Md. Code Regs. 26.04.07.24

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 26.04.07.24 - Transfer Stations

A. Permits Required. A person may neither construct nor operate a transfer station for public use, nor materially alter or extend one, without obtaining a permit from the Approving Authority before any work, including site preparation, is begun.

B. Application for Permit.

(1) Requirement for Application. An application for a permit under the provisions of §A shall be submitted to the Approving Authority. The application shall consist of a letter briefly describing the project for which approval is requested. If there is any reason for summary disapproval of the proposed project, the applicant shall be notified in writing and advised of the proper procedures of appeal. When practicable, within 60 days of receipt of the complete application, the applicant shall be informed of any additional information which the Approving Authority may require, or advised to proceed with the preparation of engineering plans and specifications.

(2) Engineering Plans and Specifications. Eight complete sets of plans and engineering reports covering the proposed project, prepared, signed, and bearing the seal of a registered professional engineer shall be submitted to the Approving Authority. The information contained in these plans and report shall include:

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

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

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

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

(e) A description of:

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

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

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

(iv) Area and population to be served by the facility;

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

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

(vii) Employee safety and sanitary facilities;

(viii) Manner in which unacceptable wastes which may be delivered to the transfer station will be identified, segregated, and handled before final disposal;

(f) An operations and maintenance manual which identifies the operation in detail, including periodic cleaning, maintenance, and all contingencies.

C. Application Review. An application received under this section shall be distributed as specified in Regulation .06C(1)(a)-(g), (j), and (k) of this chapter. A person receiving an application shall be requested to submit any comments within 30 days of receipt of the applications.

D. General Requirements and Operating Procedures.

(1) General. The following are established as minimum requirements and operating procedures for transfer stations:

(a) Buildings. Activities pertinent to the transferring of solid waste involving the use of hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical equipment shall be conducted in an enclosed building or other area approved by the Department.

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

(i) Paved or surfaced; and

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

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

(d) Environmental Protection. The facility shall be operated in a manner that prevents health hazards and minimizes nuisances. Discharge to air or waters of the State shall be limited to those 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 facility except in approved containers.

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

(f) 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 stand-by equipment, extension of operating hours, or diversion of solid waste to other facilities.

(g) Cleanliness and Sanitation. Facilities shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. The following conditions are required:

(i) Plumbing shall be properly maintained.

(ii) Floors shall be well drained and free from standing water.

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

(iv) Solid waste may not remain at the transfer station at the end of the working day unless it is stored in leak-proof, fly and rodent-proof containers.

(v) Special provisions shall be made for the transfer of bulky waste at the transfer station. Otherwise, this waste shall be excluded.

(h) 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.

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

(j) Truck Wheel Curbs. Truck wheel curbs shall be provided to prevent vehicles from backing into the refuse unloading pit or falling into the pit while unloading.

(k) 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 any other permitted treatment facility.

(2) Other Requirements.

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

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

(ii) Quantities and destination of solid waste transferred.

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

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

(i) 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.

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

Md. Code Regs. 26.04.07.24

Regulations .24, Solid Waste Management, adopted effective March 7, 1988 (15:5 Md. R. 618)