Virginia Law

Part V. Permitting of Solid Waste Management Facilities

9VAC20-81-400. Applicability.

A. No person shall construct, operate, or modify a solid waste management facility in the Commonwealth without a permit issued by the director unless otherwise specified in subsection D of this section or 9VAC20-81-410.

B. Each solid waste management facility permit shall be limited to one site and shall be nontransferable between sites.

C. Issuance of a new permit is required when there is:

1. Any new solid waste management facility;

2. Any change in design or process of a solid waste management facility that will, in the opinion of the director, result in a substantially different type of facility;

3. Any expansion beyond the facility boundary, expansion of the waste management boundary or increase in the capacity of the facility (includes expansions) specified in the existing permit; or

4. Any expansion beyond the facility boundary for remedial purposes. However, for these types of expansions, which do not provide for additional capacity, the expansion will be considered a permit modification for the purpose of establishing permit fees under the provisions of 9VAC20-90.

D. The director may grant a variance from any provision contained in this part to a permittee provided the requirements of Part VII (9VAC20-81-700 et seq.) of this chapter are met.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011.

9VAC20-81-410. Permits-by-rule and other special permits.

A. Permits by rule.

1. As an alternate to obtaining a full permit, an owner or operator of any of the following facilities may elect to operate under this section:

a. Compost facility;

b. Solid waste transfer station;

c. Materials recovery facility;

d. Waste to energy, thermal treatment, or incineration facility;

e. Waste pile; or

f. Centralized waste treatment facility.

2. Submission. The owner or operator of a facility described in subdivision 1 of this section shall be deemed to have a solid waste management facility permit notwithstanding any other provisions of Part V (9VAC20-81-400 et seq.) of this chapter, except 9VAC20-81-450 B 2 and 3, if the owner or operator provides to the department the information described in this subdivision, and the department acknowledges completeness of the submittal per subdivision 4 of this subsection:

a. A notice of intent to operate such a facility with documentation required under 9VAC20-81-450 B;

b. A certification that the facility meets the siting standards, as applicable, of 9VAC20-81-320;

c. A certification that the facility meets the statutory requirements for consistency with solid waste management plans as recorded in § 10.1-1408.1 of the Code of Virginia;

d. A certification that the standards, as applicable, of 9VAC20-81-340 are met in an operations manual to be maintained in the operating record in accordance with 9VAC20-81-485;

e. A certificate signed by a professional engineer that:

(1) The facility has been designed and constructed in accordance with the standards, as applicable, of 9VAC20-81-330; and

(2) The standards, as applicable, of 9VAC20-81-360 are met in a closure plan to be maintained in the operating record;

f. Demonstration of legal control over the site for the permit life;

g. A certification from the State Corporation Commission that the business entity pursuing the permit-by-rule status is a valid entity, authorized to transact its business in Virginia. This requirement does not apply to those facilities owned solely by governmental units;

h. Closure cost estimates and proof of financial responsibility as required by the Financial Assurance Regulations for Solid Waste Disposal, Transfer, and Treatment Facilities (9VAC20-70); proof of financial responsibility must be for the entity identified in subdivision 2 g of this subsection;

i. The results of the public participation effort conducted in accordance with the requirements contained in subdivision 3 of this subsection;

j. The following additional information for the specific facilities as noted:

(1) For compost facilities only, a description of the type of facility and the classification of materials that will be composted as classified under 9VAC20-81-310 A 3;

(2) For waste piles only, proof that the facility has a valid VPDES permit, if applicable; and

(3) For waste to energy, thermal treatment, or incineration facilities or materials recovery facilities engaged in reclamation of petroleum-contaminated materials only:

(a) Proof that the facility has a permit issued in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the State Air Pollution Control Board; and

(b) In the case of thermal treatment facilities or materials recovery facilities engaged in reclamation of petroleum-contaminated materials, a description of how the requirements of 9VAC20-81-660 will be met; and

k. The applicable permit fees under the provisions of 9VAC20-90.

3. Public participation.

a. Before the initiation of any construction at the facility under subdivision 1 of this subsection, the owner or operator shall publish a notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a major local newspaper of general circulation of the intent to construct and operate a facility eligible for a permit-by-rule. The notice shall include:

(1) A brief description of the proposed facility and its location;

(2) A statement that the purpose of the public participation is to acquaint the public with the technical aspects of the facility and how the standards and the requirements of this chapter will be met, to identify issues of concern, to facilitate communication and to establish a dialogue between the permittee and persons who may be affected by the facility;

(3) Announcement of a 30-day comment period, in accordance with subdivision 3 d of this subsection, and the name, telephone number, and address of the owner's or operator's representative who can be contacted by the interested persons to answer questions or where comments shall be sent;

(4) Announcement of the date, time, and place for a public meeting held in accordance with subdivision 3 c of this subsection; and

(5) Location where copies of the documentation to be submitted to the department in support of the permit-by-rule notification can be viewed and copied.

b. The owner or operator shall place a copy of the documentation and support documents in a location accessible to the public in the vicinity of the proposed facility.

c. The owner or operator shall hold a public meeting not earlier than 14 days after the first publication of the notice required in subdivision 3 a of this subsection and no later than seven days before the close of the 30-day comment period. The meeting shall be held to the extent practicable in the vicinity of the proposed facility at a time convenient for the public.

d. The public shall be provided 30 days to comment on the technical and the regulatory aspects of the proposal. The comment period will begin on the date the owner or operator publishes the first notice in the local newspaper.

e. The requirements of this section do not apply to the owners or operators of a material recovery facility, waste to energy facility, incinerator, or a thermal treatment unit that has received a permit from the department based on the regulations promulgated by the State Air Pollution Control Board or State Water Control Board that required facility-specific public participation procedures.

4. Completeness review. Upon receiving the certifications and other required documents, including the results of the public meeting and the applicant's response to the comments received, the department shall conduct a completeness review and respond within 30 calendar days. If the applicant's submission is administratively complete, the applicant shall be deemed to operate under permit-by-rule status. If the applicant's submission is administratively incomplete, the applicant shall be deemed to not have a permit-by-rule. The department may require the operator to submit the full permit application and to obtain a regular solid waste management facility permit if it is determined the requested operation does not qualify for permit-by-rule status.

5. Change of ownership. A permit by rule may not be transferred by the permittee to a new owner or operator. However, when the property transfer takes place without proper closure, the new owner shall notify the department of the sale and fulfill all the requirements contained in subdivision 2 of this subsection. Upon presentation of the financial assurance proof required by 9VAC20-70 by the new owner, the department will release the former owner from his closure and financial responsibilities and acknowledge existence of the new permit by rule in the name of the new owner.

6. Facility modifications. The owner or operator of a facility operating under a permit by rule may modify its design and operation by furnishing the department a new certificate and applicable permit fees under the provisions of 9VAC20-90. For modifications of design, the new certificate shall be prepared by a professional engineer and shall include new documentation required under subdivision 2, as applicable, and subdivision 3 of this subsection. For modifications to the operations, the owner or operator shall submit to the department a new certificate and documentation required under subdivision 2 of this subsection, as applicable. Whenever modifications in the design or operation of the facility affect the provisions of the closure plan, the owner or operator shall revise the closure plan and submit to the department a new certificate and documentation required under subdivision 2 of this subsection, as applicable. Should there be an increase in the closure costs, the owner or operator shall submit a new proof of financial responsibility as required by the Financial Assurance Regulations for Solid Waste Disposal, Transfer, and Treatment Facilities (9VAC20-70).

7. Loss of permit by rule status. In the event that a facility operating under a permit by rule violates any applicable siting, design and construction, or closure provisions of 9VAC20-81-320, 9VAC20-81-330 or 9VAC20-81-360, respectively, the owner or operator of the facility will be considered to be operating an unpermitted facility as provided for in 9VAC20-81-45 and shall be required to either obtain a new permit as required by Part V (9VAC20-81-400 et seq.) or close under Part III (9VAC20-81-100 et seq.) or IV (9VAC20-81-300 et seq.) of this chapter, as applicable.

8. Termination. The director shall terminate a permit by rule and shall require closure of the facility whenever he finds that:

a. As a result of changes in key personnel, the requirements necessary for a permit by rule are no longer satisfied;

b. The applicant has knowingly or willfully misrepresented or failed to disclose a material fact in his disclosure statement, or any other report or certification required under this chapter, or has knowingly or willfully failed to notify the director of any material change to the information in the disclosure statement;

c. Any key personnel have been convicted of any of the crimes listed in § 10.1-1409 of the Code of Virginia, punishable as felonies under the laws of the Commonwealth, or the equivalent of them under the laws of any other jurisdiction; or has been adjudged by an administrative agency or a court of competent jurisdiction to have violated the environmental protection laws of the United States, the Commonwealth, or any other state and the director determines that such conviction or adjudication is sufficiently probative of the permittee's inability or unwillingness to operate the facility in a lawful manner; or

d. The operation of the facility is inconsistent with the facility's operations manual and/or the operational requirements of the regulations.

B. Emergency permits. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, in the event the director finds an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health or the environment, the director may issue a temporary emergency permit to a facility to allow treatment, storage, or disposal of solid waste for a nonpermitted facility or solid waste not covered by the permit for a facility with an effective permit. Such permits:

1. May be oral or written. If oral, it shall be followed within five days by a written emergency permit;

2. Shall not exceed 90 days in duration;

3. Shall clearly specify the solid wastes to be received, and the manner and location of their treatment, storage, or disposal;

4. Shall be accompanied by a public notice including:

a. Name and address of the office granting the emergency authorization;

b. Name and location of the facility so permitted;

c. A brief description of the wastes involved;

d. A brief description of the action authorized and reasons for authorizing it; and

e. Duration of the emergency permit; and

5. Shall incorporate, to the extent possible and not inconsistent with the emergency situation, all applicable requirements of this chapter, and shall include the applicable permit fees under the provisions of 9VAC20-90.

Any permit issued under this subsection may be renewed not more than two times, if necessary. Each such renewal shall be for a period of not more than 90 days.

In the event that the Governor declares a state of emergency, open burning of debris waste from the clean-up operations is conditionally exempt from this chapter provided that no open dump, hazard, or public nuisance is created.

C. Experimental facility permits.

1. The director may issue an experimental facility permit for any solid waste treatment facility that proposes to utilize an innovative and experimental solid waste treatment technology or process for which permit standards for such experimental activity have not been promulgated under Part IV (9VAC20-81-300 et seq.) of this chapter. Any such permit shall include such terms and conditions as will assure protection of human health and the environment. Such permits shall:

a. Provide for the construction of such facilities based on the standards shown in 9VAC20-81-395, as necessary;

b. Provide for operation of the facility for no longer than one calendar year unless renewed as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection;

c. Provide for the receipt and treatment by the facility of only those types and quantities of solid waste that the director deems necessary for purposes of determining the efficiency and performance capabilities of the technology or process and the effects of such technology or process on human health and the environment; and

d. Shall include such requirements as the director deems necessary to protect human health and the environment (including, but not limited to, requirements regarding monitoring, operation, closure, and remedial action), and such requirements as the director deems necessary regarding testing and providing of information to the director with respect to the operation of the facility.

