Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-13-15-.04

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 335-13-15-.04 - Design Criteria

(1) Design Criteria for new CCR landfills and any lateral expansion of a CCR landfill.

(a)

1. New CCR landfills and any lateral expansion of a CCR landfill must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained with either a composite liner that meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(1)(b) or an alternative composite liner that meets the requirements in 335-13-15-.04(1)(c), and a leachate collection and removal system that meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(1)(d).

2. Prior to construction of an overfill, the underlying surface impoundment must meet the requirements of 335-13-15-.07(3)(d).

(b) A composite liner must consist of two components; the upper component consisting of, at a minimum, a 40-mil geomembrane liner (GM), and the lower component consisting of at least a two-foot layer of compacted soil with a hydraulic conductivity of no more than 1x10^-7 centimeters per second (cm/sec). GM components consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) must be at least 60-mil thick. The GM or upper liner component must be installed in direct and uniform contact with the compacted soil or lower liner component. The composite liner must be:

1. Constructed of materials that have appropriate chemical properties and sufficient strength and thickness to prevent failure due to pressure gradients (including static head and external hydrogeologic forces), physical contact with the CCR or leachate to which they are exposed, climatic conditions, the stress of installation, and the stress of daily operation;

2. Constructed of materials that provide appropriate shear resistance of the upper and lower component interface to prevent sliding of the upper component, including on slopes;

3. Placed upon a foundation or base capable of providing support to the liner and resistance to pressure gradients above and below the liner to prevent failure of the liner due to settlement, compression, or uplift; and

4. Installed to cover all surrounding earth likely to be in contact with the CCR or leachate.

(c) If the owner or operator elects to install an alternative composite liner, all of the following requirements must be met:

1. An alternative composite liner must consist of two components; the upper component consisting of, at a minimum, a 40-mil GM, and a lower component, that is not a geomembrane, with a liquid flow rate no greater than the liquid flow rate of two feet of compacted soil with a hydraulic conductivity of no more than 1x10^-7 cm/sec. GM components consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) must be at least 60-mil thick. If the lower component of the alternative liner is compacted soil, the GM must be installed in direct and uniform contact with the compacted soil.

2. The owner or operator must obtain certification from a qualified professional engineer that the liquid flow rate through the lower component of the alternative composite liner is no greater than the liquid flow rate through two feet of compacted soil with a hydraulic conductivity of 1x10^-7 cm/sec. The hydraulic conductivity for the two feet of compacted soil used in the comparison shall be no greater than 1x10^-7 cm/sec. The hydraulic conductivity of any alternative to the two feet of compacted soil must be determined using recognized and generally accepted methods. The liquid flow rate comparison must be made using Equation 1 of this section, which is derived from Darcy's Law for gravity flow through porous media.

Where,

Click to view image

Q = flow rate (cubic centimeters/second);

A = surface area of the liner (squared centimeters);

q = flow rate per unit area (cubic centimeters/second/ squared centimeter);

k = hydraulic conductivity of the liner (centimeters/second);

h = hydraulic head above the liner (centimeters); and

t = thickness of the liner (centimeters).

3. The alternative composite liner must meet the requirements specified in 335-13-15-.04(1)(b)1. through 4.

4. The installation of composite liners shall be as recommended by the manufacturer providing that:

(i) The installation recommendations of the manufacturer to be used are provided to the Department for review.

(ii) The Department finds that the recommended installation procedures are consistent with the intent of this chapter.

(iii) The installation of the liner shall be under the supervision of an engineer who shall certify to the Department that the liner was installed and maintained in accordance with this Division, QA/QC plans, and approved design plans.

(d) The leachate collection and removal system must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to collect and remove leachate from the landfill during the active life and post-closure care period. The leachate collection and removal system must be:

1. Designed and operated to maintain less than a 30-centimeter depth of leachate over the composite liner or alternative composite liner;

2. Constructed of materials that are chemically resistant to the CCR and any non-CCR waste managed in the CCR unit and the leachate expected to be generated, and of sufficient strength and thickness to prevent collapse under the pressures exerted by overlying waste, waste cover materials, and equipment used at the CCR unit; and

3. Designed and operated to minimize clogging during the active life and post-closure care period.

(e) Prior to construction of the CCR landfill or any lateral expansion of a CCR landfill, the owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the design of the composite liner (or, if applicable, alternative composite liner) and the leachate collection and removal system meets the requirements of this section.

