Putrescible Solid Waste Transfer Stations

RCNY tit. 16, ch. 4, subch. B

in effect

16 RCNY § 4-11 Definitions.

§ 4-11 Definitions. When used in this subchapter: Air contaminant. "Air contaminant" shall mean any particulate matter or any gas or any combination thereof in the open air, other than uncombined water or air. Diesel engine. "Diesel engine" shall mean an engine that operates on or is capable of operating on diesel fuel. Equipment. "Equipment" shall mean all implements used in the operation of the putrescible solid waste transfer station, including but not limited to motor-driven machinery. Gasoline engine. "Gasoline engine" shall mean an engine that operates on or is capable of operating on gasoline fuel. Intermodal solid waste container facility. "Intermodal solid waste container facility" shall mean a facility or premises served by rail or vessel at which intermodal containers are transferred from transport vehicle to transport vehicle for the purpose of consolidating intermodal containers for shipment by rail or vessel to an authorized disposal or treatment facility, where the contents of each container remain in their closed containers during the transfer between transport vehicles, and storage remains incidental to transport at the location where the containers are consolidated, and that is required to register with the Department of Sanitation pursuant to § 16-130 and § 16-131 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York and Subchapter D of this Chapter. Non-putrescible solid waste. "Non-putrescible solid waste" shall mean solid waste, whether or not contained in receptacles, that does not contain organic matter having the tendency to decompose with the formation of malodorous by-products, including but not limited to dirt, earth, plaster, concrete, rock, rubble, slag, ashes, waste timber, lumber, plexiglass, fiberglass, ceramic tiles, asphalt, sheetrock, tar paper, tree stumps, wood, window frames, metal, steel, glass, plastic pipes and tubes, rubber hoses and tubes, electric wires and cables, paper and cardboard. Nonroad motor vehicle. "Nonroad motor vehicle" shall mean equipment that is propelled by a diesel engine or gasoline engine in or upon which a person or material may be transported on the ground and that is used or is located at a transfer station. A nonroad motor vehicle shall include, but not be limited to, front end loaders, backhoes and bulldozers and shall not include cars, trucks or locomotives. Opacity. "Opacity" shall mean the degree to which emissions reduce the transmission of light and obscure the view of an object in the background. Particulate matter. "Particulate matter" shall mean any liquid, other than water, or any solid that is or tends to be capable of becoming windblown or being suspended in air. Person. "Person" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, association, firm, trust, estate or any other legal entity whatsoever. Putrescible solid waste. "Putrescible solid waste" shall mean solid waste containing organic matter having the tendency to decompose with the formation of malodorous by-products. Putrescible solid waste transfer station. "Putrescible solid waste transfer station" shall mean any structure, building or other premises, whether improved or unimproved, at which any amount of putrescible solid waste is received for the purpose of subsequent transfer to another location, regardless of whether such putrescible solid waste is mixed with non-putrescible solid waste or is subject to any processing or reduction in volume at such structure, building or premises. Facilities permitted or exempt pursuant to 6 NYCRR Subparts 360-3 and 360-5 or their successors and intermodal solid waste container facilities are not putrescible solid waste transfer stations. Solid waste. "Solid waste" shall mean all putrescible and non-putrescible materials or substances, other than those materials or substances described in paragraph (2) of this definition, that are discarded or rejected, including but not limited to, garbage, refuse, waste collected by any person required to be licensed or permitted pursuant to Chapter one of Title sixteen-A of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, rubbish, tires, ashes, contained gaseous material, incinerator residue, construction and demolition debris, discarded automobiles and offal. Such term shall include recyclable materials, as defined in subsection (i) of § 16-303 of Title sixteen of the Administrative Code of the City of New York. (1) A material is discarded or rejected if it is: (i) spent, useless, worthless or in excess to the owners at the time of such discard or rejection; (ii) disposed of; (iii) burned or incinerated, including material burned as a fuel for the purpose of recovering useable energy; or (iv) accumulated, stored or physically, chemically or biologically treated (other than burned or incinerated) instead of or before being disposed of. (2) The following are not solid waste for the purpose of this section: (i) domestic sewage; (ii) any mixture of domestic sewage and other wastes that passes through a sewer system to a publicly owned treatment works for treatment, except any material that is introduced into such system in order to avoid the provisions of this Rule, 24 RCNY Health Code Article 157, Title sixteen of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, or of state regulations promulgated to regulate solid waste management facilities; (iii) industrial wastewater discharges that are actual point source discharges subject to permits under Article seventeen of the Environmental Conservation Law; provided that industrial wastewaters while they are being collected, stored or treated before discharge and sludges that are generated by industrial wastewater treatment are solid wastes; (iv) irrigation return flows; (v) radioactive materials that are source, special nuclear, or by-product material under the Federal Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2011 et seq.; (vi) materials subject to in-situ mining techniques which are not removed from the ground as part of the extraction process; (vii) hazardous waste as defined in § 27-0901 of the Environmental Conservation Law, including material containing hazardous waste; and (viii) regulated medical waste as defined in Title fifteen of Article twenty-seven of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law, in Title thirteen of Article thirteen of the New York State Public Health Law or in § 16-120.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York or any rules promulgated pursuant to such provisions of law. Standard smoke chart. "Standard smoke chart" shall mean the Ringelmann chart, as published by the United States bureau of mines, photographically reduced to 1/18th in size for use in the field. Stationary equipment. "Stationary equipment" shall mean equipment powered by a diesel engine or gasoline engine that will remain stationary during use and that is used or is located at a transfer station. Stationary equipment shall include, but not be limited to, cranes, excavators, crushers, screeners, chippers and shredders. Transport vehicle. "Transport vehicle" shall mean any motor vehicle, rail car, vessel, or other means of transportation used to deliver solid waste into, or remove solid waste from, a putrescible solid waste transfer station. U.S. EPA Method 9. "U.S. EPA Method 9" shall mean the United States Environmental Protection Agency method, codified at Title 40 of Federal Regulations Part 60, Appendix A-4, for use by a certified observer to visually determine the opacity of air contaminant emissions from stationary sources. U.S. EPA Method 22. "U.S. EPA Method 22" shall mean the United States Environmental Protection Agency method, codified at Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60, Appendix A-7, for use by a trained and knowledgeable observer to visually determine the presence of and amount of time that visible air contaminant emissions occur.