2. For the purpose of expediting review and issuance of permits under this subsection, the director may, consistent with the protection of human health and the environment, modify or waive permit application and permit issuance requirements in Part V (9VAC20-81-400 et seq.) of this chapter, except that there may be no modification or waiver of regulations regarding local certification, disclosure statement requirements, financial responsibility (including insurance), or procedures regarding public participation.

3. The applicant for an experimental permit shall include the applicable permit fees under the provisions of 9VAC20-90. Any experimental permit issued under this subsection may be renewed not more than three times. Each such renewal shall be for a period of not more than one calendar year.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011.

9VAC20-81-430. Permit conditions.

When issuing or modifying a permit, the director may include conditions that he finds necessary to protect public health or the environment or to ensure compliance with this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011.

9VAC20-81-450. Permit application procedures.

A. Any person who proposes to establish a new solid waste management facility (SWMF) or modify an existing SWMF shall submit a permit application to the department, using the procedures set forth in this section and other pertinent sections of this part.

B. Notice of intent.

1. To initiate the permit application process, any person who proposes to establish a new solid waste management facility (SWMF) or modify an existing SWMF or to modify an existing permit shall file a notice of intent with the director stating the desired permit or permit modification, the precise location of the proposed facility, and the intended use of the facility. The notice shall be in letter form and be accompanied by an area map and a site location map.

2. No application for a new solid waste management facility permit or application for a modification for a noncaptive industrial landfill to expand or increase capacity shall be deemed complete unless it is accompanied by DEQ Form DISC-01 and 02 (Disclosure Statement) for all key personnel.

3. No application for a new solid waste management facility permit or application for a modification for a noncaptive industrial landfill to expand or increase capacity shall be considered complete unless the notice of intent is accompanied by a certification from the governing body of the county, city, or town in which the facility is to be located stating that the location and operation of the facility are consistent with all applicable local ordinances, as well as with the local or regional solid waste management plan (SWMP) approved by the department or has initiated the process of amending the SWMP to include the new or expanded facility or an increase in capacity. No certification shall be required for the application for a modification of an existing permit (not including increase in capacity or expansion) other than for a noncaptive industrial landfill in this subdivision. DEQ Form SW-11-1 (Request for Local Government Certification) is provided for the use of the regulated community. Permit and permit-by-rule applicants shall comply with the statutory requirements for consistency with solid waste management plans as recorded in § 10.1-1408.1 of the Code of Virginia.

4. If the applicant proposes to operate a new sanitary landfill or transfer station, the notice of intent shall include a statement describing the steps taken by the applicant to seek the comments of the residents of the area where the sanitary landfill or transfer station is proposed to be located regarding the siting and operation of the proposed sanitary landfill or transfer station. The public comment steps shall be taken prior to filing with the department the notice of intent.

a. The public comment steps shall include publication of a public notice once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation serving the locality where the sanitary landfill or transfer station is proposed to be located and holding at least one public meeting within the locality at a time convenient to the public to identify issues of concern, to facilitate communication, and to establish a dialogue between the applicant and persons who may be affected by the issuance of a permit for the sanitary landfill or transfer station.

b. At a minimum, the public notice shall include:

(1) A statement of the applicant's intent to apply for a permit to operate the proposed sanitary landfill or transfer station;

(2) The proposed sanitary landfill or transfer station site location;

(3) The date, time, and location of the public meeting the applicant will hold; and

(4) The name, address, and telephone number of a person employed by an applicant who can be contacted by interested persons to answer questions or receive comments on siting and operation of the proposed sanitary landfill or transfer station.

c. The first publication of the public notice shall be at least 14 days prior to the public meeting date.

d. In addition, the applicant shall adhere to the applicable requirements of § 10.1-1408.1 B of the Code of Virginia.

5. Disposal capacity guarantee. If the applicant proposes to construct a new sanitary landfill or expand an existing sanitary landfill, a signed statement must be submitted by the applicant guaranteeing that sufficient disposal capacity will be available in the facility to enable localities within the Commonwealth to comply with their solid waste management plans developed pursuant to 9VAC20-130 and certifying that such localities will be allowed to contract for and reserve disposal capacity in the facility. This provision does not apply to permit applications from one or more political subdivisions for new or expanded landfills that will only accept municipal solid waste generated within those jurisdictions or from other jurisdictions under an interjurisdictional agreement.

6. Host agreement. If a host agreement is required, as noted in § 10.1-1408.1 B 7 of the Code of Virginia, it shall contain all the requirements specified in that section of the law.

7. If the application is for a locality owned and operated sanitary landfill, or the expansion of such a landfill, the applicant shall provide information on:

a. The daily travel routes and traffic volumes that correlate with the daily disposal limit;

b. The daily disposal limit; and

c. The service area of the facility.

8. If the application is for a new solid waste management facility or a modification allowing a facility expansion or an increase in capacity, the director shall evaluate whether there is a need for the additional capacity in accordance with § 10.1-1408.1 D 1 of the Code of Virginia. The information in either subdivision 8 a or b of this subsection must be provided with the notice of intent to assist the director with the required investigation and analysis. Based on the information submitted, the owner or operator will demonstrate how the additional capacity will be utilized over the life of the facility.

a. For any solid waste management facility including a sanitary landfill, information demonstrating that there is a need for the additional capacity. Such information shall include the following. If a certain item is not applicable for a facility, it may be indicated so with reasonable justifications.

(1) The anticipated area to be served by the facility;

(2) Similar or related solid waste management facilities that are in the same service area and could impact the proposed facility, and the capacity and service life of those facilities;

(3) The present quantity of waste generated within the proposed service area;

(4) The waste disposal needs specified in the local solid waste plan;

(5) The projected future waste generation rates for the anticipated area to be served during the proposed life of the facility;

(6) The recycling, composting, or other waste management activities within the proposed service area;

(7) The additional solid waste disposal capacity and anticipated site life that the facility would provide to the proposed area of service;

(8) Information demonstrating that the capacity is needed to enable localities to comply with solid waste plans developed pursuant to § 10.1-1411 of the Code of Virginia; and

(9) Any additional factors that provide justification for the additional capacity provided by the facility.

b. As an alternative, for sanitary landfills, based on current or projected disposal rates, information demonstrating there is less than 10 years of capacity remaining in the facility and information demonstrating either of the following:

(1) The available permitted disposal capacity for the state is less than 20 years based on the most current reports submitted pursuant to the Waste Information and Assessment Program in 9VAC20-81-80; or

(2) The available permitted disposal capacity is less than 20 years in either:

(a) The planning region, or regions, immediately contiguous to the planning region of the host community; or

(b) The facilities within a 75-mile radius of the proposed facility.

9. If the location and operation of the facility is stated by the local governing body to be consistent with all its ordinances, without qualifications, conditions, or reservations, and the notice intent is complete, the applicant will be notified that he may submit his application for a SWMF permit. This application shall be submitted in two parts, identified as Part A and Part B.

10. The applicant shall submit certification from the State Corporation Commission that the business entity pursuing the solid waste management permit is a valid entity, authorized to transact its business in Virginia. This requirement does not apply to those facilities owned solely by governmental units.

11. If the application is for an existing CCR landfill or existing CCR surface impoundment, a complete permit application must be submitted no later than October 17, 2017, to continue operation.

C. Part A application. Part A application provides the information essential for assessment of the site suitability for the proposed facility. It contains information on the proposed facility to be able to determine site suitability for intended uses. It provides information on all siting criteria applicable to the proposed facility.

1. The applicant shall complete, sign, and submit three copies of the Part A application containing required information and attachments as specified in 9VAC20-81-460 to the department and shall submit to the department the applicable permit fee under the provisions of 9VAC20-90.

2. The Part A application will be reviewed for completeness. The applicant will be notified within 30 days whether the application is administratively complete or incomplete. If complete information is not provided within 60 days after the applicant is notified, or an alternate timeframe approved by the department, the application will be returned to the applicant without further review. Subsequent resubmittals of the application, submitted after 18 months from the date of the department's response letter, shall be considered as a new application, unless an alternate timeline has been approved by the department.

3. Upon receipt of a complete Part A application, the department shall conduct a technical review of the submittal. Additional information may be required or the site may be visited before the review is completed. The director shall notify the applicant in writing of approval or disapproval of the Part A application or provide conditions to be made a part of the approval.

4. For sanitary landfills, the director's notification must indicate that the site on which the landfill will be located is suitable for the construction and operation of a landfill. In making this determination, the director will consider the information presented in the site hydrogeologic and geotechnical report (9VAC20-81-460 G), the landfill impact statement (9VAC20-81-460 I 1) and the adequacy of transportation facilities (9VAC20-81-460 H). The director may also consider other factors at his discretion.

5. In case of the approval or conditional approval, the applicant may submit the Part B application provided the required conditions are addressed in the submission.

D. Part B application. The Part B application involves the submission of the detailed engineering design and operating plans for the proposed facility.

1. The applicant, after receiving Part A approval, may submit to the department a Part B application to include the required documentation for the specific solid waste management facility as provided for in 9VAC20-81-470 or 9VAC20-81-480. The Part B application and supporting documentation shall be submitted in three copies and must include the applicable permit fee under the provisions of 9VAC20-90 and the financial assurance documentation as required by 9VAC20-70.

2. The Part B application shall be reviewed for administrative completeness before technical evaluation is initiated. The applicant shall be advised in writing within 30 days whether the application is complete or what additional documentation is required. Subsequent resubmittals of the application, submitted after 18 months from the date of the department's response letter, shall be considered a new application, unless an alternate timeline has been approved by the department. The Part B application will not be evaluated until an administratively complete application is received.

3. The administratively complete application will be coordinated with other state agencies according to the nature of the facility. The comments received shall be considered in the permit review by the department. The application will be evaluated for technical adequacy and regulatory compliance. In the course of this evaluation, the department may require the applicant to provide additional information. At the end of the evaluation, the department will notify the applicant that the application is technically adequate and in regulatory compliance, or that the department intends to deny the application.

4. The procedures addressing the denial are contained in 9VAC20-81-550.

E. Permit issuance.

1. If the application is found to be technically adequate and in full compliance with this chapter, a draft permit shall be developed by the department.

2. Copies of the draft permit will be available for viewing at the applicant's place of business or at the regional office of the department, or both, upon request. A notice announcing the beginning of the public comment period and the availability of the draft permit shall be made in a newspaper with general circulation in the area of the facility. A copy of the notice of availability will be provided to the chief administrative officer of all cities and counties that are contiguous to the host community.

3. If the application is for a new landfill or an increase in landfill capacity (includes expansion), then the department shall hold a public hearing and the notice in subdivision 2 of this subsection will include such information.

4. For any application (other than subdivision 3 of this subsection), the notice shall notify the public of the 30-day public comment period and include the opportunity to request a public hearing. The department shall hold a public hearing on the draft permit whenever the department finds, on the basis of requests, that:

a. There is a significant public interest in the issuance, denial, modification, or revocation of the permit in question;

b. There are substantial, disputed issues relevant to the issuance, denial, modification, or revocation of the permit in question; and

c. The action requested is not, on its face, inconsistent with, or in violation of, these regulations, the Waste Management Act (§ 10.1-1400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), or federal law or regulations.

5. The department also may hold a public hearing when it is believed that such a hearing might clarify one or more issues involved in a permit decision.

