HOUSE AMENDMENT |
Bill No. HB 1123 CS |
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CHAMBER ACTION |
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Representative Clarke offered the following: |
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Amendment (with title amendment) |
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Remove everything after the enacting clause, and insert: |
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Section 1. Section 376.30701, Florida Statutes, is created |
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to read: |
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376.30701 Application of risk-based corrective action |
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principles to contaminated sites; applicability; legislative |
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intent; rulemaking authority; contamination cleanup criteria; |
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limitations; reopeners.-- |
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(1) APPLICABILITY.-- |
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(a) This section shall not create or establish any new |
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liability for site rehabilitation at contaminated sites. This |
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section is intended to describe a risk-based corrective action |
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process to be applied at sites where legal responsibility for |
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site rehabilitation exists pursuant to other provisions of this |
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chapter or chapter 403. An exceedance of any cleanup target |
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level derived from the cleanup criteria established in |
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subsection (2) shall not, at sites where legal responsibility |
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for site rehabilitation does not exist pursuant to other |
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provisions of this chapter or chapter 403, create liability for |
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site rehabilitation. This section may also apply to other |
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contaminated sites at which a person conducting site |
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rehabilitation elects to have it apply, even where such person |
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does not have legal responsibility for site rehabilitation |
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pursuant to this chapter or chapter 403. This section, and any |
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rules adopted pursuant thereto, including the cleanup criteria |
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described in subsection (2), do not create additional authority |
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to prohibit or limit the legal placement of materials or |
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products on land. |
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(b) This section shall apply to all contaminated sites |
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resulting from a discharge of pollutants or hazardous substances |
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where legal responsibility for site rehabilitation exists |
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pursuant to other provisions of this chapter or chapter 403, |
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except for those contaminated sites subject to the risk-based |
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corrective action cleanup criteria established for the |
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petroleum, brownfields, and drycleaning programs pursuant to ss. |
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376.3071, 376.81, and 376.3078, respectively. |
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(c) This section shall apply to a variety of site |
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rehabilitation scenarios including, but not limited to, site |
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rehabilitation conducted voluntarily, site rehabilitation |
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conducted pursuant to the department's enforcement authority, or |
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site rehabilitation conducted as a state-managed cleanup by the |
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department. |
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(d) This section, and any rules adopted pursuant thereto, |
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shall apply retroactively to all existing contaminated sites |
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where legal responsibility for site rehabilitation exists |
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pursuant to other provisions of this chapter or chapter 403, |
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except those sites for which cleanup target levels have been |
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accepted by the department in an approved technical document, |
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current permit, or other written agreement and except at those |
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sites that have received a "No Further Action" order or a "Site |
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Rehabilitation Completion" order from the department. However, |
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the person responsible for site rehabilitation can elect to have |
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the provisions of this section, including cleanup target levels |
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established pursuant thereto, apply in lieu of those in an |
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approved technical document, current permit, or other written |
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agreement. |
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(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit |
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or delay actions to respond to a discharge of pollutants or |
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hazardous substances prior to any contact with the department. |
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The risk-based corrective action process contemplates |
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appropriate emergency response action or initial remedial action |
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prior to any formal application of the risk-based corrective |
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action process involving site assessment and, if required, |
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subsequent remedial action. Any emergency response actions or |
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initial remedial actions must be conducted in accordance with |
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all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. |
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(2) INTENT; RULEMAKING AUTHORITY; CLEANUP CRITERIA.--It is |
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the intent of the Legislature to protect the health of all |
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people under actual circumstances of exposure. By July 1, 2004, |
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the secretary of the department shall establish criteria by rule |
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for the purpose of determining, on a site-specific basis, the |
