Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
(a) For solar evaporators ceasing operation through discontinuance of operation or non-renewal of a Notice of Authority to Operate issued by a RWQCB, closure and post-closure plans shall be prepared and submitted to the RWQCB and approved by the RWQCB prior to closure. Closure plans shall conform to one of the following three requirements to be selected and implemented by the owner or operator:
(1) Evaporite salt accumulated in the solar evaporator may be harvested and removed from the solar evaporator and sold or utilized for commercial, industrial, or other beneficial purposes or stored for a period of one-year, renewable subject to an annual inspection, in a fully contained storage unit inaccessible to wind, water, and wildlife, until sold, utilized in a beneficial manner, or disposed in accordance with (3). After the removal of accumulated salt, the area within the boundaries of the solar evaporator shall be restored to a condition that does not pollute or threaten to pollute the waters of the state, that does not constitute an unreasonable threat to avian wildlife, and that does not constitute a nuisance condition. Clean closure may be accomplished in accord with §
21090(f) and §
21400 of CCR Title 27.
(2) The solar evaporator may be closed in-place, with installation of a final cover with foundation, low-hydraulic conductivity, and erosion-resistant layers, as specified in §
21090 and §
21400 of CCR Title 27. Closure in-place shall include a closure plan and post-closure cover maintenance plan in accord with §
21090 and §
21769 of CCR Title 27.
(3) Evaporite salt accumulated in the solar evaporator may be collected and removed from the solar evaporator, and disposed permanently as a waste in a facility authorized to accept such waste in compliance with the requirements of Titles 22, 23, 27 and future amendments of the CCR, or Division 30 (commencing with Section 40000) of the Public Resources Code. After the removal of accumulated salt, the area within the boundaries of the solar evaporator shall be restored to a condition that does not pollute or threaten to pollute the waters of the state, that does not constitute an unreasonable threat to avian wildlife, and that does not constitute a nuisance condition.
1. New section filed 11-22-2004; effective on filing; pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 25209.16 this section remains in effect until revised by the State Water Resources Control Board (Register 2004, No. 48).
Note: Authority cited: Section 25209.12, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 25209.12(f), Health and Safety Code; and Sections 21090, 21400 and 21769, Title 27, California Code of Regulations.