16 RCNY § 4-12 Compliance with State and Local Law.

§ 4-12 Compliance with State and Local Law. Every person who owns, operates, maintains or otherwise controls a putrescible solid waste transfer station regulated by this Rule shall comply fully with the New York State Environmental Conservation Law and rules promulgated thereunder including, but not limited to, Title six of the New York Code, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 360, and all conditions stated in any permit issued thereunder, Title 16 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, Chapters 1 and 2 of Title 24 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York (Air Pollution and Noise Control), Subchapter 3 of Chapter 1 of Title 26 and Chapter 1 of Title 27 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York (Building Code), the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York (including, but not limited to, applicable performance standards), and all other applicable local and state laws and rules, including those regarding general transportation and vehicular transport routes.

16 RCNY § 4-13 Sites and Plans.

§ 4-13 Sites and Plans. (a) All materials submitted to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in connection with an application for a putrescible solid waste transfer station permit, pursuant to Title six of the NYCRR Part 360, or any currently applicable rule relating to transfer stations, including but not limited to an application for an initial permit to construct and operate, or an application to modify or renew a permit, shall be submitted to the Department of Sanitation if a permit or application is required pursuant to 16 RCNY § 4-14. Materials submitted to the Department of Sanitation shall include, but not be limited to: the regional plan or map, site plan, and engineering report submitted to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The site plan shall be supplemented by materials indicating the putrescible solid waste transfer station's tax block and lot number, property boundaries, including a metes and bounds description of the property consistent with the deed submitted pursuant to 16 RCNY § 4-14, zoning, borough, and locations of fences, gates, entrances and exits, and parking spaces and truck spaces where vehicles my wait prior to their deposit or removal of solid waste. The engineering report shall be supplemented by materials indicating the location and pathways of all floor drains, including pipes and holding tanks for waste water, and any materials necessary to demonstrate compliance with the performance standards of the applicable section(s) of the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York. (b) In addition, applications for permits and renewals required pursuant to this subchapter shall include: (1) Identification of the specified areas within a putrescible solid waste transfer station for all activities relating to the receipt, tipping, sorting, processing, compaction and storage of solid waste. (2) A proposed plan specifying all lawful routes for all transport vehicles transporting solid waste into and out of the putrescible solid waste transfer station which shall include: (i) a map describing not less than one square mile of the area surrounding the proposed putrescible solid waste transfer station, clearly marking the routes where transport vehicles will be transporting solid waste into and out of the putrescible solid waste transfer station, and connecting roadways permitted to be used by transporting trucks; and (ii) the estimated number and type of transport vehicles to be used, and the daily, weekly and monthly number of vehicle arrivals and departures at the putrescible solid waste transfer station. (3) A blueprint or drawing, submitted and certified by a professional engineer, describing ventilation equipment, including equipment location, capacity, manufacturer and date of installation, provided that current permit holders shall submit such blueprint or drawing within thirty days of the effective date of this Rule. (c) All site plans submitted pursuant to this section shall meet all design requirements specified in 16 RCNY § 4-16. (d) The Department my request any additional information that is reasonably necessary to ensure that the putrescible solid waste transfer station complies with these Rules.

