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Solid Waste Treatment Facility Permit Applications

Introduction

Oregon Revised Statutes 459 requires that solid waste treatment facilities apply to DEQ for a Solid Waste Disposal Permit prior to starting operation.

Application process

The following documentation must be submitted in writing to DEQ in order for the permit application to be complete. There has to be a clear demonstrated need for the proposed new, modified or expanded disposal site or for the proposed change in the method or type of disposal.   
 
A complete application should include the following items:  
  • Items 23 through 28 on the permit application
    As a reminder these items are listed below:
    • Completed and signed Land Use Compatibility Statement
    • Written recommendation from the local solid waste planning authority
    • A Certificate of Business Registry
    • Identifications of any other known or anticipated permits
    • Application fee and compliance fee (if required)
    • Any other information DEQ deems necessary

  • Detailed plans and specifications
    Details to be included in the plans and specifications are described below. The types of plans used to describe the site specific facility information are as follows:
    • Design and Construction Plans are used to show how the facility will be designed and constructed. The details to include in the plan are described below.
    • Operational Plans are used to show how the facility will be operated. The details to be included in the operational plan are described below.
    • Site Closure Plan is used to show how the facility will be closed in a manner that protects the environment and human health. The details to be included in this plan are described below.

Detailed plans and specifications

​The purpose of the required plans and specifications is to describe in detail:   
  • What you are proposing to have permitted,
  • What wastes the facility will receive,
  • How wastes will be screened to avoid acceptance of hazardous wastes,
  • Where waste, if any remaining, will be shipped (or sent) for final disposal,
  • How you propose to operate the site without polluting the waters of the state,
  • What will be the facility layout,
  • What will need to be built to operate the site in an environmentally safe manner,
  • What equipment (and backup, if required) will be used or installed, and
  • Any other details unique to your proposal.
Once approved, these plans become an enforceable part of your permit.​

​Plans and specifications for a solid waste treatment facility must include a Design and Construction Plan, an Operational Plan and Site Closure Plan. These plans are used to describe the location and physical features of the facility as well as address specific details about the facility. These details can be illustrated with a map and in writing. Additional details to be contained in each plan are described on the following pages.
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​   These types of plans are used to describe in detail what you intend to construct at your facility.
  • Construction cannot begin until the Department has approved the plans.
  • Once approved, the Department must approve of any modifications.
  • In most cases, plans must be prepared and stamped by an engineer registered in the State of Oregon.
The design and construction plan must meet the following requirements:
  • Facility Layout Plan - Describe graphically the physical features of the site including topography, buildings, processing and storage areas, wells, surface water, waste water treatment systems, fences, roads, washing areas, building layouts, etc.
  • Physical Features of the Site - Provide information on site elevation, topography, amount and type of existing or planned paving, underground storage tanks (if any currently on site), wells on site including drywells used for stormwater infiltration, and soil types. The Department may also request information on other physical features of the site.
  • Treatment Unit - Provide specifications for the treatment unit such as capacity of the unit, fuel source, operating time per batch (or number of hours run per day), built in safety features, information on whether the treatment unit is manually operated or automated, and amount of output (oil, char, gases, etc.) per unit of waste feedstock added.
  • Waste Management - Provide method for disposition of any generated wastes – where it will go. This section needs to include the processing of waste water and char or other solid waste that does not have a beneficial market.
  • Access Roads - Provide drawing showing the site traffic routing.
  • Drainage - Provide design drawing of surface drainage controls.
  • Fire Protection - Provide evidence that fire protection is provided in accordance with plans approved in writing by the Department and in compliance with pertinent state and local fire regulations.
  • Fences - Access to the site must be controlled by means of a complete perimeter fence and gates which can be locked.
  • Solid Waste Handling Equipment - Provide specifications for solid waste handling equipment, including the location of the equipment on site. This includes equipment that prepares the waste for treatment, such as shredders, and equipment for handling the materials after treatment, such as conveyors or hoppers.
  • Truck Washing Facilities - Truck washing areas, if provided, must be hard surfaced and all wash waters must be conveyed to a catch basin, drainage and disposal system approved by the Department or state or local health agency having jurisdiction.
​This type of plan is used to describe how you intend to operate your facility in compliance with the applicable regulations.
In addition to describing normal facility operations (such as hours, staffing and daily operations) the facility must comply with the following operational requirements:
  • Site Operations - This part of the plan should include a description of daily site operations, which are shown to be conducted in a manner to protect human health and the environment and should include a description of periodic maintenance activities.
  • Spill Prevention and Emergency/ Spill Response - Provide a description of methods employed to prevent spills and contamination. Provide a description of procedures to address spill and emergency response.
  • Site Safety - Provide a description of site safety training, equipment and procedures.
  • Complaint Log/ Reporting - Provide a description of methods employed to track and respond to complaints.
  • Record-keeping and Reporting - Provide a description of operational record-keeping and any reporting procedures.
​​A site closure plan describes how a site will be closed once operations have ceased, and in a manner that protects the environment and human health.
The site closure plan must meet the following requirements, provide the following:

 

  1. An inventory of the maximum amount of wastes and products that could be stored on-site at any one time;
  2. Where materials would be disposed;
  3. The disposition of equipment; and,
  4. How the site would by cleaned up in order to protect human health and the environment.


Contact

For additional information, contact the Permit Coordinator responsible for your county.

Disclaimer: These instructions are provided so potential permittees can more easily understand DEQ’s requirements for solid waste treatment facilities in Oregon. For complete rule language and definitions, refer to Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 340, Divisions 93, 96, and 97.