§22-27-46. Regional planning and development commissions.

(a) Not later than six months from May 16, 1989, each regional planning and development commission in the state shall prepare and adopt a regional needs assessment evaluating solid waste management needs in their respective regions. This regional needs assessment shall be submitted to the department for information and review and shall be considered by units of local government within the region in the development of their individual plans as required herein. Thereafter, the assessment shall be revised and submitted to the department and local governments in the region annually. The regional needs assessment shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(1) An evaluation of the amount of solid waste generated within the region and the amount of remaining disposal capacity, expressed in years, at each solid waste disposal facility within the region;

(2) An evaluation of the needs of all localities within the district as to the adequacy or inadequacy of solid waste collection, transportation and disposal within those localities;

(3) A projection of the expected population and business growth in the region, including specific estimates of the types of businesses which may be entering and leaving the region and the resulting impact such changes will likely have on waste volumes generated in the region;

(4) An evaluation of the environmental, economic and other relevant factors which would be implicated by acceptance of solid waste from beyond the boundaries of the region.

(b) In addition to the development of and periodic revision of an assessment of the region's solid waste management needs, each regional planning commission shall:

(1) Evaluate, as necessary, the solid waste management needs of all local governments within their regions;

(2) Formulate, as requested, recommendations to local governments on solid waste management issues including the feasibility of joint efforts within the region acting to develop and operate a solid waste management or disposal facility and foster cooperation on such matters;

(3) Provide, upon request, assistance to local governments within the region to formulate their own plans for evaluating needs and providing adequate solid waste management within their jurisdictions; and

(4) Serve as a clearinghouse for local governments in the region regarding solid waste management information.

(Acts 1989, No. 89-824, p. 1638, §7.)