&EPA
            United States
            Environmental Protection
            Agency
              Office of Water (4202)
              Washington, DC 20460
EPA/831-B-93-002C
May 1994
Surface Disposal of Sewage
Sludge

A Guide for Owners/Operators
of Surface Disposal Facilities on
the Monitoring, Recordkeeping,
and Reporting Requirements of
the Federal Standards for the
Use or Disposal of Sewage
Sludge, 40 CFR Part 503
                                      CLOSED UNIT
                       ACTIVE mrr
                               Recycled/Recyclable
                               Printed on paper that contains
                               at least 50% recycled liber

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              SURFACE DISPOSAL OF
                 SEWAGE SLUDGE
                 A Guide for Owners of
        Surface Disposal Facilities on the Monitoring,
Recordkeeping, and Notification Requirements in 40 CFR Part 503

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                                 CONTACTS
General questions concerning the
Standards for the Use and Disposal of
Sewage Sludge should be directed to
the EPA Regional Sludge Coordinator.
The Sludge Coordinators can be
reached on the following numbers:
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Region 8
Region 9
Region 10
Boston, MA
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX
Kansas City, KS
Denver, CO
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
(617)565-3569
(212) 264-8663
(215) 597-9406
(404) 347-3012 x 2953
(312)886-6112
(214)655-7520
(913)551-7594
(303) 293-1627
(415)744-1909
(206)553-1941
                                                                            REGION 1
                                                                           REGION 3
            0
Mail compliance reports required under the Standards for the Use and Disposal of Sewage Sludge to
the Water Compliance Branch Chief in your EPA Region at the address listed on the back cover.
                                                                                646J-7 shell

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                                                                               Preface
                                     PREFACE

Under the authority  of Section 405(d) of the  Clean Water  Act  as  amended,  the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated, at 40 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) Part 503,  Phase I of the risk-based regulation that governs the final use or disposal of
sewage sludge.  The  intent  of this Federal program is to ensure  that the use or disposal of
sewage sludge occurs  in a way that protects both public health and the environment.  The Part
503  regulation  establishes general requirements, pollutant limits,  operational standards, and
management  practices,  as well  as  frequency  of monitoring, recordkeeping,  and  reporting
requirements.   These  requirements apply to sewage sludge that is land applied, placed on a
surface disposal site, or fired in a sewage sludge incinerator.  In addition to the sewage sludge
surface disposal sites, the regulation also covers sewage sludge that is co-disposed in a municipal
solid waste landfill by requiring compliance  with 40 CFR Part 258, the  regulation that
establishes requirements for  municipal solid waste landfills.   The following types of sewage
sludge are not subject to Part 503:

     •  Sludge generated from treatment of industrial process waste at an industrial facility  (40
        CFR Part 257), if nonhazardous
     •  Sewage  sludge generated at industrial facilities during the combined treatment of
        industrial wastewater and domestic sewage
     •  Hazardous sewage sludge (40 CFR Parts  261, 264, 265, 266, 267, and 268)
     •  Sewage sludge with a polychlorinated biphenyl concentration of 50 ppm or greater  (40
        CFR Part 761)
     •  Drinking water treatment sludge (40 CFR Part 257).

Part  503 imposes  requirements on the following four groups:
     •  Persons who generate  sewage sludge or derive a material from sewage sludge (i.e.,
        person who prepares sewage sludge)
     •  Land appliers of sewage sludge

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Preface
     •   Owners/operators of sewage sludge surface disposal sites
     •   Owners/operators of sewage sludge incinerators.

Part 503 is largely self-implementing—anyone engaged in activities covered by this regulation
must comply with the appropriate requirements on or before the compliance deadlines (see the
following exhibit), regardless of whether a permit has been issued. A person who violates Part
503  is subject to administrative, civil, and/or criminal enforcement actions.

                        Compliance Deadlines for 40 CFR Part 503
Requirement
Monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements
All other requirements, including general requirements,
pollutant limits, operational standards (i.e., pathogen
reduction and vector attraction reduction), and
management practices
Compliance Deadline
July 20, 1993
February 19, 1994*
*If compliance requires construction of new pollution control facilities, the compliance deadline is extended to February
19, 1995.  A new pollution facility is any building, structure, facility, or installation from which there is or may be a
discharge of pollutants, the construction of which began after the promulgation of Part 503, and includes any building,
structure, facility, or installation that replaces or substantially upgrades the process or production equipment necessary
to meet a standard under this part. The definition of new pollution control facility does not include replacement of any
building, structure,  facility, or installation due to normal operational  wear and tear or installation of monitoring
equipment or devices, including the purchase of computer hardware or software for monitoring purposes.

EPA developed a series of guidance documents to explain  the requirements of Part 503.  A list
of these documents  is provided in the reference section  at the end of this  document.  This
document was developed for owners/operators  of  surface disposal sites.  It  provides detailed
guidance on the monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for surface disposal.
This document is intended to assist  owners/operators in complying with Part 503 by  explaining
requirements and providing examples of appropriate information.

Separate documents  explaining the monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting responsibilities  of
persons  who prepare sewage sludge  and  persons who  land  apply sewage sludge  are also
available.  The following documents may be obtained through the EPA Regional offices, listed
on the back cover of this document:
                                              n

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                                                                    Preface

Land Application of Sewage Sludge—A Guide for Land Appliers on the Requirements
of the Federal Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge, 40 CFR Part 503
(EPA, 1993a).

Preparing Sewage Sludge for Land Application and Surface Disposal—A Guide for
Preparers on the Monitoring, Recordkeeping,  and Reporting Requirements of the
Federal Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge, 40 CFR Pan 503 (EPA,
1993b).
                                 in

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                          TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE  	  i

1. SURFACE DISPOSAL	  1

2.  ACTIVE SEWAGE SLUDGE UNITS
   WITH LINERS AND LEACHATE COLLECTION SYSTEMS	  4
      2.1 Records of Management Practices	  5
      2.2 Records of Vector Attraction Reduction 	15
      2.3 Records of Pathogen Reduction	17
      2.4 Reporting	17
      2.5 General Requirements  	18

3.  ACTIVE SEWAGE SLUDGE UNITS
   WITHOUT LINERS AND LEACHATE COLLECTION SYSTEMS	20
      3.1 Monitoring of Pollutant Concentrations	21
      3.2 Records of Pollutant Concentrations	26
      3.3 Records of Management Practices	27
      3.4 Records of Vector Attraction Reduction 	27
      3.5 Records of Pathogen Reduction	27
      3.6 Reporting	27
      3.7 General Requirements  	28

REFERENCES  	29
                              APPENDICES


APPENDIX A SOURCES OF MAPS AND INFORMATION  	A-l

APPENDIX B OUTLINE OF SAMPLE CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE PLAN . .  B-l
                                   IV

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                              LIST OF EXHIBITS






                                                                           Page



Exhibit 1.  Pollutant Limits for Surface Disposal of Sewage Sludge	22




Exhibit 2.  Monitoring Frequency  	23

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Section One                                                            Surface Disposal
                            1.  SURFACE DISPOSAL

A surface disposal site is an area of land that contains one or more sewage sludge units.  A
sewage sludge unit is an area within the site where sewage sludge is placed for final disposal.
Sewage sludge surface disposal sites include landfills or monofills used only for sewage sludge,
piles of sewage sludge, disposal sites  dedicated to sewage  sludge,  sewage sludge surface
impoundments, or lagoons designed for the final disposal of sewage sludge.
Unlike land application, surface disposal involves placing sewage sludge on the land for final
disposal, not for conditioning the soil or fertilizing crops.  Surface disposal sites are not tied to
agronomic rates; these rates are applicable to land application sites.  Agronomic rate is defined
as the whole sewage sludge application rate that provides the amount of nitrogen needed by the
crop or vegetation grown on the land, and minimize the amount of nitrogen that passes below
the root zone to the ground water.

Surface disposal facilities do  not include land used for either treatment or storage of sewage
sludge.  Neither the land nor  the sewage sludge placed on that land for treatment or storage is
subject to the requirements of 40 CFR Part 503.  Treatment of sewage sludge is the preparation
of sewage sludge for final use or disposal.  Storage of sewage sludge is the placement of sewage
sludge on land for 2 years or less.  Whenever sewage sludge remains on the land for longer than
2 years, the person who prepares the sewage sludge, rather than the owner/operator of the site
(if the two parties are not the same), is responsible for demonstrating that the land is not an
active sewage sludge unit; otherwise, the permitting authority could consider the area a surface
disposal site.

Owners/operators of surface disposal sites are subject to a variety of requirements under Part
503.  The purpose of this document is to assist owners/operators  in  complying with and
documenting compliance with these requirements.