(f) Upon completion of construction of the CCR landfill or any lateral expansion of a CCR landfill, the owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the composite liner (or, if applicable, alternative composite liner) and the leachate collection and removal system have been constructed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(g) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must comply with the recordkeeping requirements specified in 335-13-15-.08(1)(f), the notification requirements specified in 335-13-15-.08(2)(f), and the internet requirements specified in 335-13-15-.08(3)(f).

(2) Liner design criteria for existing CCR surface impoundments.

(a)

1. No later than October 17, 2016, the owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must document whether or not such unit was constructed with any one of the following:

(i) [Reserved]

(ii) A composite liner that meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(1)(b); or

(iii) An alternative composite liner that meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(1)(c).

2. The hydraulic conductivity of the compacted soil must be determined using recognized and generally accepted methods.

3. An existing CCR surface impoundment is considered to be an existing unlined CCR surface impoundment if either:

(i) The owner or operator of the CCR unit determines that the CCR unit is not constructed with a liner that meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(2)(a)1.(ii) or (iii); or

(ii) The owner or operator of the CCR unit fails to document whether the CCR unit was constructed with a liner that meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(2)(a)1.(ii) or (iii).

4. All existing unlined CCR surface impoundments are subject to the requirements of 335-13-15-.07(2)(a).

(b) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer attesting that the documentation as to whether a CCR unit meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(2)(a) is accurate. This certification must be submitted to the Department.

(c) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must comply with the recordkeeping requirements specified in 335-13-15-.08(1)(f), the notification requirements specified in 335-13-15-.08(2)(f), and the internet requirements specified in 335-13-15-.08(3)(f).

(3) Liner design criteria for new CCR surface impoundments and any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment.

(a) New CCR surface impoundments and lateral expansions of existing and new CCR surface impoundments must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained with either a composite liner or an alternative composite liner that meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(1)(b) or (c).

(b) Any liner specified in this section must be installed to cover all surrounding earth likely to be in contact with CCR. Dikes shall not be constructed on top of the composite liner.

(c) Prior to construction of the CCR surface impoundment or any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must obtain certification from a qualified professional engineer that the design of the composite liner or, if applicable, the design of an alternative composite liner complies with the requirements of this section. This certification must be submitted to the Department.

(d) Upon completion, the owner or operator must obtain certification from a qualified professional engineer that the composite liner or if applicable, the alternative composite liner has been constructed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(e) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must comply with the recordkeeping requirements specified in 335-13-15-.08(1)(f), the notification requirements specified in 335-13-15-.08(2)(f), and the internet requirements specified in 335-13-15-.08(3)(f).

(4) Structural integrity criteria for existing CCR surface impoundments.

(a) The requirements of 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)1. through 4. apply to all existing CCR surface impoundments, except for those existing CCR surface impoundments that are incised CCR units. If an incised CCR surface impoundment is subsequently modified (e.g., a dike is constructed) such that the CCR unit no longer meets the definition of an incised CCR unit, the CCR unit is subject to the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)1. through 4.

1. No later than December 17, 2015, the owner or operator of the CCR unit must place on or immediately adjacent to the CCR unit a permanent identification marker, at least six feet high showing the identification number of the CCR unit, if one has been assigned by the state, the name associated with the CCR unit and the name of the owner or operator of the CCR unit.

2. Periodic hazard potential classification assessments.

(i) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must conduct initial and periodic hazard potential classification assessments of the CCR unit according to the timeframes specified in 335-13-15-.04(4)(f). The owner or operator must document the hazard potential classification of each CCR unit as either a high hazard potential CCR surface impoundment, a significant hazard potential CCR surface impoundment, or a low hazard potential CCR surface impoundment. The owner or operator must also document the basis for each hazard potential classification.

