California retreaders will continue to comply with a controversial tire manifest rule, at least through the end of 2003.
That was the outcome of an informal meeting Sept. 15 between Harvey Brodsky, Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB) managing director, and Steve Jones, an influential member of the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB). Mr. Jones, though empathetic to retreaders' concerns about the manifest rule, told Mr. Brodsky that the CIWMB's ``hands are tied'' and that TRIB and the retreading industry would need to lobby the California legislature to change the law.
However, the current legislative session is coming to an end, and the next session will not convene until January.
The manifest rule requires California retreaders to document the transport of 10 or more waste or used tires. If haulers don't possess copies of manifests and trip logs, they can face fines of up to $25,000 a day per violation.
The state is trying to discourage illegal tire storage and dumping, but the rule is causing paperwork headaches and additional business costs for retreaders, according to TRIB. The rule went into effect July 1.
Mr. Brodsky told Tire Business that Mr. Jones showed him and retreader Gary Gabel of Tehama Tire Service Inc., who accompanied Mr. Brodsky, how to report the transportation of tires electronically, which appeared to be easier than filling out forms. However, Mr. Brodsky said he still ``pushed hard'' for retreaders who don't have the electronic capability of filing the manifests.
Mr. Gabel brought to the meeting copies of his recent manifests and documentation that showed how complying with the manifest program will cost his dealership more than $50,000 annually, according to Mr. Brodsky.
The board asked TRIB for a list of the heads of retread companies and plans to contact them about setting up an electronic reporting system, Mr. Brodsky said.
At this point, TRIB members will need to decide if they will continue to push for a repeal of the rule next year or pursue legal action, Mr. Brodsky said, acknowledging that he doesn't know if retreaders will succeed in changing the law.