April 24, 2002

Continued Operation of C&D Landfills over Closed MSW Landfills

On April 1, 2002 the Solid Waste Section issued an extension of its 1997 policy allowing disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in vertical expansions over closed municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. This applies to landfills which had received MSW after October 9, 1993, but were required to close prior to January 1, 1998.

The 1997 policy allowed owner/operators to apply for a permit to place C&D waste over closed MSW units for a period of up to five years. These permits currently expire on January 1, 2003.

The April 1 policy allows the continued operation of currently permitted C&D landfills until revisions to the C&D landfill rules are completed and promulgated, which is likely to occur in mid-2003. The revised rules will establish permit requirements for C&D landfills over closed MSW landfills, and will address the transition of existing C&D landfills to the new rules.

Requests for extensions should be submitted in writing at least 90 days prior to expiration of the permit. The request for extension should include revisions to the final contours that would result from the extended use of the site. All extensions will be limited to January 1, 2004.