(ii) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the initial hazard potential classification and each subsequent periodic classification specified in 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)2.(i) was conducted in accordance with the requirements of this section. This certification must be submitted to the Department.

3. Emergency Action Plan (EAP).

(i) Development of the plan. No later than April 17, 2017, the owner or operator of a CCR unit determined to be either a high hazard potential CCR surface impoundment or a significant hazard potential CCR surface impoundment under 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)2. must prepare and maintain a written EAP. At a minimum, the EAP must:

(I) Define the events or circumstances involving the CCR unit that represent a safety emergency, along with a description of the procedures that will be followed to detect a safety emergency in a timely manner;

(II) Define responsible persons, their respective responsibilities, and notification procedures in the event of a safety emergency involving the CCR unit;

(III) Provide contact information of emergency responders;

(IV) Include a map which delineates the downstream area which would be affected in the event of a CCR unit failure and a physical description of the CCR unit; and

(V) Include provisions for an annual face-to-face meeting or exercise between representatives of the owner or operator of the CCR unit and the local emergency responders.

(ii) Amendment of the plan.

(I) The owner or operator of a CCR unit subject to the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)3.(i) may amend the written EAP at any time provided the revised plan is placed in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)6. The owner or operator must amend the written EAP whenever there is a change in conditions that would substantially affect the EAP in effect.

(II) The written EAP must be evaluated, at a minimum, every five years to ensure the information required in 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)3.(i) is accurate. As necessary, the EAP must be updated and a revised EAP placed in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)6.

(iii) Changes in hazard potential classification.

(I) If the owner or operator of a CCR unit determines during a periodic hazard potential assessment that the CCR unit is no longer classified as either a high hazard potential CCR surface impoundment or a significant hazard potential CCR surface impoundment, then the owner or operator of the CCR unit is no longer subject to the requirement to prepare and maintain a written EAP beginning on the date the periodic hazard potential assessment documentation is placed in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)5.

(II) If the owner or operator of a CCR unit classified as a low hazard potential CCR surface impoundment subsequently determines that the CCR unit is properly re-classified as either a high hazard potential CCR surface impoundment or a significant hazard potential CCR surface impoundment, then the owner or operator of the CCR unit must prepare a written EAP for the CCR unit as required by 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)3.(i) within six months of completing such periodic hazard potential assessment.

(iv) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the written EAP, and any subsequent amendment of the EAP, meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)3. The EAP, as well as the certification from a qualified professional engineer, must be submitted to the Department for approval.

(v) Activation of the EAP. The EAP must be implemented once events or circumstances involving the CCR unit that represent a safety emergency are detected, including conditions identified during periodic structural stability assessments, annual inspections, and inspections by a qualified person.

4. The CCR unit and surrounding areas must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained with vegetated slopes of dikes. Deep rooted vegetation (roots that may grow below the six inch erosion layer) shall be prohibited as vegetative cover.

(b) The requirements of 335-13-15-.04(4)(c) through (e) apply to an owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment that either:

1. Has a height of five feet or more and a storage volume of 20 acre-feet or more; or

2. Has a height of 20 feet or more.

(c)

1. No later than October 17, 2016, the owner or operator of the CCR unit must compile a history of construction, which shall contain, to the extent feasible, the information specified in 335-13-15-.04(4)(c)1.(i) through (xi).

(i) The name and address of the person(s) owning or operating the CCR unit; the name associated with the CCR unit; and the identification number of the CCR unit if one has been assigned by the state.

(ii) The location of the CCR unit identified on the most recent U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 71/2 minute or 15 minute topographic quadrangle map, or a topographic map of equivalent scale if a USGS map is not available.

(iii) A statement of the purpose for which the CCR unit is being used.

(iv) The name and size in acres of the watershed within which the CCR unit is located.

(v) A description of the physical and engineering properties of the foundation and abutment materials on which the CCR unit is constructed.

(vi) A statement of the type, size, range, and physical and engineering properties of the materials used in constructing each zone or stage of the CCR unit; the method of site preparation and construction of each zone of the CCR unit; and the approximate dates of construction of each successive stage of construction of the CCR unit.