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Surface Disposal                                                             Section One
Owners/operators of all sewage sludge surface disposal sites (those with and those without liners
and leachate collection systems) may be required to keep records of:

     •   Pollutant monitoring
     •   Management practices
     •   Vector attraction reduction
     •   General requirements.

There are no pollutant limits for sewage sludge placed on active sewage sludge units that have
a functional liner and leachate collection system.  A liner by definition is a soil or synthetic
material with a hydraulic conductivity of 1  x 10~7 cm/sec  or less.  The  liner serves as an
impermeable barrier preventing  the migration of leachate and pollutants from the active sewage
sludge unit.  Leachate  forms as precipitation filters down through the unit  and its contents,
gathering nutrients and leachable pollutants, which eventually collect at the bottom.  A leachate
collection system is a device installed immediately  above the liner, designed, constructed, and
maintained to collect and remove leachate from an active  sewage sludge unit.  If a functional
liner and leachate collection system exists, leachate  is drawn off and disposed of, thereby
effectively eliminating the risk of ground-water contamination.

In contrast, if no liner and  leachate collection system exists,  leachate continues  to pool at the
bottom of the active sewage sludge unit, posing the risk that it may seep into ground water and
migrate beyond the property line of the disposal site over time. Active sewage sludge units that
do not have an appropriate  system to deal with leachate must therefore limit the concentrations
of pollutants allowed to enter the unit. For units without liners and leachate collection systems,
Part 503 contains limits for three pollutants:   arsenic, chromium, and nickel.  Because the risk
of pollutant migration beyond the property line of the surface disposal site is greater the closer
the active sewage sludge  unit is to the property site line, Part 503 has established several sets
of limits for the three regulated pollutants that are  applied  according to the distance of the unit
boundary from the  property  line.  The owner/operator must keep records of the  pollutant
concentrations  in sewage sludge placed on the site when the active sewage sludge unit is less
than 150 meters from the property line.  The preparer is responsible for documenting compliance

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Section One                                                             Surface Disposal
with pollutant limits when the active sewage sludge unit is more than  150 meters from the
property line.
The  remainder of this document provides further details of the recordkeeping  and reporting
requirements for owners and operators of sewage sludge surface disposal sites.   Chapter 2
addresses the requirements for active sewage sludge units with liners and leachate collection
systems. Chapter 3 addresses the requirements for active sewage sludge units without liners and
leachate collection systems. Chapter 3 also discusses requirements for pollutant monitoring since
there are pollutant limits for sewage sludge that is placed on active sewage sludge units without
liners and leachate collection systems.

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Section Two	Surface Disposal
                   2.  ACTIVE SEWAGE SLUDGE UNITS
      WITH LINERS AND LEACHATE COLLECTION SYSTEMS
To be considered an active sewage sludge unit with a liner and leachate collection system, a unit
must  be  equipped with a  liner and leachate  collection  system  that meets  the  following
specifications.  First, the hydraulic conductivity of the liner must be 1 x  10~7 cm/sec or less.
Second, the leachate collection system must be installed immediately above the liner and must
be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated  to collect and remove leachate  from the
active sewage sludge unit.   If the  active sewage sludge unit is not equipped with a  liner and
leachate collection system that meets these specifications, the unit must meet pollutant limits and
the associated requirements for an  unlined unit, described in Chapter 3.

Part 503  does not impose pollutant limits on sewage sludge placed in a unit with a  liner and
leachate collection system. Units with liners and leachate collection systems, however, must still
comply with the management practices and general requirements that encompass facility siting,
design, and operation.  Requirements for vector attraction reduction must also be met through
one of several different alternatives.  Requirements for pathogen reduction apply unless the
active sewage sludge unit is covered  at the end of each operating day.

Owners/operators of active  sewage sludge units equipped with a liner and leachate collection
system are required to keep records  of management practices and applicable vector attraction
reduction requirements.  The records must be maintained for 5 years and be readily available
to State and  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  (EPA) inspectors.  This chapter provides
guidance to  owners/operators on specific records that may be needed to fulfill the Part 503
recordkeeping and reporting requirements.  The owners/operators should be aware that failure
to keep adequate records is  a violation of the Part 503 regulation and subject to penalty under
the Clean Water Act (CWA).

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Section Two                                                            Surface Disposal
2.1 Records of Management Practices
Owners/operators must ensure that the management practices (requirements for the siting, design
and operation of active sewage sludge units to ensure  protection of human health and the
environment) are met at each active sewage sludge unit.  In addition, compliance with these
practices must be documented in detailed records  and kept for a minimum of 5 years.
Compliance with siting and design requirements must be documented only once.  Compliance
with the operating requirements must be recorded on a continual basis, the frequency of which
depends on the specific requirements.
Some of the information gathered to support one management practice may overlap with the
information required for others.  For example, geotechnical investigations are required to
demonstrate compliance with the requirements for three management practices:  seismic impact
zone, fault zones, and unstable areas. Geotechnical investigations, which are necessary for any
construction project, evaluate foundation soils and bedrock and characterize the hydrogeology
of a site.  Maps or drawings should be obtained or produced as part of compliance with the
management practices.  A combination of commercially available and customized maps and plans
can help demonstrate compliance.  Appendix A lists organizations that supply maps.

Siting Requirements
To minimize potential risks to human health and the environment from the surface disposal of
sewage  sludge, surface disposal units must be placed in areas with the  smallest potential for
pollutant migration or damage to the  environment. For example, if two potential sites are being
considered for the location of a surface disposal site, one close to a wetland and superficial
ground water and the other in an upland area well removed from sensitive habitat or superficial
ground water, the second location would be preferable.  These siting requirements address the
following  factors:

     •  Endangered species habitat
     •  Base flood (1  percent chance of occurring hi any year)
     •  Seismic impact zones

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Surface Disposal                                                           Section Two
     •  Fault zones
     •  Unstable areas
     •  Wetlands.
To comply with these restrictions, the owner/operator of the sewage sludge disposal site must
document compliance with all siting requirements and maintain those records for five years.

Endangered or Threatened Species
Part 503 prohibits the placement of sewage sludge on an active sewage sludge unit if it is likely
to adversely affect an endangered or threatened species  or its designated critical habitat.  Any
direct or indirect action hi a critical habitat that reduces the likelihood of survival and recovery
of listed  species can be considered adverse modification or destruction of a critical habitat.
Critical habitat is any place where an endangered or threatened species lives and grows during
any stage in its  life cycle.  The U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
publishes a list of endangered and threatened species at  50 CFR Part 17.11 and 17.12.

To comply with this management practice the owner/operator of a surface disposal site should
consult with the FWS  to determine whether any endangered species or  critical habitats are
present.  The telephone number of the appropriate  FWS field  office can be obtained from the
Regional FWS offices,  provided in the following list.
          Region 1 (Portland)                             503/231-6131 or 6151
          CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA
          Region 2 (Albuquerque)                         505/766-3972
          AZ, NM, OK, TX
          Region 3 (Twin Cities)                          612/725-3276
          IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI
          Region 4 (Atlanta)                              404/331-3580
          AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC,
          PR, SC, TN, VI
          Region 5 (Boston)                              413/253-8627
          CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ,
          NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV

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Section Two
               Surface Disposal
      •   Region 6 (Denver)
          CO, IA, KS, MT, NE, ND, SD, UT,
          WY
      •   Region 7 (Anchorage)
          AK
303/236-7398
907/786-3505
The owner/operator should retain all documentation to demonstrate that the site was evaluated
for potential effects on endangered or threatened species and/or their habitat and that necessary
protective measures were identified and implemented.  For example, this documentation should
list endangered or threatened species in the area or document that none exists and briefly
describle how the endangered or threatened species and its critical habitat are protected.

