The NY Federation of Solid Waste and Recycling (Federation) affiliate organizations will weigh in on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) proposed Part 360 Solid Waste Management regulations during a special regional roundtable with NYSDEC representatives during the Federations’ annual conference, which runs next month May 15 through May 18. Lorinda Hill, New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling (NYSAR3) At-Large Board Member, Bruce Howie, Solid Waste Association of North American (SWANA) NY President, and Bill Rabbia, New York State Association for Solid Waste Management (NYSASWM) President will offer their unique viewpoints. Operators unsure about how the proposed regulations will impact their solid waste management system will find value in the informal roundtable on the morning of Wednesday, May 18th at the Federation conference. Called “Perspectives on Part 360” Luann Meyer, from Barton & Loguidice, DPC will moderate the discussion between Federation affiliates. NYSDEC regional staff will be available in the Trade Show at Booth # 102 during the exhibit hall hours to answer questions on the proposed rulemaking as part of their outreach to this comprehensive revision to existing regulations.
The last comprehensive revisions to the regulations governing solid waste management in New York State occurred in 1993. The proposed draft regulations can be found online here http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html. The NYSDEC is in the midst of the public vetting process of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) and comments can be submitted via email, mail or at public hearings throughout the state in the month of June. One key component of this proposed rulemaking is to subdivide the solid waste management facility regulations into groups that are similar in nature, such as facilities that recycle and recover materials. Additional highlights of the proposed changes include:
- Permit applications submitted by private entities must also demonstrate consistency with Local Solid Waste Management Plan for municipalities in the facility’s service area.
- A reduction in the minimum thickness of the barrier protection layer above a final landfill cover system, from the current 24-inches to either 12-inches or 18-inches depending on vegetation selection.
- Registration provisions, instead of permits, for food scrap composting increase from 1000 to 5000 cubic yards per year.
There is still time to register for the Federation conference here. Last year, over 600 participants were registered from New York, other northeast states, Canada and Europe. Since 2000, the Conference and Trade Show has been held at The Sagamore, a historic four-diamond resort on Lake George. One of New York’s landmark hotels, The Sagamore is situated on its own 80-acre island and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information, visit www.nyfederation.org.