Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities

Hazardous waste management facilities treat, store, or dispose of hazardous wastes. These facilities are often referred to as treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, or TSDFs.

• Treatment facilities use various processes (such as incineration or oxidation) to alter the character or composition of hazardous wastes. Some treatment processes enable waste to be recovered and reused in manufacturing settings, while other treatment processes dramatically reduce the amount of hazardous waste. 
• Storage facilities temporarily hold hazardous wastes until they are treated or disposed of.
• Disposal facilities permanently contain hazardous wastes.  The most common type of disposal facility is a landfill, where hazardous wastes are disposed of in units carefully constructed and designed to protect groundwater and surface-water resources.

TN has detailed regulations to ensure that TSDFs operate safely and protect human health and the environment: TN Rule Chapter 0400-12-01-.06 and .07. 

Permitting

Facilities that currently or plan to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous wastes must obtain a RCRA permit. A RCRA permit is a legally binding document that establishes operating requirements and various provisions specific to the needs of the permit applicant depending on the treatment, storage, or disposal activities conducted at the facility. Permits are written to address the specific geography of the facility, the types of hazardous waste management units, and the specific waste streams that will be managed at the facility.  The permit also outlines facility design and operation, lays out safety standards, and describes activities that the facility must perform, such as monitoring and reporting.  Permits typically require facilities to develop emergency plans, find insurance and financial backing, and train employees to handle hazards and can include facility-specific requirements such as groundwater monitoring.