Section 845.100  Scope and Purpose

a)         This Part establishes criteria for determining which CCR surface impoundments do not pose a reasonable probability of adverse effects on health or the environment.  CCR surface impoundments failing to satisfy any of the requirements of this Part are considered open dumps, which are prohibited under Section 21(a) of the Act.

b)         This Part applies to owners and operators of new and existing CCR surface impoundments, including any lateral expansions of CCR surface impoundments that dispose of or otherwise engage in solid waste management of CCR generated from the combustion of coal at electric utilities and independent power producers.  Unless otherwise provided in this Part, these requirements also apply to CCR surface impoundments located off-site of the electric utility or independent power producer.

c)         This Part also applies to inactive CCR surface impoundments at active and inactive electric utilities or independent power producers, regardless of the fuel currently used at the facility to produce electricity.

d)         Except as provided in Section 845.170, inactive CCR surface impoundments are subject to all the requirements of this Part applicable to existing CCR surface impoundments.

e)         This Part does not apply to wastes, including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization materials generated at facilities that are not part of an electric utility or independent power producer, such as manufacturing facilities, universities, and hospitals.  This Part also does not apply to fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization materials generated primarily from the combustion of fuels (including other fossil fuels) other than coal, for the purpose of generating electricity unless the fuel burned consists of more than 50% coal on a total heat input or mass input basis, whichever results in the greater mass feed rate of coal.

f)         This Part does not apply to the beneficial use of CCR.

g)         This Part does not apply to CCR placement at active or abandoned underground or surface coal mines.

h)         This Part does not apply to landfills that receive CCR.

i)          If a CCR surface impoundment has completed an Agency-approved closure before April 21, 2021, this Part does not require the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment to resubmit to the Agency any closure plan, closure report, or closure certification for that completed closure.

j)          Upon completion of an Agency-approved closure, the CCR surface impoundment is considered a CCR surface impoundment that has completed closure for purposes of fee applicability under Section 22.59(j) of the Act.

Section 845.110  Applicability of Other Regulations

a)         Compliance with the requirements of this Part does not affect the need for the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment, or lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, to comply with all other applicable federal, state, tribal, or local laws or other requirements.

b)         Any CCR surface impoundment or lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment is subject to the following requirements:

1)         Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act [520 ILCS 10] and 40 CFR 257.3-2.

2)         Surface Water

A)        A facility must not cause a discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States that is in violation of the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) under section 402 of the Clean Water Act.

B)        A facility must not cause a discharge of dredged material or fill material to waters of the United States that is in violation of the requirements under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, as amended.

C)        A facility or practice must not cause non-point source pollution of waters of the United States that violates applicable legal requirements implementing an areawide or statewide water quality management plan that has been approved by USEPA under section 208 of the Clean Water Act, as amended.

D)        Definitions of the terms "discharge of dredged material", "point source", "pollutant", and "waters of the United States" can be found in the Clean Water Act, as amended (33 USC 1251 et seq.) and implementing regulations, specifically 33 CFR 323 (42 FR 37122, July 19, 1977).

E)        Except as in compliance with the provisions of the Act, Board regulations, and the CWA, and the provisions and conditions of the NPDES permit issued to the discharger, the discharge of any contaminant or pollutant by any facility into the waters of the State from a point source or into a well will be unlawful.

3)         Rivers, Lakes and Streams Act [615 ILCS 5/23 and 23(a)] and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3702.

Section 845.120  Definitions

Except as stated in this Section, or unless a different meaning of a word or term is clear from the context, the definition of words or terms in this Part will be the same as that applied to the same words or terms in the Environmental Protection Act:

"1000-year flood" means a flood of magnitude (or greater) of 1 in 1000 probability of occurring in any given year.

"Act" means the Illinois Environmental Protection Act [415 ILCS 5].

"Active facility" or "active electric utility" or "independent power producer" means any facility, subject to the requirements of this Part, that is in operation on or after October 19, 2015.  An electric utility or independent power producer is in operation if it is generating electricity that is provided to electric power transmission systems or to electric power distribution systems on or after October 19, 2015.  An off-site CCR surface impoundment is in operation if it is accepting or managing CCR on or after October 19, 2015.

"Active life" or "in operation" means the period of operation beginning with the initial placement of CCR in the CCR surface impoundment and ending at completion of closure activities in accordance with Subpart G.

"Agency" means the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

"Aquifer" means a geologic formation, group of formations, or portion of a formation capable of yielding usable quantities of groundwater to wells or springs.

"Area-capacity curves" means graphic curves that readily show the reservoir water surface area, in acres, at different elevations from the bottom of the reservoir to the maximum water surface, and the capacity or volume, in acre-feet, of the water contained in the reservoir at various elevations.

"Areas susceptible to mass movement" means those areas of influence (i.e., areas characterized as having an active or substantial possibility of mass movement) where, because of natural or human-induced events, the movement of earthen material at, beneath, or adjacent to the CCR surface impoundment may result in the downslope transport of soil and rock material by means of gravitational influence.  Areas of mass movement include, but are not limited to, landslides, avalanches, debris slides and flows, soil fluctuation, block sliding, and rock fall.

"Beneficial use of CCR" means CCR that meets the definition of "coal combustion by-product" in Section 3.135 of the Act [415 ILCS 5/3.135] and the definition of "beneficial use of CCR" in 40 CFR 257.53, incorporated by reference in Section 845.150.

"Board" means Illinois Pollution Control Board.

"Certified laboratory" means any laboratory certified under Section 4(o) of the Act or certified by USEPA for the specific constituents to be examined.

"Closed" for this Part means placement of CCR in a CCR surface impoundment has stopped, and the owner or operator has completed closure of the CCR surface impoundment and has initiated post-closure care in accordance with Subpart G.

"Coal combustion residuals" or "CCR" means fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization materials generated from burning coal for the purpose of generating electricity by electric utilities and independent power producers. [415 ILCS 5/3.142]

"CCR fugitive dust" means solid airborne particulate matter that contains or is derived from CCR, emitted from any source other than a stack or chimney.

"CCR storage unit" means any accumulation of solid, non-flowing CCR, designed and managed to control releases of CCR to the environment, utilizing the measures specified in Section 845.740(c)(4)(A)-(F) of this Part, and the CCR storage unit is authorized by a closure construction permit under Section 845.220(d).  For this Part, the following are not "CCR storage unit": CCR contained in an enclosed structure; or CCR that is beneficially used according to the definition "Beneficial use of CCR".

"CCR surface impoundment" or "impoundment" means a natural topographic depression, man-made excavation, or diked area, which is designed to hold an accumulation of CCR and liquids, and the surface impoundment treats, stores, or disposes of CCR.  [415 ILCS 5/3.143]

"Dike" means an embankment, berm, or ridge of either natural or man-made materials used to prevent the movement of liquids, sludges, solids, or other materials.

"Displacement" means the relative movement of any two sides of a fault measured in any direction.

"Disposal" means the discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing of any solid waste as defined in section 1004(27) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act into or on any land or water or into any well so that the solid waste, or constituent thereof, may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any waters, including groundwater.  For this Part, disposal does not include the beneficial use of CCR.

"Downstream toe" means the junction of the downstream slope or face of the CCR surface impoundment with the ground surface.

"Enclosed structure" means:

A completely enclosed, self-supporting structure that is designed and constructed of manmade materials of sufficient strength and thickness to support itself, the CCR, and any personnel and heavy equipment that operate within the structure, and to prevent failure due to settlement, compression, or uplift; climatic conditions; and the stresses of daily operation, including the movement of heavy equipment within the structure and contact of that equipment with containment walls;

The structure has containment walls that are designed to be sufficiently durable to withstand any movement of personnel, CCR, and handling equipment within the structure;

The structure is designed and operated to ensure containment and prevent fugitive dust emissions from openings, such as doors, windows and vents, and the tracking of CCR from the structure by personnel or equipment.

"Exceedance of the groundwater protection standard" means:

For existing CCR surface impoundments and inactive CCR surface impoundments:

an analytical result with a concentration greater than the numerical value of the constituents listed in Section 845.600(a), in a down gradient well; or

when the up gradient background concentration of a constituent exceeds the numerical value listed in Section 845.600(a), an analytical result with a concentration at a statistically significant level above the up gradient background concentration, in a down gradient well.

For new CCR surface impoundments and lateral expansions of existing CCR surface impoundments, an analytical result with a constituent concentration at a statistically significant level above the up gradient background concentration, in a down gradient well.

"Existing CCR surface impoundment" means a CCR surface impoundment in which CCR is placed both before and after October 19, 2015, or for which construction started before October 19, 2015 and in which CCR is placed on or after October 19, 2015.  A CCR surface impoundment has started construction if the owner or operator has obtained the federal, State, and local approvals or permits necessary to begin physical construction and a continuous on-site, physical construction program had begun before October 19, 2015.

"Facility" means all contiguous land, and structures, other appurtenances, and improvements on the land, used for treating, storing, disposing of, or otherwise conducting solid waste management of CCR.  A facility may consist of several treatment, storage, or disposal operational units (e.g., one or more landfills, surface impoundments, or combinations of them).

"Factor of safety" or "safety factor" means the ratio of the forces tending to resist the failure of a structure to the forces tending to cause that failure, as determined by accepted engineering practice.

"Fault" means a fracture or a zone of fractures in any material along which strata on one side have been displaced with respect to that on the other side.

"Flood hydrograph" means a graph showing, for a given point on a stream, the discharge, height, or other characteristic of a flood as a function of time.

"Free liquids" means liquids that readily separate from the solid portion of a waste under ambient temperature and pressure.

"Groundwater" means water below the land surface in a zone of saturation.

"Hazard potential classification" means the possible adverse incremental consequences that result from the release of water or stored contents due to failure of the diked CCR surface impoundment or mis-operation of the diked CCR surface impoundment or its appurtenances.  The hazardous potential classifications include Class 1 and Class 2, defined as follows:

Class 1 CCR surface impoundment means a diked surface impoundment where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Class 2 CCR surface impoundment means a diked surface impoundment where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns.

"Height" means the vertical measurement from the downstream toe of the CCR surface impoundment at its lowest point to the lowest elevation of the crest of the CCR surface impoundment, not including spillways.

"Holocene" means the most recent epoch of the Quaternary period, extending from the end of the Pleistocene Epoch, at 11,700 years before present, to present.

"Hydraulic conductivity" means the rate at which water can move through a permeable medium (i.e., the coefficient of permeability).

"Inactive CCR surface impoundment" means a CCR surface impoundment in which CCR was placed before but not after October 19, 2015 and still contains CCR on or after October 19, 2015.  Inactive CCR surface impoundments may be located at an active facility or inactive facility.

"Inactive Closed CCR surface impoundment" means an inactive CCR surface impoundment that completed closure before October 19, 2015 with an Agency-approved closure plan.

"Inactive facility" or "inactive electric utilities or independent power producers" means any facility that is not in operation on or after October 19, 2015.

"Incised CCR surface impoundment" means a CCR surface impoundment that is constructed by excavating entirely below the natural ground surface, holds an accumulation of CCR entirely below the adjacent natural ground surface, and does not consist of any constructed diked portion.

"Inflow design flood" means the flood hydrograph that is used in the design or modification of the CCR surface impoundment and its appurtenant works.

"In operation" means the same as "active life".

"Karst terrain" means an area where karst topography, with its characteristic erosional surface and subterranean features, is developed as the result of dissolution of limestone, dolomite, or other soluble rock.  Characteristic physiographic features present in karst terrains include, but are not limited to, dolines, collapsed shafts (sinkholes), sinking streams, caves, seeps, large springs, and blind valleys.

"Lateral expansion" means a horizontal or vertical expansion of the waste boundaries of an existing CCR surface impoundment made after October 19, 2015.

"Liquefaction factor of safety" means the factor of safety (safety factor) determined using analysis under liquefaction conditions.

"Lithified earth material" means all rock, including all naturally occurring and naturally formed aggregates or masses of minerals or small particles of older rock that formed by crystallization of magma or by induration of loose sediments.  This term does not include man-made materials, such as fill, concrete, and asphalt, or unconsolidated earth materials, soil, or regolith lying at or near the earth surface.

"Maximum horizontal acceleration in lithified earth material" means the maximum expected horizontal acceleration at the ground surface as depicted on a seismic hazard map, with a 98% or greater probability that the acceleration will not be exceeded in 50 years, or the maximum expected horizontal acceleration based on a site-specific seismic risk assessment.

"New CCR surface impoundment" means a CCR surface impoundment or lateral expansion of an existing or new CCR surface impoundment that first receives CCR or starts construction after October 19, 2015.  A new CCR surface impoundment has started construction if the owner or operator has obtained the federal, State, and local approvals or permits necessary to begin physical construction and a continuous on-site, physical construction program had begun after October 19, 2015.

"Operator" means the person or persons responsible for the overall operation of a CCR surface impoundment.

"Outermost damage zone of a fault" means the volume of deformed wall rocks around a fault surface that results from the initiation, propagation, interaction and build-up of slip along faults.

"Owner" means the person or persons who own a CCR surface impoundment or part of a CCR surface impoundment.