6. If a public hearing is to be held, the department shall convene it 30 days or more after the notice is published in the local newspaper. The public hearing shall be conducted within the local government jurisdiction of the facility. A comment period shall extend for a 15-day period after the conclusion of the public hearing.

7. A decision to permit, to deny a permit, or to modify the draft permit shall be rendered by the director within 90 days of the close of the hearing comment period.

8. The permit applicant and the persons who commented during the public participation period shall be notified in writing of the decision on the draft permit. That decision may include denial of the permit (see also 9VAC20-81-550), issuance of the permit as drafted, or modification of the draft permit and issuance.

9. No permit for a new solid waste management facility nor any modification to a permit allowing a facility expansion or an increase in capacity shall be issued until the director has made a written determination, after an investigation and analysis of the potential human health, environmental, transportation infrastructure, and transportation safety impacts and needs and an evaluation of comments by the host local government, other local governments and interested persons, that (i) the proposed facility, expansion, or increase protects present and future human health and safety and the environment; (ii) there is a need for the additional capacity; (iii) sufficient infrastructure will exist to safely handle the waste flow; (iv) the increase is consistent with locality imposed or state-imposed daily disposal limits; (v) the public interest will be served by the proposed facility's operation or the expansion or increase in capacity of a facility; and (vi) the proposed solid waste management facility, facility expansion, or additional capacity is consistent with regional and local solid waste management plans developed pursuant to § 10.1-1411 of the Code of Virginia.

10. For nonhazardous industrial solid waste management facilities owned or operated by the generator of the waste managed at the facility, and that accept only waste generated by the facility owner or operator the following determination shall apply in lieu of subdivision 9 of this subsection. No new permit for a nonhazardous industrial solid waste management facility that is owned or operated by the generator of the waste managed at the facility, and that accepts only waste generated by the facility owner or operator, shall be issued until the director has determined, after investigation and evaluation of comments by the local government, that the proposed facility poses no substantial present or potential danger to human health or the environment. The department shall hold a public hearing within the county, city, or town where the facility is to be located prior to the issuance of any such permit for the management of nonhazardous industrial solid waste.

11. Where either subdivision 9 or 10 of this subsection applies, the director may request updated information during the review of the permit application if the information on which the director's determination is based is no longer current. If, based on the analysis of the materials presented in the permit application, the determination required in § 10.1-1408.1 of the Code of Virginia cannot be made, the application will be denied in accordance with 9VAC20-81-550 A 6.

12. Any permit for a new sanitary landfill and any permit modification authorizing expansion of an existing sanitary landfill shall incorporate the conditions required for a disposal capacity guarantee in § 10.1-1408.1 of the Code of Virginia. This provision does not apply to permit applications from one or more political subdivisions that will only accept waste from within those political subdivisions' jurisdiction or municipal solid waste generated within other political subdivisions pursuant to an interjurisdictional agreement.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 9, eff. January 27, 2016; Volume 40, Issue 4, eff. November 8, 2023.

9VAC20-81-460. Part A permit application.

A. The following information shall be included in the Part A permit application for all solid waste management facilities unless otherwise specified in this section. All plans and drawings of the Part A application shall be certified by a professional engineer or professional geologist.

B. The Part A permit application consists of a letter stating the type of the facility for which the permit application is made and the certification required in subsection J of this section. The applicant shall submit the completed DEQ Form SW PTA (Part A Permit Application Form) and all required information and attachments as detailed in this section.

C. A key map of the Part A permit application, delineating the general location of the proposed facility, shall be prepared and attached as part of the application. The key map shall be plotted on a seven and one-half minute U.S. Geological Survey topographical quadrangle. The quadrangle shall be the most recent revision available, shall include the name of the quadrangle and shall delineate a minimum of one mile from the perimeter of the proposed facility boundaries. One or more maps may be utilized where necessary to insure clarity of the information submitted.

D. A vicinity map shall be prepared and attached as part of the application. This vicinity map shall have a minimum scale of one inch equals 200 feet (1" = 200') and shall delineate an area of 500 feet from the perimeter of the property line of the proposed facility. A vicinity map may be prepared with a reduced scale if it does not fit in a sheet with the required minimum scale and multiple sheets may be used to meet the requirement of minimum scale. The vicinity maps may be an enlargement of a U.S. Geological Survey topographical quadrangle or a recent aerial photograph. Notes may be provided in the map if one or more of the following are not present within the delineated area. The vicinity map shall depict the following:

1. All homes, buildings, or structures including the layout of the buildings that will compose the proposed facility;

2. The surveyed boundaries for the property boundary, facility boundary, and waste management boundary, and the acreages within these boundaries;

3. The limits of the actual disposal operations within the boundaries of the proposed facility;

4. Lots and blocks taken from the tax map for the site of the proposed facility and all contiguous properties;

5. The base floodplain, where it passes through the map area; or, otherwise, a note indicating the expected flood occurrence period for the area;

6. Existing land uses and zoning classification;

7. All water supply wells, springs or intakes, both public and private;

8. All utility lines, pipelines or land-based facilities (including mines and wells); and

9. All parks, recreation areas, surface water bodies, dams, historic areas, wetlands areas, monument areas, cemeteries, wildlife refuges, unique natural areas, or similar features.

E. Any applicant must demonstrate legal control over the site for the permit life.

F. For solid waste disposal facilities regulated under Part III (9VAC20-81-100 et seq.), site hydrogeologic and geotechnical reports by professional geologist or professional engineer.

1. The site investigation for a proposed landfill facility shall provide information regarding the geotechnical and hydrogeologic conditions at the site to allow a reasonable determination of the usefulness of the site for development as a landfill. The geotechnical exploration efforts shall be designed to provide information regarding the availability and suitability of onsite soils for use in the various construction phases of the landfill including liner, cover, drainage material, and cap. The hydrogeologic information shall be sufficient to determine the characteristics of the uppermost aquifer underlying the facility. Subsurface investigation programs conducted shall meet the minimum specifications here.

a. Borings shall be located to identify the uppermost aquifer within the proposed facility boundary, determine the ability to perform groundwater monitoring at the site, and provide data for the evaluation of the physical properties of soils and soil availability. Borings completed for the proposed facility shall be sufficient in number and depth to identify the thickness of the uppermost aquifer and the presence of any significant underlying impermeable zone in the waste management boundary. Impermeable zone shall not be fully penetrated within the anticipated fill areas, whenever possible. The number of borings shall be at a minimum in accordance with Table 5.1 as follows:

b. The department reserves the right to require additional borings in areas in which the number of borings required by Table 5.1 is not sufficient to describe the geologic formations and groundwater flow patterns below the proposed solid waste disposal facility.

c. In highly uniform geological formations, the number of borings may be reduced, as approved by the department.

d. The borings shall employ a grid pattern, wherever possible, such that there is, at a minimum, one boring in each major geomorphic feature. The borings pattern shall enable the development of detailed cross sections through the proposed landfill site.

e. Subsurface data obtained by borings shall be collected by standard soil sampling techniques. Diamond bit coring, air rotary drilling, or other appropriate methods, or a combination of methods shall be used as appropriate to characterize competent bedrock. The borings shall be logged from the surface to the lowest elevation (base grade) or to bedrock, whichever is shallower, according to standard practices and procedures. In addition, the borings required by Table 5.1 shall be performed on a continuous basis for the first 20 feet below the lowest elevation of the solid waste disposal facility or to the bed rock. Additional samples as determined by the professional geologist or professional engineer shall be collected at five-foot intervals thereafter.

f. Excavations, test pits, and geophysical methods may be employed to supplement the soil boring investigation.

g. At a minimum, four of the borings shall be converted to water level observations wells, well nests, piezometers, or piezometer nests to allow determination of the rate and direction of groundwater flow across the site. All groundwater monitoring points or water level measurement points shall be designed to allow proper abandonment by backfilling with an impermeable material. The total number of wells or well nests shall be based on the complexity of the geology of the site.

h. Field analyses shall be performed in representative borings to determine the in situ hydraulic conductivity of the uppermost aquifer.

i. All borings not to be utilized as permanent monitoring wells, and wells within the active solid waste disposal area, shall be sealed and excavations and test pits shall be backfilled and properly compacted to prevent possible paths of leachate migration. Boring sealing procedures shall be documented in the hydrogeologic report.

2. The geotechnical and hydrogeologic reports shall at least include the following principal sections:

a. Field procedures. Boring records and analyses from properly spaced borings in the facility portion of the site. Final boring logs shall be submitted for each boring, recording soils or rock conditions encountered. Each log shall include the type of drilling and sampling equipment, date the boring was started, date the boring was finished, a soil or rock description in accordance with the United Soil Classification System or the Rock Quality Designation, the method of sampling, the depth of sample collection, the water levels encountered, and the Standard Penetration Test blow counts, if applicable. Boring locations and elevations shall be surveyed with a precision of 0.01 foot. At least one surveyed point shall be indelibly marked by the surveyor on each well. All depths of soil and rock as described within the boring log shall be corrected to National Geodetic Vertical Datum, if available.

b. Geotechnical interpretations and report including complete engineering description of the soil units underlying the site.

(1) Soil unit descriptions shall include estimates of soil unit thickness, continuity across the site, and genesis. Laboratory determination of the soil unit's physical properties shall be discussed.

(2) Soil units that are proposed for use as a drainage layer, impermeable cap, or impermeable liner material shall be supported by laboratory determinations of the remolded permeability. Remolded hydraulic conductivity tests require a Proctor compaction test (ASTM D698) soil classification liquid limit, plastic limit, particle size distribution, specific gravity, percent compaction of the test sample, remolded density and remolded moisture content, and the percent saturation of the test sample. Proctor compaction test data and hydraulic conductivity test sample data shall be plotted on standard moisture-density test graphs.

(3) The geotechnical report shall provide an estimate of the available volume of materials suitable for use as liner, cap, and drainage layer. It shall also discuss the anticipated uses of the onsite materials, if known.

c. Hydrogeologic report.

(1) The report shall include water table elevations, direction, and calculated rate of groundwater flow and similar information on the hydrogeology of the site. All raw data shall be submitted with calculations.

(2) The report shall contain a discussion of field test procedures and results, laboratory determinations made on undisturbed samples, recharge areas, discharge areas, adjacent or areal usage, and typical radii of influence of pumping wells.

(3) The report shall also contain a discussion of the regional geologic setting, the site geology, and a cataloging and description of the uppermost aquifer from the site investigation and from referenced literature. The geologic description shall include a discussion of the prevalence and orientation of fractures, faults, and other structural discontinuities, and presence of any other significant geologic features. The aquifer description shall address homogeneity, horizontal and vertical extent, isotropy, the potential for groundwater remediation, if required, and the factors influencing the proper placement of a groundwater monitoring network.

(4) The report shall include a geologic map of the site prepared from one of the following sources as available, in order of preference:

(a) Site specific mapping prepared from data collected during the site investigation;

(b) Published geologic mapping at a scale of 1:24,000 or larger;

(c) Published regional geologic mapping at a scale of 1:250,000 or larger; or

(d) Other published mapping.

(5) At least two generally orthogonal, detailed site specific cross sections, which shall describe the geologic formations identified by the geologic maps prepared in accordance with subdivision 2 c (4) of this subsection at a scale that clearly illustrates the geologic formations, shall be included in the hydrogeologic report. Cross sections shall show the geologic units, approximate construction of existing landfill cells base grades, water table, surficial features, and bedrock along the line of the cross section. Cross section locations shall be shown on an overall facility map.

