Anyone wishing to conduct solid waste operations must submit the appropriate permit or registration application (available on the IDEM Agency Forms page) and receive IDEM approval before beginning construction and operation of the facility. They must also pay applicable fees to the address specified on the application form. The application must contain design, operation, monitoring, maintenance, and other information required by the rules.
If the Office of Land Quality (OLQ) has questions or needs clarification about the information provided on the application, staff may request additional information. Based on the adequacy of the information in compliance with the rules, OLQ will make a decision to approve or deny an application. Registrations and permits remain valid for five years and must be renewed according to the rules.
A pre-application meeting with solid waste permit staff is recommended so they can answer any questions about completing the application form and providing all required technical information.
Registration Approval Process
Along with providing a complete registration form, applicants must provide information about their proposed operation, including the amount of waste stored and processed; the design of all storage and processing units, including secondary containments for liquid waste storage (if applicable); emergency plans; closure plans; and documentation of financial assurance (if applicable). Except for the waste tire activities, there are no fees for these registrations.
Public comment is not required for new registrations or renewals. The applicant must submit a renewal application at least 60 days before the expiration date to continue to operate.
Changing Ownership
Registrations are not transferable. Any person taking ownership of such a business or facility must re-apply to IDEM to be properly registered before engaging in these activities.
Solid Waste Permit Approval Process
Solid waste landfills and processing facilities must submit an application and receive a permit from IDEM before beginning construction. Types of permits found in 329 IAC 10 [PDF] include:
- New Permit (329 IAC 10-12-1)
- Major Modification (329 IAC 10-2-109)
- Minor Modification (329 IAC 10-2-112)
- Insignificant Modification (329 IAC 10-2-97.1)
Facilities accepting waste from off-site must also complete a “Needs Demonstration” (329 IAC 10-11-7) for new applications and major modifications. Captive landfill facilities that accept only their waste do not need to complete this information. Processing facilities must also complete a “Needs Demonstration” for new applications and major modifications. Transfer stations are not required to complete this information.
All applications for new, major modifications, and renewals must also provide “Good Character” information. IDEM may hold a public meeting or a formal public hearing based on the level of public interest from residents of the county where the landfill or expansion will be located, or if other significant public interest is expressed. IDEM’s public meeting/hearing and the applicant’s informational meeting are usually held together at a convenient location and time for affected citizens.
The applicant must submit a renewal application at least 120 days before the expiration date of the permit to continue to operate.
Solid Waste Landfill Permit Process
All applications for new, major modifications, and a minor modification for an acreage expansion must notify all the adjacent landowners within 10 days of submitting the application. If applying for a new facility permit, or a major modification the applicant must hold a public information meeting. An IDEM representative will be present. IDEM accepts public comment for a minimum of 30 days after it deems the application complete.
Processing Facility Permit Process
Solid waste processing facilities and transfer stations must submit a permit application on a form provided by IDEM and receive IDEM approval before construction. During the review process, IDEM will hold a minimum 30-day public comment period. The applicant is not required to hold an informational meeting.
During the permit review process for an incinerator or waste-to-energy facility, the applicant must hold a public information meeting, at which an IDEM representative will be present.