Section 329IAC10-20-17. Explosive gases

   (a) The owner, operator, or permittee of all MSWLFs shall ensure that:

(1) the concentration of methane gas generated by the MSWLF does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the lower explosive limit for methane in MSWLF structures, excluding gas control, leachate collection manholes, or recovery system components; and

(2) the concentration of methane gas does not exceed the lower explosive limit for methane at the facility boundary.

  (b) The owner, operator, or permittee of all MSWLFs shall:

(1) implement a routine methane monitoring program approved by the commissioner to ensure that the standards of subsection (a) are met; or

(2) implement a routine methane monitoring program as proposed to the commissioner:

(A) if a routine methane monitoring program has not been approved by the commissioner; and

(B) until a routine methane monitoring program approved by the commissioner is implemented under subdivision (1).

  (c) The type and frequency of monitoring must be determined based on the following:

(1) Soil conditions.

(2) The hydrogeologic conditions surrounding the MSWLF.

(3) The hydraulic conditions surrounding the MSWLF.

(4) The location of MSWLF structures and property boundaries.

The minimum frequency of monitoring must be quarterly.

  (d) If methane gas levels exceeding the limits specified in subsection (a) are detected, the owner, operator, or permittee shall complete the following:

(1) Immediately take all necessary steps to ensure protection of human health.

(2) Notify the commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours or the next business day if the detection occurs over a weekend or holiday.

(3) Within seven (7) days of detection, place in the operating record the methane gas levels detected and a description of the steps taken to protect human health.

(4) Within sixty (60) days of detection, implement a remediation plan for the methane gas releases, place a copy of the plan in the operating record, and notify the commissioner that the plan has been implemented. The plan must describe the nature and extent of the problem and the proposed remedy.

  (e) The commissioner may establish alternative schedules for compliance with subsection (d)(3) and (d)(4). (Solid Waste Management Division; 329 IAC 10-20-17; filed Mar 14, 1996, 5:00 p.m.: 19 IR 1850; filed Mar 19, 1998, 11:07 a.m.: 21 IR 2788; filed Aug 2, 1999, 11:50 a.m.: 22 IR 3831; readopted filed Jan 10, 2001, 3:25 p.m.: 24 IR 1535)