§ 281.202. Areas where general composting facilities are prohibited.
(a) Except for areas that were permitted prior to April 9, 1988, a general composting facility may not be operated as follows:
(1) Floodplain. In the 100-year floodplain of waters of this Commonwealth unless demonstrated that the compost facility can be protected during flooding.
(2) Wetland.
(i) In or within 300 feet of an exceptional value wetland, as defined in § 105.17 (relating to wetlands).
(ii) For a general composting facility permitted on or after December 23, 2000, other than an expansion of a general composting facility that was permitted prior to December 23, 2000, in or within 100 feet of a wetland other than an exceptional value wetland, unless storage and processing will not occur within that distance or storage and processing take place in an enclosed facility and one of the following is true:
(A) If the operation is in or along the wetland, the operator has received a permit from the Department under Chapter 105 (relating to dam safety and waterway management).
(B) If the operation is not in or along the wetland, no adverse hydrologic or water quality impacts will result.
(3) Occupied dwelling. Within 300 feet measured horizontally from an occupied dwelling, unless the owner of the dwelling has provided a written waiver consenting to the facility being closer than 300 feet. The waiver shall be knowingly made and separate from a lease or deed unless the lease or deed contains an explicit waiver from the owner.
(4) Perennial stream. Within 100 feet of a perennial stream, unless one of the following applies:
(i) Storage and processing will not occur within 100 feet of a perennial stream and no adverse impacts to the perennial stream will result.
(ii) Storage and processing take place in an enclosed facility and no adverse hydrologic or water quality impacts will result.
(5) Property line. Within 50 feet of a property line unless the operator demonstrates one of the following:
(i) That actual processing of waste is not occurring within 50 feet of a property line.
(ii) That storage and processing ocurring within 50 feet of a property line take place in an enclosed facility.
(iii) That the owner of the adjacent property has provided a written waiver consenting to the facility being closer than 50 feet. The waiver shall be knowingly made and separate from a lease or deed unless the lease or deed contains an explicit waiver from the owner.
(6) Water source. Within 1/4 mile upgradient and within 300 feet downgradient of a private or public water source.
(7) Water table. In an area where the pad or vessel will be in contact with the seasonal high water table or perched water table.
(8) School, park or playground.
(i) For a municipal waste transfer facility permit issued on or after December 23, 2000, except an expansion of a municipal waste transfer facility permitted prior to December 23, 2000, within 300 yards of the following:
(A) A building which is owned by a school district or school and used for instructional purposes.
(B) A park.
(C) A playground.
(ii) The current property owner of a school building, park or playground may waive the 300-yard prohibition by signing a written waiver. Upon receipt of the waiver, the Department will waive the 300-yard prohibition and will not use the prohibition as the basis for the denial of a new permit.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), this section does not apply to a feature that may come into existence after the date of the first newspaper notice under § 271.141 (relating to public notice by applicant).
(c) This section does not apply to a feature that may come into existence after the date of the first newspaper notice under this subsection if the following apply:
(1) The person or municipality publishes a notice of intent to file an application for a general composting facility permit. The notice, which is separate from the newspaper notice required by § 271.141, shall be published once a week for 3 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the facility is proposed to be located. The notice shall include a brief description of the location and proposed operation of the facility.
(2) The person or municipality files an administratively complete application with the Department within 1 year from the date of the first newspaper notice under this subsection.
Source The provisions of this § 281.202 amended January 24, 1997, effective January 25, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 521; amended December 22, 2000, effective December 23, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 6685. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (255081) to (255082).
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 281.112 (relating to maps and related information).
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