On December 19, 2014, U.S. EPA finalized a rule for the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) in landfills and surface impoundments. The rule establishes requirements, under Subtitle D of RCRA, for both existing and new CCR landfills and surface impoundments, including structural integrity requirements, groundwater monitoring and corrective action, liner design criteria, operating criteria, and closure and post closure requirements. The final rule does not regulate CCRs that are beneficially used, and provides a definition of beneficial use to distinguish between beneficial use and disposal.
The final rule will be effective 180 days after publication in the Federal Register.