Ohio EPA Proposes New C&D Landfill Rules

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) is proposing to upgrade rules for new and expanded landfills that handle C&D a move some say will increase costs and drive such landfills out of business. The biggest proposals would require synthetic liners for the first time at such landfills and improved groundwater monitoring at the landfills Landfill owners would also have to do more monitoring for potential odors and fires.

The agency said the proposed rules will protect the environment and public health and only new or expanded facilities, not current sites. But Ohio’s landfill owners are concerned by these rules, which they say would be very costly.

Ohio has 55 facilities that would be affected. Ohio’s construction landfills accept about 7 million tons of debris each year, 40% of which comes in from out of state. OEPA is accepting public comment on its preliminary rules through April 1. Guidance documents are available at www.epa.ohio.gov/default.aspx?tabid=4006. The draft rules are available at www.epa.ohio.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=2574. The agency said it will consider all comments submitted before April 1 before formally proposing the rules.

The OEPA will hold a public hearing and offer another public-comment period after the rules are formally proposed.

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