New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 7 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 26 - SOLID WASTE
Subchapter 2B - ADDITIONAL, SPECIFIC DISPOSAL REGULATIONS FOR THERMAL DESTRUCTION FACILITIES, TRANSFER STATIONS, MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITIES, CO-COMPOSTING AND SOLID WASTE COMPOSTING FACILITIES
Section 7:26-2B.6 - Additional engineering requirements for solid waste composting and co-composting facilities

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 7:26-2B.6

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 6, March 18, 2024

(a) The requirements of this section are in addition to the requirements of 7:26-2.10.

(b) Co-composting facilities require a SWF permit and may also require one or more NJPDES permits from the Department in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:14A.

1. A discussion of the quantity and composition of the waste streams entering the proposed facility in terms of:

i. Municipality of origin; and

ii. Weight, volume and corresponding load density characteristics.

2. If sewage sludge is to be co-composted with solid waste, identify the quantity and physical/chemical characteristics of each source of sewage sludge. Sludge characteristics will be reviewed by the Department for a determination of their suitability for acceptance and processing at the proposed solid waste composting facility. The following information shall be submitted for each individual source of sludge:

i. Identify the type of processing carried out at the sewage treatment plant source prior to dewatering (e.g. lime stabilization, digestion, long term storage, other);

ii. Identify the dewatering processes instituted, including a description of the equipment or technique used, the chemical reagents employed and a determination of the percent solids achieved;

iii. Express quantities on a dry weight basis and volume of the percent solids delivered to the facility. Identify the maximum, minimum and average delivery rates anticipated; and

iv. Provide a physical/chemical analysis for the sludge from each source, in accordance with the Sludge Quality Assurance regulations, N.J.A.C. 7:14-4. The Department may require additional testing where conditions dictate.

3. A description of the number, type, capacity and delivery or removal frequency (indicate both average and peak periods) of all transport vehicles. Describe on-site parking capabilities, loading and unloading facilities, access and exit points and mechanisms and features employed to provide for an even flow of traffic onto, on and away from the site. Describe the related material construction specifications and details;

4. Identify, locate and describe the utilities intended to service the proposed facility including, but not limited to, the storm water drainage system, sanitary sewer system, water supply system, electrical or other energy system;

5. Process management should be based on specific and objective processing goals. Processing goals should be identified including, but not limited to, rapid processing, drying method, materials handling, nitrogen retention, etc. Describe the underlying conceptual basis or strategy upon which the process management will be based. A rationale should be given for the management strategy chosen in reference to others;

6. Describe all process steps including, but not limited to, waste delivery, storage, mixing, composting methods, curing, screening, finishing, packaging and related process equipment and pollution control systems, instrumentation and monitoring mechanisms, if applicable. Within the context of the process description, identify the mix ratio of solid waste to sludge as well as the bulk weight and porosity of the mix. Provide an indication of the period of time during which active composting is to take place and the temperatures to be reached and maintained within that period. Identify the rate of aeration afforded and the time frame established for compost curing. Submit equipment specifications relating to make, model, manufacturer, processing capacity, reliability, efficiency and the relevant design and operating criteria that directly relates to the equipment's intended performance, plus the number of equipment units which will be available at the facility. Information on individual unit synchronization with upstream and downstream equipment, if applicable, shall also be provided;

7. A comprehensive materials balance for the proposed facility shall be submitted. The materials balance shall account for every handling and processing step starting with waste delivery scheduling to the facility and ending with final product and waste/residue removal from the site. Quantification and qualification of sidestream process pollutants, if any, shall also be provided for in the materials balance. If any materials recovery is anticipated, document the anticipated materials recovery rates in tons per hour for each recovered component;

8. A discussion of the contingency disposal options to be utilized if the composted end product cannot be marketed. These disposal options shall be in accordance with the approved district solid waste management plan and Departmental requirements established for the distribution of sewage sludge compost, if applicable;

9. A process flow diagram of the proposed processing steps involved in recovering recyclable materials and mixed organic material from solid waste, any processing of recovered recyclable materials, and the composting, curing and storage of the mixed organic faction;

