(4)
General
requirements for acceptance of non-traditional or alternative feedstocks for
anaerobic digestion. Non-traditional feedstocks (NTFs) shall be approved by the
director prior to use in anaerobic digestion.
(a)
A request for
approval to accept an NTF shall be submitted on forms approved by Ohio EPA and
include, at a minimum, the following, unless waived or modified in writing by
Ohio EPA:
(i)
The name of the treatment works where the NTF will be
accepted.
(ii)
The source or generator of the NTF and the current
disposal method of the NTF.
(iii)
A detailed
description of the NTF including analytical data that identifies any known or
potential parameters of concern (POC) that may cause or threaten to cause an
adverse effect on the anaerobic digestion process or to public health and
safety or the environment.
The analytical data shall be sufficient
to characterize representative conditions of the generation of the NTF. Ohio
EPA may request additional analytical data after an initial review of the
request for approval.
(iv)
A description
and flow diagram of the facility and process that generates the
NTF.
(v)
For each treatment works where the NTF will be
accepted, the maximum amount of the NTF included in the request for approval,
the frequency of acceptance, and the average amount expected at that
frequency.
(vi)
A copy of any material safety data sheets (MSDS) and
hazardous waste determinations for the NTF.
(vii)
Results of
pilot scale digester studies that include, at a minimum, the following:
(a)
A description of
the operational conditions used during the study that shall simulate typical
digester conditions, including mixing the NTF with other feedstocks expected to
be present to determine how feedstocks may interact.
(b)
A measure of the
biodegradability of the NTF and its potential to produce methane via anaerobic
digestion.
(c)
The degree to which the NTF may inhibit methane
production.
(d)
The concentration of each POC before and after
digestion.
(e)
A determination of the potential for odor generation
from the acceptance and management of the NTF.
(viii)
A detailed
description of any impact, including the methods that will be used to control
the impacts, that may result from the following:
(a)
Acceptance of the
NTF in regard to operation of the anaerobic digester.
(b)
Beneficial use of
biosolids generated during anaerobic digestion.
(c)
The management of
odors.
(ix)
A detailed description of any special management or
storage requirements due to the physical, biological or chemical
characteristics of the NTF.
(x)
Any other
information deemed necessary by Ohio EPA.
(b)
A request for
approval to accept an NTF that fails to provide Ohio EPA with required
information may be considered defective. Ohio EPA may either request additional
information or return the application to the applicant without further
processing. An indication of the deficiency shall accompany the application
returned.
(c)
The director or an authorized representative shall not
approve an NTF request submitted in accordance with this rule unless all of the
following are determined:
(i)
The use of the NTF is technically feasible for
anaerobic digestion.
(ii)
Methane production shall be maintained or improved in
the anaerobic digester with the addition of NTF.
(iii)
The treatment
works is in substantial compliance with this chapter and all other applicable
laws and regulations.
(iv)
The applicant has demonstrated that the acceptance and
processing of the NTF and subsequent beneficial use of biosolids will not cause
or threaten to cause an adverse impact on public health and safety or the
environment, or generate nuisance odors.
(v)
The acceptance
and processing of the NTF is unlikely to cause violations of this chapter,
Chapter 6111., 3704., or 3734. of the Revised Code, or any other applicable
federal or state laws or regulations.
(d)
The director or
an authorized representative may establish additional conditions in the
approval of the NTF, including but not limited to, the following:
(i)
Additional
monitoring for any POCs before and after digestion.
(ii)
Additional
monitoring of the beneficial use of biosolids containing the digested NTF (e.g.
soil, field tile runoff after rain event).
(iii)
Periodic
reporting of the volume of NTF accepted and the results of any required
additional monitoring.
(iv)
Minimizing odor generation and preventing nuisance
odors.
(v)
Conditions on acceptance of the NTF that address any of
the following:
(a)
Volume of the NTF to be accepted.
(b)
Frequency of
acceptance of the NTF.
(c)
Anaerobic digester operational conditions, when the NTF
is included.
(d)
Potential interactions of the NTF with other
feedstocks.
(e)
POC concentrations in the NTF.
(f)
Changes in the
NTF generating facility or process.
(g)
Other conditions
determined by the director or an authorized representative to be necessary to
protect public health or safety or the environment.
(e)
The
director may revoke approval of the acceptance of the NTF if any of the
following have occurred:
(i)
Acceptance of the NTF has caused or is causing adverse
effects on the anaerobic digestion process or on public health or safety or the
environment.
(ii)
Acceptance of the NTF is causing a
nuisance.
(iii)
Acceptance of the NTF has caused or is causing
violations of this chapter or any applicable state or federal laws or
regulations.