(6) Potentiometric surface maps for the uppermost aquifer that define the groundwater conditions encountered below the proposed solid waste disposal facility area based upon stabilized groundwater elevations. Potentiometric surface maps shall be prepared for each set of groundwater elevation data available. The applicant shall include a discussion of the effects of site modifications, seasonal variations in precipitation, and existing and future land uses of the site on the potentiometric surface.

(7) If a geological map or report from either the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy or the U.S. Geological Survey is published, it shall be included.

G. For solid waste management facilities regulated under Part IV (9VAC20-81-300 et seq.) of this chapter:

1. A cataloging and description of aquifers, geological features or any similar characteristic of the site that might affect the operation of the facility or be affected by that operation.

2. If a geological map or report from either the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy or the U.S. Geological Survey is published, it shall be included.

H. For a new sanitary landfill or for an increase in daily disposal limit, an adequacy report prepared by the Virginia Department of Transportation or other responsible agency. As required under § 10.1-1408.4 A 1 of the Code of Virginia, the report will address the adequacy of transportation facilities that will be available to serve the landfill, including daily travel routes and traffic volumes that correlate with the daily disposal limit, road congestion, and highway safety. The department may determine an adequacy report is not required for small increases in the daily disposal limit.

I. For a new sanitary landfill or an expansion of an existing sanitary landfill or an increase in capacity by expanding an existing facility vertically upward, a Landfill Impact Statement (LIS).

1. A report must be provided to the department that addresses the potential impact of the landfill on parks, recreational areas, wildlife management areas, critical habitat areas of endangered species as designated by applicable local, state, or federal agencies, public water supplies, marine resources, wetlands, historic sites, fish and wildlife, water quality, and tourism. This report shall comply with the statutory requirements for siting landfills in the vicinity of public water supplies or wetlands as set forth in §§ 10.1-1408.4 and 10.1-1408.5 of the Code of Virginia.

2. The report will include a discussion of the landfill configuration and how the facility design addresses any impacts identified in the report required under subdivision 1 of this subsection.

3. The report will identify all of the areas identified under subdivision 1 of this subsection that are within five miles of the facility.

J. For a new facility or an expansion of an existing facility, or an increase in capacity by expanding an existing facility vertically upward, a signed statement by the applicant that he has sent written notice to all adjacent property owners or occupants that he intends to develop a SWMF or expand laterally or vertically upward of an existing facility on the site, a copy of the notice and the names and addresses of those to whom the notices were sent.

K. The total capacity of the solid waste management facility.

L. One or more of the following indicating that the public interest would be served by a new facility or a facility expansion, which includes:

1. Cost effective waste management for the public within the service area comparing the costs of a new facility or facility expansion to waste transfer, or other disposal options;

2. The facility provides protection of human health and safety and the environment;

3. The facility provides alternatives to disposal including reuse or reclamation;

4. The facility allows for the increased recycling opportunities for solid waste;

5. The facility provides for energy recovery or the subsequent use of solid waste, or both, thereby reducing the quantity of solid waste disposed;

6. The facility will support the waste management needs expressed by the host community; or

7. Any additional factors that indicate that the public interest would be served by the facility.

M. For CCR surface impoundments regulated under Part VIII (9VAC20-81-800 et seq.) of this chapter, site hydrogeologic and geotechnical reports by a professional geologist or professional engineer that meet the requirements of 9VAC20-81-800.

N. For new CCR landfills to be located in Planning District 8, a map identifying existing residential area and properties located within one mile of the facility boundary that are not served by municipal water supply and copies of documentation to satisfy the conditions of § 10.1-1402.05 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 9, eff. January 27, 2016; Volume 40, Issue 4, eff. November 8, 2023.

9VAC20-81-470. Part B permit application for solid waste disposal facilities.

Part B permit application requirements for all solid waste disposal facilities regulated under Part III (9VAC20-81-100 et seq.) are contained in this section. The Part B applications shall include the following requirements and documentation:

A. Plans submitted as part of the Part B application shall include the following:

1. Design plans. Design plans shall be certified by a professional engineer and shall consist of, at least, the following:

a. A title sheet indicating the project title, who prepared the plans, the person for whom the plans were prepared, a table of contents, and a location map showing the location of the site and the area to be served.

b. An existing site conditions plans sheet indicating site conditions prior to development.

c. A base grade plan sheet indicating site base grades or the appearance of the site if it were excavated in its entirety to the base elevation, before installation of any engineering modifications or the beginning of any filing.

d. An engineering modification plan sheet indicating the appearance of the site after installation of engineering modifications. More than one plan sheet may be required for complicated sites. This plan is required only for those sites with engineering modifications.

e. A final site topography plan sheet indicating the appearance of the site, and final contours of the site at closing including the details necessary to prepare the site for long-term care.

f. A series of phasing plan sheets showing the progression of site development through time. At a minimum, a separate plan shall be provided for initial site preparations and for each subsequent major phase or new area where substantial site preparation must be performed. Each such plan shall include a list of construction items and quantities necessary to prepare the phase indicated.

g. A site monitoring plan showing the location of all devices for the monitoring of leachate production, groundwater quality, and gas production and venting. This plan shall include a table indicating the parameters to be monitored for the frequency of monitoring before and during site development. The groundwater monitoring plan shall include information as applicable under 9VAC20-81-250 or 9VAC20-81-260.

h. A series of site cross-sections shall be drawn perpendicular and parallel to the site base line at a maximum distance of 500 feet between cross-sections and at points of grade break and important construction features. The location of the cross-sections shall be shown on the plan sheets and the section labeled using the site grid system. Where applicable, each cross-section shall show existing, proposed base and final grades; soil borings and monitoring wells that the section passes through or is adjacent to; soil types, bedrock and water table; leachate control, collection, and monitoring systems; limits of filling for each major waste type; drainage control structures; access roads and ramps on the site perimeter and within the active fill area; the filling sequence or phases; and other site features.

i. Detailed drawings and typical sections for drainage control structures, access roads, fencing, leachate and gas control systems, and monitoring devices, buildings, signs, and other construction details.

j. Plan sheets shall include:

(1) A survey grid with base lines and bench marks to be used for field control.

(2) Limits of filling for each major waste type or fill area.

(3) All drainage patterns and surface water drainage control structures both within the actual fill area and at the site perimeter. Such structures may include berms, ditches, sedimentation basins, pumps, sumps, culverts, pipes, inlets, velocity breaks, sodding, erosion matting, or other methods of erosion control.

(4) Ground surface contours at the time represented by the drawing. Spot elevations shall be indicated for key features.

(5) Areas to be cleared and grubbed and stripped of topsoil.

(6) Borrow areas for liner materials, gas venting materials, berms, roadway construction, daily cover, and final cover.

(7) All soil stockpiles including daily and final cover, topsoil, liner materials, gas venting materials, and other excavation.

(8) Access roads and traffic flow patterns to and within the active fill area.

(9) All temporary and permanent fencing.

(10) The methods of screening such as berms, vegetation, or special fencing.

(11) Leachate collection, control, storage, and treatment systems that may include pipes, manholes, trenches, berms, collection sumps, storage units, pumps, risers, liners, and liner splices.

(12) Gas, leachate, and groundwater monitoring devices and systems.

(13) Severe weather solid waste disposal areas.

(14) Support buildings, scale, utilities, gates, and signs.

(15) Special waste handling areas.

(16) Construction notes and references to details.

(17) Other site features.

2. Closure plan. A detailed closure plan shall be prepared and submitted. Such a plan shall be prepared in two parts, one reflecting those measures to be accomplished at the midpoint of the permit period, and the other when the useful life of the landfill is reached. The plan shall show how the facility will be closed to meet the requirements of 9VAC20-81-160 and 9VAC20-81-170, or 9VAC20-81-800. The plan shall include the procedures to be followed in closing the site, sequence of closure, time schedules, final plans of completion of closure to include final contours, and long-term care plan sheets showing the site at the completion of closing and indicating those items anticipated to be performed during the period of long-term care for the site. The plans shall include a table listing the items and the anticipated schedule for monitoring and maintenance. In many instances this information can be presented on the final site topography sheet.

3. Postclosure plan. A postclosure care plan shall contain long-term care information including a discussion of the procedures to be utilized for the inspection and maintenance of: run-off control structures; settlement; erosion damage; gas and leachate control facilities; monitoring for gas, leachate, and groundwater; and other long-term care needs.

B. A design report shall be submitted, which shall include supplemental discussions and design calculations, to facilitate department review and provide supplemental information including the following information:

1. The design report shall identify the project title; engineering consultants; site owner, permittee and operator; proposed permitted acreage; hours of operation; wastes to be accepted; site life; design capacity; and the daily disposal limit. It shall also identify any variances desired by the applicant.

2. A discussion of the basis for the design of the major features of the site, such as traffic routing, base grade and relationships to subsurface conditions, anticipated waste types and characteristics, phases development, liner design, leachate management system design, facility monitoring, and similar design features shall be provided. A list of the conditions of site development as stated in the department determination of site feasibility and the measures taken to meet the conditions shall be included. A discussion of all calculations, such as refuse-cover balance computations, stockpile sizing estimates, estimate of site life, and run-off and leachate volume estimates shall be included. The calculations shall be summarized with the detailed equations presented in an appendix.

3. Specifications, including detailed instructions to the site operator for all aspects of site construction.

a. Initial site preparations including specifications for clearing and grubbing, topsoil stripping, other excavations, berm construction, drainage control structures, leachate collection system, access roads and entrance, screening, fencing, groundwater monitoring, and other special design features.

b. A plan for initial site preparation including a discussion of the field measurements, photographs to be taken, sampling and testing procedures to be utilized to verify that the in-field conditions encountered were the same as those defined in the feasibility report, and to document that the site was constructed according to the engineering plans and specifications submitted for department approval.

C. Financial assurance documentation. When required by the Financial Assurance Regulations of Solid Waste Disposal, Transfer, and Treatment Facilities (9VAC20-70), the applicant shall provide the completed documentation to demonstrate compliance with those regulations; proof of financial responsibility must be for the entity identified in accordance with 9VAC20-81-450 B 10.

D. DEQ Form SW PTB (Part B Permit Application Form). The applicant shall submit a completed DEQ Form SW PTB.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 22, eff. August 3, 2011; Volume 32, Issue 9, eff. January 27, 2016.

9VAC20-81-475. Part B permit application requirements for CCR surface impoundments.

A. Part B permit application requirements for CCR surface impoundments regulated under Part VIII (9VAC20-81-800 et seq.) of this chapter are contained in this section. The Part B applications shall include the requirements and documentation described in this section.

B. A detailed design plan shall be prepared and submitted that describes how the CCR surface impoundment meets the design criteria found in 40 CFR 257.71 (existing CCR surface impoundments), 40 CFR 257.72 (new or lateral expansions of CCR surface impoundments), 40 CFR 257.73 (existing CCR surface impoundments), 40 CFR 257.74 (new or lateral expansions of CCR surface impoundments), as applicable.

C. An operating plan meeting the requirements of 40 CFR 257.80, 40 CFR 257.82, and 40 CFR 257.83 shall be prepared and submitted.