10. Profile views of all structures and enclosures showing dimensions;

11. In addition to the requirements of 7:26-2.10(b)9, the operation and maintenance manual for the facility shall include the following information:

i. A description of the anticipated types, quantity, variation over time, and sources of waste to be received and a description of any additives used in the process;

ii. Designation of persons responsible for operation, control and maintenance of facility;

iii. Methods for measuring incoming waste;

iv. Methods to control the types of waste received (for example, inspection procedures);

v. Methods for removing and recovering for recycling or disposing of non-compostable wastes from the incoming waste stream, including procedures for removal, storage and disposal of any hazardous wastes;

vi. Methods to control traffic and to expedite unloading;

vii. Methods to maintain biological conditions;

viii. Methods to minimize, manage and monitor odors;

ix. Leachate and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System storm water control measures;

x. Vector, dust and litter control measures;

xi. Contingency operations plan (in the event of equipment failure, power outages, natural disasters, fire, receipt of prohibited materials), including designation of permitted disposal sites for incoming waste, leachate, and for hazardous wastes;

xii. Plans for monitoring, sampling and testing the composting materials for process control and product quality assurance as specified at 7:26-2B.7(i); and

xiii. Plans for marketing the finished compost; and

12. A final closure plan containing a schedule and description of the steps necessary to close the facility and financial assurance information.

(d) If a natural ground surface is to be used for storage or if any surface impoundments, lagoons, or other structures for storage or conveyance of leachate, runoff or condensate are proposed, soil borings of the property shall be provided in accordance with the following:

Click here to view table.

(e) The site plan map shall depict the facility layout on the property and include profile views of all structures, utilities and enclosures showing height, breadth and bulk dimensions. Dimensions for loading, unloading, storage (for example, incoming waste, outgoing product), processing, composting and curing areas shall be provided. Identify the type of drainage system, run-off and leachate control systems. Building setbacks and the distances of any onsite proposed or existing structure, processing area or treatment area, and streets from the site boundaries shall be indicated. The site plan map shall include interior floor plans showing the layout, profile view and dimensions of the interior unloading, sorting, storage, processing, and loading areas as well as auxiliary functional areas such as offices and employees' facilities.

(f) Solid waste composting and co-composting facility engineering design requirements are as follows:

1. The composting structure must withstand wear and tear of normal operations. A roof shall cover the receiving, processing, production and curing areas. Floor structure must be impermeable (10[LESS THAN]-7[GREATER THAN] cm/sec) and be sloped to prevent ponding of liquids and to direct leachate to a leachate collection system. Leachate control shall be provided wherever leachate is generated.

2. All building enclosures shall be designed with a minimum setback of 100 feet from the property line of the facility. Any part of facility operations open to the environment shall be designed with a minimum setback of 2,500 feet from the nearest sensitive environmental receptor.

3. The facility design plan must address management of storm water and leachate:

i. Storm water which does come in contact with material on site shall be considered leachate.

ii. The leachate collection and removal system shall be designed for reuse in processing or treatment as dictated by local authorities.

4. The facility design must provide for:

i. Effective barriers to unauthorized entry and dumping (fencing, gates, locks, etc.);

ii. Adequate access roads to the site;

iii. Appropriate signs (at facility entrance, directing traffic flow, public information);

iv. Access to scales, if applicable;

v. Equipment and methods for achieving odor, noise, vector, dust, and litter control; and

vi. Fire protection and control features.

5. The facility shall have sufficient capacity to handle projected incoming volumes of waste.

6. The facility design must address specific storage issues, including:

i. Capacity for incoming wastes waiting to be processed (three days plus contingency storage);

ii. Capacity for proper handling, storage, and removal of hazardous or other non-permitted wastes delivered to or generated by the facility; and

iii. Capacity for finished compost storage, not to exceed 15 months' production, in accordance with a compost marketing plan.

7. The facility shall have sufficient structural support for operations (waste, equipment, buildings, etc.).

8. The facility design plan should include provisions for operations during wind, heavy rain, snow, freezing or other inclement weather conditions.

9. An occupational health and safety plan established in conformance with the safety and health standards of the Federal Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1926 and 1910 Safety and Health Standards and Industrial Standards.

10. A written training plan which shall include the type and amount of both the initial and annual follow-up training to be provided to facility personnel;

11. The composting process shall meet the criteria for a process to further reduce pathogens (PFRP) as required by the U.S. EPA ( 40 C.F.R. Part 257 ). Three methods are accepted:

i. Windrow method, which meets PFRP as follows:

(1) Maintain aerobic conditions; and

(2) A minimum of five turnings over 15 consecutive days, maintaining a temperature of not less that 55 degrees Celcius/131 degrees Fahrenheit.

ii. Aerated static pile method which meets PFRP as follows:

(1) Pile insulated with six to 12 inches of insulating material (for example, sawdust, cured compost, or wood chips); and

(2) Temperature of at least 55 degrees Celcius/131 degrees Fahrenheit maintained throughout mixture for three consecutive days.

iii. Enclosed (within) vessel composting method which meets PFRP by:

(1) Temperature maintained at 55 degrees Celcius/131 degrees Fahrenheit throughout mixture for at least three consecutive days.

iv. Any future PFRP provided by Federal or State regulation.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Jersey 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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