Section 2520 - Applicability and Classification Criteria(a) This article contains a waste classification system which applies to wastes that cannot be discharged directly or indirectly to waters of the state and which therefore must be discharged to land for treatment, storage, or disposal in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter. Wastes which can be discharged directly or indirectly to waters of the state are regulated under waste discharge requirements which implement applicable water quality control plans and are not subject to the provisions of this subchapter. This waste classification system shall provide the basis for determining which wastes may be discharged at each class of waste management unit. Waste classifications are based on an assessment of the potential risk of water quality degradation associated with each category of waste. (1) The waste classifications in this article shall determine where the waste may be discharged unless the discharger establishes, to the satisfaction of the regional board, that a particular waste constituent or combination of constituents presents a lower risk of water quality degradation than indicated by classification according to this article.(2) Discharges of wastes identified in Sections 2521, 2522, or 2523 of this article shall be permitted only at waste management units which have been approved and classified by the appropriate regional board in accordance with the criteria established in Article 3 of this subchapter, and for which waste discharge requirements have been prescribed or waived pursuant to Article 9 of this subchapter. Table 2.1 presents a summary of discharge options for each waste category.(b) The following wastes shall be discharged only at dedicated waste management units which are designed and constructed to contain such wastes: (1) wastes which cause corrosion or decay, or otherwise reduce or impair the integrity of containment structures;(2) wastes which, if mixed or commingled with other wastes under conditions, produce violent reaction, heat or pressure, fire or explosion, toxic byproducts, or reaction products which: (A) require a higher level of containment,(B) are restricted wastes, or(C) impair the integrity of containment structures.(c) Dischargers shall be responsible for accurate characterization of wastes, including determinations of whether or not wastes will be compatible with containment features and other wastes at a waste management unit under subsection (b) of this section, and whether or not wastes are required to be managed as hazardous wastes under Section 66300 of Title 22 of this code.(d) Management of liquids at classified waste management units: (1) No liquid waste, or containers containing free liquid, shall be discharged to a Class I landfill or waste pile unless the waste has been treated to eliminate fee liquids. Liquid waste may be treated by evaporation, mixture with sorbent solids, chemical reaction, or other means. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by regional boards for landfill disposal of: (A) Small containers which will not, individually or cumulatively, add a significant volume of liquid to the landfill, provided that, for hazardous waste, the exemption shall be available only for very small containers, such as ampoules;(B) Containers designed to hold free liquids for reasons other than storage (e.g., batteries, capacitors), provided that such containers are sealed and less than 3 cubic feet (56.5 litres) in volume; or(C) lab packs, as defined in Section 67424 of Title 22 of this code, provided that such lab packs are disposed of as required by that section;(D) bulk or noncontainerized liquids, provided that the regional board finds that there is no feasible alternative to discharge at a landfill, that a minimum solids-to-liquids ratio of 5:1 by weight is maintained at the landfill, that the landfill is equipped with a liner and a leachate collection and removal system, and provided that such discharges shall not continue after December 31, 1989.(2) Wastes containing free liquids may not be discharged to a Class II waste pile. Any waste that contains liquid in excess of the moisture-holding capacity of the waste in the Class II landfill, or which may contain liquid in excess of the moisture-holding capacity as a result of waste management operations, compaction, or settlement shall only be discharged to a surface impoundment or to a waste management unit with containment features equivalent to a surface impoundment.(3) Liquids or semi-solid waste (i.e., waste containing less than 50 percent solids), other than dewatered sewage or water treatment sludge as described in Subsection 2523(c) of this article, shall not be discharged to Class III landfills. Exceptions may be granted by the regional board if the discharger can demonstrate that such discharge will not exceed the moisture-holding capacity of the landfill, either initially or as a result of waste management operations, compaction, or settlement.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, § 2520
Note: Authority cited: Section 1058, Water Code. Reference: Section 13172, Water Code.