D. A site groundwater monitoring plan shall be prepared and submitted that meets the requirements of 40 CFR 257.90, 40 CFR 257.91, 40 CFR 257.93, 40 CFR 257.94, 40 CFR 257.95, 40 CFR 257.96, 40 CFR 257.97, and 40 CFR 257.98.

E. A detailed closure plan and post-closure plan meeting the requirements found in 40 CFR 257.101, 40 CFR 257.102, 40 CFR 257.103, 40 CFR 257.104 shall be prepared and submitted.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 9, eff. January 27, 2016.

9VAC20-81-480. Part B permit application requirements for other solid waste management facilities.

Owners or operators of facilities who do not dispose of solid wastes onsite and who will remove all solid wastes or solid waste residues at closing, will use the application procedures of this section. The following information is required in a Part B permit application:

A. Design plans.

Design plans shall be prepared by a professional engineer. The plans shall demonstrate compliance with the applicable portions of this chapter and include at least the following:

1. Existing site conditions plans sheet indicating site conditions prior to development.

2. Engineering modification plan sheet indicating the appearance of the site after installation of engineering modifications. More than one plan sheet may be required for complicated sites. This plan is required only for those sites with engineering modifications.

3. Phasing plan sheets showing the progression of site development through time. At a minimum, a separate plan shall be provided for initial site preparations and for each subsequent major phase or new area where substantial site preparation must be performed. Each such plan shall include a list of construction items and quantities necessary to prepare the phase indicated.

4. Design drawings of the specific solid waste management processes, when applicable. For waste to energy, thermal treatment, and incinerator facilities, the design drawings of the solid waste management facilities to include:

(1) Profile and plan views of all structures and enclosures showing dimensions. Plan views showing building setbacks, side and rear distances between the proposed structure and other existing or proposed structures, roadways, parking areas, and site boundaries;

(2) Interior floor plans showing the layout, profile view and dimensions of the processing lines, interior unloading, sorting, storage, and loading areas as well as other functional areas;

(3) A plan identifying, locating and describing utilities that will service the facility including, but not limited to, the storm water drainage system, sanitary sewer system, water supply system, and energy system; interface of the proposed facility with the existing utility systems.

5. When applicable, the following information shall be presented on plan sheets:

a. All information on existing site conditions map unless including this information leads to confusion with the data intended for display.

b. A survey grid with base lines and monuments to be used for field control.

c. All drainage patterns and surface water drainage control structures both within the area and at the site perimeter to include berms, ditches, sedimentation basins, pumps, sumps, culverts, pipes, inlets, velocity breaks, sodding, erosion matting, or other methods of erosion control.

d. Access roads and traffic flow patterns to and within:

(1) The storage and transfer areas of waste to energy, thermal treatment, and incinerator facilities.

(2) The active fill area of all other facilities.

e. All temporary and permanent fencing.

f. The methods of screening such as berms, vegetation, or special fencing.

g. Wastewater or leachate collection, control and treatment systems, which may include pipes, manholes, trenches, berms, collection sumps or basins, pumps, risers, liners, and liner splices.

h. Special waste handling areas.

i. Construction notes and references to details.

j. Other site features.

6. Detailed drawings and typical sections for drainage control structures, access roads, fencing, buildings, signs, and other construction details.

B. A design report for the facility is required and will provide the technical details and specifications necessary to support the design plans consisting of, at least, the following information:

1. For waste to energy, thermal treatment, and incinerator facilities:

a. The design report shall identify the project title; engineering consultants; site owner, licensee and operator; site life and capacity; municipalities, industries, and collection and transportation agencies served; and waste types to be disposed. It shall also identify any exemptions desired by the applicant.

b. The design capacity specifications shall include, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) The process rate of the facility, in both tons per day and tons per hour;

(2) The expected short-term and projected future long-term daily loadings;

(3) The designation of normal loading, unloading and storage areas, including capacities in cubic yards and tons. Description of the time such areas can be practically used, based on expected short-term daily loadings;

(4) The designation of emergency loading, unloading, storage, or other disposal capabilities to be used when facility system down time exceeds 24 hours;

(5) The designation of alternate management facilities or plans for transfer of stored waste in the event facility system down time exceeds 72 hours;

c. The design specifications for process residues to include the following:

(1) The expected daily quantity of waste residue generations;

(2) The proposed ultimate disposal location for all facility-generated waste residues including, but not limited to, ash residues and bypass material, residues resulting from air pollution control devices, and the proposed alternate disposal locations for any unauthorized waste types, which may have been unknowingly accepted. The schedule for securing contracts for the disposal of these waste types at the designated locations shall be provided;

(3) A descriptive statement of any materials use, reuse, or reclamation activities to be operated in conjunction with the facility, either on the incoming solid waste or the ongoing residue;

d. A descriptive statement and detailed specification of the proposed onsite and offsite transportation system intended to service vehicles hauling waste to the facility for processing, and vehicles removing reclaimed materials and or process residues from the facility. Onsite parking, access and exit points, and the mechanisms or features that will be employed to provide for an even flow of traffic into, out of, and within the site, shall be identified.

e. An appendix to the design plan shall be submitted that shall include any additional data not previously presented, calculations, material specifications, operating agreements, wastewater treatment agreements, documents related to long-term care funding, and other appropriate information.

2. For all other facilities:

a. The design report shall identify the project title; engineering consultants; site owner, licensee and operator; site life and capacity; municipalities, industries and collection and transportation agencies served; and waste types and quantities to be disposed. It shall also identify any exemptions desired by the applicant. The specifications shall include, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) Design and construction specifications for the site shall be presented, including detailed instructions to the site operator for all aspects of site construction and development. References to specifications on the plan sheet shall be pointed out as well as additional instructions included, where appropriate.

(2) The design report specifications shall include access roads and entrance, screening, fencing, and other special design features.

b. An appendix shall be submitted that shall include any additional data not previously presented, calculations, material specifications, operating agreements, leachate treatment agreements, documents related to long-term care funding, and other appropriate information.

C. When required by the Financial Assurance Regulations of Solid Waste Disposal, Transfer, and Treatment Facilities (9VAC20-70), the applicant shall provide the completed documentation to demonstrate compliance with those regulations; proof of financial responsibility must be for the entity identified in accordance with 9VAC20-81-450 B 10.

D. Closure plan. The applicant shall prepare and submit a detailed plan for closing any SWMF. Such a plan shall be prepared to reflect the actions required at the time of closing the facility with the maximum permitted process rate onsite. The plan shall reflect all steps necessary to isolate the facility from the environment or to remove and dispose of all solid waste and residue in the facility. The closure plan shall reflect all actions necessary for facility abandonment or uses other than for solid waste management.

E. Sound level data. When required by the director, the applicant shall survey, record, and submit background sound level data in the vicinity of the proposed facility at the time of application for a permit.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011.

9VAC20-81-485. Operations manual requirements for solid waste management facilities.

A. Solid waste disposal facilities. An operations manual shall be prepared and maintained in the operating record. The operations manual shall include a certification page signed by a responsible official. This signature shall certify the manual meets the requirements of this chapter. This manual shall be reviewed and recertified annually (by December 31 of each calendar year) to ensure consistency with current operations and regulatory requirements, and shall be made available for review by the department upon request. The operations manual for disposal facility operation shall contain at least the following plans:

1. An operations plan that at a minimum includes:

a. Explanation of how the design and construction plans will be implemented from the initial phase of operation until closure;

b. Municipalities, industries, and collection and transportation agencies served;

c. Waste types and quantities to be disposed;

d. Detailed instructions to the site operator regarding all aspects of site operation in order to ensure that the operational requirements of Part III (9VAC20-81-100 et seq.) of this chapter are achieved. References to specifications on the plan sheet shall be pointed out as well as additional instructions included, where appropriate. At a minimum, the plan specifications shall include:

(1) Daily operations including a discussion of the timetable for development, waste types accepted or excluded, inspection of incoming waste, typical waste handling techniques, hours of operation, traffic routing, drainage and erosion control, windy, wet and cold weather operations, fire protection equipment, manpower, methods for handling of any unusual waste types, methods for vector, dust and odor control, daily cleanup, direction of filling, salvaging, recordkeeping, parking for visitors and employees, monitoring, maintenance, closure of filled areas, gas and leachate control methods, backup equipment with names and telephone numbers where equipment may be obtained, and other special design features;

(2) Development of subsequent phases; and

(3) Site closing information consisting of a discussion of those actions necessary to prepare the site for long-term care and final use in the implementation of the closure plan.

2. An inspection plan that at a minimum includes:

a. A schedule for inspecting all applicable major aspects of facility operations necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of Part III (9VAC20-81-100 et seq.) of this chapter.

b. The frequency of inspection based on the rate of potential equipment deterioration or malfunction and the probability of an adverse incident occurring if the deterioration or malfunction goes undetected between inspections. The plan shall establish the minimum frequencies for inspections required in 9VAC20-81-140. This plan shall identify areas of the facility subject to spills such as loading and unloading areas and areas in which significant adverse environmental or health consequences may result if breakdown occurs.

c. A schedule for inspecting monitoring, safety, and emergency equipment; security devices; and process operating and structural equipment.

d. The types of potential problems that may be observed during the inspection and any maintenance activities required as a result of the inspection.

3. A health and safety plan that includes description of measures to protect the facility and other personnel from injury and is consistent with the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1910.

4. An unauthorized waste control plan that includes, at a minimum, the methods to be used by the operator to prevent unauthorized disposal of hazardous wastes, bulk liquids, or other wastes not authorized for management or disposal in the facility in order to meet the requirements of 9VAC20-81-140.

5. An emergency contingency plan that includes:

a. Delineation of procedures for responding to fire, explosions, or any unplanned sudden or nonsudden releases of harmful constituents to the air, soil, or surface water;

b. Description of the actions facility personnel shall take in the event of various emergency situations;

c. Description of arrangements made with the local police and fire department that allow for immediate entry into the facility by their authorized representatives should the need arise, such as in the case of personnel responding to an emergency situation; and

d. A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers (office and home) of all persons qualified to act as emergency coordinator for the facility. This list shall be kept up to date. Where more than one person is listed, one shall be named as primary emergency coordinator and the others shall be listed in the order in which they will assume responsibility as alternates.

6. A landscaping plan that shall:

a. Delineate existing site vegetation to be retained;

b. Discuss methods to be employed in order to ensure protection of vegetation to be retained during the clearing, grading and construction phases of the project and the supplemental vegetation to be planted; and

c. Provide information relating to vegetation type, location and purpose, such as for buffer, screening or aesthetics, and schedules for planting, shall accompany the plan.

B. Other solid waste management facilities. An operations manual shall be prepared and maintained in the operating record. The Operations Manual shall include a certification page signed by a responsible official. This signature shall certify the manual meets the requirements of this chapter. This manual shall be reviewed and re-certified annually (by December 31 of each calendar year) to ensure consistency with current operations and regulatory requirements and shall be made available to the department upon request. The manual for facility operation shall contain at least the following plans:

1. An operations plan that at a minimum includes:

a. An explanation of how the design and construction plans will be implemented from the initial phase of operation until closure.

b. Detailed instructions to the site operator regarding all aspects of site operation in order to ensure that the applicable operational requirements of Part IV (9VAC20-81-300 et seq.) are achieved. Daily operations including a discussion of the timetable for development, waste types accepted or excluded, typical waste handling techniques, hours of operation, traffic routing, drainage and erosion control, windy, wet and cold weather operations, fire protection equipment, manpower, methods for handling of any unusual waste types, methods for vector, dust and odor control, daily cleanup, salvaging, record keeping, parking for visitors and employees, monitoring, backup equipment with names and telephone numbers where equipment may be obtained, and other special design features. The daily operations section of the operations manual may be developed as a removable section to improve accessibility for the site operator.

c. Development of subsequent phases of the facility, if applicable.

d. Site closing information consisting of a discussion of those actions necessary to prepare the site for long-term care and final use in the implementation of the closure plan.