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rehabilitation program tasks that comprise a site rehabilitation |
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program, including a voluntary site rehabilitation program, and |
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the level at which a rehabilitation program task and a site |
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rehabilitation program may be deemed completed. In establishing |
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these rules, the department shall apply, to the maximum extent |
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feasible, a risk-based corrective action process to achieve |
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protection of human health and safety and the environment in a |
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cost-effective manner based on the principles set forth in this |
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subsection. These rules shall prescribe a phased risk-based |
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corrective action process that is iterative and that tailors |
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site rehabilitation tasks to site-specific conditions and risks. |
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The department and the person responsible for site |
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rehabilitation are encouraged to establish decision points at |
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which risk management decisions will be made. The department |
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shall provide an early decision, when requested, regarding |
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applicable exposure factors and a risk management approach based |
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on the current and future land use at the site. These rules |
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shall also include protocols for the use of natural attenuation, |
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the use of institutional and engineering controls, and the |
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issuance of "No Further Action" orders. The criteria for |
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determining what constitutes a rehabilitation program task or |
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completion of a site rehabilitation program task or site |
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rehabilitation program, including a voluntary site |
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rehabilitation program, must: |
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(a) Consider the current exposure and potential risk of |
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exposure to humans and the environment, including multiple |
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pathways of exposure. The physical, chemical, and biological |
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characteristics of each contaminant must be considered in order |
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to determine the feasibility of risk-based corrective action |
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assessment. |
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(b) Establish the point of compliance at the source of the |
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contamination. However, the department is authorized to |
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temporarily move the point of compliance to the boundary of the |
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property, or to the edge of the plume when the plume is within |
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the property boundary, while cleanup, including cleanup through |
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natural attenuation processes in conjunction with appropriate |
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monitoring, is proceeding. The department also is authorized, |
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pursuant to criteria provided for in this section, to |
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temporarily extend the point of compliance beyond the property |
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boundary with appropriate monitoring, if such extension is |
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needed to facilitate natural attenuation or to address the |
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current conditions of the plume, provided human health, public |
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safety, and the environment are protected. When temporarily |
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extending the point of compliance beyond the property boundary, |
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it cannot be extended further than the lateral extent of the |
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plume, if known, at the time of execution of a cleanup |
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agreement, if required, or the lateral extent of the plume as |
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defined at the time of site assessment. Temporary extension of |
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the point of compliance beyond the property boundary, as |
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provided in this paragraph, must include actual notice by the |
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person responsible for site rehabilitation to local governments |
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and the owners of any property into which the point of |
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compliance is allowed to extend and constructive notice to |
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residents and business tenants of the property into which the |
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point of compliance is allowed to extend. Persons receiving |
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notice pursuant to this paragraph shall have the opportunity to |
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comment within 30 days after receipt of the notice. |
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(c) Ensure that the site-specific cleanup goal is that all |
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contaminated sites being cleaned up pursuant to this section |
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ultimately achieve the applicable cleanup target levels provided |
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in this subsection. In the circumstances provided in this |
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subsection, and after constructive notice and opportunity to |
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comment within 30 days after receipt of the notice to local |
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government, owners of any property into which the point of |
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compliance is allowed to extend, and residents of any property |
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into which the point of compliance is allowed to extend, the |
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department may allow concentrations of contaminants to |
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temporarily exceed the applicable cleanup target levels while |
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cleanup, including cleanup through natural attenuation processes |
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in conjunction with appropriate monitoring, is proceeding, if |
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human health, public safety, and the environment are protected. |