"Poor foundation conditions" means those areas where features exist which indicate that a natural or human-induced event may result in inadequate foundation support for the structural components of an existing or new CCR surface impoundment.  For example, failure to maintain static and seismic factors of safety, as required in Section 845.460, would cause a poor foundation condition.

"Probable maximum flood" means the flood that may be expected from the most severe combination of critical meteorologic and hydrologic conditions that are reasonably possible in the drainage basin.

"Qualified person" means a person or persons trained to recognize specific appearances of structural weakness and other conditions that are disrupting, or have the potential to disrupt, the operation or safety of the CCR surface impoundment by visual observation and, if applicable, to monitor instrumentation.

"Qualified professional engineer" means an individual who is licensed under the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989 [225 ILCS 325] to practice one or more disciplines of engineering and who is qualified by education, technical knowledge and experience to complete the engineering analyses and make the specific technical certifications required under this Part.

"Recognized and generally accepted engineering practices" means engineering maintenance or operation activities based on established codes, widely accepted standards, published technical reports, or a practice widely recommended throughout the industry.  These practices generally detail approved ways to perform specific engineering, inspection, or mechanical integrity activities.

"Retrofit" means to remove all CCR and contaminated soils and sediments from the CCR surface impoundment, and to ensure the surface impoundment complies with the requirements in Section 845.410.

"Run-off" means any rainwater, leachate, or other liquid that drains over land from any part of a CCR surface impoundment or lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment.

"Run-on" means any rainwater, leachate, or other liquid that drains over land onto any part of a CCR surface impoundment or lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment.

"Sand and gravel pit" or "quarry" means an excavation for the extraction of aggregate, minerals or metals.  The term sand and gravel pit and/or quarry does not include subsurface or surface coal mines.

"Seismic factor of safety" means the factor of safety (safety factor) determined using analysis under earthquake conditions using the peak ground acceleration for a seismic event with a 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years, equivalent to a return period of approximately 2,500 years, based on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seismic hazard maps for seismic events with this return period for the region where the CCR surface impoundment is located.

"Seismic impact zone" means an area having a 2% or greater probability that the maximum expected horizontal acceleration, expressed as a percentage of the earth's gravitational pull (g), will exceed 0.10 g in 50 years.

"Slope protection" means engineered or non-engineered measures installed on the upstream or downstream slope of the CCR surface impoundment to protect the slope against wave action or erosion, including rock riprap, wooden pile, concrete revetments, vegetated wave berms, concrete facing, gabions, geotextiles, or fascines.

"Solid waste management" or "management" means the systematic administration of the activities that provide for the collection, source separation, storage, transportation, processing, treatment, or disposal of solid waste.

"Static factor of safety" means the factor of safety (safety factor) determined using analysis under the long-term, maximum storage pool loading condition, the maximum surcharge pool loading condition, and the end-of-construction loading condition.

"Structural components" means liners, leachate collection and removal systems, final covers, run-on and run-off systems, inflow design flood control systems, and any other component used in the construction and operation of the CCR surface impoundment that is necessary to ensure the integrity of the surface impoundment and ensure that the contents of the surface impoundment are not released into the environment.

"Unstable area" means a location that is susceptible to natural or human-induced events or forces capable of impairing the integrity of that area, including structural components of some or all the CCR surface impoundment that are responsible for preventing releases from the surface impoundment.  Unstable areas can include poor foundation conditions, areas susceptible to mass movements, and karst terrains.

"Uppermost aquifer" means the geologic formation nearest the natural ground surface that is an aquifer, as well as lower aquifers that are hydraulically interconnected with this aquifer within the facility's property boundary.   Upper limit is measured at a point nearest to the natural ground surface to which the aquifer rises during the wet season.

"Waste boundary" means a vertical surface located at the hydraulically downgradient limit of the CCR surface impoundment.  The vertical surface extends down into the uppermost aquifer.

"Wetlands" means those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.  Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 8977, effective June 26, 2025)

Section 845.130  Surface Impoundment Identification

The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must place on, or immediately adjacent to, the CCR surface impoundment a permanent identification marker at least six feet high showing the identification number of the CCR surface impoundment assigned by the Agency, the name associated with the CCR surface impoundment and the name of the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment.  The owner or operator must maintain the marker at all times an operating permit is required under this Part.

Section 845.140  Right of Inspection

The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must allow the Agency and its duly authorized representatives to perform inspections in accordance with the Agency's authority under the Act, including:

a)         Entering, at reasonable times, the facility where CCR surface impoundments are located or where any activity is to be conducted under a permit issued under this Part;

b)         Having access to and copying at reasonable times any records required to be kept under the terms and conditions of a permit of this Part;

c)         Inspecting at reasonable times, including during any hours of operation:

1)         Equipment constructed or operated under a permit issued under this Part;

2)         Equipment or monitoring methodology; or

3)         Equipment required to be kept, used, operated, calibrated and maintained under a permit issued under this Part;

d)         Obtaining and removing, at reasonable times, samples of any raw or finished water, discharge or emission of pollutants;

e)         Entering, at reasonable times, to use any photographic, recording, testing, monitoring or other equipment for the purpose of preserving, testing, monitoring or recording any raw or finished water, activity, discharge or emission authorized by a permit.

Section 845.150  Incorporations by Reference

a)         For purposes of this Part, the Board incorporates the following material by reference:

1)         Non-Regulatory Government Publications and Publications of Recognized Organizations and Associations:

Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE), 726 East Park Avenue #180, Fairmont, WV 26554, (304) 296-8444, web.aacei.org.

"Cost Estimate Classification System − As Applied in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction for the Process Industries", TCM Framework: 7.3 – Cost Estimating and Budgeting. March 6, 2009, AACE International Recommended Practice No. 18R-97.

NTIS. National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield VA 22161, (703) 605-6000, www.ntis.gov.

"Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods", USEPA Publication No. SW-846, as amended by Updates I, II, IIA, IIB, III, IIIA, and IIIB (Doc. No. 955-001-00000-1) (available online at https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846/sw-846-compendium).

2)         Code of Federal Regulations. Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC 20401, (202)783-3238, https://www.ecfr.gov, https:/www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/cfr, or https://www.federalregister.gov:

40 CFR 257.53 (2019) (Definition of "beneficial use of CCR")

40 CFR 257.103(f)(1)(x) (85 Fed. Reg. 53563-64 (Aug. 28, 2020)) (Preparation of Semi-Annual Progress Reports)

b)         This Section incorporates no later editions or amendments.

Section 845.160  Severability

If any provision of this Part or its application to any person or under any circumstances is adjudged invalid, that adjudication must not affect the validity of this Part as a whole or of any portion not adjudged invalid.

Section 845.170  Inactive Closed CCR Surface Impoundments

a)         Among the provisions of this Part, only the following apply to inactive closed CCR surface impoundments:

1)         All of Subpart A: General Provisions;

2)         The following Sections of Subpart B (Permitting):

A)        Section 845.200;

B)        Section 845.210;

C)        Section 845.220(a), (c), and (f)(1);

D)        Section 845.230(c) and (d)(4);

E)        Section 845.250;

F)         Section 845.270;

G)        Section 845.280;

H)        Section 845.290;

3)         The following Section of Subpart G (Closure and Post-Closure Care): Section 845.780(b), (d), and (e); and

4)         All of Subpart I (Financial Assurance).

b)         When a prior release from an inactive closed CCR surface impoundment has caused an exceedance of the groundwater quality standards in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620, and the owner or operator has not completed remediation of the release before completing closure, the owner or operator must initiate or continue corrective action under an operating permit issued under this Part.

c)         When a release from an inactive closed CCR surface impoundment causes an exceedance of the groundwater quality standards in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620, and the Agency has not concurred with an alternative source demonstration, the owner or operator of an inactive closed CCR surface impoundment must initiate an assessment of corrective measures that prevents further releases, remediates any releases, and restores the affected area.  The owner or operator of the inactive closed CCR surface impoundment must develop a corrective action plan and obtain a construction permit consistent with subsection (a)(2) before performing any corrective action to remediate any releases and to restore the affected area, including the final cover system, groundwater monitoring system, groundwater collection trench, extraction wells, slurry walls, or any construction related to corrective action.

Section 845.200  Permit Requirements and Standards of Issuance

a)         Permit Requirements

1)         No person may construct, install, or modify a CCR surface impoundment or related treatment or mitigation facilities, including corrective action measures under Subpart F, without a construction permit issued by the Agency under this Part.

2)         Except as provided in Section 845.230(d), no person may operate a CCR surface impoundment without an operating permit issued by the Agency under this Part.  For purposes of this Part, a CCR surface impoundment starts operation upon initial receipt of CCR.

3)         No person may perform corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment without obtaining a construction permit for corrective action and modifying the facility's operating permit, or modifying the facility's operating permit when the approved corrective action does not require the modification of the CCR surface impoundment or the installation or modification of related treatment or mitigation facilities.

4)         Except as provided in Section 22.59(e) of the Act, no person may close a CCR surface impoundment without obtaining a construction permit for closure issued by the Agency under this Part.

5)         A CCR surface impoundment must maintain an operating permit until:

A)        The completion of post-closure care when the CCR surface impoundment is closed with a final cover system; or

B)        The completion of groundwater monitoring under Section 845.740(b) when the CCR surface impoundment is closed by removal.

6)         The Agency may issue a joint construction and operating permit.

b)         Standards for Issuance

1)         Except as provided in subsection (b)(2), the Agency may not issue any construction or operating permit required by this Part unless the applicant submits adequate proof that the CCR surface impoundment will be constructed, modified or operated so as not to cause a violation of the Act or Board rules.

2)         The existence of a violation of the Act, Board regulation, or Agency regulation will not prevent the issuance of a construction or operating permit under this Part if:

A)        The applicant has been granted a variance or an adjusted standard from the regulation by the Board;

B)        The permit application is for construction, installation, or operation of equipment to alleviate or correct a violation; or

C)        The permit application is for construction, installation, or operation of equipment necessary to restore, protect or enhance the environment.

3)         In granting permits, the Agency may impose reasonable conditions specifically related to the applicant's past compliance history with the Act as necessary to correct, detect, or prevent noncompliance. The Agency may impose such other conditions as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose of the Act and as are not inconsistent with this Part. [415 ILCS 5/39(a)]

4)         In making its determinations on permit applications under this Part, the Agency may consider prior adjudications of noncompliance with the Act by the applicant that involved a release of a contaminant into the environment. [415 ILCS 5/39(a)]

Section 845.210  General Provisions

a)         All permit applications must be made on the forms prescribed by the Agency and must be mailed or delivered to the address designated by the Agency on the forms.  The Agency must provide a dated, signed receipt upon request. The Agency's record of the date of filing must be deemed conclusive unless a contrary date is proved by a dated, signed receipt.

b)         Required Signatures of Owners or Operators

1)         All permit applications must contain the name, address, email address and telephone number of the operator, or duly authorized agent, and the property owner to whom all inquiries and correspondence must be addressed.

2)         All permit applications must be signed by the owner, operator or a duly authorized agent of the operator.

3)         An application submitted by a corporation must be signed by a principal executive officer of at least the level of vice president, or his or her duly authorized representative, if that representative is responsible for the overall operation of the facility described in the application form.  In the case of a partnership or a sole proprietorship, the application must be signed by a general partner or the proprietor, respectively.  In the case of a publicly owned facility, the application must be signed by either the principal executive officer, ranking elected official, or other duly authorized employee.

c)         Legal Description. All permit applications must contain a legal description of the facility boundary and a description of the boundaries of all units included in the facility.

d)         Previous Assessments, Investigations, Plans and Programs

1)         The Agency may approve the use of any hydrogeologic site investigation or characterization, groundwater monitoring well or system, or groundwater monitoring plan, bearing the seal and signature of an Illinois Licensed Professional Geologist or Licensed Professional Engineer, completed before April 21, 2021 to satisfy the requirements of this Part.

2)         For existing CCR surface impoundments, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment may use a previously completed location restriction demonstration required by Section 845.300 (Placement Above the Uppermost Aquifer), Section 845.310 (Wetlands), Section 845.320 (Fault Areas), Section 845.330 (Seismic Impact Zones), and Section 845.340 (Unstable Areas) provided that the previously completed assessments meet the applicable requirements of those Sections.

3)         For existing CCR surface impoundments, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment may use a previously completed assessment to serve as the initial assessment required by Section 845.440 (Hazard Potential Classification Assessment), Section 845.450 (Structural Stability Assessment) and Section 845.460 (Safety Factor Assessment) provided that the previously completed assessment:

A)        Was not completed more than five years ago; and

B)        Meets the applicable requirements of those Sections.