2. An inspection plan that at a minimum includes:

a. A schedule for inspecting all applicable major aspects of facility operations necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of Part IV (9VAC20-81-300 et seq.) of this chapter.

b. The frequency of inspection shall be based on the rate of potential equipment deterioration or malfunction and the probability of an adverse incident occurring if the deterioration or malfunction goes undetected between inspections. The plan shall establish the minimum frequencies for inspections required in 9VAC20-81-340. This plan shall identify areas of the facility subject to spills such as loading and unloading areas and areas in which significant adverse environmental or health consequences may result if breakdown occurs.

c. A schedule for inspecting monitoring, safety, and emergency equipment; security devices; and process operating and structural equipment.

d. The types of potential problems that may be observed during the inspection and any maintenance activities required as a result of the inspection.

3. A health and safety plan that includes description of measures to protect the facility and other personnel from injury and is consistent with the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1910.

4. An unauthorized waste control plan that includes, at a minimum, the methods to be used by the operator to prevent unauthorized disposal of hazardous wastes, bulk liquids, or other wastes not authorized for management or disposal in the facility in order to meet the applicable requirements of 9VAC20-81-340.

5. An emergency contingency plan that includes:

a. Delineation of procedures for responding to fire, explosions, or any unplanned sudden or nonsudden releases of harmful constituents to the air, soil, or surface water;

b. Description of the actions facility personnel shall take in the event of various emergency situations;

c. Description of arrangements made with the local police and fire department that allow for immediate entry into the facility by their authorized representatives should the need arise, such as in the case of personnel responding to an emergency situation; and

d. A list of names, addresses and phone numbers (office and home) of all persons qualified to act as emergency coordinator for the facility. This list shall be kept up to date. Where more than one person is listed, one shall be named as primary emergency coordinator and the others shall be listed in the order in which they will assume responsibility as alternates.

C. CCR surface impoundments. Operating plans meeting the requirements of 9VAC20-81-800 shall be prepared, implemented, and placed in the facility's operating record.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 22, eff. August 3, 2011; Volume 32, Issue 9, eff. January 27, 2016.

9VAC20-81-490. Effect of the permit.

A. A completed permit for a solid waste management facility shall be prepared at the conclusion of the procedures outlined in 9VAC20-81-450. The permit shall be prepared in detail to establish the construction requirements, monitoring requirements, operating limitations or guides, waste limitations if any, and any other details essential to the operation and maintenance of the facility and its closure. Before receipt of waste by the facility, the applicant must:

1. Notify the department, in writing, that construction has been completed; and submit to the department a letter from a professional engineer certifying that the facilities have been completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and is ready to begin operation. This certification letter is in addition to the CQA certification required in 9VAC20-81-130 Q 3 and must be provided by a different individual than the CQA certification. This certification letter is typically provided by the design engineer.

2. Arrange for a department representative to inspect the site and confirm that the site is ready for operation.

B. Certificate-to-Operate (CTO). Following review of a complete CQA certification and site inspection the department shall issue a CTO authorizing the facility to begin receiving waste. The facility shall not receive waste until a CTO has been issued by the department.

C. Inspections. Each facility permitted to accept solid waste requires periodic inspection and review of records and reports. Such requirements shall be set forth in the final permit issued by the department. The permit applicant by accepting the permit, agrees to the specified periodic inspections.

D. Compliance with a valid permit during its term constitutes compliance, for purposes of enforcement, with the Virginia Waste Management Act. However, a permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or revoked for cause as set forth in 9VAC20-81-570 and 9VAC20-81-600.

E. The issuance of a permit does not convey any property rights of any sort, or any exclusive privilege.

F. The issuance of a permit does not authorize any injury to persons or property or invasion of other private rights, or any infringement of federal, Commonwealth, or local law or regulations.

G. A permit may be transferred by the permittee to a new owner or operator only if the permit has been revoked and reissued, or a minor modification made to identify the new permittee and incorporate such other requirements as may be necessary. Upon presentation of the financial assurance proof required by 9VAC20-70 by the new owner, the department will release the old owner from his closure and financial responsibilities and acknowledge existence of the new or modified permit in the name of the new owner.

H. This section provides for the approval of permits or permit modifications that include a time allowance for the permittee to achieve the new standards contained in the approved permit or permit modification.

1. The permit may specify a schedule of compliance leading to compliance with this chapter.

a. Any schedules of compliance under this subsection shall require compliance as soon as possible.

b. Except as otherwise provided, if a permit establishes a schedule of compliance that exceeds one year from the date of permit issuance, the schedule shall set forth interim requirements and the dates for their achievement.

(1) The time between interim dates shall not exceed one year; and

(2) If the time necessary for completion of any interim requirement is more than one year and is not readily divisible into stages of completion, the permit shall specify interim dates for the submission of reports of progress toward completion of the interim requirements and indicate a projected completion date.

c. The permit shall be written to require that no later than 14 days following each interim date and the final date of compliance, a permittee shall notify the department, in writing, of his compliance or noncompliance with the interim or final requirements.

2. A permit applicant or permittee may cease conducting regulated activities (by receiving a terminal volume of solid waste, and, in case of treatment or storage facilities, closing pursuant to applicable requirements, or, in case of disposal facilities, closing and conducting postclosure care pursuant to applicable requirements) rather than continue to operate and meet permit requirements as follows:

a. If the permittee decides to cease conducting regulated activities at a specified time for a permit that has already been issued:

(1) The permit may be modified to contain a new or additional schedule leading to timely cessation of activities; or

(2) The permittee shall cease conducting permitted activities before noncompliance with any interim or final compliance schedule requirement already specified in the permit.

b. If the decision to cease conducting regulated activities is made before the issuance of a permit whose terms will include the termination date, the permit shall contain a schedule leading to termination that will ensure timely compliance with applicable requirements.

c. If the permittee is undecided whether to cease conducting regulated activities, the director may issue or modify a permit to continue two schedules as follows:

(1) Both schedules shall contain an identical interim deadline requiring a final decision on whether to cease conducting regulated activities no later than a date that ensures sufficient time to comply with applicable requirements in a timely manner if the decision is to continue conducting regulated activities;

(2) One schedule shall lead to timely compliance with applicable requirements;

(3) The second schedule shall lead to cessation of regulated activities by a date that will ensure timely compliance with applicable requirements; and

(4) Each permit containing two schedules shall include a requirement that, after the permittee has made a final decision, he shall follow the schedule leading to compliance if the decision is to continue conducting regulated activities, and follow the schedule leading to termination if the decision is to cease conducting regulated activities.

d. The applicant's decisions to cease conducting regulated activities shall be evidenced by a firm public commitment satisfactory to the department, such as a resolution of the board of directors of a corporation.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 22, eff. August 3, 2011.

9VAC20-81-530. Recording and reporting required of a permittee.

A. A permit shall specify:

1. Required monitoring, including type, intervals and frequency, sufficient to yield data that are representative of the monitored activity;

2. Requirements concerning the proper use, maintenance, and installation of monitoring equipment or methods, including biological monitoring methods when appropriate; and

3. Applicable reporting requirements based upon the impact of the regulated activity and as specified in this chapter.

B. A permittee shall be subject to the following whenever monitoring is required by the permit:

1. The permittee shall retain records at the permitted facility or another location approved by the department. Records shall include all records required by the facility permit, these regulations, or other applicable regulations. Records of all required monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records will be maintained for at least three years from the sample or measurement date. The director may request that this period be extended. For operating landfills, records of the most recent gas and groundwater monitoring event will be maintained at the facility.

2. Records of monitoring information shall include:

a. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements;

b. The individuals who performed the sampling or measurements;

c. The dates analyses were performed;

d. The individuals who performed the analyses;

e. The analytical techniques or methods used; and

f. The results of such analyses.

3. Required monitoring results shall be maintained on file for inspection by the department.

C. A permittee shall be subject to the following reporting requirements:

1. Written notice of any planned physical alterations to the permitted facility shall be submitted to the department and approved before such alterations are to occur, unless such items were included in the plans and specifications approved by the department.

2. Reports of compliance or noncompliance with, or any progress reports on, interim and final requirements contained in any compliance schedule of the permit, shall be submitted no later than 14 days following each schedule date.

3. The permittee shall report to the department any noncompliance or unusual condition that may endanger health or environment. Any information shall be provided orally within 24 hours from the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. A written submission shall also be provided within five days of the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The written submission shall contain a description of the circumstances and its cause; the period of occurrence, including exact dates and times, and, if the circumstance has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue. It shall also contain steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the circumstances resulting in an unusual condition or noncompliance.

D. Copies of all reports required by the permit, and records of all data used to complete the permit application must be retained by the permittee for at least three years from the date of the report or application. The director may request that this period be extended.

E. When the permittee becomes aware that he failed to submit any relevant facts or submitted incorrect information in a permit application or in any report to the director, he shall promptly submit such omitted facts or the correct information with an explanation.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 22, eff. August 3, 2011.

9VAC20-81-550. Permit denial.

A. A permit shall be denied if:

1. The applicant fails to provide complete information required for an application;

2. The facility does not conform with the siting standards set forth for the facility in 9VAC20-81-120, 9VAC20-81-320, or 9VAC20-81-800, unless an exemption or variance from the specific siting criteria has been granted;

3. The facility design and construction plans or operating plans, or both, fail to comply with requirements specified for the proposed type of facility unless an exemption or variance from the specific requirement has been granted;

4. The department finds that there is an adverse impact on the public health or the environment by the design, construction, or operation;

5. The applicant is not able to fulfill the financial responsibility requirements as specified in 9VAC20-70; or

6. Current information sufficient to make the determination required in § 10.1-1408.1 D of the Code of Virginia has not been provided.

B. Reasons for the denial of any permit shall be provided to the applicant in writing by the director within 30 days of the decision to deny the permit.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 9, eff. January 27, 2016.

9VAC20-81-560. Appeal of a permit denial.

A. If the department denies a permit to an applicant, the applicant shall be informed in writing of the decision and the reasons supporting the denial decision. The department shall mail the decision to the applicant by certified mail. Within 30 days of the notification date of denial of the permit, the applicant may make a written request of the director for a hearing to contest the director's decision. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

B. The director shall render a decision affirming or modifying the previous denial, and shall notify the applicant of his decision in writing. If the director's decision is adverse to the applicant, the applicant may appeal in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011.

9VAC20-81-570. Revocation or suspension of permits.

