Document Citation: CRIR 12-030-028

Header:
CODE OF RHODE ISLAND RULES
AGENCY 12. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
SUB-AGENCY 030. OFFICE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 028. SOLID WASTE REGULATION NO. 8 - SOLID WASTE COMPOSTING FACILITIES


Date:
08/31/2009

Document:
12 030 028 SOLID WASTE REGULATION NO. 8 SOLID WASTE COMPOSTING FACILITIES

8.3.05 Operating Plan - An operating plan shall be submitted including all of the information listed below:

(A) Specific ownership or leasing arrangement of the facility or any other agreements affecting control, use, or operation of the site;

(B) Operating days and hours;

(C) Provisions for limiting access;

(D) Daily traffic flow to and from the facility including the number of trips by private or public collection vehicles and quantity of solid waste in each vehicle;

(E) Weighing facilities (if any);

(F) Procedures for unloading trucks, including frequency, rate and method;

(G) Types of compostable material to be accepted with percentages of the total;

(H) Description of the composition of putrescible wastes to be accepted, the anticipated quantity of each type of material, and how each will be handled at the site;

(I) Provisions for the immediate composting of all putrescible wastes;

(J) Detailed description of the composting method to be used and the proposed sequence of operation;

(K) For the windrow systems, the windrow(s) construction including length, width and height;

(L) Method of aeration of composting materials, including turning frequency or mechanical aeration equipment and aeration capacity;

(M) For in-vessel composting systems, a process flow diagram of the entire process including major equipment and flow streams;

(N) Description of any process monitoring during the composting process;

(O) Composting time duration (time period from initiation of composting process to completion);

(P) Time period of storage of finished compost prior to distribution;

(Q) Description of prevailing winds during various seasons of the year with respect to impacts on off-site receptors and procedures to control odors, dust, vectors (including gulls) and litter;

(R) Provisions for daily record keeping of weather conditions, wind direction, ambient temperature, odor, dust, litter, gull, and vector issues, condition of composting pad, windrow monitoring and corrective actions needed and taken;

(S) Personnel and duties;

(T) Procedures to control erosion and sedimentation;

(U) Surface drainage control measures;

(V) Leachate treatment operations;

(W) Equipment to be used on-site during operating hours;

(X) Substitute equipment available;

(Y) Communication equipment available;

(Z) Fire control and prevention provisions;

(AA) Winter operations;

(BB) Provisions for compost utilization;

(CC) Documented markets for finished compost;

(DD) Provisions for the proper storage of compost;

(EE) Quality assurance/Quality control of finished compost which also includes compost (product) sampling and analysis details;

(FF) Method for removal of finished compost from the site;

(GG) Plan for disposal of finished compost that cannot be used in the expected manner due to poor quality or changes in market conditions; Also, a plan identifying the disposal method for waste received, in the event that the waste is contaminated (or becomes contaminated) with prohibited materials such as oil, hazardous materials, etc. or if the waste cannot be placed into a composting process in an acceptable time period, per Rule 8.4.18;

(HH) Description of surface soil characteristics for the proposed site and depth to seasonal high groundwater and bedrock;

(II) Aesthetic considerations;

(JJ) Estimated life of composting facility.

8.3.06 Contingency Plan - The plan must address:

(A) Action taken with respect to personnel and user safety;

(B) On site personnel injury;

(C) Fires;

(D) Equipment breakdown;

(E) Disposition of waste received that is not authorized by the Department to be composted at the facility (i.e. hazardous, medical waste);

(F) Releases of hazardous or toxic materials;

(G) Steps that will be taken to alleviate odors, groundwater contamination and other undesirable conditions.



8.5.10 Operating Plan

(A) An operating plan shall be submitted, including information on all of the numbered sections below. The minimum requirement for information to be provided is outlined in each section. The duration of the operating plan shall equal that of the license. The operating plan shall be reviewed by the applicant prior to license renewal and any changes to such plan shall be submitted to the Department for approval at that time.

(B) The applicant must comply with the regulations within the following rules: "Mixed Solid Waste Composting Facility Design Standards" per Rule 8.6.00, and "Mixed Solid Waste Operating Standards", per Rule 8.7.00,

(1) Operating Rates and Design Capacities

(a) For each type of solid waste input (mixed solid waste, co-composting waste (if applicable), bulking agent (if applicable), etc.), the expected near-term and projected long-range daily amount received by the facility (tons/day or cubic yards/day) and any other seasonal variations in quantities of each type.

(b) The near-term and projected long-range annual total solid waste received by the facility (tons/year or cubic yards/year),

(c) Near-term and projected long range waste processing rate at the facility (tons/day or cubic yards/day).