4)         For inactive closed CCR surface impoundments, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment may use a post-closure care plan previously approved by the Agency.

e)         The Agency must mail all notices of final action by certified mail, postmarked with a date stamp and with return receipt requested.  Final action must be deemed to have taken place on the postmarked date that the notice is mailed.

f)         Violation of any permit condition or failure to comply with the Act or regulations promulgated under the Act must be grounds for enforcement action as provided in the Act, including revocation of a permit.

g)         Issuance of a permit under this Part does not relieve the applicant of the obligation to obtain other permits required by law.

h)         The owner or operator must place in the facility's operating record all permit applications submitted to the Agency and all permits issued under this Part (see Section 845.800(d)(1)).

i)          Agency Listserv

1)         For each facility subject to this Part, the Agency must create and maintain a listserv. Each listserv must include the email addresses of all interested persons who notify the Agency in writing − either directly under subsection (i)(2) or through the facility owner or operator under Section 845.220(a)(9) or 845.240(f)(4) − of their respective email addresses and that they would like to receive emails of notices concerning the facility.

2)         The Agency's webpage must specify how interested persons may notify the Agency in writing of their respective email addresses and that they would like to be added to the Agency's listserv for a facility subject to this Part.

3)         When this Part requires that the Agency email a notice to the listserv for a facility, the Agency must do so within the timeframe specified, concurrently with other required means of disseminating the notice, or otherwise in a timely manner. When this Part requires an owner or operator to request that the Agency email a notice to the listserv for the facility, the Agency must do so within two business days after receiving the request from the owner or operator.

Section 845.220  Construction Permits

a)         All construction permit applications must contain the following information and documents.

1)         Design and Construction Plans (Construction History)

A)        Identifying Information

i)          The name and address of the person or persons owning or operating the CCR surface impoundment;

ii)         The name associated with the CCR surface impoundment; and

iii)        The identification number of the CCR surface impoundment if one has been assigned by the Agency.

B)        A statement of the purpose for which the CCR surface impoundment is being used, how long the CCR surface impoundment has been in operation, and the types of CCR that have been placed in the CCR surface impoundment.

C)        The name and size in acres of the watershed within which the CCR surface impoundment is located.

D)        A description of the physical and engineering properties of the foundation and abutment materials on which the CCR surface impoundment is constructed.

E)        A statement of the type, size, range, and physical and engineering properties of the materials used in constructing each zone or stage of the CCR surface impoundment; the method of site preparation and construction of each zone of the CCR surface impoundment; and the approximate dates of construction of each successive stage of construction of the CCR surface impoundment.

F)         At a scale that details engineering structures and appurtenances relevant to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the CCR surface impoundment, detailed dimensional drawings of the CCR surface impoundment, including a plan view and cross‑sections of the length and width of the CCR surface impoundment, showing all zones, foundation improvements, drainage provisions, spillways, diversion ditches, outlets, instrument locations, and slope protection, in addition to the normal operating pool surface elevation and the maximum pool surface elevation following peak discharge from the inflow design flood, the expected maximum depth of CCR within the CCR surface impoundment, and any identifiable natural or manmade features that could adversely affect operation of the CCR surface impoundment due to malfunction or mis-operation.

G)        A description of the type, purpose, and location of existing instrumentation.

H)        Area-capacity curves for the CCR surface impoundment.

I)         A description of each spillway and diversion design features and capacities and calculations used in their determination.

J)         The construction specifications and provisions for surveillance, maintenance, and repair of the CCR surface impoundment.

K)        Any record or knowledge of structural instability of the CCR surface impoundment.

2)         Narrative Description of the Facility.  The permit application must contain a written description of the facility with supporting documentation describing the procedures and plans that will be used at the facility to comply with the requirements of this Part.  The descriptions must include the following information:

A)        The types of CCR expected in the CCR surface impoundment, including a chemical analysis of each type of expected CCR;

B)        An estimate of the maximum capacity of each surface impoundment in gallons or cubic yards;

C)        The rate at which CCR and non-CCR waste streams currently enter the CCR surface impoundment in gallons per day and dry tons;

D)        The estimated length of time the CCR surface impoundment will receive CCR and non-CCR waste streams; and

E)        An on-site transportation plan that includes all existing and planned roads in the facility that will be used during the operation of the CCR surface impoundment.

3)         Site Location Map.  All permit applications must contain a site location map on the most recent United States Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle of the area from the 7½ minute series (topographic), or on another map whose scale clearly shows the following information:

A)        The facility boundaries and all adjacent property, extending at least 1000 meters (3280 feet) beyond the boundary of the facility;

B)        All surface waters;

C)        The prevailing wind direction;

D)        The limits of all 100-year floodplains;

E)        All-natural areas designated as a Dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve under the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act [525 ILCS 30];

F)         All historic and archaeological sites designated by the National Historic Preservation Act (16 USC 470 et seq.) and the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council Act [20 ILCS 3410]; and

G)        All areas identified as critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC 1531 et seq.) and the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act [520 ILCS 10].

4)         Site Plan Map.  The application must contain maps, including cross‑sectional maps of the site boundaries, showing the location of the facility. The following information must be shown:

A)        The entire facility, including any proposed and all existing CCR surface impoundment locations;

B)        The boundaries, both above and below ground level, of the facility and all CCR surface impoundments or landfills containing CCR included in the facility;

C)        All existing and proposed groundwater monitoring wells including monitoring wells for a CCR storage unit under Section 845.740(c)(4)(B)(vi), if applicable; and

D)        All main service corridors, transportation routes, and access roads to the facility.

5)         A narrative description of the proposed construction of, or modification to, a CCR surface impoundment and any projected changes in the volume or nature of the CCR or non-CCR waste streams.

6)         Plans and specifications fully describing the design, nature, function and interrelationship of each individual component of the facility.

7)         A new groundwater monitoring program or any modification to an existing groundwater monitoring program that includes but is not limited to the following information:

A)        A hydrogeologic site investigation meeting the requirements of Section 845.620, if applicable;

B)        Design and construction plans of a groundwater monitoring system meeting the requirements of Section 845.630; and

C)        A proposed groundwater sampling and analysis program that includes selection of the statistical procedures to be used for evaluating groundwater monitoring data (see Sections 845.640 and 845.650).

8)         The signature and seal of a qualified professional engineer.

9)         Certification that the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment completed the public notification and public meetings required under Section 845.240, a summary of the issues raised by the public, a summary of any revisions, determinations, or other considerations made in response to those issues, and a list of interested persons in attendance who would like to be added to the Agency's listserv for the facility.

b)         New Construction. In addition to the requirements in subsection (a), all construction permit applications to build a new CCR surface impoundment, lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, or retrofit an existing CCR surface impoundment must also contain the following information and documents:

1)         Plans and specifications that demonstrate the proposed CCR surface impoundment will meet the location standards in the following Sections:

A)        Section 845.300 (Placement Above the Uppermost Aquifer);

B)        Section 845.310 (Wetlands);

C)        Section 845.320 (Fault Areas);

D)        Section 845.330 (Seismic Impact Zones); and

E)        Section 845.340 (Unstable Areas and Floodplains).

2)         Plans and specifications that demonstrate the proposed CCR surface impoundment will meet the following design criteria:

A)        The CCR surface impoundment will have a liner meeting the liner requirements of Section 845.400(b) or (c);

B)        The CCR surface impoundment will have a leachate collection system meeting the requirements of Section 845.420; and

C)        The CCR surface impoundment, if not incised, will be constructed with slope protection, as required by Section 845.430.

3)         CCR fugitive dust control plan (see Section 845.500(b)).

4)         Preliminary written closure plan (see Section 845.720(a)).

5)         Initial written post-closure care plan, if applicable (see Section 845.780(d)).

c)         Corrective Action Construction.  In addition to the requirements in subsection (a), all construction permit applications that include any corrective action performed under Subpart F must also contain the following information and documents:

1)         Corrective action plan (see Section 845.670);

2)         Groundwater modeling, including:

A)        The results of groundwater contaminant transport modeling and calculations showing how the corrective action will achieve compliance with the applicable groundwater standards;

B)        All modeling inputs and assumptions;

C)        Description of the fate and transport of contaminants with the selected corrective action over time; and

D)        Capture zone modeling, if applicable;

3)         Any necessary licenses and software needed to review and access both the models and the data contained within the models required by subsection (c)(2);

4)         Corrective action groundwater monitoring program, including identification of revisions to the groundwater monitoring system for corrective action; and

5)         Any interim measures necessary to reduce the contaminants leaching from the CCR surface impoundment, and/or potential exposures to human or ecological receptors, including an analysis of the factors specified in Section 845.680(a)(3).

d)         Closure Construction.  In addition to the requirements in subsection (a), all construction permit applications for closure of the CCR surface impoundment under Subpart G must contain the following information and documents:

1)         Closure prioritization category, if applicable (see Section 845.700(g));

2)         Final closure plan (see Section 845.720(b)), including the closure alternatives analysis required by Section 845.710;

3)         Groundwater modeling, including:

A)                The results of groundwater contaminant transport modeling and calculations showing how the closure will achieve compliance with the applicable groundwater standards;

B)                All modeling inputs and assumptions;

C)        Description of the fate and transport of contaminants, with the selected closure over time;

D)        Capture zone modeling, if applicable; and

E)        Any necessary licenses and software needed to review and access both the model and the data contained within the model.

4)         Proposed schedule to complete closure;

5)         Post-closure care plan specified in Section 845.780(d), if applicable; and

6)         Design and construction plans and specifications for a CCR storage unit and any associated barriers or berms, if applicable, including:

A)        The dimensions of the CCR storage unit and the type of storage pad or geomembrane to be used;

B)        The estimated maximum and estimated average tons or cubic yards of CCR that will be stored in the CCR storage unit monthly or annually;

C)        An estimate of the amount of time the CCR storage unit will be operational;

D)        A description of the function of any barriers or berms that will be used to control wind and water run-on and run-off;

E)        A description of the demolition and disposal of the components of the CCR storage unit; and

F)         An assessment of how the CCR storage unit will meet the operating criteria under Section 845.740(c)(4).

e)         Owners or operators of CCR surface impoundments who submitted a closure plan to the Agency before May 1, 2019, and who complete closure before July 30, 2021, shall not be required to obtain a construction permit for closure under subsection (d). [415 ILCS 5/22.59(e)]

f)         A single construction permit application may be submitted for new construction, corrective action, and closure if the construction is related to the same multi-phased project.  The permit application for a project with multiple phases must contain all information required by subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d), as applicable.

g)         Duration of Construction Permits

1)         For any construction permit that is not for the closure or retrofit of the CCR surface impoundment, the construction permit must be issued for fixed terms not to exceed 3 years.

2)         For any construction permit for the closure or retrofit of a CCR surface impoundment, the construction permit must be issued for an initial fixed term expiring within the timeframe approved by the Agency in the construction permit or five years, whichever is less.  The Agency may renew a construction permit for closure or retrofit in two-year increments under Section 845.760(b).

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 13000, effective October 2, 2025)

Section 845.230  Operating Permits

The operating permit applications must contain the following information and documents:

a)         Initial operating permit for a new CCR surface impoundment and any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment.

1)         A demonstration that the CCR surface impoundment, as built, meets the location standards in the following Sections:

A)        Section 845.300 (Placement Above the Uppermost Aquifer);

B)        Section 845.310 (Wetlands);

C)        Section 845.320 (Fault Areas);

D)        Section 845.330 (Seismic Impact Zones); and

E)        Section 845.340 (Unstable Areas and Floodplains);

2)         Certification from a qualified professional engineer that the composite liner, or if applicable, the alternative composite liner, has been constructed in accordance with the requirements of Section 845.400(b) or (c);

3)         Certification from a qualified professional engineer that the leachate collection system has been constructed in accordance with the requirements of Section 845.420, if applicable;

4)         Evidence that the permanent markers required by Section 845.130 have been installed;

5)         Documentation that the CCR surface impoundment, if not incised, will be operated and maintained with one of the forms of slope protection specified in Section 845.430;

6)         Initial hazard potential classification assessment and accompanying certification (see Section 845.440(a)(2));

7)         Initial Emergency Action Plan and accompanying certification (see Section 845.520(e));

8)         Initial structural stability assessment and accompanying certification (see Section 845.450(c));

9)         Initial safety factor assessment and accompanying certification (see Section 845.460(b));

10)        Fugitive dust control plan and accompanying certification (see Section 845.500(b)(7));

11)        Initial inflow design flood control system plan and accompanying certification (see Section 845.510(c)(3));

12)        Proposed groundwater monitoring program, including a minimum of eight independent samples for each background and downgradient well (see Section 840.650(b));

13)        Preliminary written closure plan (see Section 845.720(a));

14)        Initial written post-closure care plan, if applicable (see Section 845.780(d));

15)        An analysis of the chemical constituents found within the CCR to be placed in the CCR surface impoundment;

16)        An analysis of the chemical constituents of all waste streams, chemical additives, and sorbent materials entering or contained in the CCR surface impoundment; and

17)        A certification that the owner or operator meets the financial assurance requirements of Subpart I.

b)         Renewal Operating Permit

1)         Documentation that the CCR surface impoundment, if not incised, is being operated and maintained with one of the forms of slope protection specified in Section 845.430;

2)         Emergency Action Plan certification if the plan was amended (see Section 845.520);

3)         Fugitive dust control plan certification if the plan was amended (see Section 845.500(b)(7));

4)         Any significant changes to the design and construction plans compiled under subsection (d)(2)(A) or Section 845.220(a)(1);

5)         A statement that the groundwater monitoring has been conducted under an Agency approved groundwater monitoring program;