Usually, documentation will need to be performed only once.  If the sewage sludge unit begins
to pose a risk to endangered or threatened species, however, the owner/operator should contact
the permitting authority or the FWS.
Base Flood Flow Restrictions
Part 503 prohibits an active sewage sludge unit from restricting the flow of a base flood.  A base
flood is a flood that has a 1  percent chance of occurring in any year (i.e., a 100-year flood).
A 100-year floodplain is the area that would be affected by a base flood.  Floodplain maps
should be reviewed and a field study may be required to determine whether a site is located in
a floodplain. If the active sewage sludge unit is or will be sited in a 100-year floodplain, the
owner/operator should consult one of several models that predict the impact of development on
the base flood flow.  The owner/operator should consult with the permitting authority (contact
the State or EPA  sludge coordinator) for a determination of whether the results of the models
indicate a restriction of the base flood flow.  For example, the permitting authority may have
guidelines that stipulate that an active sewage sludge unit restricts the flow of the base flood if
it causes the flood level to rise an additional foot or more.  The owner/operator should also
consult with the  permitting authority on  the acceptability of any proposed design  and
management practices to prevent base  flood  flow restrictions.   The  following  types of
information may be used to describe how this management practice is met:

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Surface Disposal                                                            Section Two
     •   A flood plain insurance rate map (available from the Federal Emergency Management
         Agency) with the site location accurately marked to demonstrate whether or not it is
         within the 100-year floodplain.  Other sources of this information include the U.S.
         Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S.  Geological  Survey (USGS), Bureau  of Land
         Management, Tennessee Valley Authority, and local and State agencies.
     •   If the unit is in the 100-year floodplain, the design details and management practices
         that will prevent restriction of the flow of the base flood, including a plan view, a
         cross section of the unit,  and calculations used to determine that the site  will not
         restrict the base flood flow.
     •   If the unit is in the 100-year floodplain, evaluation of the impact of the unit based on
         predictive models,  such as the HEC series generated by the U.S. Army Corps of
         Engineers.
Seismic Impact Zones
The regulation requires  active sewage sludge  units located in seismic  impact zones to be
designed to withstand the maximum recorded ground level acceleration.  Information must first
be obtained to determine whether the unit is or will be located in a seismic impact zone.  If the
active sewage sludge unit will be located within a seismic impact zone, the maximum recorded
ground level acceleration must be identified and the unit must be designed to  withstand that
amount of movement without releasing any sewage sludge.  If an existing unit  does not meet
these requirements, it must be closed or retrofitted to withstand the maximum recorded ground
level acceleration.

In some areas of the United States, earthquakes occur frequently and information on these areas
is readily available.  Other sections of the country may also be at risk of earthquakes, although
their occurrence  is not as  frequent.  Information on the location of seismic impact zones is
available nationally and can be obtained from sources listed in Appendix A.  Information on the
maximum recorded ground level acceleration should be available from State or local agencies.
The following types of information can be used to help demonstrate compliance with the seismic
impact zone management practice:
         A seismic map, available from State or local agencies,  with the site location marked
         on the map
                                            8

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Section Two                                                              Surface Disposal

     •   Reports from State or local agencies on earthquake activity, including the maximum
         recorded horizontal ground level acceleration (as a percentage of the acceleration due
         to gravity (g), g=9.8 m/s2) (this information is probably contained in any reports on
         earthquake activity obtained from State or local agencies)

     •   A site  inspection that focuses on slopes that may have had the toe removed, water
         seeps from the base of a slope, less  resistant strata at the base of a slope, posts and
         fences that are not aligned, utility poles with sagging or too tight wires, leaning trees,
         cracks  in walls and streets, etc.

     •   If the active sewage sludge unit is located in a seismic impact zone, documentation on
         design  specifications to  accommodate the ground motion from earthquakes, such as
         shallower unit side slopes, more conservative design of dikes and runoff controls, and
         contingency plans for leachate collection systems

     •   Design plans for the unit indicating the maximum ground motion that unit components
         are  designed  to  withstand, including foundations, embankments, leachate collection
         systems, liners (if installed), and any ancillary equipment that could be damaged from
         seismic shocks

     •   Certification by an engineer with seismic design and geotechnical experience that the
         unit  is  designed to  withstand  the  maximum  recorded  horizontal  ground  level
         acceleration.
Fault Zones

Areas that are subject to seismic activity generally have faults. Part 503 prohibits locating an

active sewage sludge unit within 60 meters of a fault that has had displacement (i.e., movement)
during Holocene time (typically within the last 11,000 years). Site investigations should identify
any faults or any lineaments that may indicate the presence of any faults within the site area.
If the evaluation indicates that an active sewage sludge unit is located within 60 meters of a fault

with displacement during Holocene time, the unit must close, unless otherwise specified by the
permitting authority.  Fault maps are available from the USGS on a nationwide basis.


Documentation to support this management practice may include the following:
         A Holocene fault map (available from local planning or State geological agencies or
         the USGS) with the site location marked.  In 1978, the USGS published a map series
         identifying the location of Holocene faults in the United  States (Preliminary  Young
         Fault Maps [USGS, 1978].  For areas along Holocene faults, an investigation of the

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Surface Disposal                                                             Section Two
         site and surrounding areas should be performed to determine if movement has occurred
         since 1978.
     •   A  report on the area investigation of the site, emphasizing the location of faults,
         lineaments, or other features associated with fault movement, such as offset streams,
         cracked culverts and foundations, shifted curbs, escarpments, or other linear features.
     •   A geotechnical report on the site indicating the presence or absence of any faults or
         lineaments.
Unstable Areas
Part 503 also prohibits  locating active sewage sludge units in unstable areas.  Unstable areas
include landslide-prone  areas; karst terrain; volcanic regions; areas that overlie underground
mining operations; areas that overlie oil, gas, or water extraction operations; and areas with poor
foundation conditions.  For the purposes of this regulation, unstable areas are areas subject to
natural or human-induced forces that may damage the structural integrity of a sewage sludge
unit.   Some of these features  may be obvious; others  only can be determined through  a
geotechnical study.  The following  information may be used to demonstrate that the surface
disposal site and individual sewage sludge unit(s) are not located in unstable  areas:
         A one-time detailed geotechnical and geological evaluation of the stability of foundation
         soils,  adjacent manmade and natural embankments, and slopes (may include both in-
         situ and laboratory test evaluations).
         A one-time evaluation of the ability of the subsurface to support the active sewage
         sludge unit adequately, without damage to the structural components.  If the evaluation
         indicates that an active sewage sludge unit is located in an unstable area, the unit must
         close.
Wetlands
Locating an active sewage sludge disposal unit in a wetlands area is prohibited, unless a permit
is issued pursuant to either Section 402 or 404 of the CWA, as amended. If an existing active
sewage sludge unit located in a wetlands area does not have a Section 402 or 404 permit, it must
close.  The following types of information may be necessary to demonstrate compliance with
wetlands restrictions:
                                           10

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Section Two                                                             Surface Disposal
     •   The location of the site on a wetlands delineation map, such as a National Wetlands
         Inventory  map, Soil Conservation Service  soil map,  or  a wetlands  inventory map
         prepared locally
     •   A permit and/or permit application for a Section 402 or 404 permit
     •   A description of a wetlands assessment conducted by a  qualified  and experienced,
         multidisciplinary team, including a soil scientist and a botanist or biologist.
Operating Requirements
In addition to the one-time siting requirements, Part 503 contains management practices that are,
in a sense, ongoing operating requirements.  These  requirements must be undertaken on a
continuous basis after siting  a surface disposal facility  to ensure that human health and the
environment are continually protected. The following list highlights the operating requirements:

     •   Storm water runoff control
     •   Leachate collection and control
     •   Methane gas monitoring and control
     •   Food/feed/fiber crop prohibition
     •   Grazing prohibition
     •   Public access restrictions
     •   Prohibition of ground-water contamination.

Storm Water Runoff
One of the Part 503  surface disposal management practice requires runoff from an active sewage
sludge unit to be collected and disposed of in accordance with National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System  (NPDES) requirements and any other applicable requirements.  In addition,
the runoff collection system must be  designed to handle the runoff from a 24-hour, 25-year
storm event.  Although not required,  it is recommended that the runoff collection system be
designed by an engineer with experience in designing  storm water control  systems.   The
following types  of  information  may  be used to support compliance with this management
practice:
                                           11

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Surface Disposal	Section Two

     *   Copies of the NPDES permit and any other permits

     •   A description of the design of the system used to collect and control runoff, including
         plan view, drawing details, cross sections, and calculations showing that the system has
         the capacity to collect the runoff volume anticipated from a 24-hour, 25-year  storm
         event

     •   A calculation of peak runoff flow, including data sources and methods used to calculate
         the peak runoff flow from a 24-hour, 25-year  storm event

     •   A description of inspection  and maintenance required for the system

     •   A description of the procedures for managing liquid discharges and complying with
         NPDES and other requirements.
Leachate Collection and Control

If an active sewage sludge unit has an appropriate liner and leachate collection system, the
owner/operator must document  that the leachate collection system is properly operated  and
maintained while the unit is  active and for 3 years after closure of the sewage  sludge unit.
Documentation must also indicate that the leachate is disposed of properly.


