Division of Solid Waste Management

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) is happy to answer questions and provide technical assistance pertaining to any inquiries regarding demolition, construction, or other intrusive activities with potential solid or hazardous waste impacts. For program information, visit our website at: tn.gov/environment/sw-solid-waste.

There are many projects that seek TDEC-DSWM’s review through a request for environmental consultation. The term “environmental consultation” includes but is not limited to environmental review requests, phase I or II environmental site assessment investigations, or requests for information for projects in the scoping phase for planned preparation of an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).¹

What types of projects are suitable for environmental consultation from TDEC-DSWM?

Projects suitable for environmental consultation from DSWM may include any project involving construction, demolition, or disposal of solid and/or hazardous wastes. Requests for consultation pertaining to any of the aforementioned purposes may be submitted directly to Benjamin Almassi in TDEC-DSWM at benjamin.almassi@tn.gov. Written, electronic submittal of requests and supporting documentation are preferred.²

What should I include in my request to TDEC-DSWM?

When submitting a request for environmental consultation to DSWM, the following documentation is helpful. Please keep in mind that the level of detail provided with your request dictates the level of detail provided within DSWM’s response.

• Detailed description of project
• Maps and/or project location
• Description of construction or demolition activities, including any information on excavation or materials to be removed, extent of construction
• Deadline requested for response and what type of response you are seeking from DSWM

What should I expect to receive from TDEC-DSWM?

DSWM will review the details of projects and provide a response which may include:

• Summary of potential impacts and any issues or concerns identified during the review
• Recommendations for best management practices or actions to reduce potential impacts or address concerns with the proposed project.
• Information pertaining to permits, certifications, training, or other approvals which may be required for waste handling and disposal from DSWM. 
  

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¹ If a draft Environmental Assessment or draft Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to NEPA has been developed, it should be sent with all supporting materials and a request for review to TDEC.NEPA@tn.gov.

² Mailing address: TDEC Division of Solid Waste Management; Attn: Lisa Hughey, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 14 th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243. Phone: (615) 532-0858. 

Who should I contact for more information?

For specific questions regarding projects with potential solid waste, please contact Jeremy Hooper at (615) 532-0072 or jeremy.hooper@tn.gov. For specific questions regarding projects with potential hazardous waste impacts, please contact Benjamin Almassi, at (615) 837-5349 or benjamin.almassi@tn.gov.

In addition to staffing at the Nashville Central Office, DSWM staff are located in each of the eight TDEC Environmental Field Offices (EFOs), as well as the many county offices across the state. DSWM contact information within each of the EFOs is provided below.