Field Office Compliance - Assistance

Assistance ID - 122614
Newton Sanitary Landfill - 311216778
3202 Highway 14 South Newton, IA 50208
Jasper County

FO 5

Report
File Name File Type File Date Note
Comments
2/4/2022 Here's Sue's response to Mike: I It is up to landfills if they would like an SWA for any particular waste stream. While some landfills do have SWA's for diatomaceous earth, some do not, again, it is up to the landfills. There has been a history of DE catching on fire, so early on, the DNR did want to keep track of where the DE was going as there were a lot of issues. Some landfills still require the SWA for this material due to the combustion issue. Back in 2007, I had EPA come to Iowa and give a full day presentation on this waste stream to assist waste generators and landfills. From that meeting, this document was developed. If you have been accepting it throughout the years with no issues, I would say an SWA would not be necessary. Just make sure the waste generator has made a correct waste determination on the waste, again focusing on the spontaneous combustion of the waste. Test method 1030 is the DOT test for this and is what I usually require. If it fails this test, it is regulated for transport under DOT regulations and is a good clue it may catch on fire at the landfill. Keep in mind that this waste characterization changes due to how it is being stored. Some Biodiesel plants have said it did not become combustible until it sat for some time. and spreading it out just made a bigger fire. So the best storage solution is to keep it covered, out of the sun, wind etc. (think fire triangle - Oxygen, heat, fuel) and bury it right away at the landfill. Also keep in mind that the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule that is in effect in Iowa, requires the waste generator to make a waste determination "as generated" and ongoing throughout the handling of the waste. So in summary, it is completely up to each landfill and an SWA is not required for this material. Just keep in mind the spontaneous combustion characteristic of this waste stream. BILL GROSS
2/4/2022 Mike called to discuss the expired SWA for REG diatomaceous earth. I told him to contact Sue Johnson (DNR). Here's Mike's email to Sue: Sue, I am working on our paperwork for a SWA with REG in Newton for diatomaceous earth. The attached letter is dated 2-1-2017 and expired. Speaking with Joel Mills in Newton and Dan Kilkenny in Ames, they advised, speaking with you a SWA is not needed. Bill Gross completed the Annual IDNR Inspection in November and noted we need an updated SWA. Speaking with Doug Luzbetak with HLW, REG does not have current SWA in several landfills. I am asking what is needed as we may not be on the same page. Nothing has changed with the refuse coming in from REG; therefore, can we reissue a SWA or send confirmation we are in compliance. I sent a couple of emails, left phone messages, requesting a new test and REG is not responding to our request. BILL GROSS
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