16 RCNY § 4-14 Permits.

§ 4-14 Permits. (a) No person shall operate a putrescible solid waste transfer station without a permit issued by the Commissioner of Sanitation. No permit is required, however, for a putrescible solid waste transfer station operated by the Department. Review of any application for a Department of Sanitation putrescible solid waste transfer station permit may be suspended or terminated if the putrescible solid waste transfer station applicant is found to be operating any facility required to be permitted pursuant to § 16-130 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York without a permit therefor or in violation of any such permit. The term of a putrescible solid waste transfer station permit shall not exceed one year. The annual fee for such permit shall be thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000). (b) A permit to operate a putrescible solid waste transfer station shall not be issued by the Commissioner unless the applicant has submitted the materials required by 16 RCNY § 4-13, has conformed to the design and equipment requirements contained in 16 RCNY § 4-16 and has submitted to the Department the following: (1) A certified copy of a Certificate of Occupancy or, where applicable, a temporary Certificate of Occupancy, from the Department of Buildings of the City of New York, indicating the applicable Use Group pursuant to the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York and, if applicable, a copy of a written variance for the zoning lot from the Board of Standards and Appeals or any successor agency; and/or a copy of a certification or authorization of the Department of Small Business Services of the city of New York; (2) A certification from a title insurance corporation, as such corporation is defined in § 6401 of the Insurance Law, or from a duly authorized agent thereof, establishing the ownership of the property upon which the putrescible solid waste transfer station is sited or proposed to be sited; (3) Documentary evidence as may be appropriate to show that all penalties, including those of the Environmental Control Board, imposed upon the applicant, the property owner, and any other person in control of or having an interest in the putrescible solid waste transfer station operation, for violations of 24 RCNY Health Code Article 157, or Title 16, Title 17, Chapter 1 of Title 16-A, Chapter 1 of Title 26 and Title 27 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, or rules promulgated thereunder, that relate to the ownership or operation of a putrescible solid waste transfer station, non-putrescible solid waste transfer station, dump or fill material operation, have been paid or otherwise satisfied; (4) Proof of workers' compensation coverage, or that the applicant is exempt from Workers' Compensation Law § 57, and proof of disability benefits coverage, or that the applicant is exempt from Workers' Compensation Law § 220, Subdivision 8 (disability benefits law); (5) A written and notarized acknowledgement by the applicant and, if different from the applicant, the fee owner of the real property, that the applicant and/or fee owner may be held primarily liable for the removal of all solid waste and any other material from the putrescible solid waste transfer station; (6) A certified copy of the deed, as recorded in the office of the City Register or, in Richmond County, the County Clerk, setting forth a metes and bounds description of the property, and, if applicable, a copy of the lease or sublease or a certified copy of the lease or sublease if such lease or sublease is recorded, for the premises at which the putrescible solid waste transfer station is proposed to be located. The Permittee shall notify the Commissioner within ten business days if the ownership of the property has changed or any other conveyance of title has taken place. Any new acknowledgements required pursuant to paragraph (5) of this subsection shall be provided simultaneously; (7) A copy of all permits or other authorizations to construct or operate required under local and state laws and regulations, including the New York State Environmental Conservation Law and Title six of the NYCRR or its successor, or currently applicable regulations relating to transfer stations; (8) A surety bond or an irrevocable letter of credit in a sum to be determined by the Commissioner of Sanitation. This sum shall not exceed the estimated cost to the Department of the removal of all solid waste and material defined in paragraph (2) of the definition of "solid waste" in 16 RCNY § 4-11 from the putrescible solid waste transfer station in the event that such removal becomes necessary and the permittee fails to remove such solid waste and material. A bond shall be executed by the applicant and a surety authorized to conduct business within the State of New York and approved by the Commissioner and, in the case of an irrevocable letter of credit, such letter of credit shall be issued by a financial institution authorized to conduct business within the State of New York. Such bond or letter of credit shall name the Department as obligee. The face amount of the bond or letter of credit shall be based on the size of the transfer station and the volume and nature of the material to be removed. The Commissioner of Sanitation may from time to time review the adequacy of such surety bond or letter of credit and thereafter require an applicant or permittee to obtain an