Section 210. Sector N - Scrap recycling and waste recycling facilities and material recovery facilities (MRF)

A. Discharges covered under this section. The requirements listed under this section apply to stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity from facilities that are engaged in the processing, reclaiming and wholesale distribution of scrap and waste materials such as ferrous and nonferrous metals, paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, animal hides (these types of activities are typically identified as SIC Code 5093), and facilities that are engaged in reclaiming and recycling liquid wastes such as used oil, antifreeze, mineral spirits, and industrial solvents (also identified as SIC Code 5093). Separate permit requirements have been established for recycling facilities that only receive source-separated recyclable materials primarily from nonindustrial and residential sources (also identified as SIC Code 5093) (e.g., common consumer products including paper, newspaper, glass, cardboard, plastic containers, aluminum and tin cans).

Separate permit requirements have also been established for facilities that are engaged in dismantling ships, marine salvaging, and marine wrecking–ships for scrap (SIC 4499, limited to those listed; for others in SIC 4499 not listed above, see Sector Q (9VAC25-151-240)).

B. Special conditions. Prohibition of nonstormwater discharges. In addition to the general nonstormwater prohibition in Part I B 1, nonstormwater discharges from turnings containment areas are not covered by this permit (see also subdivision C 2 c of this section). Discharges from containment areas in the absence of a storm event are prohibited unless covered by a separate VPDES permit.

C. Stormwater pollution prevention plan requirements. In addition to the requirements of Part III, all facilities are required to comply with the general SWPPP requirement in subdivision 1 of this subsection.

Subdivisions 2 through 5 of this subsection have SWPPP requirements for specific types of recycling facilities. The permittee shall implement and describe in the SWPPP a program to address those items that apply. Included are lists of control measure options that, along with any functional equivalents, shall be considered for implementation.

1. Site description. Site map. The site map shall identify the locations where any of the following activities or sources may be exposed to precipitation or surface runoff: scrap and waste material storage, outdoor scrap and waste processing equipment, and containment areas for turnings exposed to cutting fluids.

2. Scrap recycling and waste recycling facilities (nonsource-separated, nonliquid recyclable materials). The following SWPPP special conditions have been established for facilities that receive, process and do wholesale distribution of nonliquid recyclable wastes (e.g., ferrous and nonferrous metals, plastics, glass, cardboard and paper). These facilities may receive both nonrecyclable and recyclable materials. This section is not intended for those facilities that only accept recyclable materials primarily from nonindustrial and residential sources.

a. Inbound recyclable and waste material control program. The plan shall include a recyclable and waste material inspection program to minimize the likelihood of receiving materials that may be significant pollutant sources to stormwater discharges. Control measure options:

(1) Provide information and education flyers, brochures and pamphlets to suppliers of scrap and recyclable waste materials on draining and properly disposing of residual fluids prior to delivery to the facility (e.g., from vehicles and equipment engines, radiators, and transmissions, oil-filled transformers, and individual containers or drums), and on removal of mercury switches prior to delivery to the facility;

(2) Establish procedures to minimize the potential of any residual fluids from coming in contact with precipitation or runoff;

(3) Establish procedures for accepting scrap lead-acid batteries. Additional requirements for the handling, storage and disposal or recycling of batteries are contained in the scrap lead-acid battery program provisions in subdivision 2 f of this subsection;

(4) Provide training targeted for those personnel engaged in the inspection and acceptance of inbound recyclable materials; and

(5) Establish procedures to ensure that liquid wastes, including used oil, are stored in materially compatible and nonleaking containers and disposed or recycled in accordance with all requirements under the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA), and other state or local requirements.

b. Scrap and waste material stockpiles and storage (outdoor). The plan shall describe measures and controls to minimize contact of stormwater runoff with stockpiled materials, processed materials and nonrecyclable wastes. Control measure options:

(1) Permanent or semipermanent covers;