6)         Written preliminary closure plan, if amended (see Section 845.720(a)); and

7)         Written post-closure care plan, if amended (see Section 845.780(d)).

c)         Post-Closure Care Operating Permit

The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment conducting post-closure care under Section 845.780 must maintain an operating permit until the completion of post-closure care.  Any changes to the post-closure care plan, groundwater monitoring system, groundwater sampling and analysis program, and groundwater monitoring program must be submitted to the Agency in an operating permit application.

d)         Initial Operating Permit for Existing, Inactive and Inactive Closed CCR Surface Impoundments

1)         The owner or operator of an existing, inactive or inactive closed CCR surface impoundment who has not completed post-closure care must submit an initial operating permit application to the Agency by October 31, 2021;

2)         The initial operating permit application for existing or inactive CCR surface impoundments that have not completed an Agency approved closure before July 30, 2021, must contain the following information and documents on forms prescribed by the Agency:

A)        The history of construction specified in Section 845.220(a)(1);

B)        An analysis of the chemical constituents found within the CCR to be placed in the CCR surface impoundment;

C)        An analysis of the chemical constituents of all waste streams, chemical additives and sorbent materials entering or contained in the CCR surface impoundment;

D)        A demonstration that the CCR surface impoundment, as built, meets, or an explanation of how the CCR surface impoundments fails to meet, the location standards in the following Sections:

i)          Section 845.300 (Placement Above the Uppermost Aquifer);

ii)         Section 845.310 (Wetlands);

iii)        Section 845.320 (Fault Areas);

iv)        Section 845.330 (Seismic Impact Zones); and

v)         Section 845.340 (Unstable Areas);

E)        Evidence that the permanent markers required by Section 845.130 have been installed;

F)         Documentation that the CCR surface impoundment, if not incised, will be operated and maintained with one of the forms of slope protection specified in Section 845.430;

G)        Initial Emergency Action Plan and accompanying certification (see Section 845.520(e));

H)        Fugitive dust control plan and accompanying certification (see Section 845.500(b)(7));

I)         Groundwater Monitoring Information:

i)          A hydrogeologic site characterization (see Section 845.620);

ii)         Design and construction plans of a groundwater monitoring system (see Section 845.630);

iii)        A groundwater sampling and analysis program that includes selection of the statistical procedures to be used for evaluating groundwater monitoring data (see Section 845.640); and

iv)        Proposed groundwater monitoring program that includes a minimum of eight independent samples for each background and downgradient well (see Section 845.650(b));

J)         Preliminary written closure plan (see Section 845.720(a));

K)        Initial written post-closure care plan, if applicable (see Section 845.780(d));

L)        The certification required by Section 845.400(h), or a statement that the CCR surface impoundment does not have a liner that meets the requirements of Section 845.400(b) or (c);

M)       History of known exceedances of the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600, and any corrective action taken to remediate the groundwater;

N)        A certification that the owner or operator meets the financial assurance requirements of Subpart I;

O)        Hazard potential classification assessment and accompanying certification (see Section 845.440(a)(2));

P)         Structural stability assessment and accompanying certification (see Section 845.450(c));

Q)        Safety factor assessment and accompanying certification (see Section 845.460(b));

R)        Inflow design flood control system plan and accompanying certification (see Section 845.510(c)(3));

S)         Safety and health plan (see Section 845.530); and

T)         For CCR surface impoundments required to close under 845.700, the proposed closure priority categorization required by Section 845.700(g).

3)         The initial operating permit application for an existing or inactive CCR surface impoundment where an Agency approved closure has been completed before July 30, 2021, and where the impoundment is not an inactive closed CCR surface impoundment, must contain the following information and documents on forms prescribed by the Agency:

A)        The history of construction specified in Section 845.220(a)(1);

B)        Evidence that the permanent markers required by Section 845.130 have been installed;

C)        Documentation that the CCR surface impoundment, if not incised, will be operated and maintained with one of the forms of slope protection specified in Section 845.430;

D)        Emergency Action Plan certification (see Section 845.520(e));

E)        Groundwater monitoring information:

i)          A hydrogeologic site characterization meeting the requirements of Section 845.620;

ii)         Design and construction plans of a groundwater monitoring system meeting the requirements of Section 845.630;

iii)        A groundwater sampling and analysis program that includes selection of the statistical procedures to be used for evaluating groundwater monitoring data (see Section 845.640); and

iv)        Proposed groundwater monitoring program that includes a minimum of eight independent samples for each background and downgradient well (see Section 845.650(b));

F)         Written post-closure care plan, if applicable (see Section 845.780(d));

G)        History of known exceedances of the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600, and any corrective action plan taken to remediate the groundwater.

4)         The initial operating permit application for inactive closed CCR surface impoundments must contain the following information:

A)        Evidence that the permanent markers required by Section 845.130 have been installed;

B)        Groundwater monitoring program;

C)        Written post-closure care plan (see Section 845.780(d)); and

D)        History of known exceedances of the groundwater quality standards in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620, whether the owner or operator has obtained a groundwater management zone, and any corrective action taken to remediate the groundwater.

e)         Operating permits must be issued for fixed terms not to exceed five years.

Section 845.240  Pre-Application Public Notification and Public Meeting

a)         At least 30 days before the submission of a construction permit application, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must hold at least two public meetings to discuss the proposed construction, with at least one meeting to be held after 5:00 p.m. in the evening.  Any public meeting held under this Section must be located at a venue that is accessible to persons with disabilities, and the owner or operator must provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

b)         The owner or operator must prepare and circulate a notice explaining the proposed construction project and any related activities and the time and place of the public meeting.  At least 30 days before the public meeting, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must:

1)         Mail or hand-deliver the notice to the Agency and all residents within a one-mile radius from the facility boundary;

2)         Post the notice to the owner's or operator's publicly accessible Internet site under Section 845.810;

3)         Post the notice in conspicuous locations throughout villages, towns, or cities within 10 miles of the facility, or use appropriate broadcast media (such as radio or television);

4)         Request that the Agency email the notice to the Agency's listserv for the facility; and

5)         Include in the notice the owner's and operator's contact information, the internet address where the information in Section 845.240(e) will be posted, and the date on which the information will be posted to the site.

c)         When a proposed construction project or any related activity is located in an area with a significant proportion of non-English speaking residents, the notification must be circulated, or broadcast, in both English and the appropriate non-English language, and the owner or operator must provide translation services during the public meetings required by Section 845.240(a), if requested by non-English speaking members of the public.

d)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must prepare documentation recording the public meeting and place the documentation in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(2).

e)         At least 30 days before a public meeting, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must post on the owner's or operator's publicly accessible internet site all documentation relied upon in making a tentative construction permit application.

f)         At the public meeting, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must:

1)         Present its decision-making process for the construction permit application, including, when applicable, the corrective action alternatives and the closure alternatives considered.  The presentation must include a comparison of projected groundwater impacts for each alternative considered and an objective comparison of the pros and cons of each alternative considered;

2)         Include a question/answer portion of the meeting to allow the public to ask questions.  There must be representatives from the owner or operator present who are qualified and knowledgeable enough to answer the questions posed by the public.

3)         If there are questions posed by the public at the hearing that cannot be answered in person or if there are subsequent questions posed by the public following the meeting, the owner or operator of the facility must respond to those questions in writing within a reasonable timeframe and post the response on the facility's CCR website required by Section 845.810; and

4)         Explain that the Agency is creating a listserv for the facility, compile a list of interested persons in attendance – and their respective email addresses – who would like to be added to the listserv, and transmit that list to the Agency with the permit application.

g)         Within 14 days after the public meetings required by Section 845.240, the owner or operator must distribute a general summary of the issues raised by the public, as well as a response to those issues or comments raised by the public.  If these comments resulted in a revision, change in a decision, or other considerations or determination, a summary of these revisions, changes and considerations must be included in the summary.  The summary must be distributed to any attendee who requests a copy at the public meeting.

h)         This Section does not apply to applications for minor modifications as described in Section 845.280(d).

Section 845.250  Tentative Determination and Draft Permit

Following the receipt of a complete application for a construction permit, operating permit, or joint construction and operating permit, the Agency must prepare a tentative determination.

a)         The tentative determination must include at least the following:

1)         A statement regarding whether the permit is to be issued or denied; and

2)         If the determination is to issue the permit, a draft permit and a brief description of any conditions contained in the permit.

b)         Upon tentative determination to issue or deny the permit:

1)         If the determination is to issue the permit, the Agency must notify the applicant in writing of the content of the tentative determination and draft permit and of its intent to circulate public notice of issuance in accordance with Section 845.260;

2)         If the determination is to deny the permit, the Agency must notify the applicant in writing of the tentative determination and of its intent to circulate public notice of denial, in accordance with Section 845.260. In the case of denial, notice to the applicant must include a statement of the reasons for denial, as required by Section 39(a) of the Act.

c)         The documents supporting the Agency's tentative decision to issue or deny a permit must be made part of the Agency's record.

Section 845.260  Draft Permit Public Notice and Participation

a)         The Agency must post a notification that it has received a permit application on the Agency's webpage and must email the notice to the Agency's listserv for the applicant's facility.

b)         Public Notice of Draft Permit

1)         Not earlier than 15 days following the Agency's notification to the applicant of its tentative decision under Section 845.250 to issue or deny the permit application, the Agency must circulate public notice of the completed application for the permit in a manner designed to inform interested and potentially interested persons of the construction, modification, operation or closure of a CCR surface impoundment and of the proposed determination to issue or deny the permit.

2)         The contents of public notice of completed applications for permits must include at least the following:

A)        Name, address, and telephone number of the Agency;

B)        Name and address of the applicant;

C)        Brief description of the applicant's activities or operations that result in the construction, operation, modification or closure of a CCR surface impoundment;

D)        A statement of the tentative determination to issue or deny the permit;

E)        A brief description of the procedures for the formulation of final determinations, including the procedures for submitting comments and the expiration date of the comment period;

F)         Address and telephone number of Agency premises at which interested persons may obtain further information and request a copy of the permit application and related documents;

G)        A translation of the public notice into the appropriate language or languages will be made if the Agency determines that a project is located within one mile of a significant population of non-English speaking residents;

H)        A brief description of how members of the public can request a public hearing under Section 845.260(d); and

I)         A brief description of how members of the public can request being added to the Agency's listserv for the facility.

3)         Procedures for the circulation of public notice required under this Section must include at least the following concurrent actions:

A)        Posting on the Agency's webpage and all the Agency's social media outlets;

B)        Mailing the notice to the clerk of the nearest city, town or village requesting further posting in conspicuous locations throughout the city, town or village;

C)        Requiring the applicant to post the notice near the entrance to the applicant's premises; and

D)        Emailing the notice to the Agency's listserv for the facility.

c)         Public Comment Period

1)         The Agency must accept written comments from interested persons on the draft permit determination for 45 days following the circulation of the public notice under subsection (b).

2)         All comments must be submitted to the Agency and to the applicant.

3)         The Agency must keep all timely submitted comments and consider them in the formulation of its final determination with respect to the permit application.

4)         The period for comment may be extended at the discretion of the Agency.

d)         Public Hearing

1)         The Agency must hold a public hearing on the issuance or denial of a draft permit whenever the Agency determines that there exists a significant degree of public interest in the proposed permit.

2)         Within the 45-day public comment period, any person, including the applicant, may submit to the Agency a request for a public hearing, which must include the reasons why a hearing is warranted.

3)         Hearings held under this Section must be held in the geographical area in which the CCR surface impoundment is located.  When determining the hearing location, consideration must be given to facilitating attendance of interested or affected persons and organizations and to accessibility of hearing sites to public transportation.

e)         Notice of Public Hearing

1)         The Agency must issue notice of a public hearing not less than 30 days before the date of the hearing, under the procedures for the circulation of public notice in subsection (b)(3).

2)         The contents of the public notice for the public hearing must include at least the following:

A)        Name, address, and telephone number of the Agency;

B)        Name and address of each applicant whose application will be considered at the hearing;

C)        Brief description of the applicant's activities or operations that result in the construction, operation, modification or closure of a CCR surface impoundment;

D)        Information regarding the time and location of the hearing;

E)        The purpose of the hearing;

F)         A concise statement of the issues to be considered at the hearing;

G)        Address and telephone number of premises at which interested persons may obtain further information and request a copy of the draft permit and related documents; and

H)        A statement that the hearing will be conducted in accordance with this Section.

I)         A translation of the public notice into the appropriate language or languages will be made if the Agency determines that a project is located within one mile of a significant population of non-English speaking residents.

f)         When the Agency receives written comments or holds a public hearing under this Section, the Agency must prepare a responsiveness summary that includes:

1)         An identification of the public participation activity conducted;

2)         Description of the matter on which the public was consulted;

3)         An estimate of the number of persons present at the hearing;

4)         A summary of all significant comments, criticisms, and suggestions, whether written or oral, submitted during the public comment period, at the hearing, or during the time the hearing record was open;

5)         The Agency's response to all significant comments, criticisms, and suggestions; and

6)         A statement of Agency action, including, when applicable, the issuance or denial of the permit.