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(d) Allow the use of institutional or engineering controls |
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at contaminated sites being cleaned up pursuant to this section, |
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where appropriate, to eliminate or control the potential |
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exposure to contaminants of humans or the environment. The use |
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of controls must be preapproved by the department and only after |
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constructive notice and opportunity to comment within 30 days |
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after receipt of notice is provided to local governments, owners |
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of any property into which the point of compliance is allowed to |
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extend, and residents of any property into which the point of |
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compliance is allowed to extend. When institutional or |
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engineering controls are implemented to control exposure, the |
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removal of the controls must have prior department approval and |
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must be accompanied by the resumption of active cleanup, or |
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other approved controls, unless cleanup target levels under this |
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section have been achieved. |
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(e) Consider the additive effects of contaminants. The |
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synergistic and antagonistic effects shall also be considered |
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when the scientific data become available. |
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(f) Take into consideration individual site |
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characteristics, which shall include, but not be limited to, the |
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current and projected use of the affected groundwater and |
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surface water in the vicinity of the site, current and projected |
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land uses of the area affected by the contamination, the exposed |
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population, the degree and extent of contamination, the rate of |
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contaminant migration, the apparent or potential rate of |
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contaminant degradation through natural attenuation processes, |
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the location of the plume, and the potential for further |
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migration in relation to site property boundaries. |
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(g) Apply state water quality standards as follows: |
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1. Cleanup target levels for each contaminant found in |
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groundwater shall be the applicable state water quality |
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standards. Where such standards do not exist, the cleanup target |
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levels for groundwater shall be based on the minimum criteria |
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specified in department rule. The department shall apply the |
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following, as appropriate, in establishing the applicable |
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cleanup target levels: calculations using a lifetime cancer risk |
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level of 1.0E-6; a hazard index of 1 or less; the best |
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achievable detection limit; and nuisance, organoleptic, and |
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aesthetic considerations. However, the department shall not |
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require site rehabilitation to achieve a cleanup target level |
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for any individual contaminant that is more stringent than the |
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site-specific, naturally occurring background concentration for |
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that contaminant. |
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2. Where surface waters are exposed to contaminated |
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groundwater, the cleanup target levels for the contaminants |
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shall be based on the more protective of the groundwater or |
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surface water standards as established by department rule. The |
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point of measuring compliance with the surface water standards |
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shall be in the groundwater immediately adjacent to the surface |
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water body. |
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3. Using risk-based corrective action principles, the |
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department shall approve alternative cleanup target levels in |
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conjunction with institutional and engineering controls, if |
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needed, based upon an applicant's demonstration, using site- |
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specific data, modeling results, risk assessment studies, risk |
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reduction techniques, or a combination thereof, that human |
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health, public safety, and the environment are protected to the |
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same degree as provided in subparagraphs 1. and 2. Where a state |
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water quality standard is applicable, a deviation may not result |
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in the application of cleanup target levels more stringent than |
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the standard. In determining whether it is appropriate to |
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establish alternative cleanup target levels at a site, the |
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department must consider the effectiveness of source removal, if |
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any, that has been completed at the site and the practical |
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likelihood of the use of low yield or poor quality groundwater, |
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the use of groundwater near marine surface water bodies, the |
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current and projected use of the affected groundwater in the |
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vicinity of the site, or the use of groundwater in the immediate |
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vicinity of the contaminated area, where it has been |
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demonstrated that the groundwater contamination is not migrating |
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away from such localized source, provided human health, public |