(2) The use of sediment traps, vegetated swales and strips, catch basin filters and sand filters to facilitate settling or filtering of pollutants;

(3) Diversion of runoff away from storage areas via dikes, berms, containment trenches, culverts and surface grading;

(4) Silt fencing; and

(5) Oil/water separators, sumps and dry adsorbents for areas where potential sources of residual fluids are stockpiled (e.g., automotive engine storage areas).

c. Stockpiling of turnings exposed to cutting fluids (outdoor storage). The plan shall implement measures necessary to minimize contact of surface runoff with residual cutting fluids. Control measure options (use singularly or in combination):

(1) Storage of all turnings exposed to cutting fluids under some form of permanent or semipermanent cover. Stormwater discharges from these areas are permitted provided the runoff is first treated by an oil/water separator or its equivalent. Procedures to collect, handle, and dispose or recycle residual fluids that may be present shall be identified in the plan; or

(2) Establish dedicated containment areas for all turnings that have been exposed to cutting fluids. Stormwater runoff from these areas can be discharged provided:

(a) The containment areas are constructed of either concrete, asphalt or other equivalent type of impermeable material;

(b) There is a barrier around the perimeter of the containment areas to prevent contact with stormwater runon (e.g., berms, curbing, elevated pads, etc.);

(c) There is a drainage collection system for runoff generated from containment areas;

(d) There is a schedule to maintain the oil/water separator (or its equivalent); and

(e) Procedures are identified for the proper disposal or recycling of collected residual fluids.

d. Scrap and waste material stockpiles and storage (covered or indoor storage). The plan shall address measures and controls to minimize contact of residual liquids and particulate matter from materials stored indoors or under cover from coming in contact with surface runoff. Control measure options:

(1) Good housekeeping measures, including the use of dry absorbent or wet vacuum cleanup methods, to contain, dispose, or recycle residual liquids originating from recyclable containers, or mercury spill kits from storage of mercury switches;

(2) Prohibiting the practice of allowing washwater from tipping floors or other processing areas from discharging to the storm sewer system; and

(3) Disconnecting or sealing off all floor drains connected to the storm sewer system.

e. Scrap and recyclable waste processing areas. The plan shall include measures and controls to minimize surface runoff from coming in contact with scrap processing equipment. In the case of processing equipment that generate visible amounts of particulate residue (e.g., shredding facilities), the plan shall describe measures to minimize the contact of residual fluids and accumulated particulate matter with runoff (i.e., through good housekeeping, preventive maintenance, etc.). Control measure options:

(1) A schedule of regular inspections of equipment for leaks, spills, malfunctioning, worn or corroded parts or equipment;

(2) A preventive maintenance program for processing equipment;

(3) Removal of mercury switches from the hood and trunk lighting units, and removal of anti-lock brake system units containing mercury switches;

(4) Use of dry-absorbents or other cleanup practices to collect and to dispose of or recycle spilled or leaking fluids, or use of mercury spill kits for spills from storage of mercury switches;

(5) Installation of low-level alarms or other equivalent protection devices on unattended hydraulic reservoirs over 150 gallons in capacity. Alternatively, provide secondary containment with sufficient volume to contain the entire volume of the reservoir;

(6) Containment or diversion structures such as dikes, berms, culverts, trenches, elevated concrete pads, and grading to minimize contact of stormwater runoff with outdoor processing equipment or stored materials;

(7) Oil/water separators or sumps;

(8) Permanent or semipermanent covers in processing areas where there are residual fluids and grease;

(9) Retention and detention basins or ponds, sediment traps, vegetated swales or strips, to facilitate pollutant settling and filtration; and

(10) Catch basin filters or sand filters.

f. Scrap lead-acid battery program. The plan shall address measures and controls for the proper handling, storage and disposal of scrap lead-acid batteries. Control measure options:

(1) Segregate scrap lead-acid batteries from other scrap materials;

