Md. Code Regs. 26.04.07.25

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 26.04.07.25 - Incinerators

A. Permits.

(1) Permits Required. Unless excepted under the provisions of §A(2), of this regulation, a person may neither construct or operate an incinerator for burning solid waste, nor materially alter or extend one, without obtaining a permit from the Approving Authority before any work, including site preparation, is begun.

(2) Exceptions. Permits issued under this regulation are not required for the following:

(a) Incinerators located at places such as schools, apartment houses, industries, hospitals, commercial establishments, individual residences, and farms, provided that the facility is not part of a system of refuse disposal for public use;

(b) Incinerators that are permitted under Environment Article, § 7-232, Annotated Code of Maryland.

B. Application for Permit. The applicant shall submit eight complete sets of plans and engineering reports covering the proposed project, prepared, signed, and bearing the seal of a registered professional engineer. The information contained in these plans and reports shall include:

(1) A map showing the specific location, land use, and zoning within 1/4 mile of the boundaries of the proposed facility;

(2) Drawings of buildings and other structures showing types of construction, layout, and dimensions for unloading, storage, and processing areas;

(3) A site plan designating the property boundaries and all existing and proposed structures and roads;

(4) A descriptive statement of processes to be used;

(5) A description of:

(a) Major items of equipment including manufacturer, type, model, capacity, and number of units;

(b) Types and anticipated quantities of solid waste to be accepted;

(c) Types of solid waste not to be accepted;

(d) Area and population which will be served by the facility;

(e) Measures to be taken to prevent or control odors, explosions, and ground or surface water pollution;

(f) Methods of treating or disposing of liquid waste resulting from the operation;

(g) Employee safety and sanitary facilities;

(6) An operational and maintenance manual which identifies the operation in detail, including periodic cleaning and maintenance, and contingency plans;

(7) A description of the manner in which unacceptable waste which may be delivered to the incinerator will be identified, segregated, and handled before final disposal;

(8) A map depicting the topography of the site of the proposed incinerator;

(9) Anticipated tonnage per day of solid waste to be accepted at the incinerator daily;

(10) Location of storage areas for incinerator ash, precipitator waste, and other non-combustible waste generated by the incinerator;

(11) Identification of a proposed disposal site for the ash generated by the facility;

(12) Detailed engineering plans and specifications for the incinerator and related machinery.

C. Applications received under this section shall be distributed as specified in Regulation .06C(1)(a)-(f) of this chapter. Persons receiving applications shall be asked to submit any comments within 30 days of receipt of the application.

D. General Requirements and Operating Procedures. The following are established as minimum requirements and operating procedures for an incinerator:

(1) Buildings. Activities involving the unloading, separation, reduction, or alteration of waste shall be conducted in an enclosed building.

(2) Location. Location of the facility shall be adjacent to access roads which are:

(a) Paved or surfaced; and

(b) Provided with a base capable of withstanding anticipated load limits.

(3) Access Roads. An all-weather road negotiable by loaded collection vehicles or other vehicles shall be provided from the entrance gate of the facility to loading and unloading areas.

(4) Environmental Protection. The facility shall be operated in a manner which prevents health hazards and minimizes nuisances. Discharges to air or waters of the State shall be limited to those discharges allowable under permits governing solid waste disposal, water pollution control, or air pollution control. Dust resulting from the operation shall be controlled at all times. Solid waste shall be confined to the unloading area. Solid waste may not be stored or otherwise deposited adjacent to the incinerator. The Department may authorize the on-site storage of ash or residues for the incineration process provided that the Department concludes that the degree of combustion is sufficient to reduce the level of putrescible materials to levels that do not result in odor conditions, vector attraction, or other nuisance conditions. The Department shall require that storage be conducted in such a manner as to not constitute a potential for ground or surface water pollution.

(5) Supervision. Operation and management shall be under the direct supervision and control of an individual qualified in operating procedures by training, education, or experience.

(6) Operational Plan. The facility shall have a written emergency operational plan to provide for an alternative waste handling system when the facility is inoperative. This plan shall delineate the procedures to follow in case of equipment breakdown which may require standby equipment, extension of operating hours, or diversion of solid waste to other facilities.

(7) Cleanliness and Sanitation.

(a) Facilities shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

(b) Plumbing shall be properly maintained and floors shall be well drained and free from standing water.

(c) Sanitary facilities shall be provided for employees and shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(d) Solid waste not actually being processed shall be confined to the unloading area which shall be maintained free of dust and nuisances.

(e) Accumulations of solid waste shall be controlled in a manner as to minimize odors and prevent infestation by insects, rodents, or other vectors.

(8) Fire Control. Appropriate on-site fire control equipment shall be provided, and additional fire-fighting equipment shall be made available in emergencies through prior arrangements with the local fire department.

(9) Information Posted. A statement of the days and hours of operation shall be posted at the entrance of the facility and access shall be limited to those times when authorized personnel are on duty.

(10) Tipping, Loading and Unloading Areas. Waste tipping, loading, and unloading areas shall be constructed of impervious material which is readily cleanable. Drains shall be connected to a sanitary sewer system or other permitted treatment facility.

E. Other Requirements.

(1) Periodic Reports to Approving Authority. An annual written report shall be submitted to the Approving Authority concerning the status of the incinerator for each year the facility is in use. This report shall be submitted as specified in the permit and shall include:

(a) The quantity of solid waste received per month during each of the preceding 12 months. Quantities shall be given in tons or cubic yards.

(b) The quantities and descriptions of solid waste, ash, and non-acceptable waste transported off-site for disposal. Quantities shall be given in tons or cubic yards.

(2) The Approving Authority may impose other requirements considered necessary.

F. Public Hearing. Before issuing a refuse disposal permit for an incinerator, a public hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Regulation .05I(1) of this chapter.

G. Consistency with the County Solid Waste Management Plan. Before issuance of the permit the applicant shall provide:

(1) A statement from the appropriate local governmental agency concerning the consistency of the proposed facility with the approved county comprehensive solid waste management plan. If the local government fails to provide a response within 60 days of receipt of a request for a statement, a copy of the certified letter to the county requesting a statement shall be deemed to satisfy this requirement.

(2) Proof that the facility is consistent with the approved county comprehensive solid waste management plan.

Md. Code Regs. 26.04.07.25

Regulations .25, Solid Waste Management, adopted effective March 7, 1988 (15:5 Md. R. 618)