A. Any permit issued by the director may be revoked when any of the following conditions exist:

1. The permit holder violates any regulation of the board or any condition of a permit where such violation poses a threat of release of harmful substances into the environment or presents a hazard to human health;

2. The solid waste management facility is maintained or operated in such a manner as to constitute an open dump or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment;

3. The solid waste management facility because of its location, construction, or lack of protective construction or measures to prevent pollution, constitute an open dump or poses a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment;

4. Leachate or residues from the solid waste management facility used for disposal, storage, or treatment of solid waste pose a threat of contamination or pollution of the air, surface waters, or groundwater in a manner constituting an open dump or resulting in a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment;

5. The person to whom the permit was issued abandons, sells, leases, or ceases to operate the facility permitted;

6. The owner or operator fails to maintain a financial assurance mechanism if required to do so by 9VAC20-70;

7. As a result of changes in key personnel, the director finds that the requirements necessary for issuance of a permit are no longer satisfied;

8. The applicant has knowingly or willfully misrepresented or failed to disclose a material fact in applying for a permit or in his disclosure statement, or any other report or certification required under this law or under the regulations of the board, or has knowingly or willfully failed to notify the director of any material change to the information in the disclosure statement;

9. Any key personnel has been convicted of any following crimes punishable as felonies under the laws of the Commonwealth or the equivalent of them under the laws of any other jurisdiction: murder; kidnapping; gambling; robbery; bribery; extortion; criminal usury; arson; burglary; theft and related crimes; forgery and fraudulent practices; fraud in the offering, sale, or purchase of securities; alteration of motor vehicle identification numbers; unlawful manufacture, purchase, use, or transfer of firearms; unlawful possession or use of destructive devices or explosives; violation of the Drug Control Act, Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia; racketeering; or violation of antitrust laws; or has been adjudged by an administrative agency or a court of competent jurisdiction to have violated the environmental protection laws of the United States, the Commonwealth, or any other state and the director determines that such conviction or adjudication is sufficiently probative of the applicant's inability or unwillingness to operate the facility in a lawful manner, as to warrant denial, revocation, modification, or suspension of the permit. In making such determination, the director shall consider:

a. The nature and details of the acts attributed to key personnel;

b. The degree of culpability of the applicant, if any;

c. The applicant's policy or history of discipline of key personnel for such activities;

d. Whether the applicant has substantially complied with all rules, regulations, permits, orders, and statutes applicable to the applicant's activities in Virginia;

e. Whether the applicant has implemented formal management controls to minimize and prevent the occurrence of such violations; and

f. Mitigation based upon demonstration of good behavior by the applicant including, without limitation, prompt payment of damages, cooperation with investigations, termination of employment or other relationship with key personnel or other persons responsible for violations or other demonstrations of good behavior by the applicant that the director finds relevant to its decision; or

10. All postclosure care activities have been terminated by the department in accordance with 9VAC20-81-170 C.

B. Revocation and reissuance.

1. If the director finds that solid wastes are no longer being stored, treated, or disposed at a facility in accordance with department regulations, the director may revoke the permit issued for such facility and reissue it with a condition requiring the person to whom the permit was issued to provide closure and postclosure care of the facility.

2. If the director is notified by the permittee that the ownership of the facility will be transferred to a new owner or that the operation will be conducted by a new operator, the director will upon receipt of financial assurance documents required by Financial Assurance Regulations of Solid Waste Disposal, Transfer, and Treatment Facilities (9VAC20-70), revoke the original permit and reissue it to the new owner or operator.

C. Except in an emergency, a facility posing a substantial threat to public health or the environment, the director may revoke a permit only after a hearing, or a waiver of a hearing, in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

D. If the director summarily suspends a permit pursuant to an emergency based on subdivision 18 of § 10.1-1402 of the Virginia Waste Management Act, the director shall hold a conference pursuant to § 2.2-4019 of the Virginia Administrative Process Act, within 48 hours to consider whether to continue the suspension pending a hearing to modify or revoke the permit, or to issue any other appropriate order. Notice of the hearing shall be delivered at the conference or sent at the time the permit is suspended. Any person whose permit is suspended by the director shall cease activity for which permit was issued until the permit is reinstated by the director or by a court.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011.

9VAC20-81-580. Appeal of revocation of a permit.

If the director suspends, revokes or revokes and reissues a permit, the permittee may appeal in accordance with Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Part 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011.

9VAC20-81-600. Modification of permits.

A. Permits may be modified at the request of any interested person or upon the director's initiative. However, permits may only be modified for the reasons specified in subsections E and F of this section. All requests shall be in writing and shall contain facts or reasons supporting the request. Any permit modification authorizing expansion of an existing sanitary landfill shall incorporate the conditions required for a disposal capacity guarantee in § 10.1-1408.1 P of the Code of Virginia. This provision does not apply to permit applications from one or more political subdivisions that will only accept waste from within those political subdivisions' jurisdiction or municipal solid waste generated within other political subdivisions pursuant to an interjurisdictional agreement.

B. If the director decides the request is not justified, he shall send the requester a response providing justification for the decision.

C. If the director tentatively decides to modify, he shall prepare a draft permit incorporating the proposed changes. The director may request additional information and may require the submission of an updated permit application. In a permit modification under subsection E of this section, only those conditions to be modified shall be reopened when a new draft permit is prepared. All other aspects of the existing permit shall remain in effect. During any modification proceeding the permittee shall comply with all conditions of the existing permit until the modified permit is issued.

D. When the director receives any information, he may determine whether or not one or more of the causes listed for modification exist. If cause exists, the director may modify the permit on his own initiative subject to the limitations of subsection E of this section and may request an updated application if necessary. If a permit modification satisfies the criteria in subsection F of this section for minor modifications, the permit may be modified without a draft permit or public review. Otherwise, a draft permit shall be prepared and other appropriate procedures followed.

E. Causes for modification. The director may modify a permit upon his own initiative or at the request of a third party:

1. When there are material and substantial alterations or additions to the permitted facility or activity that occurred after permit issuance that justify the application of permit conditions that are different or absent in the existing permit;

2. When there is found to be a possibility of pollution causing significant adverse effects on the air, land, surface water, or groundwater;

3. When an investigation has shown the need for additional equipment, construction, procedures and testing to ensure the protection of the public health and the environment from adverse effects;

4. If the director has received information pertaining to circumstances or conditions existing at the time the permit was issued that was not included in the administrative record and would have justified the application of different permit conditions, the permit may be modified accordingly if in the judgment of the director such modification is necessary to prevent significant adverse effects on public health or the environment;

5. When the standards or regulations on which the permit was based have been changed by promulgation of amended standards or regulations or by judicial decision after the permit was issued;

6. When the director determines good cause exists for modification of a compliance schedule, such as an act of God, strike, flood, or material shortage or other events over which the permittee has little or no control and for which there is no reasonably available remedy;

7. When a modification of a closure plan is required under 9VAC20-81-160, 9VAC20-81-360, or 9VAC20-81-800 and the permittee has failed to submit a permit modification request within the specified period;

8. When the corrective action program specified in the permit under 9VAC20-81-260 or 9VAC20-81-800 has not brought the facility into compliance with the groundwater protection standard within a reasonable period of time; or

9. When cause exists for revocation under 9VAC20-81-570 and the director determines that a modification is more appropriate.

F. Permit modification at the request of the permittee.

1. Permittee change. Items listed under Permittee Change in Table 5.2 may be implemented without approval of the department. If a permittee changes such an item, the permittee shall:

a. Notify the department of the change at least 14 calendar days before the change is put into effect, indicating the affected permit conditions; and

b. Notify the governing body of the county, city, or town in which the facility is located, within 90 calendar days after the change is put into effect.

2. Minor modifications.

a. Minor modifications apply to minor changes that keep the permit current with routine changes to the facility or its operation. These changes do not substantially alter the permit conditions or reduce the capacity of the facility to protect human health or the environment.

b. Minor modifications may be requested for changes that will result in a facility being more protective of human health and the environment or equivalent to the standards contained in this chapter, unless otherwise noted in Table 5.2. The request for such a minor permit modification will be accompanied by a description of the desired change and an explanation of the manner in which the health and environment will be protected in a greater degree than required by the chapter.

c. Minor permit modifications may be made only with the prior written approval of the department. The permittee shall notify the department that a minor modification is being requested. Notification of the department shall be provided by certified mail or other means that establish proof of delivery. This notice shall specify the changes being made to permit conditions or supporting documents referenced by the permit and shall include an explanation of why they are necessary. Along with the notice, the permittee shall provide the applicable information required by 9VAC20-81-460 and 9VAC20-81-470 or as required by 9VAC20-81-480.

d. The permittee shall send a notice of the modification to the governing body of the county, city or town in which the facility is located. This notification shall be made within 90 days after the department approves the request.

3. Major modifications.

a. Major modifications substantially alter the facility or its operation. Major modifications are listed in Table 5.2.

b. The permittee shall submit a modification request to the department that:

(1) Describes the exact change to be made to the permit conditions and supporting documents referenced by the permit;

(2) Identifies that the alteration is a major modification;

(3) Contains an explanation of why the modification is needed; and

(4) Provides the applicable information required by 9VAC20-81-460 and 9VAC20-81-470, by 9VAC20-81-460 and 9VAC20-81-475, or as required by 9VAC20-81-480.

c. No later than 90 days after receipt of the notification request, the director will determine whether the information submitted under subdivision 3 b (4) of this subsection is adequate to formulate a decision. If found to be inadequate, the permittee will be requested to furnish additional information within 30 days of the request by the director to complete the modification request record. The 30-day period may be extended at the request of the applicant. After the completion of the record, the director will either:

(1) Approve the modification request, with or without changes, and draft a permit modification accordingly;

(2) Deny the request; or

(3) Approve the request, with or without changes, as a temporary authorization having a term of up to 180 days in accordance with subdivision 3 of this subsection.

d. If the director proposes to approve the permit modification, he will proceed with the permit issuance in accordance with 9VAC20-81-450 E.

e. The director may deny or change the terms of a major permit modification request under subdivision F 3 b of this section for the following reasons:

(1) The modification request is incomplete;

(2) The requested modification does not comply with the appropriate requirements of Part III (9VAC20-81-100 et seq.), Part IV (9VAC20-81-300 et seq.), or Part VIII (9VAC20-81-800 et seq.) of this chapter or other applicable requirements; or

(3) The conditions of the modification fail to protect human health and the environment.

4. Temporary authorizations.

a. Upon request of the permittee, the director may, without prior public notice and comment, grant the permittee a temporary authorization in accordance with the requirements of subdivision 4 of this subsection. Temporary authorizations shall have a term of not more than 180 days.

b. (1) The permittee may request a temporary authorization for any major modification that meets the criteria in subdivision 4 c (2) (a) or (b) of this subsection; or that meets the criteria in subdivision 4 c (2) (c) and (d) of this subsection and provides improved management or treatment of a solid waste already listed in the facility permit.

(2) The temporary authorization request shall include:

(a) A description of the activities to be conducted under the temporary authorization;

(b) An explanation of why the temporary authorization is necessary; and

(c) Sufficient information to ensure compliance with the standards of Part III (9VAC20-81-100 et seq.), Part IV (9VAC20-81-300 et seq.), or Part VIII (9VAC20-81-800 et seq.) of this chapter.

