If these proposed regulations are adopted, it removes a hospital's ability to place 'treated' medical waste (AKA: SWHCRF ... Special Waste From Health Care Related Facilities) in the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream. This will be very expensive. We know that once 'treated' this medical waste is no longer capable of transmitting disease.

These proposed rules involve the "disposal" of waste, and not what is called medical/regulated waste at the bedside (red bag trash)

A public hearing for this proposed rulemaking has been scheduled for September 29, 2005, at 2:00 p.m., at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 12100 North IH-35, Building E, Room 201S, Austin.

The hearing will be structured for the receipt of oral or written comments by interested persons. Registration will begin 30 minutes prior to the hearing. Individuals wishing to present oral statements will be asked to register.

In an effort to aid in recording, individuals registering to speak will be asked to indicate their area of interest as medical waste, liquid waste, solid waste management, or general. Individuals will be called in that order to present comment.

Individuals may comment on more than one area, but will be asked to do so in order. Regardless of area of interest, all individuals will be given the opportunity to comment. A time limit may be established at the hearing to assure that enough time is allowed for every interested person to speak. There will be no open discussion during the hearing; however, an agency staff member will be available to discuss the proposal 30 minutes prior to the hearing and will answer questions before and after the hearing.

or faxed to (512) 239-4808

Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., October 31, 2005.