Section 250-RICR-140-05-8.4 - Medium-Scale Leaf, Yard and/or Putrescible Waste Composting FacilitiesA. General 1. Registration by the Department is required and the details of the registration application shall include information as required in § 8.4(B) of this Part, on a form prescribed by the Director ("Registration Form for Medium-Scale Composting Facility"). The Department will notify the applicant of deficiency(s), if any, in the applications within twenty-one (21) days of application receipt; otherwise the applicant may commence composting operations after that time period. Re-registration with the Department will be required if any of the following events occur: a. There is a change in the identity of the facility's owner/operator.b. There is a change in site location, as approvals are site specific.2. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to obtain all necessary permits or approvals, if required by federal or local laws and regulations, or if required by other regulations of the State.3. Medium-Scale Composting Facilities shall accept and utilize the following wastes in the composting operation; leaf and yard waste, certain food wastes including fruits and vegetables, tea leaves, coffee grounds, eggshells, hair, sawdust, manures from animals that eat only plants, clean (uncontaminated) wood chips/bark, hay, straw, shredded corrugated cardboard and other wastes that are acceptable to the Department.4. The following waste restrictions and limitations apply: a. Wastes that are prohibited from acceptance include, but are not limited to diseased plants, black walnut tree leaves and twigs (releases possible harmful substances), pet wastes (from dogs, cats, etc.), diapers, sanitary products, coal ash, and charcoal ash.b. Any combination of grease, fats, meat scraps and bones, fish scraps and bones, shellfish, dairy products and eggs, and oily foods may be accepted, provided that the following steps are completed: (1) The facility proposes a sixty (60) day pilot program to the Department describing how one or more of these wastes will be stored and processed at the facility in a manner that will avoid creating objectionable off-site odors and other nuisance conditions.(2) The Department approves of the proposed pilot program prior to commencement of the pilot program.(3) The facility carries out the approved sixty (60) day pilot program in a manner that avoids creating objectionable off-site odors and other nuisance conditions and submits results to the Department.(4) The Department finds the pilot program to be successfully carried out and grants approval, in writing, to the facility to continue to store and process these specific wastes.5. Composting operations shall be in compliance with the following requirements: a. The operation shall not cause or be likely to cause pollution of ground water or surface waters.b. The operation shall not have a significant adverse effect on wetlands.c. The operation shall not create objectionable odors beyond the property line of the facility.d. Operating conditions shall be maintained that are sanitary and are not favorable to the harboring, feeding, and breeding of vectors, including rodents and insects that may cause health hazards or nuisances. In the event of vector control problems, the operator shall employ an exterminator or other means approved by the Department.e. The operation shall not create dust or litter problems.f. Storage of finished compost shall be performed in a manner that will not cause dust problems, runoff problems, or objectionable odors beyond the property line of the facility.6. Finished compost shall meet Class A Compost Standards in accordance with § 8.12 of this Part.7. The composting operation shall provide the Department, its authorized officers, employees, and representatives, and all other persons under Department oversight, an irrevocable right of access to the facility at all reasonable times for the purposes of performing inspections, investigations, testing and examining records without prior notice.8. The operation shall reimburse the Department for any costs incurred as a result of sampling and analytical testing.9. If the Department determines the composting operation does not comply with subparagraphs §§ 8.4(A)(2) through (5) of this Part, the operation shall come into compliance with § 8.4(A) of this Part requirements within thirty (30) days of Department notification. Any operation cited by the Department two (2) times within a six (6) month period shall cease accepting any new feedstock from off-site until the composting operation can verify the operation is in compliance with § 8.4(A) of this Part requirements. Failure to comply may result in a formal enforcement action with penalty.B. Elements of Registration 1. The registration of a Medium-Scale Leaf, Yard and/or Putrescible Waste Composting Facility includes submittal to the Department on a form prescribed by the Director, which includes the following information: a. Name, business/organization address and business/organization telephone number of the composting operation's owner and the owner of the land on which the composting operation is located.b. Location of the composting operation (address).c. Name of the individual to be primary contact for the Department.d. Acreage of the property on which the composting operation is located.e. Acreage of area used, or to be used, for waste processing activities and storage of compost.f. Volume of waste composted, or expected to be composted, annually.g. A site sketch using a tax assessor's map showing the property line with the major components of the composting facility labeled and dimensioned.h. Distances to nearest wetland, surface water and nearest public/private well.i. Operating days and hours.j. Receiving procedures and a detailed description of the types of wastes to be received.k. Procedures and processes for composting methods.l. Monitoring procedures.n. Equipment to be used in compost operation, including substitute equipment.p. Distribution of compost information.q. Contingency Plan, which includes the following information:r. Personnel and user injuryu. Releases of hazardous or toxic materialsw. Storm water run-off/leachate controlsz. Registrant's signature and certification.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-140-05-8.4
Amended effective4/22/2020