(3) The permittee shall send a notice about the temporary authorization request to all persons on the facility mailing list. This notification shall be made within seven days of submission of the authorization request.

c. The director shall approve or deny the temporary authorization as quickly as practical. To issue a temporary authorization, the director shall find:

(1) The authorized activities are in compliance with the standards of Part III (9VAC20-81-100 et seq.), Part IV (9VAC20-81-300 et seq.), or Part VIII (9VAC20-81-800 et seq.) of this chapter.

(2) The temporary authorization is necessary to achieve one of the following objectives before action is likely to be taken on an modification request:

(a) To facilitate timely implementation of closure or corrective action activities;

(b) To prevent disruption of ongoing waste management activities;

(c) To enable the permittee to respond to sudden changes in the types or quantities of the wastes managed under the facility permit; or

(d) To facilitate other changes to protect human health and the environment.

d. A temporary authorization may be reissued for one additional term of up to 180 days provided that the permittee has requested a major permit modification for the activity covered in the temporary authorization, and the director determines that the reissued temporary authorization involving a major permit modification request is warranted to allow the authorized activities to continue while the modification procedures of subdivision 3 of this subsection are conducted.

5. The director's decision to grant or deny a permit modification request under subdivision of this subsection may be appealed under the case decision provisions of the Virginia Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

6. Newly defined or identified wastes. The permitted facility is authorized to continue to manage wastes defined or identified as solid waste under 9VAC20-81-95 if:

a. It was in existence as a solid waste management facility with respect to the newly defined or identified solid waste on the effective date of the final rule defining or identifying the waste; and

b. It is in compliance with the standards of Part III (9VAC20-81-100 et seq.), Part IV (9VAC 20-81-300 et seq.), or Part VIII (9VAC20-81-800 et seq.) of this chapter, as applicable, with respect to the new waste, submits a minor modification request on or before the date on which the waste becomes subject to the new requirements; or

c. It is not in compliance with the standards of Part III (9VAC 20-81-100 et seq.), Part IV (9VAC 20-81-300 et seq.), or Part VIII (9VAC20-81-800 et seq.) of this chapter, as applicable, with respect to the new waste, also submits a complete permit modification request within 180 days after the effective date of the definition or identifying the waste.

7. Research, development and demonstration plans. Research, development and demonstration (RDD) plans may be submitted for sanitary landfills that meet the applicability requirements. These plans shall be submitted as a major permit modification application for existing sanitary landfills or as a part of the Part B application for new sanitary landfills.

a. Applicability.

(1) RDD shall be restricted to permitted sanitary landfills designed with a composite liner system, as required by 9VAC20-81-130 J 1. The effectiveness of the liner system and leachate collection system shall be demonstrated in the plan and shall be assessed at the end of the testing period in order to compare the effectiveness of the systems to the start of the RDD testing period.

(2) Operating permitted sanitary landfills that have exceeded groundwater protection standards at statistically significant levels in accordance with 9VAC20-81-250 B, from any waste unit on site shall have implemented a remedy in accordance with 9VAC20-81-260 C prior to the RDD plan submittal. Operating permitted sanitary landfills that have an exceedance in the concentration of methane gas migrating from the landfill in accordance with 9VAC20-81-200 shall have a gas control system in place per 9VAC20-81-200 B prior to the RDD plan submittal.

(3) An owner or operator of a sanitary landfill that disposes of 20 tons of municipal solid waste per day or less, based on annual average, may not apply for a modification to include a RDD plan.

(4) The sanitary landfill shall have a leachate collection system designed and constructed to maintain less than a 30 cm depth of leachate on the liner.

b. Requirements.

(1) RDD Plans may be submitted for activities such as:

(a) The addition of liquids in addition to leachate and gas condensate from the same landfill for accelerated decomposition of the waste mass;

(b) Allowing run-on water to flow into the landfill waste mass;

(c) Allowing testing of the construction and infiltration performance of alternative final cover systems; and

(d) For other measures to be taken to enhance stabilization of the waste mass.

(2) No landfill owner or operator may continue to implement an RDD plan beyond any time limit placed in the initial plan approval or any renewal without issuance of written prior approval by the department. Justification for renewals shall be based upon information in annual and final reports as well as research and findings in technical literature.

(3) RDD plans may not include changes to the approved design and construction of subgrade preparation, liner system, leachate collection and removal systems, final cover system, gas and leachate systems outside the limits of waste, run-off controls, run-on controls, or environmental monitoring systems exterior to the waste mass.

(4) Implementation of an approved RDD plan shall comply with the specific conditions of the RDD Plan as approved in the permit for the initial testing period and any renewal.

(5) Structures and features exterior to the waste mass or waste final grades shall be removed at the end of the testing period, unless otherwise approved by the department in writing.

(6) The RDD plan may propose an alternate final cover installation schedule.

c. An RDD plan shall include the following details and specifications. Processes other than adding liquids to the waste mass and leachate recirculation may be practiced in conjunction with the RDD plan.

(1) Initial applications for RDD plans shall be submitted for review and approval prior to the initiation of the process to be tested. These plans shall specify the process that will be tested, describe preparation and operation of the process, describe waste types and characteristics that the process will affect, describe desired changes and end points that the process is intended to achieve, define testing methods and observations of the process or waste mass that are necessary to assess effectiveness of the process, and include technical literature references and research that support use of the process. The plans shall specify the time period for which the process will be tested. The plans shall specify the additional information, operating experience, data generation, or technical developments that the process to be tested is expected to generate.

(2) The test period for the initial application shall be limited to a maximum of three years.

(3) Renewals of testing periods shall be limited to a maximum of three years each. The maximum number of renewals shall be limited to three.

(4) Renewals shall require department review and approval of reports of performance and progress on achievement of goals specified in the RDD plan.

(5) RDD Plans for addition of liquids, in addition to leachate and gas condensate from the same landfill, for accelerated decomposition of the waste mass or for allowing run-on water to flow into the landfill waste mass shall demonstrate that there is no increased risk to human health and the environment. The following minimum performance criteria shall be demonstrated.

(a) Risk of contamination to groundwater or surface water will not be greater than the risk without an approved RDD plan.

(b) Stability analysis demonstrating the physical stability of the landfill.

(c) Landfill gas collection and control in accordance with applicable Clean Air Act requirements (i.e., Title V, NSPS or EG rule, etc.).

(d) For RDD plans that include the addition of offsite nonhazardous waste liquids to the landfill, the following information shall be submitted with the RDD plan:

(i) Demonstration of adequate facility liquid storage volume to receive the offsite liquid;

(ii) A list of proposed characteristics for screening the accepted liquids is developed; and

(iii) The quantity and quality of the liquids are compatible with the RDD plan.

If offsite nonhazardous liquids are certified by the offsite generator as stormwater uncontaminated by solid waste, screening is not required for this liquid.

(6) RDD plans for testing of the construction and infiltration performance of alternative final cover systems shall demonstrate that there is no increased risk to human health and the environment. The proposed final cover system shall be as protective as the final cover system required by 9VAC20-81-160 D. The following minimum performance criteria shall be demonstrated:

(a) No build up of excess liquid in the waste and on the landfill liner;

(b) Stability analysis demonstrating the physical stability of the landfill;

(c) No moisture will escape from the landfill to the surface water or groundwater; and

(d) Sufficient reduction in infiltration so that there will be no leakage of leachate from the landfill.

(7) RDD plans that evaluate introduction of liquids in addition to leachate or gas condensate from the same landfill shall propose measures to be integrated with any approved leachate recirculation plan and compliance with requirements for leachate recirculation.

(8) RDD plans shall include a description of warning symptoms and failure thresholds that will be used to initiate investigation, stand-by, termination, and changes to the process and any other landfill systems that might be affected by the process, such as gas extraction and leachate recirculation. Warning symptoms shall result in a reduction or suspension of liquids addition, leachate recirculation, investigation, and changes to be implemented before resuming the process being tested. Failure thresholds shall result in termination of the process being tested, investigation, and changes that will be submitted to the department for review and approval in writing prior to resumption of the process being tested.

(9) RDD plans shall include an assessment of the manner in which the process to be tested might alter the impact that the landfill may have on human health or environmental quality. The assessment shall include both beneficial and deleterious effects that could result from the process.

(10) RDD plans shall include a geotechnical stability analysis of the waste mass and an assessment of the changes that the implementation of the plan is expected to achieve. The geotechnical stability analysis and assessment shall be repeated at the end of testing period, with alteration as needed to include parameters and parameter values derived from field measurements. The plan shall define relevant parameters and techniques for field measurement.

(11) RDD plans shall propose monitoring parameters, frequencies, test methods, instrumentation, recordkeeping and reporting to the department for purposes of tracking and verifying goals of the process selected for testing.

(12) RDD plans shall propose monitoring techniques and instrumentation for potential movements of waste mass and settlement of waste mass, including proposed time intervals and instrumentation, pertinent to the process selected for testing.

(13) RDD plans shall propose construction documentation, construction quality control and construction quality assurance measures, and recordkeeping for construction and equipment installation that is part of the process selected for testing.

(14) RDD plans shall propose operating practices and controls, staffing, monitoring parameters, and equipment needed to support operations of the process selected for testing.

(15) RDD plans that include aeration of the waste mass shall include a temperature monitoring plan, a fire drill and safety program, instructions for use of liquids for control of temperature and fires in the waste mass, and instructions for investigation and repair of damage to the liner and leachate collection system.

(16) RDD plans may include an alternate interim cover system and final cover installation schedule. The interim cover system shall be designed to account for weather conditions, slope stability, and leachate and gas generation. The interim cover shall also control, at a minimum, disease vectors, fires, odors, blowing litter, and scavenging.

d. Reporting. An annual report shall be prepared for each year of the RDD testing period, including any renewal periods, and a final report shall be prepared for the end of the testing period. These reports shall assess the attainment of goals proposed for the process selected for testing, recommend changes, recommend further work, and summarize problems and their resolution. Reports shall include a summary of all monitoring data, testing data and observations of process or effects and shall include recommendations for continuance or termination of the process selected for testing. Annual reports shall be submitted to the department within three months after the anniversary date of the approved permit or permit modification. Final reports shall be submitted at least 90 days prior to the end of the testing period for evaluation by the department. The department shall review this report within 90 days. If the department's evaluation indicates that the goals of the project have been met, are reliable and predictable, the department will provide a minor permit modification to incorporate the continued operation of the project with the appropriate monitoring.

e. Termination. The department may require modifications to or immediate termination of the RDD process being tested if any of the following conditions occur:

(1) Significant and persistent odors;

(2) Significant leachate seeps or surface exposure of leachate;

(3) Significant leachate head on the liner;

(4) Excessively acidic leachate chemistry or gas production rates or other monitoring data indicate poor waste decomposition conditions;

(5) Instability in the waste mass; or

(6) Other persistent and deleterious effects.

The RDD program is an optional participation program, by accepting the modification or new permit, the applicant acknowledges that the program is optional; and that they are aware the department may provide suspension or termination of the RDD program for any reasonable cause, without a public hearing. Notice of suspension or termination will be by letter for a cause related to a technical problem, nuisance problem, or for protection of human health or the environment as determined by the department.

G. Facility siting. The suitability of the facility location will not be considered at the time of permit modification unless new information or standards indicate that an endangerment to human health or the environment exists which was unknown at the time of permit issuance or the modification is for an expansion or increase in capacity.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 6941 et seq.; 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 16, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 22, eff. August 3, 2011; Volume 32, Issue 9, eff. January 27, 2016.