(d) Rated processing capacity of the facility's equipment, i.e. peak capacity for processing the mixed solid waste input (tons/day or cubic yards/day).

(2) Operating Hours

(a) Naming of the days of the week and the time intervals (exact hours) on each of these days, that the facility will be open to receive waste.

(b) The time intervals (exact hours) on each day that the facility will be in operation, to include hours open to the public, as well as hours for other facility activities.

(c) Description of operating shifts, including number of shifts and time intervals (hours) for each shift (if applicable).

(d) Discussion of any seasonal variations in the schedule, including planned facility shut-down periods (if any), holidays when the facility will be closed (if applicable), etc.

(3) Provisions for Limited Access - Discussion, to include the following in (A) - (E) below:

(a) Normal access road(s) into the facility and egress road(s) from the facility.

(b) Emergency access road(s), if any, into the facility or other provisions for access, by police, firemen, rescue, medical, etc.

(c) Security equipment and location including physical description of any fencing around the facility, physical description of barriers or gates at inlet/egress points, and any security personnel stations.

(d) Any natural land features which prevent access to the facility.

(e) Security surveillance, including security personnel work schedules.

(4) Types of Refuse to be Accepted

(a) Types and sources of solid waste in the incoming mixed solid waste and any variation over time, including seasonal variations.

(b) Discussion of suitability of the waste for composting efforts.

(c) Specification of any prohibited wastes that will not be accepted by the facility.

(d) Details of sign(s) at the facility entrance which mention prohibited materials.

(5) Types of Composting Additives, Seed Materials, Bulking Agents, Nitrogen Source, or other Amendments (if any):

(a) Description of additives and/or seed materials (if any) to be used in the composting process, including quantity, quality, and frequency of use and discussion of issues relative to impact on health, safety, or the environment.

(b) Type, source and quality of any bulking agent, nitrogen source or other amendment (if any).

(c) If sewage sludge or septage is to be co-composted, a detailed description of the source and quality of the sewage sludge or septage including any seasonal variations in its quality.

(d) Description of any expected recycling of bulking agent or compost within the facility (if any).

(6) Waste Analysis Plan

(a) A description of a waste to be received and waste to be processed, to determine the quality of this waste and to demonstrate its suitability for processing and composting.

(b) If sewage sludge or septage is to be co-composted, the details of the sampling and testing plan, including parameters in the analysis.

(7) Traffic Patterns

(a) Description of on-site road network serving in-coming and out-going vehicles including road surfacing and load-bearing capacity.

(b) Anticipated daily traffic flow, including specification of expected vehicle types, waste capacity, number and frequency of vehicles entering and leaving the facility.

(c) Traffic flow patterns on site.

(d) Traffic control measures on site, including directional signs, traffic lights, speed control measures, etc.

(e) Parking and unloading areas and their vehicle capacities.

(8) Weighing Facilities (if any)

(a) Physical description and procedures for weighing or measuring in-coming waste.

(b) Details of information to be recorded relative to in-coming vehicles carrying solid waste.

(c) Details of equipment and procedures to be used relative to information recording and information storage.

(9) Waste Inspection and Screening Procedures

(a) A description of the waste inspection and screening procedures used to assure that incoming waste accepted by the facility is consistent with the operating plan, that the recyclable materials content of each load of incoming waste is in compliance with the "Rules and Regulations for Reduction and Recycling of Municipal Solid Waste" and the "Rules and Regulations for Reduction and Recycling of Commercial and Non-Municipal Residential Solid Waste", and such that unsuitable waste that is received is separated from waste to be composted.

(b) Location of the waste inspection and screening personnel.

(c) An overview of the plan used to train the waste inspection and screening personnel.

(d) A description of any equipment or devices used to screen in-coming wastes on vehicles.

(10) Waste Unloading Procedures

Procedures for unloading waste hauling vehicles, (including estimated frequency, rate and method) and a description of the waste unloading and receiving area including size and capacity to receive waste.

(11) Compostable Waste Storage

(a) A description of the storage facility for compostable solid waste, including the storage capacity (tons or cubic yards).

(b) The schedule for initiation of processing of this waste, following receipt of this waste at the facility.

(12) Storage and/or Handling of Composting Additives, Seed Materials, Bulking Agents or Other Amendments

(a) A description of the storage facilities for each of the items (if applicable), including the storage capacity.

(b) If the facility accepts sewage sludge or septage, for co-composting, a discussion of the expedited initiation of co-composting of this waste and any other procedures to prevent odor problems.

(13) Bulky Waste, Special Wastes, and Other Non-compostable and Non-recyclable or Oversized Waste Handling Procedures,

(a) A description of the methods employed to separate out these wastes from the incoming waste stream, where applicable.