The following types  of information  may be  used to demonstrate compliance  with  this
management practice:
         Detailed material specifications for the liner, including drainage  layer, filter layer,
         piping, and sumps

         A description of the leachate collection system design,  leak detection capability,  and
         capacity for removal of leachate and liquid from the system

         Design details,  including layout of system and  components shown in plan view  and
         cross section and spacing and configuration of pipes, sumps, pumps, drainage plans

         Test results demonstrating system compatibility  with sewage sludge and leachates for
         all system components and materials

         A description of inspection and maintenance schedules and procedures

         An operational plan describing the method of treatment and/or disposal of leachate and
         schedules for disposal
                                           12

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Section Two                                                             Surface Disposal
     •   Records of collection, treatment and disposal activities that demonstrate compliance
         with applicable requirements.   For example, volume collected, monitoring data on
         treated leachate, volume disposed of (where and when).
Methane Gas Monitoring
Methane gas must be continuously monitored for an active sewage sludge unit that is covered
daily.  When a final cover is placed on a sewage sludge unit, methane gas must be continuously
monitored for 3 years after closure of the sewage sludge unit.  The system should be designed
by an engineer with  experience in methane gas monitoring and extraction systems at landfills,
surface impoundments, or active sewage sludge units. The methane gas monitoring system is
required to detect the presence of methane in the air in structures within the surface disposal site
and at the property line of the surface disposal site.  Alarms, lights, or other warning devices
should be deployed to notify site personnel of any methane gas levels exceeding 25 percent of
the lower explosive  limit for methane  in  facility  structures  and levels exceeding the lower
explosive limit at the property line.  Emergency contingency plans should be developed as part
of the methane monitoring plan that indicate who is to take what actions and at what times when
methane gas concentrations exceed specified levels.  The following types of information may be
used to demonstrate  compliance with this management practice:
     •   A description of the system design, including plan drawing and calculations showing
         that the system can monitor air for methane gas concentrations
     •   Design details of the site, including gas monitoring locations, spacing, and layout
     •   Descriptions of methane monitoring schedules, alarm systems, emergency procedures,
         emergency contingency plans, system maintenance schedules, and any known methane
         mitigation
     •   Results of  methane gas  monitoring,  including  the  maximum and average levels
         recorded.
                                           13

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Surface Disposal                                                              Section Two
Food/Feed/Fiber Crops Prohibition
Growing food, feed, or fiber crops on any active sewage sludge unit is prohibited, unless
explicitly authorized by the permitting authority.  The following types of information can be
used to demonstrate compliance with this management practice:
     •   A listing of any vegetation on the unit
     •   A description of procedures to ensure adherence to the crop use restrictions.

Grazing Prohibition
The Part 503 regulation prohibits grazing of animals on active sewage sludge units,  unless
specifically authorized by the permitting authority. The types of information that can be used
to demonstrate compliance with the grazing restriction include the following:
     •   If the location of the surface disposal site and the land use of surrounding properties
         exclude or limit grazing, then the only necessary documentation or records may be the
         certification statement required by the regulation.
     •   If the owner/operator has to install animal restriction devices (such as grates at gate
         entrances  or electric fencing), records should be kept on the design, installation, and
         maintenance of the devices and a site map showing the locations of the devices.
Public Access Restrictions
The Part 503 regulation requires the owner/operator to restrict public access to active sewage
sludge units and to closed units for 3 years after closure.  Physical barriers, such as fences and
locked gates, may be used to prevent public access to active units.  In addition, signs may be
posted. The following types of information can be used to demonstrate compliance with the
public access restriction standards:
     •   A site map, showing the access control locations (e.g., placement of signs, fences and
         gates, and natural barriers)
     •   A description of access restriction measures, such as placement of vehicle barriers,
         signs, and construction plans for the placement and configuration of fences and gates
                                            14

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Section Two                                                             Surface Disposal

     •   Language on warning signs

     •   An inspection schedule for the access controls and repair procedures

     •   Schedules for security guard postings or security inspections.


Prohibition of Ground-Water Contamination

The regulation  states  that  sewage sludge  placed in an  active sewage sludge unit cannot

contaminate an aquifer.    Contamination  is defined as  an  exceedance of  the  maximum
contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate-nitrogen, published in 40 CFR Part 141.  If the background

level is above the  MCL for nitrate-nitrogen, contamination is defined as allowing the existing

level to increase.  Compliance with this management practice me be demonstrated in either of
the following two  ways:
     •   Certification by a qualified ground-water scientist that sewage  sludge placed on the
         active sewage  sludge unit does not contaminate the aquifer.   This should include a
         report demonstrating that the design,  construction, and operation of the liner/leachate
         collection system and/or the geology of the site is sufficient to retard liquid flow during
         the active life and post-closure period.

     •   Providing ground-water monitoring  data.  This  data should  include both baseline
         monitoring data on the aquifer obtained prior to placing sewage sludge in the unit, and
         ground-water monitoring data collected periodically throughout the life of the active
         unit.
Note that the regulation requires this management practice to be met by either certification of
a qualified ground-water scientist or the results of a ground-water monitoring program.  The
scientist must have a bachelor or post-graduate degree in the natural sciences or engineering and
have sufficient training and experience (as demonstrated by State registration or professional
certification) in ground-water monitoring, pollutant fate and transport, and corrective actions.


2.2 Records of Vector Attraction Reduction

Eleven options are available for compliance with the vector attraction reduction requirements of

Part 503. Options 1 through 8 include sewage sludge processing methods (e.g., volatile solids
                                           15

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Surface Disposal                                                            Section Two
reduction, pH adjustment) and are performed by the person who prepares the sewage sludge.
Options 9 through 11 are "barrier approaches," such as subsurface injection, incorporation into
the soil,  and covering  with soil or a suitable material.  These options are  performed by the
owners/operators of surface disposal sites during or after placement of the  sewage sludge on
active sewage sludge units.

Whenever one of options 9 through 11  is used, the owner/operator must certify whether the
vector attraction reduction requirement is met.  In addition, the owner/operator must keep
records containing a description of how vector attraction  reduction is met. The description
should be supported by documentation of any process controls or management practices used to
achieve the vector attraction reduction. Records of the certification and description must be kept
for at least 5 years.

Option 9—Sewage Sludge Injected Below Surface of the Land
Option 9 requires that the sewage sludge be injected below the surface of the land and that no
significant amount of sewage sludge be visible within 1 hour of injection. If the sewage sludge
meets the Class  A pathogen reduction requirements, injection must take place within 8 hours
after being discharged from the pathogen reduction process.   Documentation on compliance
could include a field notebook with entries describing how  sewage sludge is injected below the
land surface,  the class of pathogen reduction achieved, how much time elapses between the
pathogen reduction process and injection (if Class A), and observations on the amount of sewage
sludge present on the land surface 1 hour after sewage sludge was injected.

Option 10—Sewage Sludge Incorporated into the Soil
If sewage sludge is going to be incorporated into  the soil for vector attraction reduction, the
sewage sludge must be incorporated within 6 hours of placement on the active sewage sludge
unit.  If the sewage sludge is Class A, it has to be placed on the unit within 8 hours after being
discharged from the pathogen reduction process.  There is no time period requirement for Class
B sewage sludge.  Documentation on compliance  could include  a field notebook with entries
describing  how  the sewage sludge was incorporated and  the  class of pathogen  reduction
                                           16

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Section Two                                                            Surface Disposal
achieved.  If the sewage sludge is Class A, notes should include the date and time (hour of day)
the sewage sludge was discharged from the pathogen reduction process and the date and time
(hour of day) the  sewage sludge was incorporated into the soil.

Option 11—Sewage Sludge Covered With Soil or Suitable Material
Under option 11,  the sewage sludge is simply covered with soil or other material at the end of
each operating day.  Option 11 meets vector  attraction reduction requirements and pathogen
reduction  requirements.  In contrast,  when options 9 or  10 are used, Class A  or Class B
pathogen reduction requirements must have been met prior to surface disposal. Documentation
on compliance with option 11 could include a field notebook describing when and how the soil
or another material is placed over the sewage sludge at the end of each operating day, the
thickness of the cover, and the type of cover material used.

2.3 Records of Pathogen Reduction
Part 503  does not  impose recordkeeping requirements  for pathogen reduction  on the site
owner/operator.  Since the preparer is responsible for pathogen reduction, the preparer must
document compliance.

2.4 Reporting
In general, the owner/operator of a surface disposal site will not be required to report unless
specifically notified that the facility has been designated as a "Class I  sludge management
facility" by the EPA Regional Administrator or the State Director of an approved sewage sludge
management program.    If a  surface disposal  site is designated as Class  I, the types of
information that  will need to be reported will be  the  same information as kept  for the
recordkeeping  requirements.  Annual reports cover information generated during the calendar
year (January  1 through December 31).  Owners/operators would be expected to  submit data
collected during the  course  of the year.  They are not  expected to resubmit the one-time
documentation on siting and design conditions.  Annual reports should be submitted to the EPA
Regional Water Compliance Branch Chief.  The address for each Branch Chief is provided on
                                          17

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Surface Disposal                                                            Section Two
the inside of the back cover of this document.  The map on the inside of the front cover shows
the EPA  Region in which each State is located.

