, motor oil, compost, construction materials and tires.

The Department of Commerce and the DoA must produce an annual recycled products guide. The DoA also must host an annual conference to introduce state purchasing agents to suppliers of recycled products.

Before Aug. 1 the Governor is to establish a Recyclable Material Transportation Task Force to make recommendations to enhance and improve the transportation of recyclable materials.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS

An applicant for a permit for undeveloped property, or for which a valid existing permit has not been granted, must submit notice of the permit application to adjacent landowners within 10 days after submission to IDEM. Sewer and water supply...