Section 845.270  Final Permit Determination and Appeal

a)         The Agency must not make a final permit determination until the public participation process in Section 845.260 has concluded.

b)         After the consideration of any comments that may have been received, the Agency may either issue or deny the permit.

c)         The Agency must provide a notice of the issuance or denial of the permit to the applicant, to any person who provides comments or an email address to the Agency during the public notice period or a public hearing, and to any person on the Agency's listserv for the facility.  The Agency must post its final permit determination and, if a public hearing was held, the responsiveness summary, to the Agency's website.  The notice must briefly indicate any significant changes that were made from the terms and conditions of the draft permit.

d)         In the case of denial, the Agency must inform the applicant of the reasons for denial, as required by Section 39(a) of the Act.

e)         Appeal

1)         If the Agency refuses to grant, or grants with conditions, a permit under this Part, the applicant may petition the Board to appeal the Agency's final decision under Section 40 of the Act.

2)         If the Agency grants or denies a permit under this Part, a third party, other than the permit applicant or Agency, may appeal the Agency's decision as provided under federal law for CCR surface impoundment permits. [415 ILCS 5/40(g)]

3)         All appeals must be filed with the Board within 35 days after the final action is served on the applicant.

Section 845.280  Transfer, Modification and Renewal

a)         No permit is transferable from one person to another except as approved by the Agency.  Approval must be granted only if a new owner or operator seeking transfer of a permit can demonstrate the ability to comply with all applicable financial requirements of Subpart I.

b)         Agency Initiated Modification.  The Agency may modify a permit under the following conditions:

1)         Discovery of a typographical or calculation error;

2)         Discovery that a determination or condition was based upon false or misleading information;

3)         An order of the Board issued in an action brought under Title VII, VIII, IX or X of the Act; or

4)         Promulgation of new statutes or regulations affecting the permit.

c)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment may initiate modification to its permit by application submittal to the Agency at any time after the permit is approved and before the permit expires.

d)         The Agency may make minor modifications to a permit without following the public notice procedures of Section 845.260.  Minor modifications may only:

1)         Correct typographical errors;

2)         Require more frequent monitoring or reporting by the permittee, including the installation of additional groundwater monitoring wells;

3)         Allow for a change in ownership or operational control of a facility when the Agency determines that no other change in the permit is necessary, provided that a written agreement containing a specific date for transfer of permit responsibility, coverage, and liability between the current and new permittees has been submitted to the Agency;

4)         Change the construction schedule, which does not impact the scheduled date of completion; or

5)         Require electronic reporting requirements.

e)         An application for renewal of a permit must be filed with the Agency at least 180 days before the expiration date of the existing permit unless the Agency grants a waiver of this requirement.  The Agency may grant a waiver of the 180-day requirement only if:

1)         The permittee submits a written request to the Agency at least 60 days before the expiration of the permit;

2)         The permittee's written request includes the reasonably justifiable causes for not meeting the 180-day requirement; and

3)         The permittee's written request includes a date by which the permittee will submit the renewal application.

f)         Any Agency decision to deny a waiver request must be made within 21 days after receipt of the waiver request (see subsection (e)(1)).

g)         The terms and conditions of an expiring permit remain effective and enforceable against the permittee until the Agency takes final action on the pending permit renewal application, only if the permittee has submitted a timely application under subsection (e) and the Agency, through no fault of the permittee, does not issue a new permit by the expiration date of the previous permit.

Section 845.290  Construction Quality Assurance Program

a)         The following must be constructed according to a Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) program:

1)       The construction of a new CCR surface impoundment, or the lateral expansion of an existing CCR surface impoundment;

2)       The retrofit of an existing CCR surface impoundment;

3)       Installation of a groundwater collection system and discharge system;

4)       Installation of the groundwater monitoring system; and

5)       Installation of the final cover system.

b)         The CQA program must meet the following requirements:

1)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must designate a CQA officer who is a qualified professional engineer.

2)         At the end of each week of construction, until construction is complete, a summary report must be prepared either by the CQA officer or under the supervision of the CQA officer.  The report must include descriptions of the weather, locations where construction occurred during the previous week, materials used, results of testing, inspection reports, and procedures used to perform the inspections.  The CQA officer must review and approve the report.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must place the weekly reports in the facility's operating record (see Section 845.800(d)(3)).

3)         The CQA officer must certify the following, when applicable:

A)        The bedding material contains no undesirable objects;

B)        The final closure plan or corrective action plan approved by the construction permit has been followed;

C)        The anchor trench and backfill are constructed to prevent damage to a geosynthetic membrane;

D)        All tears, rips, punctures, and other damage are repaired;

E)        All geosynthetic membrane seams are properly constructed and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications;

F)         Any groundwater collection system is constructed to intersect the water table;

G)        Any groundwater collection system is properly constructed to slope toward extraction points, and the extraction equipment is properly designed and installed;

H)        Appropriate operation and maintenance plans for the groundwater collection system and extraction and discharge equipment are provided;

I)         Proper filter material consisting of uniform granular fill, to avoid clogging, is used in construction;

J)         The filter material, as placed, possesses structural strength adequate to support the maximum loads imposed by the overlying materials and equipment used at the facility;

K)        CCR stabilization; and

L)        Site restoration, if any.

4)         The CQA officer must supervise and be responsible for all inspections, testing and other activities required to be implemented as part of the CQA program under this Section.

5)         The CQA officer must be present to provide supervision and assume responsibility for performing all inspections of the following activities, when applicable:

A)        Compaction of the subgrade and foundation to design parameters;

B)        Application of final cover, including installation of the geomembrane; and

C)        Installation of the groundwater collection system and discharge system.

6)         If the CQA officer is unable to be present as required by subsection (b)(5), the CQA officer must provide the following in writing:

A)        The reasons for his or her absence;

B)        A designation of a person who must exercise professional judgment in carrying out the duties of the CQA officer-in-absentia; and

C)        A signed statement that the CQA officer assumes full responsibility for all inspections performed and reports prepared by the designated CQA officer-in-absentia during the absence of the CQA officer.

7)         The CQA program must ensure, at a minimum, that construction materials and operations meet design specifications.

Section 845.300  Placement Above the Uppermost Aquifer

a)         Existing and new CCR surface impoundments, and all lateral expansions of CCR surface impoundments, must be constructed with a base that is located at least 1.52 meters (five feet) above the upper limit of the uppermost aquifer, or must demonstrate that there will not be an intermittent, recurring, or sustained hydraulic connection between any portion of the base of the CCR surface impoundment and the uppermost aquifer due to normal fluctuations in groundwater elevations (including the seasonal high water table).

b)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the demonstration meets the requirements of subsection (a).

c)         The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must complete the demonstration required by subsection (a) and submit the completed demonstration, along with a qualified professional engineer's certification, to the Agency in the facility's initial operating permit application.

d)         The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment or a lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment must submit plans and specifications in a construction permit application that demonstrate the CCR surface impoundment will be constructed under subsection (a).  Upon completion of construction, the owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the CCR surface impoundment or lateral expansion was constructed in accordance with the requirements in subsection (a) and submit the certification to the Agency in the facility's initial operating permit application.

Section 845.310  Wetlands

a)         Existing and new CCR surface impoundments, and all lateral expansions of CCR surface impoundments, must not be located in wetlands unless the owner or operator demonstrates the following:

1)         When applicable under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, Interagency Wetlands Policy Act of 1989 [20 ILCS 830] and Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act [615 ILCS 5], or other applicable State wetlands laws, a clear and objective rebuttal of the presumption that an alternative to the CCR surface impoundment is reasonably available that does not involve wetlands.

2)         The construction and operation of the CCR surface impoundment will not cause or contribute to any of the following:

A)        A violation of any applicable State or federal water quality standard;

B)        A violation of any applicable toxic effluent standard or prohibition under section 307 of the Clean Water Act;

C)        Jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of a critical habitat, protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC 1531 et seq.) and the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act [520 ILCS 10]; and

D)        A violation of any requirement under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (16 USC 1431 and 33 USC 1401) for the protection of a marine sanctuary.

3)         The CCR surface impoundment will not cause or contribute to significant degradation of wetlands by addressing all the following factors:

A)        Erosion, stability, and migration potential of native wetland soils, muds and deposits used to support the CCR surface impoundment;

B)        Erosion, stability, and migration potential of dredged and fill materials used to support the CCR surface impoundment;

C)        The volume and chemical nature of the CCR;

D)        Impacts on fish, wildlife, and other aquatic resources and their habitat from release of CCR;

E)        The potential effects of catastrophic release of CCR to the wetland and the resulting impacts on the environment; and

F)         Any additional factors, as necessary, to demonstrate that ecological resources in the wetland are sufficiently protected.

4)         To the extent required under section 404 of the Clean Water Act or applicable State wetlands laws, steps have been taken to attempt to achieve no net loss of wetlands (as defined by acreage and function) by first avoiding impacts to wetlands to the maximum extent reasonable as required by subsections (a)(1) through (3), then minimizing unavoidable impacts to the maximum extent reasonable, and, finally, offsetting remaining unavoidable wetland impacts through all appropriate and reasonable compensatory mitigation actions (e.g., restoration of existing degraded wetlands or creation of man-made wetlands); and

5)         Sufficient information is available to make a reasoned determination with respect to the demonstrations in subsections (a)(1) through (4).

b)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the demonstration meets the requirements of subsection (a).

c)         The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must complete the demonstration required by subsection (a) and submit the completed demonstration, along with the qualified professional engineer's certification, to the Agency with the facility's initial operating permit application.

d)         The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment or a lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment must submit plans and specifications in a construction permit application that demonstrate the CCR surface impoundment will be constructed under subsection (a).  Upon completion of construction, the owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the CCR surface impoundment or lateral expansion was constructed in accordance with the requirements in subsection (a) and submit the certification to the Agency in the facility's initial operating permit application.

Section 845.320  Fault Areas

a)         Existing and new CCR surface impoundments, and all lateral expansions of CCR surface impoundments, must not be located within 60 meters (200 feet) of the outermost damage zone of a fault that has had displacement in Holocene time unless the owner or operator demonstrates that an alternative setback distance of less than 60 meters (200 feet) will prevent damage to the structural integrity of the CCR surface impoundment.

b)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the demonstration meets the requirements of subsection (a).

c)         The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must complete the demonstration required by subsection (a) and submit the completed demonstration, along with the qualified professional engineer's certification, to the Agency with the facility's initial operating permit application.

d)         The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment or a lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment must submit plans and specifications in a construction permit application that demonstrate the CCR surface impoundment will be constructed under subsection (a).  Upon completion of construction, the owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the CCR surface impoundment or lateral expansion was constructed in accordance with the requirements in subsection (a) and submit the certification to the Agency in the facility's initial operating permit application.

Section 845.330  Seismic Impact Zones

a)         Existing and new CCR surface impoundments, and all lateral expansions of CCR surface impoundments, must not be located in seismic impact zones unless the owner or operator demonstrates that all structural components, including liners, leachate collection and removal systems, and surface water control systems, are designed to resist the maximum horizontal acceleration in lithified earth material for the site.

b)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the demonstration meets the requirements of subsection (a).

c)         The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must complete the demonstration required by subsection (a) and submit the completed demonstration, along with the qualified professional engineer's certification, to the Agency with the facility's initial operating permit application.

d)         The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment or a lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment must submit plans and specifications in a construction permit application that demonstrate the CCR surface impoundment will be constructed under subsection (a).  Upon completion of construction, the owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the CCR surface impoundment or lateral expansion was constructed in accordance with the requirements of subsection (a) and submit the certification to the Agency in the facility's initial operating permit application.

Section 845.340  Unstable Areas and Floodplains

a)         An existing or new CCR surface impoundment, or any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, must not be located in an unstable area unless the owner or operator demonstrates that recognized and generally accepted engineering practices have been incorporated into the design of the CCR surface impoundment to ensure that the integrity of the structural components of the CCR surface impoundment will not be disrupted.

b)         The owner or operator must consider all the following factors, at a minimum, when determining whether an area is unstable:

1)         On-site or local soil conditions, including liquefaction, that may result in significant differential settling;

2)         On-site or local geologic or geomorphologic features; and

3)         On-site or local human-made features or events (both surface and subsurface).

c)         An existing or new CCR surface impoundment, or any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, must not be located in a floodplain unless the owner or operator demonstrates that recognized and generally accepted engineering practices have been incorporated into the design of the CCR surface impoundment to ensure that the CCR surface impoundment will not restrict the flow of the base flood, reduce the temporary water storage capacity of a floodplain, or result in washout of CCR, so as to pose a hazard to human life, wildlife, or land or water resources.  For purposes of this subsection (c):

1)         Base flood means a flood that has a 1 percent or greater chance of recurring in any year or a flood of a magnitude equaled or exceeded once in 100 years on average within the time of historical river level records.

2)         Floodplain means the lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining inland and coastal waters, including flood-prone areas of offshore islands, which are inundated by the base flood.