In addition, owners/operators who are also preparers of sewage sludge are required to submit
an annual report if then" facilities meet the definition of Class I sludge management facility or
if their facilities are publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) with a design flow rate equal to
or greater than 1 million gallons per day or POTWs that serve 10,000 people or more.  Class
I sludge management facilities are defined as POTWs required to have a pretreatment program
under 40 CFR 403.8(a), including any POTW located in a State that has elected to assume local
pretreatment  program  responsibilities  under  40  CFR  403.10(e).    The  EPA  Regional
Administrator has  the  authority to designate additional facilities,  including surface  disposal
facilities  as Class I.  Preparers  include persons who generate sewage sludge and persons who
derive a material from sewage sludge. Any owner/operator of a surface disposal site who is also
a preparer should refer to the manual entitled, Preparing Sewage Sludge for Land Application
or Surface  Disposal:   A Guide for Preparers  of Sewage  Sludge on the Monitoring,  Record
Keeping, and Reporting Requirements of the Federal Standards for the Use or Disposal of
Sewage Sludge Use or Disposal, 40 CFR Part 503 (EPA,  1993b),  for a full discussion of the
preparers' responsibilities.

2.5 General Requirements
The first  general requirement simply states that no person shall place sewage sludge on an active
sewage sludge unit unless the requirements in Part 503 are met.

The second general requirement  identifies areas where active sewage sludge units are prohibited.
Active sewage sludge units in the following areas must be  closed by March 22, 1994:

     •   Within 60 meters of a  fault that had displacement during Holocene time
     •   Unstable areas
     •   Wetlands, unless authorized in a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 or 404 of the
         CWA.
                                          18

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Section Two                                                              Surface Disposal

The third general requirement addresses closure of active sewage sludge units.  Owner/operators

of surface disposal sites that have active  sewage sludge units that will close are required to

submit a written closure and post-closure plan to the permitting authority 180 days prior to the

closure date. Appendix B presents a sample outline of the contents of a closure plan. The plan

must include the following elements:
     •   Discussion of how the leachate collection system will be operated and maintained for
         3 years after the sewage sludge unit closes (for units with liners and leachate collection
         systems,  only)

     •   Description of the system used to continuously monitor, for 3 years after the unit
         closes, methane gas in the air in any structures within the surface disposal site and in
         the air at the  property line (for units with covers only)

     •   Discussion of how public access to the  surface disposal  site will be restricted for 3
         years after closure of the last sewage sludge unit in the surface disposal site.
In addition, the owner of the surface disposal  site must provide  written notification to the

subsequent owner of the site that sewage sludge was placed on the land. The notification should

include:


     •   Map of the surface disposal site clearly showing the locations of sewage sludge units
         and their dimensions

     •   Amount and quality of sewage sludge disposed of on each unit

     •   Results of methane gas monitoring, if conducted

     •   Type of liner and leachate collection system installed, if appropriate, and the volume
         and characteristics of leachate collected

     •   Copy of the written closure and post-closure plan

     •   Warnings, as appropriate, against excavation; development; public access; grazing; and
         cultivation of food, feed or fiber crops on the site.
                                            19

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Surface Disposal	Section Three
                   3.  ACTIVE SEWAGE SLUDGE UNITS
    WITHOUT LINERS AND LEACHATE COLLECTION SYSTEMS
If an active sewage sludge unit does not have both a liner, with a hydraulic conductivity of 1 x
10'7 cm/sec or less, and a leachate collection system, owners/operators of such units may not
dispose of sewage sludge in an active sewage sludge unit unless the sewage sludge meets specific
pollutant limits.   Part 503 established  pollutant  limits  to protect public health and  the
environment from reasonably anticipated adverse effects of arsenic, chromium, and nickel in the
sewage sludge. These pollutant limits are based on the results of an exposure assessment for
ground-water and vapor pathways.

To ensure the protection of public health and environment, sewage sludge must be analyzed to
demonstrate compliance with the applicable pollutant limits. The pollutant limits vary according
to the distance from the boundary of the active  sewage sludge unit to the property line of the
surface disposal site.  Owners/operators may request site-specific limits from  the permitting
authority when the  values for certain site parameters  differ from the values used to develop the
pollutant limits.

Owners/operators are responsible for complying with vector attraction reduction, unless these
requirements have been met by the person who prepared the sewage sludge for surface disposal.
Owners/operators that dispose of sewage sludge in units that do not have liners and leachate
collection systems  are also subject to the management practices and general requirements that
encompass facility siting, design,  and operation.    Owners/operators  are required  to  keep
compliance records on their activities.  These records must  be readily accessible to State and
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspectors and maintained for at least 5 years.
This chapter provides guidance to owners/operators on monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting
requirements.  The owners/operators should be aware that failure to keep adequate records is
a violation of the Part 503 regulation and subject to substantial penalty under the Clean Water
Act (CWA).
                                         20

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Section 3
Surface Disposal
3.1  Monitoring of Pollutant Concentrations

If sewage sludge is placed in an active sewage sludge unit without a liner and leachate collection
system that is less than 150 meters from the property line, the owner/operator must monitor for
arsenic, chromium, and nickel. Pollutant concentration limits vary based on the following cases:
     •  If the active sewage sludge unit boundary is less than 150 meters from the surface
        disposal site property line, the owner/operator must demonstrate compliance with the
        applicable concentration limits given in Exhibit 1.

     •  If the active sewage sludge unit boundary is 150 meters or more from the surface
        disposal site property line, the  preparer must demonstrate  compliance with  the
        applicable  concentration  limits given in Exhibit  1.  (The  owner/operator  has no
        monitoring requirements hi this case.)

     •  If site-specific limits  are set by  the permitting authority, the  owner/operator is
        responsible  for demonstrating compliance with those limits.
           Exhibit 1.  Pollutant Limits for Surface Disposal of Sewage Sludge
Unit Boundary to
Property Line (meters)
0 to less than 25
25 to less than 50
50 to less than 75
75 to less than 100
100 to less than 125
125 to less than 150
150 or more
Pollutant Limits
(dry weight basis; mg/kg)
Arsenic
30
34
39
46
53
62
73
Chromium
200
220
260
300
360
450
600
Nickel
210
240
270
320
390
420
420
Sampling and
Analysis
Responsibility
Owner/Operator
Owner/Operator
Owner/Operator
Owner/Operator
Owner/Operator
Owner/Operator
Preparer
                                          21

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Surface Disposal	Section Three
Monitoring Frequency
The Part 503 regulation establishes a monitoring frequency for sewage sludge placed in an active
sewage sludge unit. As shown in Exhibit 2, the monitoring frequency increases as the amount
of sewage sludge disposed of increases.  The monitoring frequency established by the regulation
does not restrict persons from analyzing sewage sludge quality more often—more frequent
sampling and analysis may be advantageous.  The results of each sampling event represent the
sewage sludge quality from the date the sample was taken until the date of the next sample.  If
an owner/operator samples  quarterly, for example, and the results  from one quarter show that
the sewage sludge quality exceeded a limit, all the sewage sludge used or disposed of after that
sample was collected will be in violation until another sample demonstrates compliance.  If
samples are collected more frequently, the owner/operator may be able to document that, hi
general, the sewage sludge  quality consistently meets applicable requirements.

                           Exhibit 2.  Monitoring Frequency
Amount of Sewage Sludge Disposed
(metric; tons per 365-day period; dry weight)
Greater than zero but less than 290
Equal to or greater than 290 but less than 1,500
Equal to or greater than 1,500 but less than
15,000
Equal to or greater than 15,000
Monitoring Frequency
Annually (1 time per year)
Quarterly (4 times per year)
Bimonthly (6 times per year)
Monthly (12 tunes per year)
Technically, sewage sludge does not violate Part 503 requirements until disposal.  A violation
can be prevented by waiting for the analytical results of sewage sludge analyses before disposal
and using alternative disposal methods, if necessary. Obviously, the ability to use this strategy
will depend on the  availability of space to store the sewage sludge.

The Part 503 regulation specifies the number of sampling events that must occur during a year.
The approximate interval between sampling events is also defined.  For example, the monitoring
frequency "once per quarter (four times per year)"  means a total of four  sampling events must
                                           22

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Section 3                                                              Surface Disposal
occur at 3- month intervals (i.e., one sampling event every 3 months). The four sampling events
cannot occur in 4 consecutive days (or weeks or months), if the sewage sludge is continuously
disposed of over the course of a year.  The owner/operator should schedule sampling events at
evenly spaced intervals during the time when sewage sludge is disposed of.

Procedures  For Sampling And Analysis
This section describes three factors that are critical  for the development and implementation of
a self-monitoring program that will produce precise and reliable analytical results:

     •   Collection of representative samples of the sewage sludge
     •   Use of appropriate analytical techniques
     •   Adherence to quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures for sampling and
         analysis.