increase in the amount of the bond or irrevocable letter of credit not to exceed the estimated cost of the removal of such solid waste and material. The Commissioner may authorize an applicant to provide other security, including cash, if the Commissioner finds that compliance with the bond or letter of credit requirement is not reasonably possible and the public interest would be served by such authorization. A surety bond issued pursuant to this subparagraph shall not expire until six months have elapsed after the revocation, surrender, expiration or other termination of the permit; (9) A written plan for the control of noise levels, as specified in 16 RCNY § 4-17; (10) A written plan for the control of vibrations, to ensure compliance with the applicable performance standards of the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York; (11) A written plan by a professional engineer for the control of odors. The plan shall list all the odor-neutralizing agents that are used or will be used and the method of application; (12) The names, addresses, and dates of operation of any solid waste management facility or related businesses, currently or previously owned or operated by the applicant, or any principal of the applicant, such as private carting companies and non-putrescible solid waste transfer stations, whether or not located in New York city; (13) The applicant shall provide his/her/its business address and phone number. If the applicant is a corporation, the application must (i) state the names and home and business addresses of the principals of the corporation; (ii) contain the signature of a corporate officer; (iii) have the corporate seal impressed thereon; and (iv) include a copy of the New York State Corporation Filing Receipt. If the applicant is a partnership, the application must (i) state the names and home and business addresses of all partners; (ii) include a copy of the partnership papers, certified by the County Clerk. If the applicant is required to file a certificate pursuant to § 130 of the General Business Law, a certified copy of such certificate shall be submitted to the Department. The applicant shall also submit the names and addresses of all persons or entities, other than a financial institution licensed to do business in the State of New York, to which the applicant is indebted in an amount equal to or greater than three thousand dollars ($3,000). The Permittee shall have the continuing duty to inform the Department of Sanitation of any changes in the principals of the business entity owning or operating the putrescible solid waste transfer station. For purposes of this subparagraph, "principal" includes, but is not limited to, any director, officer (for example, president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, board chairman, chief executive officer) or partner of a business entity, and shall include any shareholder (including another business entity) who owns ten percent or more of any class of issued company stock; (14) Written confirmation of accessibility to an alternative site holding a permit under this Rule or 24 RCNY Health Code Article 157 and capable of receiving and processing putrescible solid waste as required by subsection (d) of 16 RCNY § 4-17. Such confirmation shall be signed by the operator of the alternative site and shall be updated or reconfirmed as necessary. (c) Any permit issued to a putrescible solid waste transfer station by the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health pursuant to 24 RCNY Health Code Article 157 prior to the effective date of this Rule shall remain in full force and effect on and after such date, unless suspended or revoked by the Commissioner of Health prior to such date, and shall, on and after the effective date of this subchapter, be deemed to constitute a permit issued by the Department of Sanitation, provided that the holder of such permit files an application for a new permit with the Sanitation Commissioner within thirty days after the effective date of this subchapter. On and after the effective date of this subchapter, the Sanitation Commissioner may suspend or revoke such permit pursuant to law, issue a new permit or deny the application for a new permit. If the holder of such permit fails to file an application for a new permit with the Sanitation Commissioner within thirty days after the effective date of this subchapter, such permit issued by the Health Commissioner shall be null and void and be of no further effect. The fee for any putrescible solid waste transfer station permit issued by the Sanitation Commissioner pursuant to § 16-130 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York to a person who holds a permit issued by the Health Commissioner pursuant to 24 RCNY Health Code Article 157 shall be reduced by an amount which is equal to the permit fee paid to the Department of Health prorated to the unexpired portion of the license term. (d) Any initial application for a putrescible solid waste transfer station permit or renewal thereof shall include all documentation required pursuant to this section in one single package, regardless of whether any required documentation has previously been submitted to the Department of Sanitation. This package shall constitute the putrescible solid waste transfer station permit application. If the application is incomplete, the application shall be returned to the applicant and the application shall be deemed withdrawn.

