Are You Burning “Non-hazardous Solid Waste”? The Impact of New MACT Regulations on SSIs

Abstract

The recent designation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) of biosolids incinerated at Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) as "nonhazardous solid waste" will greatly impact multiple hearth and fluidized bed incinerator installations and planning for existing and new sewage sludge incinerators (SSIs). Under this new definition, the limits for incinerator emissions will now be established using Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) provisions under the CFR 129 Hazardous Waste Incineration regulations. The application of CFR 129 regulations to incinerators processing biosolids will make emission limits much more stringent. This paper presents the potential impacts on existing and new biosolids incinerators regulated under this new classification, particularly new emission control equipment needed to meet the new limits. This paper will provide planning guidance for owners of POTWS for the continuation of incineration or for implementing new incineration facilities.