Representative Samples
To obtain a valid sample of sewage sludge, the sample must be taken from the appropriate
locations, represent the entire amount of sewage sludge, and be handled properly from the time
of collection through analysis.  It is important that samples be collected from locations that are
representative of the  sewage sludge that is  disposed of.  This  location  should be safe and
accessible.

The technique for sampling the sewage sludge will vary depending on whether the sewage sludge
is  flowing through pipes, moving along  a conveyor, or contained in a truck, pile, or bin.
Sewage sludge that is flowing or moving should be sampled at equal intervals during the amount
of time the unit operates each day.  This time-composited technique is most desirable because
sewage sludge that moves is more likely to be mixed better than sewage sludge in a pile or bin.
If  sewage sludge samples have to be collected from a pile or bin, the appropriate number of
samples to collect from  various points in the  pile  should be determined using the statistical
procedure described  in the document entitled, Environmental Regulations and Technology:
Control of Pathogens and Vectors in Sewage Sludge  (EPA, 1992).  At a minimum, core samples
                                          23

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Surface Disposal                                                         Section Three
should be taken from at least four points in the pile or bin. Sewage sludge sampling techniques
are also described in the following references, which are available through the Regional Sewage
Sludge Coordinator:

     •   POTW Sewage Sludge Sampling and Analysis Guidance Document (EPA, 1989)
     •   Sewage Sludge Sampling Techniques (demonstration video) (EPA, 1993c).

Appropriate preservation techniques ensure that samples remain unchanged during the holding
time prior  to  analysis.   At a minimum, all  sewage sludge  samples in the field and in the
laboratory should be preserved by cooling to 4°C with dry ice or an ice water bath.  Holding
times also influence the validity of analytical results. It is important to know and respect sample
holding times for each parameter being analyzed.  The metals do not degrade easily and can be
held up to 6 months.  Appropriate sample containers must be used; either plastic or glass
containers can be used to collect samples for analysis of metals.  The containers must be clean
and contaminant-free. In addition, sufficient sample volumes must be collected to perform the
analyses.  The sample  volumes needed for each  analysis vary depending on the percent total
solids of the sewage sludge and the detection level  of the analytical method used.  The laboratory
used for analyses should be consulted to determine the amount to collect.  A conservative rule
of thumb is to  collect 1  liter or a volume containing 1 gram dry weight for metals analysis. For
specific information on sampling techniques for pathogen analysis,  refer to the EPA document
entitled,  Environmental  Regulations and Technology:   Control  of Pathogens  and Vector
Attraction in Sewage Sludge (EPA, 1992).

Appropriate Analytical Techniques
All analyses performed to determine compliance with Part 503 must be conducted using methods
specified in Part 503. Pollutant analysis must be  performed using the methods provided  in the
                                          24

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Section 3                                                                Surface Disposal
EPA document entitled, Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste (EPA, 1986)1.  The following
list highlight the approved methods for the analysis of regulated pollutants:

     •   Arsenic:  EPA Methods 3050/3051 and 7060/7061
     •   Chromium: EPA Methods 3050/3051 and 6010/7191/7190
     •   Nickel: EPA Methods 3050/3051 and  6010/7520.

Although both methods 7060  and 7061 can be used to analyze  arsenic, high concentrations of
chromium,  cobalt, copper,  mercury,  molybdenum,  nickel, or silver  can cause  analytical
interference with method 7061.  Therefore, method 7060 is often preferable to method 7061.
Aluminum is  a  severe positive interference in method 7060, especially when using D2 ARC
background.  It is advisable, therefore, to  use Zeeman background correction instead.

Laboratory  results of sample analysis  often take up to several weeks to receive.   If the
owner/operator disposes of sewage sludge prior to receiving the laboratory results and the results
show that pollutant limits were exceeded,  the owner/operator is in violation.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control
A QA program is used to achieve a desired quality  for  activities, such as  sample collection,
laboratory  analysis, data validation  and reporting, documentation and recordkeeping.   QA
programs should address the following areas:
     •   Proper sample collection procedures,  equipment, preservation methods, and chain-of-
         custody procedures to ensure representative samples
     •   Proper sample preparation procedures, instruments, equipment, and methodologies used
         for the analyses of samples
   lTest Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods, EPA Publication SW-846, Second
Edition (1982) with Updates I (April 1984) and II (April 1985) and Third Edition (November 1986) with Revision
I (December 1987) and Update I (July 1992). Second Edition and Updates I and II (PB-87-120-291), are available
from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA, 22161. Third Edition
and Revision I and  Update I  (Document number 955-001-00000-1), are  available from the Superintendent of
Documents, Government Printing Office, 941 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC, 20002. Future updates
will be noticed in the Federal Register.
                                            25

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Surface Disposal                                                          Section Three
     •   Proper data  validation through  analysis of field and laboratory  blanks, splits, and
         duplicates
     •   Proper procedures and schedules for calibration and maintenance of equipment and
         instruments associated with the collection and analyses of samples
     •   Proper recordkeeping to produce accurate and complete records and reports, when
         required.
Quality control, which is a part of the QA program, relates to the routine use of established
procedures and policies during sample collection and analysis.  The objective of QC procedures
is to ultimately control both the accuracy and the precision of all analytical measurements made.
QC for sample collection includes the use of duplicate and spiked samples and sample blanks.
QC for sample analysis includes the  use of  spiked  and split samples, proper calibration
protocols, and appropriate analytical methods and procedures.  Chapter 1 of Test Methods for
Evaluating Solid Waste  (EPA, 1986) provides guidance on QA/QC for sample collection and
analysis.  Each analytical method describes additional QC procedures.

3.2 Records of Pollutant Concentrations
The Part 503 regulation requires owners/operators of active sewage sludge units without liners
and leachate collection systems to maintain records documenting the concentration of pollutants
in the sewage sludge if the units are located less than 150 meters from the property line of the
surface disposal site or if site-specific pollutants have been approved by the permitting authority.
Documentation of sampling and analysis for pollutant concentrations should include the following
information:
     •   Date and tune of sample collection, sampling location, sample type, sample volume,
         name of sampler, type of sample container, and methods of preservation (including
         cooling)
     •   Date and time of sample analysis, name of analyst, and analytical methods used
     •   Laboratory bench sheets indicating all raw data used in analyses  and calculation of
         results
                                           26

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Section 3                                                            Surface Disposal
     •   Sampling and analytical QA/QC procedures
     •   Analytical results expressed in dry weight.

3.3  Records of Management Practices
Owners/operators must ensure that the management practices are met and must document how
they are met in detailed records.  Records must be kept for at least 5 years.  Refer to Section
2.1 for further details.

3.4  Records of Vector Attraction Reduction
As mentioned in Chapter 2, there are 11 options to comply with the vector attraction reduction
requirements.  Options 1 through 8 are performed by the person who prepares  the sewage
sludge.  Options 9 through 11 are performed by the owner/operator of the surface disposal site
during or after placement of the sewage sludge on the active sewage sludge unit.  The options
available to the owner/operator are subsurface injection, incorporation into the soil, and cover
with soil  or a suitable material.  For more detailed information on documenting vector attraction
reduction activities, see Section 2.2.

3.5  Records of Pathogen Reduction
There are no  reporting requirements for pathogen reduction applicable to owner/operators of
surface disposal units.

3.6  Reporting
Several reporting provisions in Part 503 may apply to owners/operators of active sewage sludge
units (see Section 2.4).
                                         27

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Surface Disposal                                                       Section Three
3.7  General Requirements
Several general  requirements contained in Part 503.22 apply  to owners/operators of active
sewage sludge units (see Section 2.5).
                                        28

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                                 REFERENCES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1994a.  Guide to the Federal Part 503 Rule for the Use
   or Disposal ofBiosolids (Plain English Guide to 503).  Washington, DC:  EPA/832-R-93-
   003.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1994b. Guide to Risk Assessment for the Part 503
   Rule for Use or Disposal of Biosolids. Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1994c.  Odor Control Handbook.  Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1993a.  Land Application of Sewage Sludge—A Guide
   for Land Appliers on the Requirements of the Federal Standards for the Use and Disposal
   of Sewage Sludge, 40  CFR Pan 503.  Washington, DC:  EPA/831-B-93-002b.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1993b.  Preparing Sewage Sludge for Land Application
   or Surface Disposal—A Guide for Preparers of Sewage Sludge on the Monitoring, Record
   Keeping, and Reporting Requirements of the Federal Standards for the Use or Disposal of
   Sewage Sludge, 40 CFR Part 503.  Washington, DC: EPA/83lB-93-002a.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1993c.  Sewage Sludge Sampling Techniques. Video.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1993d. Domestic Septage Regulatory Guidance:  A
   Guide to the EPA 503 Rule.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Draft  1993e.  Guidance for Writing Permits for the
   Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge.  Office  of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance.
   Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1993f.  Technical Manual for Solid Waste Disposal
   Facility Criteria - 40 CFR Part 258.  Office of Solid Waste.  Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1992.  Environmental Regulations and Technology:
   Control of Pathogens and Vectors in Sewage  Sludge. Office of Research and Development.
   Cincinnati, OH: EPA/625/R-92/013

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1989.  POTW Sewage Sludge Sampling and Analysis
   Guidance Document.  Office of Water.  Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1986. Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste.
   Office of Solid Waste.  Washington, DC.  EPA/SW-86.
                                        29

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                        REFERENCES (Continued)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1978. Process Design Manual for Municipal Sewage
   Sludge Landfills.  Cincinnati, OH: EPA-625/1-78-010.