16 RCNY § 4-15 Suspension or Revocation.

§ 4-15 Suspension or Revocation. (a) Notwithstanding any provisions of the permit to the contrary, the Department of Sanitation specifically reserves the right to suspend such permit temporarily or to revoke it permanently after notice and hearing as provided in this section when the Commissioner or his/her designee has found that the holder of such permit (the "permittee") has violated the terms of this Chapter or of the applicable sections of the Administrative Code or the Environmental Conservation Law or has violated any other applicable permit condition, law or rule. (b) (1) Notice shall be given to the permittee within a reasonable time prior to the hearing may, as provided in Chapter 10 of this Title 16, in the discretion of the Commissioner, be held before a hearing officer designated by the Commissioner or before an administrative law judge employed by the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). Such notice shall include: (i) the date, time and place of the hearing; (ii) the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held, including reference to the particular sections of the laws and/or rules involved; (iii) a plain statement of the matters to be adjudicated, including reference to the particular sections of the permit conditions, laws and/or rules involved; and (iv) a statement advising the permittee of the option of an alternative dispute resolution proceeding ("ADP") pursuant to subdivision (c) of this section, except where the Commissioner has determined, pursuant to paragraph (4) of such subdivision, that such option shall be unavailable. (2) Any recommended decision, final decision, determination or order issued pursuant to this section shall be communicated in writing to the permittee, or stated in the record if the permittee is present, and shall include findings of fact, conclusions of law and penalties to be assessed, if any. A copy of the final decision, determination or order shall be delivered or mailed promptly to the permittee. (3) If the Commissioner finds in the final decision, determination or order that the permittee has violated any applicable permit condition, law or rule, the permit may be suspended or revoked. A decision to suspend or revoke may also include a direction to the permittee to take such remedial action as may be necessary to cure such violation. (4) Where a permit issued pursuant to this subchapter is suspended pursuant to this section, the permittee shall demonstrate that the putrescible solid waste transfer station has been brought into compliance with the applicable permit conditions, laws or rules before the suspension may be lifted. (c) The Commissioner or his/her designee may advise the permittee of the option of an ADP, once proper notice has been given, in lieu of the formal administrative proceeding established in subdivision (b) of this section. (1) An ADP shall consist of a meeting between the permittee and the Commissioner's representative, wherein the permittee may offer a refutation, explanation, excuse or justification relative to the alleged violation. An ADP shall be informal and non-adversarial. However, the permittee shall be permitted to have representation at the ADP. (2) The Commissioner's representative shall be empowered to make all final findings and determinations in an ADP. The penalty to be assessed, if any, may include a suspension of the permit and/or a direction to the permittee to take any remedial action necessary to cure a violation. (3) By voluntarily choosing an ADP, the permittee shall be deemed to have waived the right to the formal administrative proceeding set forth in subdivision (b) of this section, unless the permittee, within two business days of delivery of the final determination by the Commissioner's representative, notifies the Commissioner in writing that he or she elected to pursue an administrative proceeding pursuant to subdivision b of this section. (4) The Commissioner may in his or her discretion determine that an ADP shall be unavailable to a permittee where the alleged violation creates a condition that may be hazardous to the public health or safety. In determining the availability of an ADP, the Commissioner shall consider: (i) the quantity of solid waste, or of material listed in paragraph (2) of the definition of "solid waste" set forth in 16 RCNY § 4-11, that may create a condition hazardous to the public health or safety; (ii) the types of solid waste, or of material listed in such paragraph, that may create such a condition; and/or (iii) the risk of harm to the public or the environment. In addition, the Commissioner may in his or her discretion determine that an ADP shall be unavailable to a permittee where the permittee has been found on two or more occasions to have committed a violation of any applicable permit condition, law or rule in any formal administrative proceeding or in any informal proceeding (with respect to which the permittee has waived its right to a formal administrative proceeding) provided for by this section, where such violations were committed within twelve months preceding the date of the alleged violation.

16 RCNY § 4-16 Design Requirements and Equipment.

§ 4-16 Design Requirements and Equipment. (a) The area provided for the receipt of solid waste at the putrescible solid waste transfer station, pursuant to subparagraph (1) of subsection (b) of 16 RCNY § 4-13, shall conform to the area specified in the initial permit or renewal application. The area for all activities relating to the receipt, tipping, sorting, processing, compaction and storage of solid waste shall be wholly within a fully enclosed structure. In addition, the entire floor area shall be constructed of concrete, asphalt or any impervious material and shall be equipped with adequate drainage structures as required pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. The portion of such floor used for unloading and loading purposes shall be clearly marked. (b) Ventilation, Dust and Odor Control. (1) Ventilation shall be provided in such structures in adequate capacity and proper location for ensuring compliance with 24 RCNY Health Code § 135.07 and all applicable laws and rules, including the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York. Exhaust air shall be