Beneficial Reuse of Low Hazard Materials

There may be good news for industries that generate large volumes of “low hazard materials” as it relates to beneficial reuse. This potential good news is in three Michigan bills (HB 5400; 5401; 5402) amending Part 115 of PA 451 (Michigan’s equivalent to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA]). These bills were voted out of the House Natural Resources Committee in April 2014 and are expected to be approved by the full house in early May.

Michigan regulation of foundry sand coal ash and more

The intent of this legislation is to allow for the beneficial reuse of high volume, low hazard materials (foundry sand, coal ash, paper sludge, cement kiln dust, stamp sands, etc.) in a more streamlined and transparent regulatory process. These amendments specifically defined are certain beneficial uses (Beneficial Use 1, 2, 3, and 4) for which these materials can be used, as well as the circumstances and conditions under which they can be used such that they are protective of human health and the environment.

The current proposed legislation is only the most recent of numerous attempts to update the structure under which these wastes are classified and reused. With that being said, this version seems to have the most widespread support and momentum within the legislature.

Keep your eyes open for updates, as the legislature is expected to vote on the proposed language before the summer break.

If you have questions about this or about current inertness designations under Part 115, please contact Jeffrey Bolin, M.S., CHMM (jbolin@dragun.com) at 248-932-0228, ext. 125.