U.S. Geological Survey.  1978. Preliminary Young Fault Maps. MF 916.
                                      30

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          APPENDIX A
SOURCES OF MAPS AND INFORMATION

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                                                                        Appendices
                    SOURCES OF MAPS AND INFORMATION

The addresses listed below are not a complete listing of all sources; however, most information
and maps can be obtained through one of these organizations.  The table lists sources of USGS
information within most States.
    American Institute of Civil Engineers
    345 East 47th St.
    New York, NY 10017-2398

    Building Seismic Safety Council
    201 LSt.,NW
    Suite 400
    Washington, DC 20005
    (202) 289-7800

    Bureau of Land Management
    1849 C St. NW
    Washington, DC 20240
    (202) 343-7220 (Locator)
    (202) 343-5717 (Information)

    Federal Emergency Management
    Agency
    Flood Map Distribution Center
    6930 (A-F) San Thomas  Rd.
    Baltimore, MD 21227-6227

    National Information Service for
    Earthquake Engineering (NISSE)
    University of California, Berkeley
    404A Davis Hall
    Berkeley, CA 94720
    (415)642-5113

    Tennessee Valley Authority
    412 First St., SE
    Third Floor
    Washington, DC 20444
    (202) 479-4412

    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Soil Conservation Service
    P.O. Box 2890
    Washington, DC 20013-2890
    (202) 447-5157
U.S. Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Washington, DC 20314-1000

U.S. Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
1849CSt., NW
Washington, DC 20240
(202) 208-5634

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20591
(202) 267-3085

U.S. Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, Virginia 22092
(800) USA-MAPS

U.S. Geological Survey
Branch of Geological Risk Assessment
Stop 966 Box 25046
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 236-1629
U.S. Geological Survey
EROS Data Center
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57198
U.S. Geological Survey
National Earthquake Information Center
Stop 967 Box 25046
Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
(303) 236-1500
                                       A-l

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Appendices
                                          U.S. Geological Survey
                                Earth Science Information Center (ESIC)
                                               State Offices
 Geological Survey of Alabama
 420 Hackberry Lane, Room 200
 P.O. Box O, University Station
 Tuscaloosa, AL  35486-9780
 (205) 349-2852

 Arkansas Geological Commission
 Vardelle Parham Geology Center
 3815 W. Roosevelt Road
 Little Rock, AR  72204
 (501) 324-9165

 Map and Imagery Laboratory
  Library, University of California
 Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9010
 (805) 893-2779

  Delaware Geological Survey
 Cartographic Information Center
 University of Delaware
  101 Penny Hall
 Newark, DE  19716
 (302) 831-8262

 Office of State Planning
 Governor's Office
 State Capitol, Room 406
 Honolulu, HI  96813
 (808) 587-2894

 University of Idaho Library
 Map Collection
 Moscow,  ID  838434144
  (208) 885-6344

 Purdue  University
 Laboratory for Applications of Remote
   Sensing
 Entomology Building,  Room 220
  W. Lafayette, IN 47907-1158
  (317) 494-6305

  Kansas  Applied Remote Sensing
   Program
  Space Technology Center
  University of Kansas
  2291 Irving Hill Road
  Lawrence, KS  66045-2969
  (913) 864-7720
Geophysical Institute
University of Alaska — Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775-0800
(907) 474-7487

California Dept. of Conservation
Div. of Mines and Geology Information
 Office
660 Bercut Drive
Sacramento, CA  95814-0131
(916) 324-7380

Natural Resources Center
Dept. of Environmental Protection
165 Capitol Avenue
State Office Building,  Room 553
Hartford, CT  06106
(203) 566-3540

Florida Resources and Environmental
 Analysis Center
361 Bellamy Building
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4015
(904) 644-2883

University of Hawaii at Manoa
Thomas Hale Hamilton Library
2550 The Mall
Honolulu, HI  96822
(808) 956-6199

Illinois State Geological Survey
Natural Resources Building
615 E. Peabody Drive
Champaign, IL  61820
(217) 244-0933

Iowa Geological Survey
123 N. Capitol Street
Iowa City, IA  52242
(319) 335-1575

Kentucky Geological Survey
228 Mining and Mineral Resources
  Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY  40506-0107
(606) 257-5500
Arizona State Land Department
Resource Analysis Division
1616 W. Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-4061

Library, Map Collection
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-0511
(619) 594-5650

University of Connecticut
Map Library, Level 4
Storrs, CT 06268
(203) 4864589

Geographic Information Center
Department of Community Affairs
1200 Equitable Building
100 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 656-5527

Idaho State Historical Library
450 N. 4th Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 334-3356

University of Illinois at Urbana-
  Champaign
Map and Geography Library
1408 W. Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-0827

Kansas Geological Survey
University of Kansas
1930 Constant Avenue
Campus West
Lawrence, KS  66046-2598
(913)  864-3965

Division of Flood Control and Water
  Management
Department of Transportation and
  Development
1202 Capitol Access Rd., Rm. 401
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
(504) 379-1473
                                                     A-2

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                                                                                             Appendices
                                       U,S. Geological Survey
                           Earth Science Information Center (ESIC)
                                        State Offices (Com.)
Maine Geological Survey
State House Station, #22
Augusta, ME  04333
(207) 289-2801

University of Massachusetts
Cartographic Information Research
  Services
102D Hasbrouck Laboratory
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545-0359

Department of Administration
Land Management Information Center
300 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN  55155
(612) 297-2490

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Montana Tech
Main Hall, Room 200
Butte, MT 59701-8997
(406) 496-4174

Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
University of Nevada - Reno, MS 178
Scrughem Engineering -  Mines Bldg.
Room 301
Reno, NV 89557-0088
(702) 784-6691

Technology Applications Center
University of New Mexico
2808 Central Avenue, SE
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-3622

North Carolina Geological Survey
Department of Environmental, Health,
  and Natural Resources
512 N. Salisbury Street,  Room 519C
Raleigh, NC 27611-7687
(919) 733-2423

Geology Library
University of Oklahoma
100 E. Boyd, Room R-220
Norman, OK 73019-0628
(405) 325-6451
University of Maine
College of Forest Resources
The Map Store
South Annex A
Orono, ME 04469
(207) 581-6277

Land and Water Management
Michigan Department of Natural
  Resources
Steven T. Mason Bldg., Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-9123
Mississippi Institutions of Higher
 Learning
MARIS
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 982-6354

Conservation and Survey Division
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
113 Nebraska Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588-0517
(402) 472-3471

Documents Department
Dimond Library
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH  03824-3592
(603) 862-1777

Map Information Unit
New York Dept. of Transportation
Building 4, Room 105
Albany, NY  12232
(518) 457-3555

North Dakota Geological Survey
1022 E. Divide Avenue
Bismarck, ND  58505-0840
(701) 224-4109

University of Oregon
Map and Aerial Photography Library
165 Condon Hall
Eugene, OR  97403-1229
(503) 346-3051
Maryland Geological Survey
Department of Natural Resources
2300 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 554-5524

University of Minnesota
S76 Wilson Library
John R. Borchert Map Library
Minneapolis, MN  55455-0414
(612) 624-4549

Missouri Department of Natural
  Resources
Division of Geology and Land Survey
111 Fairgrounds Road
Rolla, MO  65401
(314) 368-2125

Government Documents Department
University of Nevada -  Las Vegas
  Library
4505 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV  89154
(702) 739-3409

Department of Environmental
  Protection and Energy
New Jersey Geological  Survey
29 Arctic Parkway
Trenton, NJ  08638
(609) 292-2576

North Carolina Geological Survey
Department of Environment, Health,
  and Natural Resources
59 Woodfin Place
Asheville.NC  28801
(704) 251-6208

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Soil and Water
  Conservation
Remote Sensing Section-ESIC
Fountain Square, Building E2
Columbus, OH 43224
(614) 265-6770

Department of Geology and Mineral
  Industries (DOGAMI)
#28, Room 965
800 Northeast Oregon Street
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 229-5580
                                                  A-3