(2) A description of procedures and measures for the proper handling, storage and disposal of cracked or broken batteries;

(3) A description of measures to collect and dispose of leaking lead-acid battery fluid;

(4) A description of measures to minimize and, whenever possible, eliminate exposure of scrap lead-acid batteries to precipitation or runoff; and

(5) A description of employee training for the management of scrap batteries.

g. Spill prevention and response procedures. The SWPPP shall include measures to minimize stormwater contamination at loading and unloading areas, and from equipment or container failures. Control measure options:

(1) Description of spill prevention and response measures to address areas that are potential sources of fluid leaks or spills;

(2) Immediate containment and clean up of spills and leaks. If malfunctioning equipment is responsible for the spill or leak, repairs shall also be conducted as soon as possible;

(3) Cleanup procedures shall be identified in the plan, including the use of dry absorbents. Where dry absorbent cleanup methods are used, an adequate supply of dry absorbent material shall be maintained on-site. Used absorbent material shall be disposed of properly;

(4) Drums containing liquids, especially oil and lubricants, shall be stored: indoors; in a bermed area; in overpack containers or spill pallets; or in similar containment devices;

(5) Overfill prevention devices shall be installed on all fuel pumps or tanks;

(6) Drip pans or equivalent measures shall be placed under any leaking piece of stationary equipment until the leak is repaired. The drip pans shall be inspected for leaks and potential overflow and all liquids properly disposed of in accordance with RCRA requirements; and

(7) An alarm or pump shut off system shall be installed on outdoor equipment with hydraulic reservoirs exceeding 150 gallons in order to prevent draining the tank contents in the event of a line break. Alternatively, the equipment may have a secondary containment system capable of containing the contents of the hydraulic reservoir plus adequate freeboard for precipitation. A mercury spill kit shall be used for any release of mercury from switches, anti-lock brake systems, and switch storage areas.

h. Inspection program. All designated areas of the facility and equipment identified in the plan shall be inspected at least quarterly. The requirement for routine facility inspections is waived for facilities that have maintained an active VEEP E3/E4 status.

i. Supplier notification program. The plan shall include a program to notify major suppliers which scrap materials will not be accepted at the facility or are only accepted under certain conditions.

3. Waste recycling facilities (liquid recyclable materials).

a. Waste material storage (indoor). The plan shall include measures and controls to minimize or eliminate contact between residual liquids from waste materials stored indoors and surface runoff. The plan may refer to applicable portions of other existing plans such as SPCC plans required under 40 CFR Part 112. Control measure options:

(1) Procedures for material handling (including labeling and marking);

(2) A sufficient supply of dry-absorbent materials or a wet vacuum system to collect spilled or leaked materials (note: spilled or leaking mercury should never be vacuumed);

(3) An appropriate containment structure, such as trenches, curbing, gutters or other equivalent measures; and

(4) A drainage system, including appurtenances (e.g., pumps or ejectors, or manually operated valves), to handle discharges from diked or bermed areas. Drainage shall be discharged to an appropriate treatment facility, sanitary sewer system, or otherwise disposed of properly. Discharges from these areas may require coverage under a separate VPDES permit or industrial user permit under the pretreatment program.

b. Waste material storage (outdoor). The plan shall describe measures and controls to minimize contact between stored residual liquids and precipitation or runoff. The plan may refer to applicable portions of other existing plans such as SPCC plans required under 40 CFR Part 112. Discharges of precipitation from containment areas containing used oil shall also be in accordance with applicable sections of 40 CFR Part 112. Control measure options:

(1) Appropriate containment structures (e.g., dikes, berms, curbing, pits) to store the volume of the largest single tank, with sufficient extra capacity for precipitation;

(2) Drainage control and other diversionary structures;

(3) For storage tanks, provide corrosion protection or leak detection systems; and

(4) Dry-absorbent materials or a wet vacuum system to collect spills.