3)         Washout means the carrying away of CCR by waters of the base flood.

d)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the demonstration meets the requirements of subsections (a) and (c).

e)         The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must complete the demonstration required by subsections (a) and (c) of this Section and submit the completed demonstration, along with a qualified professional engineer's certification, to the Agency with the facility's initial operating permit application.

f)         The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment, or a lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, must submit plans and specifications in a construction permit application that demonstrate the CCR surface impoundment will be constructed under subsections (a) and (c).  Upon completion of construction, the owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the CCR surface impoundment or lateral expansion was constructed in accordance with the requirements in subsections (a) and (c) and submit the certification to the Agency in the facility's initial operating permit application.

Section 845.350  Failure to Meet Location Standards

a)         An owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment who fails to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this Subpart is subject to the requirements of Section 845.700.

b)         An owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment, or any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, who fails to make the demonstration showing compliance with the requirements of this Subpart is prohibited from placing CCR in the CCR surface impoundment.

Section 845.400  Liner Design Criteria for Existing CCR Surface Impoundments

a)         An existing CCR surface impoundment is considered to be an existing lined surface impoundment if it has been constructed with either a composite liner that meets the requirements of subsection (b) or an alternative composite liner that meets the requirements of subsection (c).

b)         Composite Liner

1)         A composite liner must consist of two components: the upper component consisting of, at a minimum, a 30-mil geomembrane liner, and the lower component consisting of at least a two-foot layer of compacted soil with a hydraulic conductivity of no more than 1 x 10^‑7 centimeters per second (cm/sec).  The geomembrane liner components consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) must be at least 60 mil.  The geomembrane liner or upper liner component must be installed in direct and uniform contact with the compacted soil or lower liner component.

2)         The composite liner must be:

A)        Constructed of materials that have appropriate chemical properties and sufficient strength and thickness to prevent failure due to pressure gradients (including static head and external hydrogeologic forces), physical contact with the CCR or leachate to which they are exposed, climatic conditions, the stress of installation, and the stress of daily operation;

B)        Constructed of materials that provide appropriate shear resistance of the upper and lower component interface to prevent sliding of the upper component, including on slopes;

C)        Placed upon a foundation or base capable of providing support to the liner and resistance to pressure gradients above and below the liner to prevent failure of the liner due to settlement, compression, or uplift; and

D)        Installed to cover all surrounding earth likely to be in contact with the CCR or leachate.

c)         Alternative Composite Liner

1)         An alternative composite liner must consist of two components: the upper component consisting of, at a minimum, a 30-mil geomembrane liner, and a lower component, that is not a geomembrane, with a liquid flow rate no greater than the liquid flow rate of two feet of compacted soil with a hydraulic conductivity of no more than 1 x 10^‑7 cm/sec.  The geomembrane liner components consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) must be at least 60 mil. If the lower component of the alternative liner is compacted soil, the geomembrane liner must be installed in direct and uniform contact with the compacted soil.

2)         The liquid flow rate through the lower component of the alternative composite liner must be no greater than the liquid flow rate through two feet of compacted soil with a hydraulic conductivity of 1 x 10^‑7 cm/sec. The hydraulic conductivity for the two feet of compacted soil used in the comparison must be no greater than 1 x 10^‑7 cm/sec.  The hydraulic conductivity of any alternative to the two feet of compacted soil must be determined using recognized and generally accepted methods.

3)         The liquid flow rate comparison must be made using the following equation, which is derived from Darcy's Law for gravity flow through porous media.

Q/A = q = k ((h/t)+1)

Where:

Q = flow rate (cubic centimeters/second)

A = Surface area of the liner (squared centimeters)

q = flow rate per unit area (cubic centimeters/ second/squared centimeter)

k = hydraulic conductivity of the liner (centimeters /second)

h = hydraulic head above the liner (centimeters); and

t = thickness of the liner (centimeters)

4)         The alternative composite liner must meet the requirements specified in subsection (b).

d)         The hydraulic conductivity of the compacted soil must be determined using recognized and generally accepted methods.

e)         The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment that has not completed an Agency approved closure before July 30, 2021 must submit an initial operating permit application under Section 845.230 that demonstrates whether the CCR surface impoundment was constructed with either of the following:

1)         A composite liner that meets the requirements of subsection (b); or

2)         An alternative composite liner that meets the requirements of subsection (c).

f)         A CCR surface impoundment is considered to be an unlined CCR surface impoundment if either:

1)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment determines that the CCR surface impoundment is not constructed with a liner that meets the requirements of subsection (b) or (c); or

2)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment fails to document whether the CCR surface impoundment was constructed with a liner that meets the requirements of subsection (b) or (c).

g)         All unlined CCR surface impoundments are subject to the requirements of Section 845.700.

h)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer attesting that the CCR surface impoundment meets the requirements of subsection (a) and submit the certification to the Agency in the facility's initial operating permit application.

Section 845.410  Liner Design Criteria for New CCR Surface Impoundments and Any Lateral Expansion of a CCR Surface Impoundment

a)         New CCR surface impoundments and lateral expansions of existing and new CCR surface impoundments must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained with either a composite liner or an alternative composite liner that meets the requirements of Section 845.400(b) or (c).

b)         Any liner specified in this Section must be installed to cover all surrounding earth likely to be in contact with CCR. Dikes must not be constructed so as to damage the composite liner.

c)         Before construction, the owner or operator must obtain certification from a qualified professional engineer that the design of the composite liner or, if applicable, the design of an alternative composite liner complies with the requirements of this Section and submit this certification to the Agency in the facility's construction permit application.

d)         Upon completion of construction, the owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the composite liner or, if applicable, the alternative composite liner has been constructed in accordance with the requirements of this Section and submit this certification to the Agency in the facility's initial operating permit application.

Section 845.420  Leachate Collection and Removal System

A new CCR surface impoundment must be designed, constructed, operated and maintained with a leachate collection and removal system.  The leachate collection and removal system must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to collect and remove leachate from the leachate collection system of the CCR surface impoundment during its active life and post-closure care period.

a)         The leachate collection and removal system must:

1)         Be placed above the liner required by Section 845.400 or Section 845.410;

2)         Have placed above it a filter layer that has a hydraulic conductivity of at least 1 x 10^-5 cm/sec;

3)         Have a bottom slope of three percent or more towards the collection pipes;

4)         Be constructed of:

A)        Granular drainage materials with a hydraulic conductivity of 1 x 10^‑1 cm/sec or more and a thickness of 24 inches or more above the crown of the collection pipe; or

B)        Synthetic drainage materials with a transmissivity of 6 x 10^-4 m²/sec or more;

5)         Be constructed of materials that are chemically resistant to CCR and any non-CCR waste managed in the CCR surface impoundment and the leachate expected to be generated, and of sufficient strength and thickness to prevent collapse under the pressures exerted by overlying waste and any waste cover materials and equipment used at the CCR surface impoundment;

6)         Be designed, constructed and operated with collection pipes at the base of the granular material to prevent clogging with fines during the active life and post-closure care period;

7)         Have collection pipes:

A)        Designed such that leachate is collected at a sump and is pumped or flows out of the CCR surface impoundment;

B)        With slopes that allow flow from all points within the CCR surface impoundment to the sump or drain outlet; and

C)        Large enough to conduct periodic cleaning;

8)         Have a protective layer or other means of deflecting the force of CCR pumped into the CCR surface impoundment;

9)         Be designed and operated to minimize clogging during the active life and post-closure care period; and

10)        At a minimum, the leachate collection and removal system must be operated to remove free liquids from the CCR surface impoundment at the time of closure and during post closure care.

b)         The owner or operator must obtain certification from a qualified professional engineer that the design of the leachate collection system complies with the requirements of this Section and submit this certification to the Agency in the facility's construction permit application.

c)         Upon completion, the owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the leachate collection system has been constructed in accordance with the requirements of this Section and submit this certification to the Agency in the facility's initial operating permit application.

Section 845.430  Slope Maintenance

The slopes and pertinent surrounding areas of the CCR surface impoundment must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained with one of the forms of slope protection specified in subsection (a) that meets all the performance standards of subsection (b).

a)         Slope protection must consist of one of the following:

1)         A vegetative cover consisting of grassy vegetation;

2)         An engineered cover consisting of a single form or combination of forms of engineered slope protection measures; or

3)         A combination of the forms of cover specified in subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2).

b)         Any form of cover for slope protection must meet the following performance standards:

1)         The cover must be installed and maintained on the slopes and pertinent surrounding areas of the CCR surface impoundment;

2)         The cover must provide protection against surface erosion, wave action, and adverse effects of rapid drawdown;

3)         The cover must be maintained to allow for the observation of, and access to, the slopes and pertinent surrounding areas during routine and emergency events;

4)         Woody vegetation must be removed from the slopes or pertinent surrounding areas.  Any removal of woody vegetation with a diameter greater than ½ inch must be directed by a person familiar with the design and operation of the CCR surface impoundment and in consideration of the complexities of removal of a tree or shrubbery, who must ensure the removal does not create a risk of destabilizing the CCR surface impoundment or otherwise adversely affect the stability and safety of the CCR surface impoundment or personnel undertaking the removal; and

5)         The height of vegetation must not exceed 12 inches.

Section 845.440  Hazard Potential Classification Assessment

a)         Hazard Potential Classification Assessments

1)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must conduct an initial and annual hazard potential classification assessment of the CCR surface impoundment.  The owner or operator must document the hazard potential classification of each CCR surface impoundment as either a Class 1 or Class 2 CCR surface impoundment.  The owner or operator must also document the basis for each hazard potential classification.

2)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the initial hazard potential classification and each annual classification was conducted in accordance with the requirements of this Section.

3)         Timeframe for Submission of the Hazard Potential Classification Assessments and Certifications

A)        The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment must submit the initial hazard potential classification assessment certification with the initial operating permit application before the initial receipt of CCR in the surface impoundment.

B)        The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must submit the initial hazard potential classification assessment certification with its first annual inspection report required by Section 845.540(b).

C)        The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must submit the annual hazard potential classification assessment certification each year with the annual inspection required by Section 845.540(b).

D)        The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must place each hazard potential classification assessment in the facility's operating record (see Section 845.800(d)(4)).

b)         The requirements of this Section apply to all CCR surface impoundments, except for those CCR surface impoundments that are incised CCR surface impoundments.  If an incised CCR surface impoundment is subsequently modified (e.g., a dike is constructed) such that the CCR surface impoundment no longer meets the definition of an incised CCR surface impoundment, the CCR surface impoundment is subject to the requirements of this Section.

Section 845.450  Structural Stability Assessment

a)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must conduct initial and annual structural stability assessments and document whether the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the CCR surface impoundment is consistent with recognized and generally accepted engineering practices for the maximum volume of CCR and CCR wastewater that can be impounded in the CCR surface impoundment. The assessment must, at a minimum, document whether the CCR surface impoundment has been designed, constructed, operated, and maintained with:

1)         Stable foundations and abutments;

2)         Adequate slope protection to protect against surface erosion, wave action, and adverse effects of sudden drawdown;

3)         Dikes mechanically compacted to a density sufficient to withstand the range of loading conditions in the CCR surface impoundment;

4)         Slope protection consistent with Section 845.430;

5)         A single spillway or a combination of spillways configured as specified in subsection (a)(5)(A).  The combined capacity of all spillways must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to adequately manage flow during and following the peak discharge from the event specified in subsection (a)(5)(B).

A)        All spillways must be either:

i)          Of non-erodible construction and designed to carry sustained flows; or

ii)         Earth- or grass-lined and designed to carry short-term, infrequent flows at non-erosive velocities where sustained flows are not expected.

B)        The combined capacity of all spillways must adequately manage flow during and following the peak discharge from a:

i)          Probable maximum flood for a Class 1 CCR surface impoundment; or

ii)         1000-year flood for a Class 2 CCR surface impoundment.

6)         Hydraulic structures underlying the base of the CCR surface impoundment or passing through the dike of the CCR surface impoundment that maintain structural integrity and are free of significant deterioration, deformation, distortion, bedding deficiencies, sedimentation, and debris that may negatively affect the CCR surface impoundment; and

7)         For CCR surface impoundments with downstream slopes that can be inundated by the pool of an adjacent water body, such as a river, stream or lake, downstream slopes that maintain structural stability during low pool of the adjacent water body or sudden drawdown of the adjacent water body.

b)         The annual assessment described in this Section must identify any structural stability deficiencies associated with the CCR surface impoundment in addition to recommending corrective measures.  If a deficiency or a release is identified during the periodic assessment, the owner or operator of the surface impoundment must submit to the Agency a construction permit application including documentation detailing proposed corrective measures and must obtain any necessary permits from the Agency as soon as feasible.

c)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the initial structural stability assessments and each annual assessment thereafter was conducted in accordance with the requirements.

d)         Timeframe for Submission of Structural Stability Assessment

1)         The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment must submit the initial structural stability assessment certification with the initial operating permit application before the initial receipt of CCR in the surface impoundment.

2)         The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must submit the initial structural stability assessment certification with its first annual inspection report required by Section 845.540(b).

3)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must submit the annual structural stability assessment certification each year with the annual inspection required by Section 845.540(b).