(vii) At a scale that details engineering structures and appurtenances relevant to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the CCR unit, detailed dimensional drawings of the CCR unit, including a plan view and cross sections of the length and width of the CCR unit, showing all zones, foundation improvements, drainage provisions, spillways, diversion ditches, outlets, instrument locations, and slope protection, in addition to the normal operating pool surface elevation and the maximum pool surface elevation following peak discharge from the inflow design flood, the expected maximum depth of CCR within the CCR surface impoundment, and any identifiable natural or manmade features that could adversely affect operation of the CCR unit due to malfunction or mis-operation.

(viii) A description of the type, purpose, and location of existing instrumentation.

(ix) Area-capacity curves for the CCR unit.

(x) A description of each spillway and diversion design feature and capacities and calculations used in their determination.

(xi) The construction specifications and provisions for surveillance, maintenance, and repair of the CCR unit.

(xii) Any record or knowledge of structural instability of the CCR unit.

2. Changes to the history of construction. If there is a significant change to any information compiled under 335-13-15-.04(4)(c)1., the owner or operator of the CCR unit must update the relevant information and place it in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)9.

(d) Periodic structural stability assessments.

1. The owner or operator of the CCR unit must conduct initial and periodic structural stability assessments and document whether the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the CCR unit is consistent with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices for the maximum volume of CCR and CCR wastewater which can be impounded therein. The assessment must, at a minimum, document whether the CCR unit has been designed, constructed, operated, and maintained with:

(i) Stable foundations and abutments;

(ii) Adequate slope protection to protect against surface erosion, wave action, and adverse effects of sudden drawdown;

(iii) Dikes mechanically compacted to a density sufficient to withstand the range of loading conditions in the CCR unit;

(iv) Vegetated slopes of dikes and surrounding areas not to include deep rooted vegetation (roots that may grow below the six inch erosion layer);

(v) A single spillway or a combination of spillways configured as specified in 335-13-15-.04(4)(d)1.(v)(I). The combined capacity of all spillways must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to adequately manage flow during and following the peak discharge from the event specified in 335-13-15-.04(4)(d)1.(v)(II).

(I) All spillways must be either:

I. Of non-erodible construction and designed to carry sustained flows; or

II. Earth- or grass-lined and designed to carry short-term, infrequent flows at non-erosive velocities where sustained flows are not expected.

(II) The combined capacity of all spillways must adequately manage flow during and following the peak discharge from a:

I. Probable maximum flood (PMF) for a high hazard potential CCR surface impoundment; or

II. 1000-year flood for a significant hazard potential CCR surface impoundment; or

III. 100-year flood for a low hazard potential CCR surface impoundment.

(vi) Hydraulic structures underlying the base of the CCR unit or passing through the dike of the CCR unit that maintain structural integrity and are free of significant deterioration, deformation, distortion, bedding deficiencies, sedimentation, and debris which may negatively affect the operation of the hydraulic structure; and

(vii) For CCR units with downstream slopes which can be inundated by the pool of an adjacent water body, such as a river, stream or lake, downstream slopes that maintain structural stability during low pool of the adjacent water body or sudden drawdown of the adjacent water body.

2. The periodic assessment described in 335-13-15-.04(4)(d)1. must identify any structural stability deficiencies associated with the CCR unit in addition to recommending corrective measures. If a deficiency or a release is identified during the periodic assessment, the owner or operator of a CCR unit must remedy the deficiency or release as soon as feasible and prepare a report detailing the corrective measures taken. This report must be submitted to the Department for review and approval.

3. The owner or operator of the CCR unit must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the initial assessment and each subsequent periodic assessment was conducted in accordance with the requirements of this section. This certification must be submitted to the Department.

(e) Periodic safety factor assessments.

1. The owner or operator must conduct an initial and periodic safety factor assessments for each CCR unit and document whether the calculated factors of safety for each CCR unit achieve the minimum safety factors specified in 335-13-15-.04(4)(e)1.(i) through (iv) for the critical cross section of the embankment. The critical cross section is the cross section anticipated to be the most susceptible of all cross sections to structural failure based on appropriate engineering considerations, including loading conditions. The safety factor assessments must be supported by appropriate engineering calculations.