c. Truck and rail car waste transfer areas. The plan shall describe measures and controls to minimize pollutants in discharges from truck and rail car loading and unloading areas. The plan shall also address measures to clean up minor spills and leaks resulting from the transfer of liquid wastes. Control measure options:

(1) Containment and diversionary structures to minimize contact with precipitation or runoff; and

(2) Use of dry cleanup methods, wet vacuuming, roof coverings, or runoff controls.

d. Inspections. Inspections shall be made quarterly and shall also include all areas where waste is generated, received, stored, treated or disposed that are exposed to either precipitation or stormwater runoff. The requirement for routine facility inspections is waived for facilities that have maintained an active VEEP E3/E4 status.

4. Recycling facilities (source separated materials). The following SWPPP special conditions have been established for facilities that receive only source-separated recyclable materials primarily from nonindustrial and residential sources.

a. Inbound recyclable material control. The plan shall include an inbound materials inspection program to minimize the likelihood of receiving nonrecyclable materials (e.g., hazardous materials) that may be a significant source of pollutants in surface runoff. Control measure options:

(1) Provide information and education measures to inform suppliers of recyclable materials on the types of materials that are acceptable and those that are not acceptable;

(2) A description of training measures for drivers responsible for pickup of recyclable materials;

(3) Clearly mark public drop-off containers regarding which materials can be accepted;

(4) Rejecting nonrecyclable wastes or household hazardous wastes at the source; and

(5) Establish procedures for the handling and disposal of nonrecyclable materials.

b. Outdoor storage. The plan shall include procedures to minimize the exposure of recyclable materials to surface runoff and precipitation. The plan shall include good housekeeping measures to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter and fluids, particularly in high traffic areas. Control measure options:

(1) Provide totally-enclosed drop-off containers for the public;

(2) Install a sump and pump with each containment pit, and treat or discharge collected fluids to a sanitary sewer system;

(3) Provide dikes and curbs for secondary containment (e.g., around bales of recyclable waste paper);

(4) Divert surface runoff away from outside material storage areas;

(5) Provide covers over containment bins, dumpsters, roll-off boxes; and

(6) Store the equivalent one day's volume of recyclable materials indoors.

c. Indoor storage and material processing. The plan shall include measures to minimize the release of pollutants from indoor storage and processing areas. Control measure options:

(1) Schedule routine good housekeeping measures for all storage and processing areas;

(2) Prohibit a practice of allowing tipping floor washwaters from draining to any portion of the storm sewer system; and

(3) Provide employee training on pollution prevention practices.

d. Vehicle and equipment maintenance. The plan shall also provide for control measures in those areas where vehicle and equipment maintenance is occurring outdoors. Control measure options:

(1) Prohibit vehicle and equipment washwater from discharging to the storm sewer system;

(2) Minimize or eliminate outdoor maintenance areas, wherever possible;

(3) Establish spill prevention and clean-up procedures in fueling areas;

(4) Avoid topping off fuel tanks;

(5) Divert runoff from fueling areas;

(6) Store lubricants and hydraulic fluids indoors; and

(7) Provide employee training on proper, handling, storage of hydraulic fluids and lubricants.

5. Facilities engaged in dismantling ships, marine salvaging, and marine wrecking—ships for scrap. The following SWPPP special conditions have been established for facilities that are engaged in dismantling ships, marine salvaging, and marine wrecking—ships for scrap.

