Michigan State University

Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDF) are regulated, engineered facilities with design and oversight requirements. The hazardous waste regulations require EGLE to issue a TSDF a license to authorize its operations. The license prescribes specific operating standards for the facility to ensure proper, cradle to grave management of wastes received. These standards include waste analysis; personnel training; compliance inspections; preparedness and prevention and contingency plans; closure plans; recordkeeping and reporting; engineering and process descriptions; environmental monitoring; corrective action; financial assurance; and air emission standards.

Hazardous waste TSDF operating licenses remain effective for 10 years. The license renewal process gives EGLE an opportunity to update facility information, review operations, and improve the license by clarifying license requirements to enhance protection of human health and the environment. To issue any license, including a license renewal, EGLE's review of the license application must conclude: 

• The application is sufficiently detailed to evaluate the facility and its potential for impact on human health and the environment.
• The facility satisfies all technical design, construction, and operating standards under governing regulations.
• The facility does not present a hazard to human health or the environment, as determined by EGLE inspections and compliance with applicable environmental regulations.
• The license includes all necessary conditions to ensure safe and proper waste storage. 

Final License Documents:

• Fact Sheet
• Notice of Final Decision
• Responsiveness Summary
• License  

Technical Adequacy:

• Technically Adequate Determination
• September 19, 2024, Meeting and Hearing Presentation and Recording

Administrative Completeness:

• Administratively Complete Determination
• February 29 , 2024, Meeting Presentation and Recording
  

The hazardous waste laws and supporting regulations provide enforceable standards for the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. They also require tracking of hazardous waste from the generator and transporter to the disposal facility to ensure proper management and disposal that is protective of health, safety and our environment. To maintain the quality of our groundwater, most hazardous waste is restricted from land disposal unless pre-treated.

Hazardous waste TSDFs are regulated, engineered facilities with oversight and design requirements. The hazardous waste regulations require EGLE to issue a TSDF a license to authorize its operations. The license prescribes specific operating standards for the facility to ensure proper, cradle to grave management of wastes received. The hazardous waste statute and rules that prescribe TSDF licensing standards include:

• Part 111, Hazardous Waste Management, of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, and its administrative rules.
• The corresponding federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (HSWA), and its rules.

The facility is subject to multiple environmental regulatory programs, carried out by multiple government agencies. Each agency issues separate permits or licenses under the authority they are assigned under the regulations. The permit or license issued by each agency identifies what MSU must do to operate properly, to prevent the release of contaminants to the environment, and to limit any allowed discharge of contaminants to levels determined to be protective of human health and the environment. Each agency requires monitoring and performs independent oversight to ensure the facility is operated in a protective manner that meets the permits and license requirements. The agencies also share information to ensure compliance.

EGLE, MMD inspects MSU’s hazardous waste operations at least four times per year. These inspections are typically unannounced and are performed to verify the facility is operating in a manner that meets the license requirements. The MMD evaluates MSU’s hazardous waste storage, emergency planning, employee training, and recordkeeping. For information on EGLEs hazardous waste licensing, inspections, fees, and other oversight for MSU, please see the Waste Data System. 

EGLE's, Air Quality Division (AQD) issues the permit for air emissions from the facility. The AQD inspects the facility to evaluate compliance with the air quality requirements and reviews the facility’s monitoring data. 

Although the United States Environmental Protection Agency does not permit or license the facility, they may also conduct inspections of the facility to verify compliance with air, water, and waste regulations.