vented through air filters and/or dust collectors and other equipment necessary to remove particulate matter and malodorous by-products. Gasoline or diesel fuel shall not be used within the enclosed structure to power any equipment unless means are provided to safely vent the exhaust gases. All filters and equipment shall be maintained in proper working order. (2) Transfer station ventilation equipment shall be capable of maintaining negative air pressure, including during periods when the transfer station doors are open, that is sufficient to prevent the escape of malodorous air from the transfer station. Such ventilation equipment shall be capable of maintaining a minimum of six air changes per hour ("ach"). Transfer station ventilation equipment shall be capable of maintaining greater than six air changes per hour if necessary to maintain negative air pressure. (3) Odor control equipment shall automatically neutralize odors in exhaust air as it is ventilated from the enclosed building. The odor control equipment shall include a permanent hard-piped high-pressure system, suspended above the facility's tipping floor with rings of mist nozzles strategically aimed at fans and exhaust vents. The odor-neutralizing agent shall be applied as a mist in the vicinity of exhaust points from the building. A scented masking agent is not an odor-neutralizing agent. (4) Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the commissioner may authorize the use of alternative ventilation, dust and odor control equipment upon a showing that such equipment is no less effective than the measures set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection in controlling odors from the transfer station to meet all applicable standards. (5) Within one hundred eighty days of the effective date of the rule that added this sentence, an automatic water-misting system to suppress dust generation within the transfer station shall be installed and fully operational. At a minimum, such system shall be capable of pumping water through piping to high-pressure mist nozzles that will atomize the water and produce a fine mist that will automatically be dispersed at timed intervals sufficient to suppress dust generation. (6) Within ninety days of the effective date of the rule that added this sentence, the transfer station shall submit to the Department detailed plans for implementation of the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection, certified by a licensed architect or professional engineer. Within one hundred eighty days of the effective date of the rule that added this sentence, the transfer station shall have contracted with a company to purchase all necessary equipment and supplies and install the ventilation, dust and odor control equipment. Within one year of the effective date of the rule that added this sentence, the required ventilation, dust and odor control equipment shall be installed and fully operational. (7) Documentation verifying compliance with paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection, including as-built drawings of the ventilation, dust and odor control equipment and the type of the odor-neutralizing agent to be used, and a letter of completion issued by the New York City Department of Buildings, shall be filed with the Department within ninety days of installation completion and as part of the annual transfer station permit renewal application. (c) Sufficient equipment and personnel shall be provided for receipt, tipping, sorting, processing, compaction and storage of solid waste at the putrescible solid waste transfer station. Sufficient standby equipment shall be provided to ensure that no solid waste storage problem or public nuisance or condition hazardous to public health or safety is created during scheduled or unscheduled equipment maintenance, or equipment breakdown. All transfer station debris storage, processing, handling and tipping areas shall include appropriate fire detection and protection equipment. (d) Sufficient equipment shall be provided to handle the solid waste in a safe and sanitary manner. (e) A system for the sanitary disposal of sewage and waste water shall be installed in a putrescible solid waste transfer station in accordance with the provisions of 24 RCNY Health Code Articles 143 and 145 and all applicable laws and rules governing the discharge of waste and waste water, including those enforced by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Drinking water shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of 24 RCNY Health Code Article 141. Putrescible solid waste transfer stations shall also be in compliance with applicable provisions of 24 RCNY Health Code Article 135 (pertaining to commercial premises). All putrescible solid waste transfer stations shall make provisions for cross connection control to ensure that waste water does not mix with the drinking water supply. (f) Pest control measures shall be specified and shall be adopted in the design of a putrescible solid waste transfer station pursuant to 24 RCNY Health Code Article 151. (g) All solid waste transferred into and out of the putrescible solid waste transfer station shall be weighed, and measured by volume. Records shall be maintained of such weights and measurements for a period of three years and included in operational records required by subsection (f) of 16 RCNY § 4-17. (h) Indoor and outdoor areas of the transfer station shall be illuminated in order to provide for the safe operation of the transfer station. Such illumination shall not create a nuisance. (i) Noise levels generated in the operation of a putrescible solid waste transfer station shall not exceed the standards in 16 RCNY § 4-17. The sound of vehicles entering or leaving the putrescible solid waste transfer station shall be included, except that back-up warning signals required by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration shall not be included. (j) The Commissioner may grant a variance from one or more provisions of this section, other than subsection (a) of this section, if he or she determines, after completion of any applicable environmental review, that granting such variance would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment, provided that granting such variance is not otherwise inconsistent with law.

