National Waste Association Responds to EPA Revisions to Coal Ash Disposal Regulations

WASHINGTON, December 19, 2014 /3BL Media/ - The National Waste & Recycling Association (NW&RA) is pleased with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) issuing of a final rule that requires subtitle D liner for disposal of coal ash at any new facilities.

The new EPA rules allow for states to enforce Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D nonhazardous waste standards for coal ash disposal under state-issued permits. This decision means that coal ash can be safely disposed in landfills that accept non-hazardous waste.

“This change improves the management and treatment of coal ash disposal, creating greater opportunities for the beneficial use of coal combustion products,” said NW&RA president and CEO Sharon Kneiss. “The landfills that may receive this waste are equipped, experienced and prepared to manage it in a safe manner. Furthermore, sufficient landfill capacity exists to handle coal ash waste.”

This RCRA revision clarifies long-time regulatory uncertainty about the classification of coal ash waste. The waste industry has conducted research on handling and disposal of coal ash and has committed to working with utilities to ensure a smooth transition in implementing new requirements.

“This decision provides the structure necessary to ensure the safe disposal and appropriate reuse of these non-hazardous materials,” said Kneiss.  “We will work with coal ash generators and our members to ensure compliance with these new regulations.”

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The National Waste & Recycling Association is the trade association that represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that collect and manage garbage, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NW&RA, visit www.wasterecycling.org.