Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 391-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Subject 391-3-4 - SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Rule 391-3-4-.09 - Shredding, Baling, Materials Recovery Facilities, and Other Processing Operations

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 391-3-4-.09

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) Any person engaged in shredding, baling, or the recovery of materials from solid waste, shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) Design Standards: a design and operational plan prepared by a professional engineer registered to practice in Georgia and proposed as a part of the permit application must include, but is not limited to, the following standards:
1. Capacity. The facility shall be adequate in size and capacity to manage the projected incoming solid waste and residue volumes.

2. Baling Equipment. The equipment must be capable of producing a relatively uniform bale size and shape which can be easily handled by equipment at the baling facility. The bales must have sufficient stability to withstand transportation to the disposal site and handling necessary to position them for final disposal.

3. Storage Time. The facility shall provide for a minimum storage capacity of not less than three (3) times the daily capacity of the shredding, baling or materials recovery equipment. No waste shall be stored in excess of the permitted capacity.

4. Types of Waste. The application must include the sources, types, and weight of solid waste to be processed, and information concerning special environmental pollution or handling problems that may be created by the solid waste.

5. Air Quality. The facility shall be designed in such a manner as to meet any air quality standards of the Division.

6. Wastewater. Any wastewater generated by the facility shall be contained fully on the facility and discharged or delivered to a wastewater treatment system and, before final release, shall be treated in a manner approved by the Division.

7. Fire Protection. Facility design shall provide for fire control equipment placed near the storage area and elsewhere as needed, and additional fire fighting equipment shall be made available for emergencies.

8. Disposal of Waste. Shredded and baled waste and any material not sold or used, reused, or recycled as recovered material must be disposed in a permitted facility.

(b) Construction Certification: upon receipt of a final and effective solid waste handling permit, construction may commence in accordance with the approved design and operational plan and permit conditions. Prior to receipt of solid waste, the Division must be provided with written certification, by a professional engineer licensed to practice in Georgia, that the facility has been constructed in accordance with the approved permit. Unless notified otherwise by the Division within 15 days of receipt by the Division of the written certification, the facility owner or operator may commence processing of solid waste.

(c) Performance Standards. All persons owning or operating shredding, baling, or materials recovery facilities shall comply with the following requirements:
1. Supervision. Operation and management of the facility shall be under the supervision and control of a responsible individual properly trained in the operation of such facilities at all times during operation.

2. Shredding Plant Residue: The shredded material shall be deposited in a municipal solid waste landfill or handled in such a manner as may be approved by the Division.

3. Bales. The baling operation shall be controlled to produce a uniform bale size and shape which can be easily handled by equipment at the baling facility and at the disposal facility. The bales must have sufficient stability to withstand transportation to the disposal facility and handling necessary to position them for final disposal. Baled solid waste shall be deposited in a municipal solid waste landfill or handled in such other manner as may be approved by the Division.

4. Wastewater. Wastewater shall be contained fully on the facility and discharged or delivered to a wastewater treatment system and, before final release, shall be treated in a manner approved by the Division.

5. Air Quality. Atmospheric emissions shall be controlled so as not to exceed air quality standards of the Division.

6. Information Posted. Signs shall be posted at the entrance to the plant indicating the days and hours of operation. Access to the plant shall be limited to those times when authorized personnel are on duty.

7. Cleanliness and Sanitation. Facilities shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Solid waste shall be confined to the unloading area, which shall be maintained free of liquids, dust and nuisances. Accumulations of liquids, putrescible materials and rubbish shall be controlled in a manner to minimize odors and prevent infestation by insects or rodents, and insect and rodent control measures shall be applied as needed. Sanitary facilities shall be provided for employees and shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(2) Construction and operation of solid waste processing facilities for which specific rules have not been developed are prohibited unless same are consistent with the policies and intent of O.C.G.A. 12-8-20, et seq., and are permitted by the Director.

Ga. L. 1972, p. 1002, as amended; O.C.G.A. § 12-8-20, et seq., 12-8-23.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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