16 RCNY § 4-17 Operation and Maintenance of Putrescible Solid Waste Transfer Stations.

§ 4-17 Operation and Maintenance of Putrescible Solid Waste Transfer Stations. (a) (1) No putrescible solid waste transfer station shall be operated unless it has obtained a permit pursuant to 16 RCNY § 4-14, and is in compliance with the terms thereof, this section, and any other applicable law, rule or regulation. (2) A putrescible solid waste transfer station shall be operated and maintained in a safe and sanitary manner so as to avoid any nuisance or condition hazardous to public health or safety. (3) The putrescible solid waste transfer station shall be operated and maintained in a manner consistent with the site plan submitted to the Department. (4) The putrescible solid waste transfer station shall be operated and maintained in a manner consistent with the engineer's report submitted to the Department. (b) The Permittee shall prohibit any transport vehicle required to be licensed or permitted pursuant to Title 20 of the Administrative Code from depositing solid waste at or removing solid waste from the putrescible solid waste transfer station, unless such transport vehicle is appropriately licensed or permitted. Entrance into or exit from a putrescible solid waste transfer station by a transport vehicle shall be permitted only when an attendant is on duty. The loading or unloading of any transport vehicle shall be continuously supervised by an attendant to avoid unauthorized deposit or removal of solid waste and injury to persons in such station. (c) The Permittee shall regularly schedule and provide maintenance of equipment. Records of such maintenance shall be included in operational records required by subsection (f) of this section. (d) In the event that the putrescible solid waste transfer station is unable, for any reason, to receive solid waste or process solid waste previously received, an alternative site, designated pursuant to subparagraph (14) of subsection (b) of 16 RCNY § 4-14, shall be used to receive and process such solid waste. The Permittee shall notify the Department immediately of its use of an alternative site. (e) Putrescible solid waste transfer stations shall be kept free of vectors, including, but not limited to, rodents, insects and other pests and of any condition conducive to vectors. Written confirmation of at least weekly engagement of a certified exterminator shall be available at all times, and shall be included in operational records required by subsection (f) of this section. (f) (1) The Permittee shall maintain operational records including, but not limited to, all asset liability and capital and proprietary accounts, operating expenses, administrative expenses, tax returns and equipment expenses. Such records shall also include a clear and legible daily log of the quantity of solid waste received and removed, specifying the point of origin and destination of the solid waste transported daily, as well as the quantity and type of material which has been brought to the putrescible solid waste transfer station for separation and/or processing. The daily log shall also include the names and addresses of the owner and/or operator of transport vehicles entering or exiting the transfer station. Such records shall be maintained on the premises and be readily available for inspection by representatives of the Department. An annual report shall be provided to the Department with any application for renewal of any permit required under these Rules. This report shall contain the daily weight and volume of solid waste received, according to type, daily point of origin of the solid waste, daily destination of the solid waste, daily weight and volume and type of material recovered, any changes in operation that have occurred during the previous year, and all other information specified to be included by this subchapter, including that required by subsections (c) and (e) of this section, and paragraph ii of this subsection. The Permittee shall submit to the Department a copy of any annual or quarterly report required to be filed with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 360. (2) A permittee that is authorized by the New York state department of environmental conservation to receive source separated organic waste and that receives such waste in accordance with subdivision d of § 16-306.1 of the Administrative Code and rules promulgated pursuant thereto, and that is not authorized to process organic waste at its own facility, shall deliver such organic waste or have such organic waste delivered directly to an organic waste processing facility, excluding waste that cannot be processed at an organic waste processing facility. Unless the permittee is authorized to process organic waste at its own facility, the permittee shall enter into a written agreement with an organics processing facility, or other transfer facility, at which organic waste will be received. A copy of such written agreement shall be available to the Department for inspection upon request. Operators of putrescible solid waste transfer stations that receive organic waste shall maintain the separation of organic waste before its transfer to another location. A permittee that receives source separated organic waste shall include in the quarterly reports submitted to the Department pursuant to paragraph (i) of this subsection the following information, calculated on a monthly basis by weight or volume: the total amount of organic waste received; the origin of such organic waste; and the destination facility of the organic waste removed, together with the name of the owner of such facility and his or her business contact information. Such quarterly reports shall be submitted on forms prescribed by or acceptable to the Department. The report for the quarter ending on March 31 shall be due on April 30; the report for the quarter ending on June 30 shall be due on July 30; the report for the quarter ending September 30 shall be due on October 30; and the report for the quarter ending December 31 shall be due on January 30. (g) The presence at a putrescible solid waste transfer station of solid waste containing asbestos or of material defined in paragraph (2) of the definition of "solid waste" set forth in 16 RCNY § 4-11 is prohibited. (h) All putrescible solid waste received at a putrescible solid waste transfer station, including putrescible solid waste which has been baled or loaded into transport vehicles, shall be removed within forty-eight hours of its receipt. Only non-putrescible solid waste, and putrescible solid waste which has been baled or loaded into a transport vehicle, may be stored off the tipping area of a putrescible solid waste transfer station. (i) The tipping area of all putrescible solid waste transfer stations shall be free of solid waste for a thirty-minute period each day during its hours of operation and shall have been thoroughly cleaned, swept, washed and deodorized immediately prior to such period. The Permittee may choose such period and such period shall be set forth in the permit as a permit condition. (j) Odors shall not be emitted so as to violate the performance standards of the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York or the applicable provisions of the Air Pollution Control Code of the Administrative Code of the City of New York or to create a public nuisance. Odor control measures required in subsection (b) of 16 RCNY § 4-16 shall be fully operational and shall effectively neutralize odor. (k) Solid waste shall be received, processed, compacted and stored only in the areas specifically designated pursuant to subparagraph (1) of subsection (b) of 16 RCNY § 4-13. Solid waste shall not be permitted to spill beyond areas in which it is permitted by this Rule and by the site plan and engineering report submitted to the Department of Environmental Conservation pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 360. Any solid waste which spills beyond the areas in which it is permitted shall be removed immediately. (l) Equipment used in the operation of the putrescible solid waste transfer station shall be contained within the property line, and under no circumstances shall such equipment be stored on city streets, or public highways as defined in § 134 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. (m) All drainage systems, including but not limited to trench drains in the floor drain system, and grit and grease traps, shall be kept clean, unclogged and functioning. In no case shall any leachate or wash water be permitted to accumulate on the floor or flow onto city streets, or public highways as defined in § 134 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. (n) Noise levels generated by operation of and at the putrescible solid waste transfer station must be controlled to prevent sound levels beyond the putrescible solid waste transfer station property line from exceeding the following Leq decibel (A) weighted energy equivalent ambient sound levels: Impacted Zones Time of Day 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. 