(i) The calculated static factor of safety under the long-term, maximum storage pool loading condition must equal or exceed 1.50.

(ii) The calculated static factor of safety under the maximum surcharge pool loading condition must equal or exceed 1.40.

(iii) The calculated seismic factor of safety must equal or exceed 1.00.

(iv) For dikes constructed of soils that have susceptibility to liquefaction, the calculated liquefaction factor of safety must equal or exceed 1.20.

2. The owner or operator of the CCR unit must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the initial assessment and each subsequent periodic assessment specified in 335-13-15-.04(4)(e)1. meets the requirements of this section. This certification must be submitted to the Department.

(f) Timeframes for periodic assessments.

1. Initial assessments. Except as provided by 335-13-15-.04(4)(f)2., the owner or operator of the CCR unit must complete the initial assessments required by 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)2., (d), and (e) no later than October 17, 2016. The owner or operator has completed an initial assessment when the owner or operator has placed the assessment required by 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)2., (d) and (e) in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)5., 10., and 12.

2. Use of a previously completed assessment(s) in lieu of the initial assessment(s). The owner or operator of the CCR unit may elect to use a previously completed assessment to serve as the initial assessment required by 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)2., (d), and (e) provided that the previously completed assessment(s):

(i) Was completed no earlier than 42 months prior to October 17, 2016; and

(ii) Meets the applicable requirements of 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)2., (d), and (e).

3. Frequency for conducting periodic assessments.

The owner or operator of the CCR unit must conduct and complete the assessments required by 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)2., (d), and (e) every five years. The date of completing the initial assessment is the basis for establishing the deadline to complete the first subsequent assessment. If the owner or operator elects to use a previously completed assessment(s) in lieu of the initial assessment as provided by 335-13-15-.04(4)(f)2., the date of the report for the previously completed assessment is the basis for establishing the deadline to complete the first subsequent assessment. The owner or operator may complete any required assessment prior to the required deadline provided the owner or operator places the completed assessment(s) into the facility's operating record within a reasonable amount of time. In all cases, the deadline for completing subsequent assessments is based on the date of completing the previous assessment. The owner or operator has completed an assessment when the relevant assessment(s) required by 335-13-15-.04(4)(a)2., (d), and (e) has been placed in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)5., 10., and 12.

4. Closure of the CCR unit. An owner or operator of a CCR unit who either fails to complete a timely safety factor assessment or fails to demonstrate minimum safety factors as required by 335-13-15-.04(4)(e) is subject to the requirements of 335-13-15-.07(2)(b)2.

(5) Structural integrity criteria for new CCR surface impoundments and any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment.

(a) The requirements of 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)1. through 4. apply to all new CCR surface impoundments and any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, except for those new CCR surface impoundments that are incised CCR units. If an incised CCR surface impoundment is subsequently modified (e.g., a dike is constructed) such that the CCR unit no longer meets the definition of an incised CCR unit, the CCR unit is subject to the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)1. through 4.

1. No later than the initial receipt of CCR, the owner or operator of the CCR unit must place on or immediately adjacent to the CCR unit a permanent identification marker, at least six feet high showing the identification number of the CCR unit, if one has been assigned by the state, the name associated with the CCR unit and the name of the owner or operator of the CCR unit.

2. Periodic hazard potential classification assessments.

(i) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must conduct initial and periodic hazard potential classification assessments of the CCR unit according to the timeframes specified in 335-13-15-.04(5)(f). The owner or operator must document the hazard potential classification of each CCR unit as either a high hazard potential CCR surface impoundment, a significant hazard potential CCR surface impoundment, or a low hazard potential CCR surface impoundment. The owner or operator must also document the basis for each hazard potential classification.

(ii) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the initial hazard potential classification and each subsequent periodic classification specified in 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)2.(i) was conducted in accordance with the requirements of this section. This certification must be submitted to the Department.