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safety, and the environment are protected. |
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(h) Provide for the department to issue a "No Further |
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Action" order, with conditions, including, but not limited to, |
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the use of institutional or engineering controls where |
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appropriate, when alternative cleanup target levels established |
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pursuant to subparagraph (g)3. have been achieved or when the |
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person responsible for site rehabilitation can demonstrate that |
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the cleanup target level is unachievable with the use of |
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available technologies. Prior to issuing such an order, the |
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department shall consider the feasibility of an alternative site |
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rehabilitation technology at the contaminated site. |
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(i) Establish appropriate cleanup target levels for soils. |
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Although there are existing state water quality standards, there |
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are no existing statewide soil quality standards. The |
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Legislature does not intend, through the adoption of this |
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section, to create such soil quality standards. The specific |
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rulemaking authority granted pursuant to this section merely |
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authorizes the department to establish appropriate soil cleanup |
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target levels. These soil cleanup target levels will be |
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applicable at sites only after a determination as to legal |
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responsibility for site rehabilitation has been made pursuant to |
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other provisions of this chapter or chapter 403. |
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1. In establishing soil cleanup target levels for human |
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exposure to each contaminant found in soils from the land |
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surface to 2 feet below land surface, the department shall apply |
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the following, as appropriate: calculations using a lifetime |
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cancer risk level of 1.0E-6; a hazard index of 1 or less; and |
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the best achievable detection limit. However, the department |
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shall not require site rehabilitation to achieve a cleanup |
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target level for an individual contaminant that is more |
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stringent than the site-specific, naturally occurring background |
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concentration for that contaminant. Institutional controls or |
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other methods shall be used to prevent human exposure to |
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contaminated soils more than 2 feet below the land surface. Any |
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removal of such institutional controls shall require such |
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contaminated soils to be remediated. |
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2. Leachability-based soil cleanup target levels shall be |
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based on protection of the groundwater cleanup target levels or |
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the alternate cleanup target levels for groundwater established |
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pursuant to this paragraph, as appropriate. Source removal and |
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other cost-effective alternatives that are technologically |
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feasible shall be considered in achieving the leachability soil |
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cleanup target levels established by the department. The |
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leachability goals shall not be applicable if the department |
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determines, based upon individual site characteristics, and in |
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conjunction with institutional and engineering controls, if |
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needed, that contaminants will not leach into the groundwater at |
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levels that pose a threat to human health, public safety, and |
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the environment. |
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3. Using risk-based corrective action principles, the |
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department shall approve alternative cleanup target levels in |
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conjunction with institutional and engineering controls, if |
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needed, based upon an applicant's demonstration, using site- |
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specific data, modeling results, risk assessment studies, risk |
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reduction techniques, or a combination thereof, that human |
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health, public safety, and the environment are protected to the |
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same degree as provided in subparagraphs 1. and 2. |
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The department shall require source removal, as a risk reduction |
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measure, if warranted and cost-effective. Once source removal at |
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a site is complete, the department shall reevaluate the site to |
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determine the degree of active cleanup needed to continue. |
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Further, the department shall determine if the reevaluated site |
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qualifies for monitoring only or if no further action is |
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required to rehabilitate the site. If additional site |
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rehabilitation is necessary to reach "No Further Action" status, |
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the department is encouraged to utilize natural attenuation and |
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monitoring where site conditions warrant. |
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(3) LIMITATIONS.--The cleanup criteria established |
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pursuant to this section govern only site rehabilitation |
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activities occurring at the contaminated site. Removal of |
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contaminated media from a site for offsite relocation or |
