Transfer Stations in Idaho
Transfer stations are facilities where solid wastes are transferred from a vehicle or container and then transported off site to another facility. Rural dropboxes and other storage facilities where individual wastes are stored are not considered transfer stations, although waste tire collection sites are included.
Under Idaho's Solid Waste Management Rules (IDAPA 58. 01.06), transfer stations are classified as Tier II facilities and must comply with basic Tier II regulations and deadlines and meet certain specific additional design, operating, and closure requirements.
Tier II Regulations
Basic Tier II regulations cover five areas: location, operation, design, closure, and postclosure care. For example, siting Tier II facilities near airports, critical habitat areas, and floodplains is restricted, and all Tier II facilities must develop and implement operating, odor management, and closure plans. All of these regulations are designed to ensure that Tier II facilities are constructed and operated in a manner protective of public health and the environment. Transfer stations must also meet certain specific additional design, operating, and closure requirements such as construction of a durable and impermeable tipping floor and maintenance of sanitary conditions.
Tier III Regulations
Transfer stations may be classified as Tier III facilities if they are determined by DEQ to be managing solid waste in a manner or volume that will form toxic leachate or gas or are likely to pose a substantial risk to human health or the environment. If so, the facilities are subject to Tier III regulations and deadlines.
Tier III regulations also cover six areas: location, operation, design, ground water monitoring, closure, and postclosure care. Of particular note is required installation of a ground water monitoring system.