Hazardous Waste Facilities

Hazardous waste facilities are those facilities that treat, store, or dispose (TSD) of hazardous waste. A treatment facility chemically or physically treats hazardous waste to make it less hazardous. A storage facility stores for extended periods of time hazardous waste that may have been produced on or off the property. A disposal facility provides permanent containment or destruction of waste materials (e.g., a landfill or incinerator).

 Siting Licenses

An owner or operator of a prospective hazardous waste TSD is required to obtain a siting license demonstrating that the facility complies with the state's hazardous waste management plan. DEQ processes the siting license application. Throughout the licensing process, DEQ provides opportunities for public input on the application. More.

 Permitting

Idaho is authorized to operate a state hazardous waste program in lieu of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The Hazardous Waste Management Act of 1983, as amended, requires owners and/or operators of TSDs to obtain a permit before treating, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste to ensure that hazardous wastes are managed safely. The permit requirement applies whether the facility is treating, storing, or disposing hazardous waste generated by the business itself or generated by someone else and sent to the facility.  More.

Cyanidation is a method of extracting metals from ores by treatment with a cyanide solution. Ore processing facilities that use cyanide in their mineral extraction processes are required to obtain a permit from DEQ for construction, operation, and closure. DEQ also performs inspections to ensure these facilities meet regulations outlined in their permits. More.