4)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must place each structural stability assessment in the facility's operating record (see Section 845.800(d)(5)).

e)         The requirements of this Section apply to all CCR surface impoundments, except for those CCR surface impoundments that are incised CCR surface impoundments.  If an incised CCR surface impoundment is subsequently modified (e.g., a dike is constructed) such that the CCR surface impoundment no longer meets the definition of an incised CCR surface impoundment, the CCR surface impoundment is subject to the requirements of this Section.

Section 845.460  Safety Factor Assessment

a)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must conduct an initial and annual safety factor assessment for each CCR surface impoundment and document whether the calculated factors of safety for each CCR surface impoundment achieve the minimum safety factors specified in this Section for the critical cross-section of the embankment.  The critical cross-section is the cross‑section anticipated to be the most susceptible of all cross-sections to structural failure based on appropriate engineering considerations, including loading conditions.  The safety factor assessments must be supported by appropriate engineering calculations.

1)         For new CCR surface impoundments, the calculated static factor of safety under the end-of-construction loading condition must equal or exceed 1.30.  The assessment of this loading condition is only required for the initial safety factor assessment and is not required for subsequent assessments.

2)         The calculated static factor of safety under the long-term, maximum storage pool loading condition must equal or exceed 1.50.

3)         The calculated static factor of safety under the maximum surcharge pool loading condition must equal or exceed 1.40.

4)         The calculated seismic factor of safety must equal or exceed 1.00.

5)         For dikes constructed of soils that have susceptibility to liquefaction, the calculated liquefaction factor of safety must equal or exceed 1.20.

b)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the initial safety factor assessment and each annual assessment thereafter was conducted in accordance with the requirements of this Section.

c)         Timeframe for Submission of the Safety Factor Assessment

1)         The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment must submit the initial safety factor assessment certification with the initial operating permit application before the initial receipt of CCR in the surface impoundment.

2)         The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must submit the initial safety factor assessment certification with its first annual inspection report required by Section 845.540(b).

3)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must submit the annual safety factor assessment certification each year with the annual inspection required by Section 845.540(b).

4)         The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment must place each safety factor assessment in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(6).

d)         Failure to Document Minimum Safety Factors

1)         For new CCR surface impoundments, until the date an owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment documents that the calculated factors of safety achieve the minimum safety factors specified in this Section, the owner or operator is prohibited from placing CCR in the CCR surface impoundment.

2)         An owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment who either fails to complete a timely safety factor assessment or fails to demonstrate minimum safety factors as required by this Section is subject to the requirements of Section 845.700.

e)         The requirements of this Section apply to all CCR surface impoundments, except for those CCR surface impoundments that are incised CCR surface impoundments.  If an incised CCR surface impoundment is subsequently modified (e.g., a dike is constructed) such that the CCR surface impoundment no longer meets the definition of an incised CCR surface impoundment, the CCR surface impoundment is subject to the requirements of this Section.

Section 845.500  Air Criteria

a)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment, or any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, must adopt measures that will effectively minimize CCR from becoming airborne at the facility, including CCR fugitive dust originating from CCR surface impoundments, roads, and other CCR management and material handling activities.

b)         CCR Fugitive Dust Control Plan. The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must prepare and operate in accordance with a CCR fugitive dust control plan as specified in this subsection (b).  This requirement applies in addition to, not in place of, any applicable standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 USC 15), including 29 CFR 1910.1018, 29 CFR 1910.1024, 29 CFR 1910.1025, 29 CFR 1910.1027, and 1910.1053, or any other State or federal law.

1)         The CCR fugitive dust control plan must identify and describe the CCR fugitive dust control measures the owner or operator will use to minimize CCR from becoming airborne at the facility.  The owner or operator must select, and include in the CCR fugitive dust control plan, the CCR fugitive dust control measures that are most appropriate for site conditions, along with an explanation of how the measures selected are applicable and appropriate for site conditions.  Examples of control measures that may be appropriate include: locating CCR inside an enclosure or partial enclosure; operating a water spray or fogging system; reducing fall distances at material drop points; using wind barriers, compaction, or vegetative covers; establishing and enforcing reduced vehicle speed limits; paving and sweeping roads; covering trucks transporting CCR; reducing or halting operations during high wind events; or applying a daily cover.

2)         The CCR fugitive dust control plan must include procedures to log every complaint from members of the public received by the owner or operator involving CCR fugitive dust events at the facility.  The owner or operator must:

A)        Include for each logged complaint the date of the complaint, the date of the incident, the name and contact information of the complainant, if given, and all actions taken to assess and resolve the complaint; and

B)        Submit quarterly reports to the Agency no later than 14 days from the end of the quarter of all complaints received in that quarter, including the information required by subsection (b)(2)(A).

3)         The Agency must evaluate quarterly complaint reports received under subsection (b)(2)(B):

A)        If the Agency determines based on all available information, including environmental justice concerns, that the mitigation measures under the CCR fugitive dust control plan are not addressing the dust issues beyond the property boundary, the Agency must require the owner or operator to revise the plan to include additional mitigation measures, including air quality (dust) monitoring at the property boundary.

B)        Air quality (dust) monitoring under subsection (b)(3)(A) must include at least four each of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 air monitors located at or near facility's property boundary with one air monitor each of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 located at each cardinal point (north, south, east, west) with additional two each of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 air monitors located at downwind locations if not covered by the cardinal point monitors. 

4)         The CCR fugitive dust control plan must include a description of the procedures the owner or operator will follow to periodically assess the effectiveness of the control plan.

5)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must prepare an initial CCR fugitive dust control plan for the facility by October 31, 2021, or by initial receipt of CCR in any CCR surface impoundment at the facility if the owner or operator becomes subject to this Part after October 31, 2021.

6)         Amendment of the Plan.  The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment subject to the requirements may amend the written CCR fugitive dust control plan at any time provided the revised plan is submitted to the Agency.  The owner or operator must amend the written plan whenever there is a change in conditions that would substantially affect the written plan in effect, such as the construction and operation of a new CCR surface impoundment.

7)         The owner or operator must place the initial and any amendments to the fugitive dust control plan in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(7).  The most recent fugitive dust control plan must be placed in the facility's operating record and available on the owner's or operator's CCR website before submitting a permit application under this Part.

8)         The owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer that the initial CCR fugitive dust control plan, or any subsequent amendment of it, meets the requirements of this Section.

c)         Annual CCR Fugitive Dust Control Report. The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must prepare an annual CCR fugitive dust control report that includes a description of the actions taken by the owner or operator to control CCR fugitive dust and the four quarterly fugitive dust complaint reports submitted under subsection (b)(2)(B) along with any Agency determinations under subsection (b)(3).  The annual CCR fugitive dust control report must be submitted as a part of the annual consolidated report required by Section 845.550.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 8977, effective June 26, 2025)

Section 845.510  Hydrologic and Hydraulic Capacity Requirements for CCR Surface Impoundments

a)         The owner or operator of an existing or new CCR surface impoundment or any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment must design, construct, operate, and maintain an inflow design flood control system as specified in subsections (a)(1) and (2).

1)         The inflow design flood control system must adequately manage flow into the CCR surface impoundment during and following the peak discharge of the inflow design flood specified in subsection (a)(3).

2)         The inflow design flood control system must adequately manage flow from the CCR surface impoundment to collect and control the peak discharge resulting from the inflow design flood specified in subsection (a)(3).

3)         The inflow design flood, at a minimum, is:

A)        For a Class 1 CCR surface impoundment, as determined under Section 845.440(a), the probable maximum flood;

B)        For a Class 2 CCR surface impoundment, as determined under Section 845.440(a), the 1000-year flood; or

C)        For an incised CCR surface impoundment, the 25-year flood.

b)         Discharge from the CCR surface impoundment must be handled in accordance with the surface water requirements in Section 845.110(b)(3) and 35 Ill. Adm. Code Subtitle C.

c)         Inflow Design Flood Control System Plan

1)         Content of the Plan. The owner or operator must prepare initial and annual inflow design flood control system plans for the CCR surface impoundment.  These plans must document how the inflow design flood control system has been designed and constructed to meet the requirements of this Section.  Each plan must be supported by appropriate engineering calculations.

2)         Amendment of the Plan.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment may amend the written inflow design flood control system plan at any time.  The owner or operator must amend the written inflow design flood control system plan whenever there is a change in conditions that would substantially affect the written plan in effect.

3)         The owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the initial and periodic inflow design flood control system plans meet the requirements of this Section.

4)         Timeframe for Plan Submission

A)        The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment must submit to the Agency the initial inflow design flood control system plan certification with the initial operating permit application before the initial receipt of CCR in the surface impoundment.

B)        The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must submit the initial inflow design flood control system plan certification with its first annual inspection report required by Section 845.540(b).

C)        The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must submit the annual inflow design flood control system plan certification each year with the annual inspection required by Section 845.540(b).

D)        The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment must place each inflow design flood control system plan in the facility's operating record (see Section 845.800(d)(8)).

Section 845.520  Emergency Action Plan

a)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must prepare and maintain a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP).  The owner or operator must place the EAP and any amendment of the EAP in the facility's operating record (see Section 845.800(d)(9)).

b)         At a minimum, the EAP must:

1)         Define the events or circumstances involving the CCR surface impoundment that represent a safety emergency, along with a description of the procedures that will be followed to detect a safety emergency in a timely manner;

2)         Define responsible persons, their respective responsibilities, and notification procedures for a safety emergency involving the CCR surface impoundment;

3)         Provide contact information of emergency responders;

4)         Include a map that delineates the downstream area that would be affected if a CCR surface impoundment fails and a physical description of the CCR surface impoundment; and

5)         Include provisions for an annual face-to-face meeting or exercise between representatives of the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment and the local emergency responders.

c)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must prepare an initial Emergency Action Plan for the facility by October 31, 2021, or by initial receipt of CCR in any CCR surface impoundment at the facility if the owner or operator becomes subject to this Part after October 31, 2021.

d)         Amendment of the Plan

1)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment may amend the written EAP at any time.

2)         The owner or operator must amend the written EAP whenever there is a change in conditions that would substantially affect the EAP in effect.

3)         The written EAP must be evaluated, at a minimum, every five years to ensure the information required in this Section is accurate.

e)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the written EAP, and any subsequent amendment of the EAP, meets the requirements of this Section.

f)         Activation of the EAP.  The EAP must be implemented once events or circumstances involving the CCR surface impoundment that represent a safety emergency are detected, including conditions identified during any structural stability assessments, annual inspections, and inspections by a qualified person.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit records documenting all activations of the EAP to the Agency and place the documentation in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(10).

g)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must document the annual face-to-face meeting or exercise between representatives of the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment and the local emergency responders as required by subsection (b)(5).  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must place this documentation in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(11).

Section 845.530  Safety and Health Plan

a)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must develop a Safety and Health Plan and ensure that employees, contract workers, and third-party contractors are informed regarding the Safety and Health Plan.  The owner or operator must conduct ongoing worker hazard analyses and ensure employees, contract workers, and third-party contractors are aware of those analyses.  The plan must be updated as needed based on the worker hazard analyses, but at least annually.  The plan, and all amendments to the plan, must be placed in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(12), and on the owner's or operator's publicly accessible internet site.

b)         For worker exposure safety, in addition to all other applicable local, State and federal requirements, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment, for all chemical constituents identified in the CCR under Sections 845.230(a)(15) and 845.230(d)(2)(C), must:

1)         Consider the recommendations in the most recent "NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards", Department of Human Health and Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (available at cdc.gov/niosh/npg/

default.html);

2)         Implement the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations in Chapter 17 of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations for all hazards not otherwise classified as defined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(c); and

3)         Provide safety data sheets (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals adopted by OSHA) or create a facility-specific safety data sheet under 29 CFR 1910.1200(g).

c)         The Safety and Health Plan must include a personnel training program that meets the following minimum requirements:

1)         Employees, contract workers, and third-party contractors must successfully complete a training program that informs them of the hazards at the facility to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Part.  The facility must maintain an outline of the training program used (or to be used) at the facility and a brief description of training program updates.

2)         At a minimum, the training program must be designed to ensure that employees, contract workers, and third-party contractors understand and are able to respond effectively to the following:

A)        Procedures for using, inspecting, repairing, and replacing facility emergency and monitoring equipment;

B)        Communications or alarm systems;

C)        Response to fires or explosions;

D)        Response to a spill or release of CCR;

E)        The training under the Occupational Safety and Health Standards in 29 CFR 1910.120, 29 CFR 1926.65, and the OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour construction safety training;

F)         Information about chemical hazards and hazardous materials identified in subsection (b); and

G)        The use of engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.

d)         Employees, contract workers, and third-party contractors must successfully complete the program required in subsection (c) before undertaking any activity to construct, operate or close a CCR surface impoundment.

e)         Employees, contract workers, and third-party contractors must take part in an annual review of the initial training required in subsection (c).

f)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must perform, at a minimum, the following hazard communication activities:

1)         Post signs at the facility identifying the hazards of CCR, including dust inhalation when handling CCR;

2)         Post signs at the facility identifying unstable CCR areas that may make operation of heavy equipment hazardous; and

3)         Post signs at the facility where the CCR surface impoundment is located identifying safety measures and necessary precautions, including the proper use of personal protective equipment.

