DSWM Notice of Rulemaking Hearing

These rules are proposed to amend Chapter 0400-11-01 Solid Waste Processing and Disposal. The majority of the proposed amendments are to correct, clarify, or remove unclear and unnecessary requirements. These changes include:

• Clarifying the difference between major and minor landfill modifications to clarify permitting requirements and improve Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) work flow;• Defining appurtenances and associated buffer requirements;
• Clarifying the permitting process;
• Clarifying the fee schedule and regulatory timelines;
• Updating, at the request of the Department of Health, the definition of “medical waste” to reduce unnecessary costs for the medical community; and
• Making it clear that a permittee must notify DSWM within 24 hours if a fire as occurred at its facility.

Other rule changes bring the rules for transfer stations and landfills in line with existing industry and department practices. This includes:

• Requiring a roof on transfer stations that manage putrescible waste;
• Reducing scenarios in which DSWM would allow a leachate pipe to penetrate the bottom liner of a landfill; and
• Adding requirements for secondary containment of leachate.

An initial set of draft rules has been prepared for public review and comment and may also be accessed for review using at https://www.tn.gov/environment/ppo-public-participation/ppo-public-participation/ppo-waste.

Oral or written comments are invited at the hearing. In addition, written comments may be submitted prior to or after the public hearing to: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Solid Waste Management; Attention: Jeremy Hooper, William R. Snodgrass TN Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 14th Floor, Nashville, Tennessee 37243; telephone (615) 686-7847, email: Jeremy.Hooper@tn.gov. However, such written comments must be received by 4:30 PM Central Time, January 12, 2024, in order to assure consideration. For further information, please contact Jeremy Hooper at the above address or telephone number, or by e-mail.