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treatment must be in accordance with all applicable federal, |
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state, and local laws and regulations. |
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(4) REOPENERS.--Upon completion of site rehabilitation in |
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compliance with subsection (2), additional site rehabilitation |
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is not required unless it is demonstrated that: |
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(a) Fraud was committed in demonstrating site conditions |
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or completion of site rehabilitation; |
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(b) New information confirms the existence of an area of |
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previously unknown contamination which exceeds the site-specific |
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rehabilitation levels established in accordance with subsection |
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(2), or which otherwise poses the threat of real and substantial |
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harm to public health, safety, or the environment; |
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(c) The remediation efforts failed to achieve the site |
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rehabilitation criteria established under this section; |
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(d) The level of risk is increased beyond the acceptable |
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risk established under subsection (2) due to substantial changes |
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in exposure conditions, such as a change in land use from |
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nonresidential to residential use. Any person who changes the |
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land use of the site, thereby causing the level of risk to |
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increase beyond the acceptable risk level, may be required by |
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the department to undertake additional remediation measures to |
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ensure that human health, public safety, and the environment are |
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protected consistent with this section; or |
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(e) A new discharge of pollutants or hazardous substances |
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occurs at the site subsequent to the issuance of a "No Further |
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Action" order or a "Site Rehabilitation Completion" order |
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associated with the original contamination being addressed |
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pursuant to this section. |
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Section 2. Subsection (1) of section 199.1055, Florida |
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Statutes, is amended to read: |
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199.1055 Contaminated site rehabilitation tax credit.-- |
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(1) AUTHORIZATION FOR TAX CREDIT; LIMITATIONS.-- |
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(a) A credit in the amount of 35 percent of the costs of |
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voluntary cleanup activity that is integral to site |
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rehabilitation at the following sites is availableallowed |
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against any tax due for a taxable year under s. 199.032, less |
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any credit allowed by former s. 220.68 for that year: |
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1. A drycleaning-solvent-contaminated site eligible for |
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state-funded site rehabilitation under s. 376.3078(3); |
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2. A drycleaning-solvent-contaminated site at which |
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cleanup is undertaken by the real property owner pursuant to s. |
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376.3078(11), if the real property owner is not also, and has |
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never been, the owner or operator of the drycleaning facility |
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where the contamination exists; or |
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3. A brownfield site in a designated brownfield area under |
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s. 376.80. |
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(b) A tax credit applicant, or multiple tax credit |
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applicantstaxpayer, or multiple taxpayersworking jointly to |
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clean up a single site, may not be grantedreceivemore than |
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$250,000 per year in tax credits for each site voluntarily |
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rehabilitated. Multiple tax credit applicantstaxpayers shall be |
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grantedreceivetax credits in the same proportion as their |
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contribution to payment of cleanup costs. Subject to the same |
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conditions and limitations as provided in this section, a |
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municipality,or county, or other tax credit applicantwhich |
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voluntarily rehabilitates a site may receive not more than |
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$250,000 per year in tax credits which it can subsequently |
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transfer subject to the provisions in paragraph (g). |
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(c) If the credit granted under this section is not fully |
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used in any one year because of insufficient tax liability on |
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the part of the tax credit applicanttaxpayer, the unused amount |
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may be carried forward for a period not to exceed 5 years. Five |
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years after the date a credit is granted under this section, |
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such credit expires and may not be used. However, if during the |
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5-year period the credit is transferred, in whole or in part, |
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pursuant to paragraph (g), each transferee has 5 years after the |
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date of transfer to use its credit. |
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(d) A taxpayer that receives a credit under s. 220.1845 is |
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ineligible to receive credit under this section in a given tax |
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year. |
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(e) A tax credit applicanttaxpayerthat receives state- |
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funded site rehabilitation pursuant to s. 376.3078(3) for |
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rehabilitation of a drycleaning-solvent-contaminated site is |