Vessel breaking and scrapping activities. Scrapping of vessels shall be accomplished ashore beyond the range of mean high tide, whenever practicable. If this activity must be conducted while a vessel is afloat or grounded in state waters, then the permittee shall employ control measures to reduce the amount of pollutants released. The following control measures shall be implemented during those periods when vessels (ships, barges, yachts, etc.) are brought to the facility's site for recycling, scrapping and storage prior to scrapping.

a. Fixed or floating platforms sufficiently sized and constructed to catch and prevent scrap materials and pollutants from entering surface waters (or equivalent measures approved by the board) shall be used as work surfaces when working on or near the water surface. These platforms shall be cleaned as required to prevent pollutants from entering surface waters and at the end of each work shift. All scrap metals and pollutants shall be collected in a manner to prevent releases (containerization is recommended).

b. There shall be no discharge of oil or oily wastewater at the facility. Drip pans and other protective devices shall be required for all oil and oily waste transfer operations to catch incidental spillage and drips from hose nozzles, hose racks, drums or barrels. Drip pans and other protective devices shall be inspected and maintained to prevent releases. Oil and oily waste shall be disposed at a permitted facility and adequate documentation of off-site disposition shall be retained for review by the board upon request.

c. During the storage, breaking, and scrapping period, oil containment boom(s) shall be deployed either around the vessel being scrapped, or across the mouth of the facility's wetslip, to contain pollutants in the event of a spill. Booms shall be inspected, maintained, and repaired as needed. Oil, grease and fuel spills shall be prevented from reaching surface waters. Cleanup shall be carried out promptly after an oil, grease, or fuel spill is detected.

d. Paint and solvent spills shall be immediately cleaned up to prevent pollutants from reaching storm drains, deck drains, and surface waters.

e. Contaminated bilge and ballast water shall not be discharged to surface waters. If it becomes necessary to dispose of contaminated bilge and ballast waters during a vessel breaking activity, the wastewater shall be disposed at a permitted facility and adequate documentation of off-site disposition shall be retained for review by the board upon request.

D. Benchmark monitoring and reporting requirements. Scrap recycling and waste recycling facilities (both source-separated and nonsource-separated facilities), and facilities engaged in dismantling ships, marine salvaging, and marine wrecking—ships for scrap are required to monitor their stormwater discharges for the pollutants of concern listed in Table 210.

Table 210 Sector N – Benchmark Monitoring Requirements
Pollutants of Concern	Benchmark Concentration
Scrap Recycling and Waste Recycling Facilities (nonsource-separated facilities only) (SIC 5093)
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)	100 mg/L
Total Recoverable Aluminum	750 μg/L
Total Recoverable Cadmium	2.1 μg/L
Total Recoverable Chromium	16 μg/L
Total Recoverable Copper	18 μg/L
Total Recoverable Iron	1.0 mg/L
Total Recoverable Lead	120 μg/L
Total Recoverable Zinc	120 μg/L
Scrap Recycling and Waste Recycling Facilities (source-separated facilities) (SIC 5093)
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)	100 mg/L
Total Recoverable Aluminum1	750 μg/L
Total Recoverable Cadmium1	2.1 μg/L
Total Recoverable Chromium1	16 μg/L
Total Recoverable Copper1	18 μg/L
Total Recoverable Iron1	1.0 mg/L
Total Recoverable Lead1	120 μg/L
Total Recoverable Zinc1	120 μg/L
1Metals monitoring is only required at source-separated facilities for the specific metals listed above that are received at the facility.
Facilities Engaged in Dismantling Ships, Marine Salvaging, and Marine Wrecking - Ships for Scrap (SIC 4499, limited to list)
Total Recoverable Aluminum	750 μg/L
Total Recoverable Cadmium	2.1 μg/L
Total Recoverable Chromium	16 μg/L
Total Recoverable Copper	18 μg/L
Total Recoverable Iron	1.0 mg/L
Total Recoverable Lead	120 μg/L
Total Recoverable Zinc	120 μg/L
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)	100 mg/L

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 15, Issue 09, eff. June 30, 1999; amended, Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2004; Volume 25, Issue 19, eff. June 24, 2009; Volume 30, Issue 11, eff. July 1, 2014; Errata 30:12 VA.R. 1706 February 10, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§ 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 402 of the Clean Water Act; 40 CFR Parts 122, 123 and 124.