Department of
Environmental Quality

Incineration is one alternative to landfilling solid waste. Incinerators burn solid waste in a furnace and are regulated according to the volume and type of waste managed.

Under Idaho's Solid Waste Management Rules, incinerators that have a cumulative volume of 600 cubic yards or more are classified as Tier II facilities and must comply with basic Tier II regulations and deadlines and meet certain specific additional design, operating, and closure requirements.

Tier II Regulations

Basic Tier II regulations cover five areas: location, operation, design, closure, and post-closure care. For example, siting of Tier II facilities near airports, critical habitat areas, and floodplains is restricted, and all Tier II facilities must develop and implement operating, odor management, and closure plans. All of these regulations are designed to assure that Tier II facilities are constructed and operated in a manner protective of public health and the environment. Incinerators also must meet certain specific additional design, operating, and closure requirements such as construction of a durable and impermeable tipping floor and maintenance of sanitary conditions.

Tier III Regulations

Incinerators may be classified as Tier III facilities if they are determined by DEQ to be managing solid waste in a manner or volume that will form toxic leachate or gas or are likely to pose a substantial risk to human health or the environment. If so, they are subject to Tier III regulations and deadlines.

Tier III regulations cover six areas: location, operation, design, ground water monitoring, closure, and post-closure care. Of particular note is required installation of a ground water monitoring system.

Air Quality Permitting Requirements

Incinerators that produce emissions also may be subject to certain air quality permitting requirements. Visit DEQ's air quality permitting webpage for more information.