(b) A description of the storage facilities and storage capacities for each of these types of solid waste, where applicable.

(c) The schedule for removal of these wastes from the facility and the name(s) and location(s) of the disposal sites for these wastes.

(14) Prohibited Waste Handling and Disposal

(a) Procedures to be employed if prohibited waste is observed, upon inspecting the incoming waste.

(b) A description of the storage area and capacity for prohibited waste, including any prohibited solid waste and hazardous waste, that have been unloaded at the facility. The Plans shall also include the schedule for removal of these wastes from the site and disposal sites and locations for each of these types of wastes.

(15) Recyclables Handling Procedures (if applicable)

(a) A description of the recyclables separation program (if any), including a discussion of the equipment and methods employed for removing and recovering recyclables, prior to composting.

(b) A list of the recyclables that are recovered.

(c) A description of the storage facilities and storage capacities for each of the recyclables (if applicable).

(d) A discussion of markets for the recyclables and the name(s) and location(s) for disposition of these recyclables.

(e) The schedule for removal of these recyclables to off-site recycling facilities.

(16) Composting Procedures

(a) Description of any preliminary pre-composting steps such as measuring, shredding, size reduction, mixing, screening, proportioning and watering, including discussion of any equipment employed.

(b) Discussion of use of any additives, seed materials, bulking agents, addition of nitrogen sources, or other compost amendments, if applicable.

(c) A detailed description of the composting method to be used and the proposed sequence of operations and detention times for each phase of the composting process, including refining of final product, if applicable.

(d) The proposed duration of the process from initial composting to final product, including decomposition, cooling, stabilization, curing and refining, where applicable.

(e) Discussion of methods and conditions maintained to achieve PFRP requirements [per Rule 8.7.14(E)].

(f) Details of methods employed to maintain aerobic conditions during composting, along with proper moisture and temperature.

(g) Method of aeration, including turning frequency or mechanical aeration equipment and aeration capacity and method of regulating air flow.

(h) Details and schedules for mixing and blending of wastes during active composting.

(i) If the windrow and turn method or the aerated static pile method is employed, the methods used in constructing the windrow or piles, the equipment employed and proposed dimensions of these windrows or piles.

(j) A QA/QC plan for monitoring the compost process including, but not limited to:

(i) The location of temperature probes and the frequency of monitoring,

(ii) Moisture monitoring and its frequency,

(iii) Air flow monitoring and control.

(17) Procedures for Operation During Inclement Weather and Winter Operations Discussion of special precautions or procedures for operation during wind, heavy rain, snow, freezing conditions or other severe weather.

(18) Residue Handling, Storage, and Disposal

(a) A description of the method of separation of residue from compost, if applicable.

(b) A description of the physical and chemical composition of the residue (non-compostables and over-size material) resulting after the composting process.

(c) Description of the storage facility area and storage capacity for this residue, if stored prior to disposal.

(d) The schedule for off-site disposal of this residue and the name(s) and location(s) of the disposal sites.

(19) Surface Water/Stormwater Management and Erosion/Sedimentation Control

(a) A description of any procedures, structures, or equipment (if any) to prevent run-on and run-off at the facility and description of stormwater control measures and surface drainage control measures (if any).

(b) A description of erosion and sedimentation control measures (if any).

(20) Leachate and Waste Water Management, Disposal and Groundwater/Surface Water Protection

(a) A description of the method to collect and control leachate and waste water from the facility.

(b) Discussion of treatment of leachate and waste water (if applicable) and description of the method of disposal of leachate and waste water.

(c) Discussion of any measures taken to protect groundwater and surface water.

(21) Odor Control

(a) Discussion of equipment and operating methods and procedures to minimize, manage, and monitor odors and achieve proper odor control.

(b) Plans detailing corrective action in the event of odor complaints.

(c) Discussion of details relative to establishing and maintaining an odor control hot line.

(22) Facility Housekeeping Procedures

(a) Procedures to prevent and control vectors, litter and dust at the facility.

(b) Discussion of routine housekeeping procedures before and after public hours (hours open to the public to receive waste).

(23) Facility Inspection and Maintenance Plan

(a) Summary of the facility inspection plan including the items to be inspected routinely and their schedule from inspection.

(b) Summary of routine maintenance procedures on items to undergo routine maintenance and their maintenance schedule.

(c) Summary of corrective actions to be taken in the event of breakdown of significant equipment.

(24) Outline Operations and Maintenance Manual

A summary of the topics to be included in the facility's operation and maintenance manual.

(25) Personnel

(a) An organizational/manning chart for the facility.

(b) Duties and responsibilities for each facility job position.

(c) The staffing provided for each operating shift, including both operational and maintenance activities.