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ineligible to receive credit under this section for costs |
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incurred by the tax credit applicanttaxpayerin conjunction |
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with the rehabilitation of that site during the same time period |
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that state-administered site rehabilitation was underway. |
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(f) The total amount of the tax credits which may be |
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granted under this section and s. 220.1845 is $2 million |
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annually. |
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(g)1. Tax credits that may be available under this section |
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to an entity eligible under s. 376.30781 may be transferred |
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after a merger or acquisition to the surviving or acquiring |
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entity and used in the same manner with the same limitations. |
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2. The entity or its surviving or acquiring entity as |
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described in subparagraph 1., may transfer any unused credit in |
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whole or in units of no less than 25 percent of the remaining |
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credit. The entity acquiring such credit may use it in the same |
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manner and with the same limitation as described in this |
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section. Such transferred credits may not be transferred again |
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although they may succeed to a surviving or acquiring entity |
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subject to the same conditions and limitations as described in |
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this section. |
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3. In the event the credit provided for under this section |
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is reduced either as a result of a determination by the |
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Department of Environmental Protection or an examination or |
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audit by the Department of Revenue, such tax deficiency shall be |
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recovered from the first entity, or the surviving or acquiring |
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entity, to have claimed such credit up to the amount of credit |
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taken. Any subsequent deficiencies shall be assessed against any |
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entity acquiring and claiming such credit, or in the case of |
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multiple succeeding entities in the order of credit succession. |
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(h) In order to encourage completion of site |
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rehabilitation at contaminated sites being voluntarily cleaned |
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up and eligible for a tax credit under this section, the tax |
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credit applicanttaxpayermay claim an additional 10 percent of |
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the total cleanup costs, not to exceed $50,000, in the final |
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year of cleanup as evidenced by the Department of Environmental |
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Protection issuing a "No Further Action" order for that site. |
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Section 3. Subsection (1) of section 220.1845, Florida |
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Statutes, is amended to read: |
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220.1845 Contaminated site rehabilitation tax credit.-- |
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(1) AUTHORIZATION FOR TAX CREDIT; LIMITATIONS.-- |
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(a) A credit in the amount of 35 percent of the costs of |
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voluntary cleanup activity that is integral to site |
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rehabilitation at the following sites is availableallowed |
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against any tax due for a taxable year under this chapter: |
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1. A drycleaning-solvent-contaminated site eligible for |
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state-funded site rehabilitation under s. 376.3078(3); |
418
|
2. A drycleaning-solvent-contaminated site at which |
419
|
cleanup is undertaken by the real property owner pursuant to s. |
420
|
376.3078(11), if the real property owner is not also, and has |
421
|
never been, the owner or operator of the drycleaning facility |
422
|
where the contamination exists; or |
423
|
3. A brownfield site in a designated brownfield area under |
424
|
s. 376.80. |
425
|
(b) A tax credit applicant, or multiple tax credit |
426
|
applicantstaxpayer, or multiple taxpayersworking jointly to |
427
|
clean up a single site, may not be grantedreceivemore than |
428
|
$250,000 per year in tax credits for each site voluntarily |
429
|
rehabilitated. Multiple tax credit applicantstaxpayers shall be |
430
|
grantedreceivetax credits in the same proportion as their |
431
|
contribution to payment of cleanup costs. Subject to the same |
432
|
conditions and limitations as provided in this section, a |
433
|
municipality,or county, or other tax credit applicantwhich |
434
|
voluntarily rehabilitates a site may receive not more than |
435
|
$250,000 per year in tax credits which it can subsequently |
436
|
transfer subject to the provisions in paragraph (h). |
437
|
(c) If the credit granted under this section is not fully |
438
|
used in any one year because of insufficient tax liability on |
439
|
the part of the corporation, the unused amount may be carried |
440
|
forward for a period not to exceed 5 years. The carryover credit |
441
|
may be used in a subsequent year when the tax imposed by this |
442
|
chapter for that year exceeds the credit for which the |
443
|
corporation is eligible in that year under this section after |
444
|
applying the other credits and unused carryovers in the order |
445
|
provided by s. 220.02(8). Five years after the date a credit is |
446
|
granted under this section, such credit expires and may not be |
447
|
used. However, if during the 5-year period the credit is |
448
|
transferred, in whole or in part, pursuant to paragraph (h), |
449
|
each transferee has 5 years after the date of transfer to use |
450
|
its credit. |
451
|
(d) A taxpayer that files a consolidated return in this |
452
|
state as a member of an affiliated group under s. 220.131(1) |
453
|
may be allowed the credit on a consolidated return basis up to |
454
|
the amount of tax imposed upon the consolidated groupand paid |
455
|
by the taxpayer that incurred the rehabilitation costs. |
456
|
(e) A taxpayer that receives credit under s. 199.1055 is |
457
|
ineligible to receive credit under this section in a given tax |
458
|
year. |
459
|
(f) A tax credit applicanttaxpayerthat receives state- |
460
|
funded site rehabilitation under s. 376.3078(3) for |
461
|
rehabilitation of a drycleaning-solvent-contaminated site is |
462
|
ineligible to receive credit under this section for costs |
463
|
incurred by the tax credit applicanttaxpayerin conjunction |
464
|
with the rehabilitation of that site during the same time period |
465
|
