Permitting of hazardous waste management facilities in California

The siting and operation of hazardous waste management facilities require permits form federal, state, and local agencies. These include permits for land use, water, and air discharges and facility operation. Because of the controversial nature of these facilities, permitting can require the expenditure of thousands of dollars and several years of valuable time. Permit applications must include extensive technical documentation on the design of the facility, its operation and its closure, detailed site information, and assurances of the financial capability of the owner/operator. After the facility is built, emergency plans must be submitted to both local and federal agencies to meet the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) requirements for the safety of its workers, and the facility is subject to inspection and enforcement orders from local, state, and federal agencies. This paper describes the regulatory programs related to permitting hazardous waste management facilities and how the implementing permits can be obtained in the most timely manner. The paper illustrates the permit process within the context of the McClelland Consultants' 'Comprehensive Approvals for Permitting Public, Environmental and Resources' (CAPPER) scheduling process.