(d) A description of procedures, structures or equipment used at the facility to prevent operational hazards, including required personnel protective equipment.

(e) A summary of the personnel training program which addresses the specific training needs to operate and maintain this composting facility.

(26) Fire and Explosion Prevention, Suppression and Control

(a) Description of precautions and procedures used to prevent ignition or explosion of wastes or waste by-products.

(b) Discussion of fire suppression and control measures, including source, quantity and location of available water and other fire fighting materials and equipment that are on-site.

(c) Contingency fire protection in event of a water shortage or emergency.

(27) Emergency Contingency Plans

(a) Contingency operations plan in event of receipt of hazardous waste.

(b) Emergency response plan in event of significant fire or an explosion.

(c) Plans detailing corrective action in the event of groundwater contamination or chemical spills.

(28) Substitute Processing/Disposal/Transfer

(a) Discussion of facility alternate or back-up standby equipment (if any), in the event of primary equipment failure.

(b) Designation of licensed disposal site for transfer of in-coming waste in event of emergency at facility (equipment failure, power outages, natural disaster, fire, etc.) which prevents normal operation at the facility.

(c) A plan identifying the disposal method for compostable waste received, if the waste is contaminated (or becomes contaminated) with prohibited materials, such as oil, hazardous waste, etc. or is not placed into a composting process in an acceptable period of time, per Rule 8.7.09.

(29) Communication Requirements

(a) Description of the types and location of communication equipment throughout the facility.

(b) Description of communication networks (internal and external).

(30) Utilities

(a) Discussion of utilities that will be connected to the facility and in operation at the facility.

(b) Description of back-up power supply at the facility.

(31) Record-Keeping

A summary of the records that will be retained at the facility.



8.6.19 Communication System Design - The facility shall be designed with adequate communication systems to support normal and emergency operating conditions to include at least:

(A) An internal communication or alarm system, capable of providing immediate emergency instruction by voice or signal to facility personnel, must be available and in working condition at the immediate operating area of the facility;

(B) An external communication system, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police, fire departments, emergency medical services, and from state and local emergency response agencies, must be available and in proper working condition at the immediate operating area of the facility.

8.6.20 Back-up Power Supply - The facility shall be designed with a back-up power supply to meet facility needs during facility outages and to provide adequate power during emergencies, including fires.



8.7.32 Emergency Support Services - The facility shall have arrangements, in writing, from nearby fire department, police department, rescue service, medical service, hazardous waste emergency response company, and hazardous waste transporter to provide emergency services in case of facility fires, explosions, hazardous waste incidents or other similar emergencies.

8.7.33 Personnel Staffing Requirements

(A) There must be at least one trained attendant (trained in the operation of the facility) on site during any and all operating hours that the facility is open to receive waste.

(B) The facility shall maintain sufficient types of quantity and personnel during each operating shift to assure the proper and orderly operation of all components and systems, along with the ability to handle all routine maintenance requirements. Such personnel shall have sufficient educational background, employment experience, and/or training to enable them to perform their duties in a safe and competent manner.

8.7.34 Facility Management

(A) Each operating shift shall have a designated shift supervisor or equivalent to direct and implement operational decisions during that shift.

(B) The operation of the facility shall be under supervision and control of qualified individual(s) during all operating hours.

8.7.35 Personnel Training Programs

(A) There shall be a comprehensive training program for all employees covering normal job responsibilities and procedures, emergency situations and procedures, and safety issues.

(B) Employees involved with operation and/or maintenance of the facility shall receive training at least annually.

(C) Facility specific training manual(s) shall be used for training facility personnel. The manual(s) shall be kept up-to-date, with any necessary revisions made at least annually. The manual(s) shall be kept in a readily accessible location and shall be available for inspection by the Department.

(D) Operating and maintenance personnel shall receive their initial training prior to assumption of operational/maintenance activities.

8.7.36 Emergency Contingency Plans - Contingency plans and procedures to handle fires, explosions, hazardous waste incidents and similar emergencies shall be developed for facility personnel and in conjunction with local authorities (police, rescue, fire, medical groups, hazardous waste response companies and transporters), prior to facility operation.

8.7.37 Operation and Maintenance Manual - An operations manual of policies and procedures specific to the facility shall be prepared and updated as needed and available at the facility for inspection by the Department. It shall include general design information, and detailed operational information and instructions that enable supervisory and operating personnel to determine sequence of operations, and routine maintenance procedures with schedules to be followed. Also, it shall include, safety requirements and procedures, emergency shutdown procedures and trouble-shooting procedures.

**Note: Only the section analyzed by the PHASYS team is included here as the entire regulation exceeded ~100 pages.