2023 ASTSWMO Statement on Coal Combustion Residuals Program Implementation

In April 2023, the ASTSWMO Board of Directors approved an update to the ASTSWMO Statement on Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Program Implementation that was initially released in January 2022. The updated statement reflects State and Territorial (State) feedback provided to ASTSWMO in January 2023 regarding implementation of the CCR rule and the State CCR permit program approval process. It also recognizes U.S. Environmental Protection Agency CCR activities since the initial statement was issued.

ASTSWMO Statement on Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Program Implementation

Many States are working towards obtaining EPA CCR permit program approval. As such, ASTSWMO members identified several topics related to State adoption and implementation of the CCR program that require additional input from EPA in the form of rule or guidance. In the Statement, ASTSWMO urges EPA to provide such input for greater certainty for States.

ASTSWMO Solid Waste Disposal and Conversion Task Force Comments Proposed to Federal CCR Permit Program

The Solid Waste Disposal and Conversion Task Force within the Materials Management Subcommittee of the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed rule, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program, published in the Federal Register on February 20, 2020 (85 FR 9940). These comments have not been reviewed or adopted by the ASTSWMO Board of Directors. In addition, individual State or Territorial solid waste programs may also provide comments based on their own perspectives and experiences.

ASTSWMO Position Paper on Federal Regulation of Coal Combustion Residuals

On April 17, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the final rule, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System; Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities (80 FR 21301). This Position Paper is a brief update from ASTSWMO to comment on current developments in the regulation of coal combustion residuals (CCR).

ASTSWMO Position Paper on Coal Combustion Residuals

This publication has been replaced by this document here.
On June 21, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the rule, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System; Identification and Listing of Special Wastes; Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities (75 FR 35127). In this rulemaking, EPA co-proposed two options for regulation of coal combustion residuals (CCRs). Under one option, EPA would reverse its August 1993 and May 2000 Bevill Regulatory Determinations regarding CCRs and list CCRs as a special waste subject to regulation under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) when they are destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments. The other option would leave the Bevill determination in place and regulate disposal of CCRs under RCRA Subtitle D, with EPA issuing national minimum criteria under 40 CFR part 257 Criteria for Classification of Solid Waste Disposal Facilities and Practices. The proposal did not address the placement of CCRs in mines, or non-minefill uses of CCRs at coal mine sites. The proposal also did not change the May 2000 Regulatory Determination for beneficially used CCRs, which as EPA noted are currently exempt from the hazardous waste regulations under Section 3001(b)(3)(A) of RCRA. However, EPA did indicate that it was clarifying the determination and seeking comment on potential refinements for certain beneficial uses. This position paper is based in large part upon comments that ASTSWMO provided to EPA on November 19, 2010 in response to the proposal.