that state-administered site rehabilitation was underway. |
466
|
(g) The total amount of the tax credits which may be |
467
|
granted under this section and s. 199.1055 is $2 million |
468
|
annually. |
469
|
(h)1. Tax credits that may be available under this section |
470
|
to an entity eligible under s. 376.30781 may be transferred |
471
|
after a merger or acquisition to the surviving or acquiring |
472
|
entity and used in the same manner and with the same |
473
|
limitations. |
474
|
2. The entity or its surviving or acquiring entity as |
475
|
described in subparagraph 1., may transfer any unused credit in |
476
|
whole or in units of no less than 25 percent of the remaining |
477
|
credit. The entity acquiring such credit may use it in the same |
478
|
manner and with the same limitation as described in this |
479
|
section. Such transferred credits may not be transferred again |
480
|
although they may succeed to a surviving or acquiring entity |
481
|
subject to the same conditions and limitations as described in |
482
|
this section. |
483
|
3. In the event the credit provided for under this section |
484
|
is reduced either as a result of a determination by the |
485
|
Department of Environmental Protection or an examination or |
486
|
audit by the Department of Revenue, such tax deficiency shall be |
487
|
recovered from the first entity, or the surviving or acquiring |
488
|
entity, to have claimed such credit up to the amount of credit |
489
|
taken. Any subsequent deficiencies shall be assessed against |
490
|
any entity acquiring and claiming such credit, or in the case of |
491
|
multiple succeeding entities in the order of credit succession. |
492
|
(i) In order to encourage completion of site |
493
|
rehabilitation at contaminated sites being voluntarily cleaned |
494
|
up and eligible for a tax credit under this section, the tax |
495
|
credit applicanttaxpayermay claim an additional 10 percent of |
496
|
the total cleanup costs, not to exceed $50,000, in the final |
497
|
year of cleanup as evidenced by the Department of Environmental |
498
|
Protection issuing a "No Further Action" order for that site. |
499
|
Section 4. Section 376.30781, Florida Statutes, is amended |
500
|
to read: |
501
|
376.30781 Partial tax credits for rehabilitation of |
502
|
drycleaning-solvent-contaminated sites and brownfield sites in |
503
|
designated brownfield areas; application process; rulemaking |
504
|
authority; revocation authority.-- |
505
|
(1) The Legislature finds that: |
506
|
(a) To facilitate property transactions and economic |
507
|
growth and development, it is in the interest of the state to |
508
|
encourage the cleanup, at the earliest possible time, of |
509
|
drycleaning-solvent-contaminated sites and brownfield sites in |
510
|
designated brownfield areas. |
511
|
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage the |
512
|
voluntary cleanup of drycleaning-solvent-contaminated sites and |
513
|
brownfield sites in designated brownfield areas by providing a |
514
|
partial tax credit for the restoration of such property in |
515
|
specified circumstances. |
516
|
(2)(a) A credit in the amount of 35 percent of the costs |
517
|
of voluntary cleanup activity that is integral to site |
518
|
rehabilitation at the following sites is allowed pursuant to ss. |
519
|
199.1055 and 220.1845: |
520
|
1. A drycleaning-solvent-contaminated site eligible for |
521
|
state-funded site rehabilitation under s. 376.3078(3); |
522
|
2. A drycleaning-solvent-contaminated site at which |
523
|
cleanup is undertaken by the real property owner pursuant to s. |
524
|
376.3078(11), if the real property owner is not also, and has |
525
|
never been, the owner or operator of the drycleaning facility |
526
|
where the contamination exists; or |
527
|
3. A brownfield site in a designated brownfield area under |
528
|
s. 376.80. |
529
|
(b) A tax credit applicanttaxpayer, or multiple tax |
530
|
credit applicantstaxpayersworking jointly to clean up a single |
531
|
site, may not be grantedreceivemore than $250,000 per year in |
532
|
tax credits for each site voluntarily rehabilitated. Multiple |
533
|
tax credit applicantstaxpayers shall be grantedreceivetax |
534
|
credits in the same proportion as their contribution to payment |
535
|
of cleanup costs. Tax credits are available only for site |
536
|
rehabilitation conducted during the calendartax year forin |
537
|
which the tax credit application is submitted. |
538
|
(c) In order to encourage completion of site |
539
|
rehabilitation at contaminated sites that are being voluntarily |
540
|
cleaned up and that are eligible for a tax credit under this |
541
|
section, the tax credit applicant may claim an additional 10 |
542
|
percent of the total cleanup costs, not to exceed $50,000, in |
543
|
the final year of cleanup as evidenced by the Department of |
544
|
Environmental Protection issuing a "No Further Action" order for |
545
|
that site. |
546
|
(3) The Department of Environmental Protection shall be |
547
|
responsible for allocating the tax credits provided for in ss. |
548
|
199.1055 and 220.1845, not to exceed a total of $2 million in |
549
|
tax credits annually. |
550
|
(4) To claim the credit for site rehabilitation conducted |
551
|
during the current calendar year, each tax creditapplicant must |
552
|
apply to the Department of Environmental Protection for an |
553
|
allocation of the $2 million annual credit by January 15 of the |
554
|
following yearDecember 31on a form developed by the Department |
555
|
of Environmental Protection in cooperation with the Department |
556
|
of Revenue. The form shall include an affidavit from each tax |
557
|
creditapplicant certifying that all information contained in |
558
|
the application, including all records of costs incurred and |
559
|
claimed in the tax credit application, are true and correct. If |
560
|
the application is submitted pursuant to subparagraph (2)(a)2., |
561
|
the form must include an affidavit signed by the real property |
562
|
owner stating that it is not, and has never been, the owner or |
563
|
operator of the drycleaning facility where the contamination |
564
|
exists. Approval of partial tax credits must be accomplished on |
565
|
a first-come, first-served basis based upon the date complete |
566
|
applications are received by the Division of Waste Management. |
567
|
A tax creditAn applicant shall submit only one complete |
568
|
application per site for each calendar year's site |
569
|
rehabilitation costs. Incomplete placeholder applications shall |
570
|
not be accepted and will not secure a place in the first-come, |
571
|
first-served application lineper year. To be eligible for a |
572
|
tax credit the tax creditapplicant must: |
573
|
(a) Have entered into a voluntary cleanup agreement with |
574
|
the Department of Environmental Protection for a drycleaning- |
575
|
solvent-contaminated site or a Brownfield Site Rehabilitation |
576
|
Agreement, as applicable; and |
577
|
(b) Have paid all deductibles pursuant to s. |
578
|
376.3078(3)(d) for eligible drycleaning-solvent-cleanup program |
579
|
sites. |
580
|
(5) To obtain the tax credit certificate, a tax creditan |
581
|
applicant must annually file an application for certification, |
582
|
which must be received by the Division of Waste Management of |
583
|
the Department of Environmental Protection by January 15 of the |
584
|
year following the calendar year for which site rehabilitation |
585
|
costs are being claimed in a tax credit applicationDecember 31. |
586
|
The tax creditapplicant must provide all pertinent information |
587
|
requested on the tax credit application form, including, at a |
588
|
minimum, the name and address of the tax creditapplicant and |
589
|
the address and tracking identification number of the eligible |
590
|
site. Along with the tax credit application form, the tax credit |
591
|
applicant must submit the following: |
592
|
(a) A nonrefundable review fee of $250 made payable to the |
593
|
Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund to cover the administrative |
594
|
costs associated with the department's review of the tax credit |
595
|
application; |
596
|
(b) Copies of contracts and documentation of contract |
597
|
negotiations, accounts, invoices, sales tickets, or other |
598
|
payment records from purchases, sales, leases, or other |
599
|
transactions involving actual costs incurred for that tax year |
600
|
related to site rehabilitation, as that term is defined in ss. |
601
|
376.301 and 376.79; |
602
|
(c) Proof that the documentation submitted pursuant to |
603
|
paragraph (b) has been reviewed and verified by an independent |
604
|
certified public accountant in accordance with standards |
605
|
established by the American Institute of Certified Public |
606
|
Accountants. Specifically, the certified public accountant must |
607
|
attest to the accuracy and validity of the costs incurred and |
608
|
paid by conducting an independent review of the data presented |
609
|
by the tax creditapplicant. Accuracy and validity of costs |
610
|
incurred and paid would be determined once the level of effort |
611
|
was certified by an appropriate professional registered in this |
612
|
state in each contributing technical discipline. The certified |
613
|
public accountant's report would also attest that the costs |
614
|
included in the application form are not duplicated within the |
615
|
application. A copy of the accountant's report shall be |
616
|
submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection with |
617
|
the tax credit application; and |
618
|
(d) A certification form stating that site rehabilitation |
619
|
activities associated with the documentation submitted pursuant |
620
|
to paragraph (b) have been conducted under the observation of, |
621
|
and related technical documents have been signed and sealed by, |
622
|
an appropriate professional registered in this state in each |
623
|
contributing technical discipline. The certification form shall |
624
|
be signed and sealed by the appropriate registered professionals |
625
|
stating that the costs incurred were integral, necessary, and |
626
|
required for site rehabilitation, as that term is defined in ss. |
627
|
376.301 and 376.79. |
628
|
(6) The certified public accountant and appropriate |
629
|
registered professionals submitting forms as part of a tax |
630
|
credit application must verify such forms. Verification must be |
631
|
accomplished as provided in s. 92.525(1)(b) and subject to the |
632
|
provisions of s. 92.525(3). |
633
|
(7) The Department of Environmental Protection shall |
634
|
review the tax credit application and any supplemental |
635
|
documentation that the tax credit applicant may submit prior to |
636
|
the annual application deadline in order to have the application |
637
|
considered completesubmitted by each applicant, for the purpose |
638
|
of verifying that the tax creditapplicant has met the |
639
|
qualifying criteria in subsections (2) and (4) and has submitted |
640
|
all required documentation listed in subsection (5). Upon |
641
|
verification that the tax creditapplicant has met these |
642
|
requirements, the department shall issue a written decision |
643
|
granting eligibility for partial tax credits (a tax credit |
644
|
certificate) in the amount of 35 percent of the total costs |
645
|
claimed, subject to the $250,000 limitation, for the calendar |
646
|
tax year forinwhich the tax credit application is submitted |
647
|
based on the report of the certified public accountant and the |
648
|
certifications from the appropriate registered technical |
649
|
professionals. |
650
|
(8) On or before March 1, the Department of Environmental |
651
|
Protection shall inform each eligible tax creditapplicant of |
652
|
the amount of its partial tax credit and provide each eligible |
653
|
tax creditapplicant with a tax credit certificate that must be |
654
|
submitted with its tax return to the Department of Revenue to |
655
|
claim the tax credit or be transferred pursuant to s. |
656
|
199.1055(1)(g) or s. 220.1845(1)(h). Credits will not result in |
657
|
the payment of refunds if total credits exceed the amount of tax |
658
|
owed. |
659
|
(9) If a tax creditanapplicant does not receive a tax |
660
|
credit allocation due to an exhaustion of the $2 million annual |
661
|
tax credit authorization, such application will then be included |
662
|
in the same first-come, first-served order in the next year's |
663
|
annual tax credit allocation, if any, based on the prior year |
664
|
application. |
665
|
(10) The Department of Environmental Protection may adopt |
666
|
rules to prescribe the necessary forms required to claim tax |
667
|
credits under this section and to provide the administrative |
668
|
guidelines and procedures required to administer this section. |
669
|
Prior to the adoption of rules regulating the tax credit |
670
|
application, the department shall, by September 1, 1998, |
671
|
establish reasonable interim application requirements and forms. |
672
|
(11) The Department of Environmental Protection may revoke |
673
|
or modify any written decision granting eligibility for partial |
674
|
tax credits under this section if it is discovered that the tax |
675
|
credit applicant submitted any false statement, representation, |
676
|
or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or |
677
|
other document filed in an attempt to receive partial tax |
678
|
credits under this section. The Department of Environmental |
679
|
Protection shall immediately notify the Department of Revenue of |
680
|
any revoked or modified orders affecting previously granted |
681
|
partial tax credits. Additionally, the tax credit applicant |
682
|
taxpayermust notify the Department of Revenue of any change in |
683
|
its tax credit claimed. |
684
|
(12) A tax credit applicantAn owner, operator, or real |
685
|
property ownerwho receives state-funded site rehabilitation |
686
|
under s. 376.3078(3) for rehabilitation of a drycleaning- |
687
|
solvent-contaminated site is ineligible to receive a tax credit |
688
|
under s. 199.1055 or s. 220.1845 for costs incurred by the tax |
689
|
credit applicanttaxpayerin conjunction with the rehabilitation |
690
|
of that site during the same time period that state-administered |
691
|
site rehabilitation was underway. |
692
|
Section 5. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law. |
693
|
|
694
|
================= T I T L E A M E N D M E N T ================= |
695
|
Remove the entire title, and insert: |
696
|
A bill to be entitled |
697
|
An act relating to site rehabilitation of contaminated |
698
|
sites; creating s. 376.30701, F.S.; extending application |
699
|
of risk-based corrective action principles to all |
700
|
contaminated sites resulting from a discharge of |
701
|
pollutants or hazardous substances; providing for |
702
|
contamination cleanup criteria that incorporate risk-based |
703
|
corrective action principles to be adopted by rule; |
704
|
providing clarification that cleanup criteria do not apply |
705
|
to offsite relocation or treatment; providing the |
706
|
conditions under which further rehabilitation may be |
707
|
required; amending s. 199.1055, F.S.; clarifying who may |
708
|
apply for tax credits; clarifying time period for use of |
709
|
tax credits; amending s. 220.1845, F.S.; clarifying who |
710
|
may apply for tax credits; clarifying time period for use |
711
|
of tax credits; allowing taxpayers to claim credit on a |
712
|
consolidated return up to the amount of the consolidated |
713
|
group's tax liability; amending s. 376.30781, F.S.; |
714
|
clarifying who may apply for tax credits; converting tax |
715
|
credit application time period to calendar year; moving |
716
|
application deadline to January 15; clarifying that |
717
|
placeholder applications are prohibited; conforming |
718
|
references governing transferability of tax credits; |
719
|
eliminating outdated language; providing an effective |
720
|
date. |