3. Emergency Action Plan (EAP).

(i) Development of the plan. Prior to the initial receipt of CCR in the CCR unit, the owner or operator of a CCR unit determined to be either a high hazard potential CCR surface impoundment or a significant hazard potential CCR surface impoundment under 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)2. must prepare and maintain a written EAP. At a minimum, the EAP must:

(II) Define responsible persons, their respective responsibilities, and notification procedures in the event of a safety emergency involving the CCR unit;

(III) Provide contact information of emergency responders;

(IV) Include a map which delineates the downstream area which would be affected in the event of a CCR unit failure and a physical description of the CCR unit; and

(V) Include provisions for an annual face-to-face meeting or exercise between representatives of the owner or operator of the CCR unit and the local emergency responders.

(ii) Amendment of the plan.

(I) The owner or operator of a CCR unit subject to the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)3.(i) may amend the written EAP at any time provided the revised plan is placed in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)6. The owner or operator must amend the written EAP whenever there is a change in conditions that would substantially affect the EAP in effect.

(II) The written EAP must be evaluated, at a minimum, every five years to ensure the information required in 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)3.(i) is accurate. As necessary, the EAP must be updated and a revised EAP placed in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)6.

(iii) Changes in hazard potential classification.

(II) If the owner or operator of a CCR unit classified as a low hazard potential CCR surface impoundment subsequently determines that the CCR unit is properly re-classified as either a high hazard potential CCR surface impoundment or a significant hazard potential CCR surface impoundment, then the owner or operator of the CCR unit must prepare a written EAP for the CCR unit as required by 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)3.(i) within six months of completing such periodic hazard potential assessment.

(iv) The owner or operator of the CCR unit must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the written EAP, and any subsequent amendment of the EAP, meets the requirements of 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)3. The EAP, as well as the certification from a qualified professional engineer, must be submitted to the Department for approval.

(b) The requirements of 335-13-15-.04(5)(c) through (e) apply to an owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment and any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment that either:

1. Has a height of five feet or more and a storage volume of 20 acre-feet or more; or

2. Has a height of 20 feet or more.

(c)

1. No later than the initial receipt of CCR in the CCR unit, the owner or operator of a CCR unit must compile the design and construction plans for the CCR unit, which must include, to the extent feasible, the information specified in 335-13-15-.04(5)(c)1.(i) through (xi).

(ii) The location of the CCR unit identified on the most recent U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7^1/2 minute or 15 minute topographic quadrangle map, or a topographic map of equivalent scale if a USGS map is not available.

(iii) A statement of the purpose for which the CCR unit is being used.

(iv) The name and size in acres of the watershed within which the CCR unit is located.

(v) A description of the physical and engineering properties of the foundation and abutment materials on which the CCR unit is constructed.

(vi) A statement of the type, size, range, and physical and engineering properties of the materials used in constructing each zone or stage of the CCR unit; the method of site preparation and construction of each zone of the CCR unit; and the dates of construction of each successive stage of construction of the CCR unit.

(viii) A description of the type, purpose, and location of existing instrumentation.

(ix) Area-capacity curves for the CCR unit.

(x) A description of each spillway and diversion design feature and capacities and calculations used in their determination.

(xi) The construction specifications and provisions for surveillance, maintenance, and repair of the CCR unit.

(xii) Any record or knowledge of structural instability of the CCR unit.

2. Changes in the design and construction. If there is a significant change to any information compiled under 335-13-15-.04(5)(c)1., the owner or operator of the CCR unit must update the relevant information and place it in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)13.

(d) Periodic structural stability assessments.

(i) Stable foundations and abutments;

(ii) Adequate slope protection to protect against surface erosion, wave action, and adverse effects of sudden drawdown;

(iii) Dikes mechanically compacted to a density sufficient to withstand the range of loading conditions in the CCR unit;

(iv) Vegetated slopes of dikes and surrounding areas not to include deep rooted vegetation (roots that may grow below the six inch erosion layer);

(v) A single spillway or a combination of spillways configured as specified in 335-13-15-.04(5)(d)1.(v)(I). The combined capacity of all spillways must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to adequately manage flow during and following the peak discharge from the event specified in 335-13-15-.04(5)(d)1.(v)(II).

(I) All spillways must be either:

I. Of non-erodible construction and designed to carry sustained flows; or

II. Earth- or grass-lined and designed to carry short-term, infrequent flows at non-erosive velocities where sustained flows are not expected.

