Conversion Technology Rulemaking

DEQ has formed an advisory committee to provide input for creating rules covering Conversion Technologies Facilities.

Background

Conversion technologies consist of a variety of biological, chemical and thermal (excluding incineration) processes that convert solid waste into chemicals, fuels and other products. Examples of conversion technologies include: anaerobic digestion, gasification, hydrolysis, and pyrolysis.

DEQ is developing a rule proposal that would define conversion technology, establish performance standards and solid waste permit requirements for conversion technology facilities.

If adopted, the proposed rules would establish regulatory clarity through performance standards and solid waste permit requirements for conversion technology facilities. This would assure environmental protection, establish an appropriate fee schedule for this new permit category and provide regulatory certainty for emerging technology providers and DEQ staff.

• Advisory meetings
• Advisory committee membership
  All interested parties will have additional opportunities to provide input. Sign up for email updates using the green envelope link in the left navigation bar.

Additional Information

The links below provide background on conversion technologies:

• DEQ Briefing Paper: What are “Conversion Technologies?”
• Assessment of Materials Management Options for the Massachusetts Solid Waste Master Plan Review; Final Report Appendices
• CalRecycle Conversion Technology Webpage
• Waste-to-Energy in California: Technology, Issues and Context
• GUIDANCE DOCUMENT: How Conversion Technologies Fit Current California Board Regulatory Structure
• American Chemistry Council April 2011 Report. Conversion Technology: A Complement to Recycling. Prepared by Kim Holmes/4R Sustainability Inc.
• Ohio EPA Final policy regarding regulation of facilities that use thermal and biological conversion technologies to convert solid waste to fuels
• Ohio EPA Response to comments on Final policy regarding regulation of facilities that use thermal and biological conversion technologies to convert solid waste to fuels

Contact Bob Barrows at 541-687-7354 or for additional information.

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