At its 1973 Session, the General Assembly of Virginia enacted legislation establishing a permanent Commission to Study and Advise Upon the Disposal of Solid Wastes. In creating this Commission, the General Assembly recognized the numerous and serious solid waste disposal problems which are faced by the Commonwealth and the need for a continuing review of the State's policies in this field in order that programs to alleviate these problems will keep pace with new ideas and improved technology.

The Commission was directed to "study all problems incident to the causes, collection and disposal of solid wastes" and to "consider the problems of the several areas of the State." Additionally, the Commission was directed to "obtain data upon solid wastes disposal systems on a local, regional or other basis and what measures can best be employed to provide for the orderly disposition of such wastes without adverse effect upon the environment." Finally, the Commission was directed to "report to the Governor and General Assembly in January of each year as to its activities in the preceding year and the progress which it has observed and has been able to foster throughout the State in reducing problems caused by solid wastes" and to offer advice and guidance when deemed appropriate. A copy of this legislation (Chapter 327 of the 1973 Acts of Assembly) has been appended to this Report.

To serve on this Commission the Governor appointed the following members: Dr. Robert F. Testin, Richmond; Callis H. Atkins, Ruckersville; William M. Beck, Jr., Norfolk; Julian F. Hirst, Richmond; W. T. Bennett, Chester*; J. D. Pennewell, Chincoteague; and Ernest C. Edwards, Chase City. The Speaker of the House of Delegates appointed John C. Towler, member of the House from Roanoke**, and the Committee for Privileges and Elections of the Senate appointed Stanley C. Walker, member of the Senate from Norfolk, to serve on the Commission.

The Commission, at its organizational meeting, elected Dr. Robert F. Testin as Chairman and William M. Beck, Jr. as Vice Chairman. Mr. R. E. Dorer, Director of the Bureau of Solid Waste and Vector Control of the State Department of Health, was asked to attend the Commission's meetings and to provide advice and assistance in its deliberations. The Commission also retained William M. Amrhein, attorney at law, Richmond, to serve as counsel. Mr. Robert B. Cousins, Jr. and Janet Miri of the Division of Legislative Services were assigned to provide additional assistance to the Commission.
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*Mr. Bennett, who participated in the deliberations of the Commission regarding this Report, submitted his resignation from.the Commission in January, 1974.
** Mr. Towler submitted his resignation from the Commission in November, 1973.