(II) The combined capacity of all spillways must adequately manage flow during and following the peak discharge from a:

I. Probable maximum flood (PMF) for a high hazard potential CCR surface impoundment; or

II. 1000-year flood for a significant hazard potential CCR surface impoundment; or

III. 100-year flood for a low hazard potential CCR surface impoundment.

2. The periodic assessment described in 335-13-15-.04(5)(d)1. must identify any structural stability deficiencies associated with the CCR unit in addition to recommending corrective measures. If a deficiency or a release is identified during the periodic assessment, the owner or operator of a CCR unit must remedy the deficiency or release as soon as feasible and prepare a report detailing the corrective measures taken. This report must be submitted to the Department for review and approval.

(e) Periodic safety factor assessments.

1. The owner or operator must conduct an initial and periodic safety factor assessments for each CCR unit and document whether the calculated factors of safety for each CCR unit achieve the minimum safety factors specified in 335-13-15-.04(5)(e)1.(i) through (v) for the critical cross section of the embankment. The critical cross section is the cross section anticipated to be the most susceptible of all cross sections to structural failure based on appropriate engineering considerations, including loading conditions. The safety factor assessments must be supported by appropriate engineering calculations.

(i) The calculated static factor of safety under the end-of-construction loading condition must equal or exceed 1.30. The assessment of this loading condition is only required for the initial safety factor assessment and is not required for subsequent assessments.

(ii) The calculated static factor of safety under the long-term, maximum storage pool loading condition must equal or exceed 1.50.

(iii) The calculated static factor of safety under the maximum surcharge pool loading condition must equal or exceed 1.40.

(iv) The calculated seismic factor of safety must equal or exceed 1.00.

(v) For dikes constructed of soils that have susceptibility to liquefaction, the calculated liquefaction factor of safety must equal or exceed 1.20.

2. The owner or operator of the CCR unit must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the initial assessment and each subsequent periodic assessment specified in 335-13-15-.04(5)(e)1. meets the requirements of this section. This certification must be submitted to the Department.

(f) Timeframes for periodic assessments.

1. Initial assessments. Except as provided by 335-13-15-.04(5)(f)2., the owner or operator of the CCR unit must complete the initial assessments required by 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)2., (d), and (e) prior to the initial receipt of CCR in the unit. The owner or operator has completed an initial assessment when the owner or operator has placed the assessment required by 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)2., (d), and (e) in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)5., 10., and 12.

2. Frequency for conducting periodic assessments.

The owner or operator of the CCR unit must conduct and complete the assessments required by 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)2., (d), and (e) every five years. The date of completing the initial assessment is the basis for establishing the deadline to complete the first subsequent assessment. The owner or operator may complete any required assessment prior to the required deadline provided the owner or operator places the completed assessment(s) into the facility's operating record within a reasonable amount of time. In all cases, the deadline for completing subsequent assessments is based on the date of completing the previous assessment. For purposes of this paragraph, the owner or operator has completed an assessment when the relevant assessment(s) required by 335-13-15-.04(5)(a)2., (d), and (e) has been placed in the facility's operating record as required by 335-13-15-.08(1)(f)5., 10., and 12.

3. Failure to document minimum safety factors during the initial assessment. Until the date an owner or operator of a CCR unit documents that the calculated factors of safety achieve the minimum safety factors specified in 335-13-15-.04(5)(e)1.(i) through (v), the owner or operator is prohibited from placing CCR in such unit.

4. Closure of the CCR unit. An owner or operator of a CCR unit who either fails to complete a timely periodic safety factor assessment or fails to demonstrate minimum safety factors as required by 335-13-15-.04(5)(e) is subject to the requirements of 335-13-15-.07(2)(c).

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-13-15-.04

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVI, Issue No. 07, April 30, 2018, eff. 6/8/2018.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIX, Issue No. 03, December 31, 2020, eff. 2/14/2021.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XL, Issue No. 01, October 29, 2021, eff. 12/13/2021.

Authors: S. Scott Story, Heather M. Jones

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-27-3, 22-27-7.