10 p.m. - 7 a.m. R1 - R3 62 decibels 52 decibels All other residential, commercial, or manufacturing zones 67 decibels 57 decibels (1) If the existing ambient sound level, excluding any contributions from the putrescible solid waste transfer station, exceeds these limits, the operation of the putrescible solid waste transfer station must not cause the Leq sound level to be increased; (2) Leq is the equivalent steady-state sound level which contains the same acoustic energy as the time varying sound level during any one-hour period exceeded no more than ten percent of the time; (3) The (A) weighted sound level shall be measured with the slow metering response characteristic of a sound level meter which complies with standards established by the American National Standards Institute specifications for sound level measurement; and (4) Mufflers are required on all internal combustion-powered equipment used at the putrescible solid waste transfer station, and sound levels for such equipment must not exceed 80dB(A) at a distance of fifty feet from the operating equipment; provided that the decibel level beyond the property line of the putrescible solid waste transfer station shall not exceed the decibel levels set forth above. (o) A sign, no smaller than four feet by four feet, shall be posted at all entrances to the putrescible solid waste transfer station and shall conspicuously indicate the putrescible solid waste transfer station's hours of operation, the types of waste it accepts and does not accept, the expiration date of its permits to operate pursuant to § 16-130 of the Administrative Code and 6 NYCRR Part 360, and the Department of Sanitation's complaint telephone number. (p) Doors allowing vehicles to enter or leave the putrescible solid waste transfer station, including any structure at such station, shall be kept closed except when vehicles are entering or leaving; (q) The Permittee shall prevent litter or solid waste from accumulating on the streets or other areas abutting the putrescible solid waste transfer station. (r) The total volume of solid waste, including solid waste that has been processed, at a transfer station shall not exceed the allowable volume as stated in the permit issued pursuant to 16 RCNY § 4-14. The allowable volume at any transfer station shall be calculated by the Department and shall be based on the storage capacity (estimated in total cubic yardage) of the transfer station. In no event shall such allowable volume exceed that granted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. (s) The transfer station shall employ effective dust control measures to ensure that dust generation is suppressed at all times. (t) No solid waste, construction and demolition debris, fill material, dust or other material shall be tracked from the transfer station site onto a city street, or public highway as defined in § 134 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. (u) Within one hundred eighty days of the effective date of the rule that added this sentence, a motor vehicle tire cleaning procedure shall be adopted that shall prevent the tracking of solid waste, dust or other material from the transfer station site onto a city street, or public highway as defined in § 134 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. (v) No stationary equipment at the transfer station that operates outdoors shall cause or permit the emission of an air contaminant of: (1) i) A density that appears as dark or darker than number two on the standard smoke chart, or 40% opacity, or of an opacity that obscures vision to a degree equal to or greater than smoke of number two density on the standard smoke chart, or 40% opacity; or (ii) A density that appears as dark or darker than number one on the standard smoke chart, or 20% opacity, but less than number two on said chart, or 40% opacity, or of an opacity that obscures vision to a degree equal to or greater than smoke of number one density on the standard smoke chart, or 20% opacity, but less than number two on said chart, or 40% opacity, if such an emission continues for longer than two minutes in the aggregate in any sixty minute period. (2) The density or opacity of an air contaminant emitted from stationary equipment that operates outdoors shall be measured at the point of its emission, except that when the point of emission cannot be readily observed, it may be measured at an observable point on the plume nearest the point of emission. (w) No stationary equipment or nonroad motor vehicle at the transfer station that operates outdoors shall cause or permit the emission of a visible air contaminant past the transfer station property boundary. (x) No nonroad motor vehicle at the transfer station that operates outdoors shall cause or permit the emission of a visible air contaminant while the vehicle is stationary for longer than ten consecutive seconds. (y) All stationary equipment and nonroad motor vehicles at the transfer station shall be maintained properly and shall be inspected annually. All stationary equipment and nonroad motor vehicles at the transfer station that operate outdoors shall be inspected annually while in operation by an observer certified in the U.S. EPA Method 9 set forth in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60, Appendix A-4 and trained in the U.S. EPA Method 22 set forth in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60, Appendix A-7, to ensure the equipment is operating properly to minimize air contaminant emissions, taking into account the model year and design capabilities of the engine. A written record of the inspection and any subsequent corrective measures performed to minimize air contaminant emissions shall be filed with the Department as part of the annual permit renewal application, and shall be included in the operational records required by subsection (f) of 16 RCNY § 4-17. (z) The transfer station, its equipment and nonroad motor vehicles shall be subject to inspection at all times during its hours of operation. Interference with Department personnel performing any function or duty is prohibited. (aa) Any putrescible solid waste transfer station permit issued pursuant to this subchapter shall be conditioned upon compliance with any rules regarding the siting and hours of operation of putrescible solid waste transfer stations set forth in Subchapter C of this chapter. (bb) The Commissioner may grant a variance from one or more provisions of this section, other than subsections (m), (j) and (s) through (y) of this section, if he or she determines, after completion of any applicable environmental review, that granting such variance would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment, provided that granting such variance is not otherwise inconsistent with law. (Amended City Record 12/18/2015, eff. 1/17/2016)

16 RCNY § 4-18 Severability.

§ 4-18 Severability. The provisions of this subchapter shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, subsection or section of this subchapter, or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder of this subchapter and the application thereof shall not be affected thereby.

Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCrules/0-0-0-31774Fetched: 10/24/2026