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Appendices
                                        U*S. Geological Survey
                             Earth Science Information Center (ESIC)
                                         State Offices (Cont.)
 Oregon State Library
 State Library Building
 Salem, OR 97310-0640
 (503) 378-4368

 South Dakota Geological Survey
 Science Center
 University of South Dakota
 Vermillion, SD  57079-2390
 (605) 677-5227

 Texas Natural Resources Information
   System
 State Office Building, Room 428
 1700 N. Congress Avenue
 Austin, TX 78711-3231
 (512) 463-8337

 Department of Mines, Minerals and
   Energy
 Division of Mineral Resources
 Natural Resources Building
 Alderman and McCormick Roads
 Charlottesville, VA 22903
 (804) 293-5121

 West Virginia Geological and
   Economic Survey
 Cartographic Information Center
 Mont Chateau Research Center
 Cheat Lake
 Morgantown, WV 26507-0879
 (304)594-2331
Department of Environmental
 Resources
Bureau of Topographic and Geological
 Survey
916 Executive House
101 S. Second Street
Harrisburg, PA  17105-2357
(717) 783-8077

Tennessee Valley Authority
Federal ESIC
Maps and Surveys Branch
Haney Building, Room 100
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801
(615) 751-MAPS

Utah Geological and Mineral Survey
2363 S. Foothill Drive
Salt Lake City, UT  84109-1491
(801) 467-7970

Washington State Library
Information Services Division
Capital Campus
16th and Water Streets
Olympia, WA  98504
(206) 753-4027

State Cartographer's Office
160 Science Hall
550 N. Park Street
Madison, WI  53706-1404
(608) 262-3065
South Carolina Land Resources
Cartographic Information Center
  Commission
2221 Devine Street, Suite 222
Columbia, SC 29205-2474
(803) 734-9100

Map Library
Room 15 Hoskins
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-4006
(615) 9744315

University of Vermont
Map Room
Bailey /Howe Library
Burlington, VT 05405-0036
(802) 656-2503

Map Collection and Cartographic
  Information Center
University of Washington - Libraries
FM-25
Seattle, WA  98195
(206) 543-9392

Geological Survey of Wyoming
University Station
P.O. Box 3008
Laramie, WY 82071
(307) 766-2286
                                                    A-4

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                  APPENDIX B
OUTLINE OF SAMPLE CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE PLAN

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                                                                     Appendices

        OUTLINE OF SAMPLE CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE PLAN
  Owner/Operator Name:
  Mailing Address:
  Telephone Number:
  Address of Active Sewage Sludge Unit Location:
I.      ACTIVE SEWAGE SLUDGE UNIT CONDITIONS

       A.  General information

           1.   Size of active sewage sludge unit (hectares or acres)
           2.   Description of liner, if applicable
           3.   Description of leachate collection system, if applicable
           4.   Copy of NPDES permit if there are discharges to U.S. waters

       B.  Schedule of final closure (milestone chart)

           1.   Final date of sewage sludge accepted
           2.   Date all onsite disposal completed
           3.   Date final cover completed
           4.   Final date vegetation planted or other material placed
           5.   Final date closure completed
           6.   Total time  required to close the site

II.     DISPOSING OF SEWAGE SLUDGE
       A.  Total volume of sewage sludge to be disposed of on the active sewage sludge
           unit (m3 or yd3)

       B.  Description of procedures for disposing of sewage sludge

           1.   Size of surface disposal site, number of active sewage sludge units, and
               size of units necessary for disposing of sewage sludge (include site map
               of disposal area)

           2.   Design and construction of active sewage sludge units
                                     B-l

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Appendices

  III.    COVER AND VEGETATION

         A.  Final cover, if applicable

             1.   Total area to be covered (m2 or yd2)
             2.   Characteristics of final cover

                  a. Type(s) of material(s)
                  b. Depth of material(s)
                  c. Total amount of material(s) required

             3.   Final cover design
                  a. Slope of cover
                  b. Length of run of slope
                  c. Type of drainage and diversion structures

         B.  Vegetation (if vegetation is to be planted)

             1.   Total area requiring vegetation (hectares or acres)
             2.   Name or type of vegetation (e.g., rye grass)

         C.  Erosion Control  (if vegetation is not to be planted)

             1.   Procedures and materials for controlling cover erosion
             2.   Justification for procedures and materials used

  IV.    GROUND-WATER  MONITORING (if applicable)

         A.  Analyses required

             1.   Number of ground-water samples to be collected
             2.   Ground-water monitoring schedule (e.g., quarterly,  semi-annually)
             3.   Details of ground-water monitoring program

         B.  Maintenance of ground-water monitoring equipment

  V.     COLLECTION, REMOVAL, AND TREATMENT  OF LEACHATE

         A.  Description of  leachate  collection system  (i.e.,  pumping  and collecting
             procedures)

             1.   Description of the leachate sampling and analysis plan
             2.   Estimated volume of leachate collected per month
                                         B-2

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                                                                         Appendices

       B.   Description of leachate treatment process, if on-site

                a.  Design objectives
                b.  Materials and equipment required

       C.   Disposal of leachate

            1.   If discharged to surface waters, include copy of NPDES permit
            2.   If hauled off site, provide final destination

       D.   Maintenance of equipment

            1.   Repairs and replacements required
            2.   Regular maintenance required  over the duration of closure  and  post-
                closure periods

VI.    METHANE MONITORING (if applicable)

       A.   Monitoring requirements

            1.   Monitoring locations
            2.   Types of samples
            3.   Number of samples
            4.   Analytical methods used
            5.   Frequency of analyses

       B.   Maintenance of monitoring  equipment

       C.   Planned responses to exceedances of limits

VII.   MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

       A.   Surface disposal site inspections

            1.   List all structures, areas, and monitoring systems  to be inspected
            2.   Frequency of inspections for each

       B.   Planned responses to probable occurrences (including those listed below)

            1.   Loss of containment integrity
            2.   Severe storm erosion
            3.   Drainage failure
                                       B-3

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Appendices
         C.  Maintenance of cover and/or vegetation

             1.   Cover maintenance activities and schedule
             2.   Mowing schedule
             3.   Reseeding and mulching schedule
             4.   Soil replacement

                  a.  Labor requirements
                  b.  Soil requirements

             5.   Fertilizing schedule
             6.   Sprinkling schedule
             7.   Rodent and insect control program

         D.  Control of erosion

             1.   Maintenance program for drainage and diversion system
             2.   Activities required to repair expected erosive damage
             3.   Replacement cover soil

                  a.  Amount to be stored onsite during the post-closure period
                  b.  Specification of alternative sources of cover soil, if applicable (i.e.,
                     offsite purchase agreement or onsite excavation)

  Vffl.  INSTALLATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE FENCE

         A.  If a fence already exists, describe required maintenance at closure to ensure it
             is in good condition

         B.  If fence is to be installed, specify:

              1.   Area to be enclosed
             2.   Type of materials used
             3.   Dimensions of fence

         C.  Security and public access practices planned for the post-closure period

              1.   Description of security system
             2.   Maintenance schedule

  IX.    CLOSURE SCHEDULE

         A.   Schedule for closure procedures
         B.   Schedule of periodic inspections
                                         B-4

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Mail compliance reports required under the Standards for the Use and Disposal of Sewage
Sludge to the Water Compliance Branch Chief in your EPA Region at the following address:
   REGION 1
   Water Compliance Branch Chief
   (WCC)
   Water Management Division
   U.S. EPA Region 1
   JFK Federal Building
   Boston, MA 02203-2211
REGION 6
Water Compliance Branch Chief
(GW-EA)
Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX  75202-2733
   REGION 2
   Water Compliance Branch Chief
   Water Management Division
   Room 845
   U.S. EPA Region 2
   26 Federal Plaza
   New York, NY  10278
REGION 7
Water Compliance Branch Chief
(WACM)
Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 7
726 Minnesota Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
   REGION 3
   Water Compliance Branch Chief
   (3-WM50)
   Water Management Division
   U.S. EPA Region 3
   841 Chestnut Street
   Philadelphia, PA 19107
REGION 8
Water Compliance Branch Chief
(8WM-C)
Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 8
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO  80202-2466
   REGION 4
   Water Compliance Branch Chief
   (WPEB-1)
   Water Management Division
   U.S. EPA Region 4
   345 Courtland Street, N.E.
   Atlanta, GA 30365

   REGION 5
   Water Compliance Branch Chief
   (WCC-15J)
   Water Management Division
   U.S. EPA Region 5
   77 West Jackson Boulevard
   Chicago, IL 60604-3590
REGION 9
NPDES Compliance Section (W-5-3)
Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 9
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-3901
REGION 10
Water Compliance Branch Chief
(WD-135)
Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 10
1200 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA  98101-3188

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