Section 845.540  Inspection Requirements for CCR Surface Impoundments

a)         Inspections by a Qualified Person

1)         All CCR surface impoundments and any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment must be examined by a qualified person as follows:

A)        At intervals not exceeding seven days and after each 25-year, 24-hour storm, inspect for the following:

i)          Any appearances of actual or potential structural weakness and other conditions that are disrupting, or have the potential to disrupt, the operation or safety of the CCR surface impoundment;

ii)         Deterioration, malfunctions or improper operation of overtopping control systems, where present;

iii)        Sudden drops in the level of the CCR surface impoundment's contents;

iv)        Erosion that creates rills, gullies, or crevices six inches or deeper, other signs of deterioration including failed or eroded vegetation in excess of 100 square feet, or cracks in dikes or other containment devices; and

v)         Any visible releases;

B)        At intervals not exceeding seven days, inspect the discharge of all outlets of hydraulic structures that pass underneath the base of the CCR surface impoundment or through the dike, of the CCR surface impoundment, for abnormal discoloration, flow or discharge of debris or sediment; and

C)        At intervals not exceeding 30 days, monitor all CCR surface impoundment instrumentation.

2)         The owner or operator must prepare a report for each inspection that includes the date of the inspection, condition of the CCR surface impoundment, any repairs made to the CCR surface impoundment, and the date of the repair. The results of the inspection by a qualified person must be recorded in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(13).

3)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must initiate the inspections required by subsection (a) by April 30, 2021, or by initial receipt of CCR in a CCR surface impoundment if the owner or operator becomes subject to this Part after April 30, 2021.  The inspections required by subsection (a) must continue until the completion of closure by removal or the completion of post-closure care.

4)         If a 25-year, 24-hour storm is identified more than 48 hours before the next scheduled weekly inspection, an additional inspection must be conducted within 24 hours after the end of the identified storm event, before the scheduled seven-day inspection.

b)         Annual Inspections By a Qualified Professional Engineer

1)         The CCR surface impoundment must be inspected on an annual basis by a qualified professional engineer to ensure that the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the CCR surface impoundment is consistent with recognized and generally accepted engineering standards.  The inspection must, at a minimum, include:

A)        A review of available information regarding the status and condition of the CCR surface impoundment, including files available in the operating record (e.g., CCR surface impoundment design and construction information required by Sections 845.220(a)(1) and 845.230(d)(2)(A), previous structural stability assessments required under Section 845.450, the results of inspections by a qualified person, and results of previous annual inspections);

B)        A visual inspection of the CCR surface impoundment to identify signs of distress or malfunction of the CCR surface impoundment and appurtenant structures;

C)        A visual inspection of any hydraulic structures underlying the base of the CCR surface impoundment or passing through the dike of the CCR surface impoundment for structural integrity and continued safe and reliable operation;

D)        The annual hazard potential classification certification, if applicable (see Section 845.440);

E)        The annual structural stability assessment certification, if applicable (see Section 845.450);

F)         The annual safety factor assessment certification, if applicable (see Section 845.460); and

G)        The inflow design flood control system plan certification (see Section 845.510(c)).

2)         Inspection Report. The qualified professional engineer must prepare a report following each inspection that addresses the following:

A)        Any changes in geometry of the impounding structure since the previous annual inspection;

B)        The location and type of existing instrumentation and the maximum recorded readings of each instrument since the previous annual inspection;

C)        The approximate minimum, maximum, and present depth and elevation of the impounded water and CCR since the previous annual inspection;

D)        The storage capacity of the impounding structure at the time of the inspection;

E)        The approximate volume of the impounded water and CCR at the time of the inspection;

F)         Any appearances of an actual or potential structural weakness of the CCR surface impoundment, in addition to any existing conditions that are disrupting or have the potential to disrupt the operation and safety of the CCR surface impoundment and appurtenant structures; and

G)        Any other changes that may have affected the stability or operation of the impounding structure since the previous annual inspection.

3)         By January 31 of each year, the inspection report must be completed and included with the annual consolidated report required by Section 845.550.

4)         Frequency of Inspections.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must conduct the inspection required by subsections (b)(1) and (2) on an annual basis.  The deadline for conducting a subsequent inspection is based on the date of conducting the previous inspection.

5)         If a deficiency or release is identified during an inspection, the owner or operator must submit to the Agency documentation detailing proposed corrective measures and obtain any necessary permits from the Agency.

Section 845.550  Annual Consolidated Report

a)         By January 31 of each year, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must prepare an annual consolidated report for the preceding calendar year that includes the following:

1)         Annual CCR fugitive dust control report (see Section 845.500(c));

2)         Annual inspection report (see Section 845.540(b)), including:

A)        Annual hazard potential classification certification, if applicable (see Section 845.440);

B)        Annual structural stability assessment certification, if applicable (see Section 845.450);

C)        Annual safety factor assessment certification, if applicable (see Section 845.460); and

D)        Inflow design flood control system plan certification (see Section 845.510(c)).

3)         Annual Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report (see Section 845.610(e)).

4)         CCR storage unit pad, or geomembrane, barrier and berm monthly inspection and repair documentation under Section 845.740(c)(4).

5)         CCR storage unit demonstration under Section 845.740(c)(4)(F).

b)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit the annual consolidated report to the Agency in addition to placing the annual consolidated report in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(14).

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 8977, effective June 26, 2025)

Section 845.600  Groundwater Protection Standards

a)         For existing CCR surface impoundments and for inactive CCR surface impoundments:

1)         The groundwater protection standards at the waste boundary must be:

A)        Antimony: 0.006 mg/L

B)        Arsenic: 0.010 mg/L

C)        Barium: 2.0 mg/L

D)        Beryllium: 0.004 mg/L

E)        Boron: 2 mg/L

F)         Cadmium: 0.005 mg/L

G)        Chloride: 200 mg/L

H)        Chromium: 0.1 mg/L

I)         Cobalt: 0.006 mg/L

J)         Fluoride: 4.0 mg/L

K)        Lead: 0.0075 mg/L

L)        Lithium: 0.04 mg/L

M)       Mercury: 0.002 mg/L

N)        Molybdenum: 0.1 mg/L

O)        pH: 6.5-9.0 units

P)         Selenium: 0.05 mg/L

Q)        Sulfate: 400 mg/L

R)        Thallium: 0.002 mg/L

S)         Total Dissolved Solids: 1200 mg/L

T)         Radium 226 and 228 combined: 5 pCi/L

2)         For constituents with a background concentration higher than the levels identified in subsection (a)(1), the background concentration must be the groundwater protection standard.

b)         For new CCR surface impoundments, the groundwater protection standards at the waste boundary must be background for the constituents listed in subsection (a)(1), calcium, and turbidity.

c)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment may not obtain alternative groundwater quality standards in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.450(a)(4) for the constituents in subsections (a) and (b) before the end of post-closure care under Section 845.780, when closing with a final cover system, or before the end of groundwater monitoring under Section 845.740(b), when closing by removal.

Section 845.610  General Requirements

a)         All CCR surface impoundments and lateral expansions of CCR surface impoundments are subject to the groundwater monitoring and corrective action requirements of this Subpart.

b)         Required Submissions and Agency Approvals for Groundwater Monitoring

1)         Existing CCR Surface Impoundments.  The owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must submit the following to the Agency in an initial operating permit application:

A)        A hydrogeologic site characterization meeting the requirements of Section 845.620;

B)        Design and construction plans of a groundwater monitoring system meeting the requirements of Section 845.630;

C)        A groundwater sampling and analysis program that includes selection of the statistical procedures to be used for evaluating groundwater monitoring data as required by Section 845.640; and

D)        A monitoring program that includes a minimum of eight independent samples for each background and downgradient well as required by Section 845.650(b).

2)         New CCR Surface Impoundments.  The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment and all lateral expansions of a CCR surface impoundment must submit the information required in subsections (b)(1)(A) through (C) in a construction permit application, and the information required in subsection (b)(1)(D) in an operating permit application.

3)         All owners and operators of CCR surface impoundments must:

A)        Conduct groundwater monitoring under a monitoring program approved by the Agency under this Subpart;

B)        Evaluate the groundwater monitoring data for statistically significant levels over background levels for the constituents listed in Section 845.600 after each sampling event;

C)        Determine compliance with the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600 after each sampling event; and

D)        Submit all groundwater monitoring data to the Agency and any analysis performed under subsections (b)(3)(B) and (b)(3)(C) within 60 days after completion of sampling, and place the groundwater monitoring data in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(15).

c)         Once the groundwater monitoring system and the groundwater monitoring program have been established at the CCR surface impoundment as required by this Subpart, the owner or operator must conduct groundwater monitoring and, if necessary, corrective action throughout the active life and post-closure care period of the CCR surface impoundment or the time period specified in Section 845.740(b) when closure is by removal.

d)         If a CCR surface impoundment has a release, the owner or operator must immediately take all necessary measures to control all sources of the release to reduce or eliminate, to the maximum extent feasible, further releases of contaminants into the environment.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must comply with all applicable requirements of Sections 845.660, 845.670, and 845.680.

e)         Annual Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report

1)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must prepare and submit to the Agency an annual groundwater monitoring and corrective action report as a part of the annual consolidated report required by Section 845.550.

2)         For the preceding calendar year, the annual report must document the status of the groundwater monitoring and corrective action plan for the CCR surface impoundment, summarize key actions completed, including the status of permit applications and Agency approvals, describe any problems encountered, discuss actions to resolve the problems, and project key activities for the upcoming year.

3)         At a minimum, the annual groundwater monitoring and corrective action report must contain the following information, to the extent available:

A)        A map, aerial image, or diagram showing the CCR surface impoundment, all background (or upgradient) and downgradient monitoring wells, including the well identification numbers, that are part of the groundwater monitoring program for the CCR surface impoundment, and a visual delineation of any exceedances of the groundwater protection standards;

B)        Identification of any monitoring wells that were installed or decommissioned during the preceding year, along with a narrative description of why those actions were taken;

C)        A potentiometric surface map for each groundwater elevation sampling event required by Section 845.650(b)(2);

D)        In addition to all the monitoring data obtained under this Subpart, a summary including the number of groundwater samples that were collected for analysis for each background and downgradient well, and the dates the samples were collected;

E)        A narrative discussion of any statistically significant increases over background levels for the constituents listed in Section 845.600; and

F)         Other information required to be included in the annual report as specified in this Subpart.

4)         A section at the beginning of the annual report must provide an overview of the current status of groundwater monitoring program and corrective action plan for the CCR surface impoundment.  At a minimum, the summary must:

A)        Specify whether groundwater monitoring data shows a statistically significant increase over background concentrations for one or more constituents listed in Section 845.600;

B)        Identify those constituents having a statistically significant increase over background concentrations and the names of the monitoring wells associated with the increase;

C)        Specify whether there have been any exceedances of the groundwater protection standards for one or more constituents listed in Section 845.600;

D)        Identify those constituents with exceedances of the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600 and the names of the monitoring wells associated with the exceedance;

E)        Provide the date when the assessment of corrective measures was initiated for the CCR surface impoundment;

F)         Provide the date when the assessment of corrective measures was completed for the CCR surface impoundment;

G)        Specify whether a remedy was selected under Section 845.670 during the current annual reporting period, and if so, the date of remedy selection; and

H)        Specify whether remedial activities were initiated or are ongoing under Section 845.780 during the current annual reporting period.

Section 845.620  Hydrogeologic Site Characterization

a)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must design and implement a hydrogeologic site characterization.

b)         The hydrogeologic site characterization must include, but is not limited to, the following:

1)         Geologic well logs/boring logs;

2)         Climatic aspects of the site, including seasonal and temporal fluctuations in groundwater flow;

3)         Identification of nearby surface water bodies and drinking water intakes;

4)         Identification of nearby pumping wells and associated uses of the groundwater;

5)         Identification of nearby dedicated nature preserves;

6)         Geologic setting;

7)         Structural characteristics;

8)         Geologic cross-sections;

9)         Soil characteristics;

10)         Identification of confining layers;

11)         Identification of potential migration pathways;

12)         Groundwater quality data;

13)         Vertical and horizontal extent of the geologic layers to a minimum depth of 100 feet below land surface, including lithology and stratigraphy;

14)         A map displaying any known underground mines beneath a CCR surface impoundment;

15)         Chemical and physical properties of the geologic layers to a minimum depth of 100 feet below land surface;

16)         Hydraulic characteristics of the geologic layers identified as migration pathways and geologic layers that limit migration, including:

A)        Water table depth;

B)        Hydraulic conductivities;

C)        Effective and total porosities;

D)        Direction and velocity of groundwater flow; and

E)        Map of the potentiometric surface;

17)         Groundwater classification under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620; and

18)        Any other information requested by the Agency that is relevant to the hydrogeologic site characterization.

Section 845.630  Groundwater Monitoring Systems

a)         Performance Standard. The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must install a groundwater monitoring system that consists of a sufficient number of wells, installed at appropriate locations and depths, to yield groundwater samples that:

1)         Accurately represent the quality of background groundwater that has not been affected by leakage from a CCR surface impoundment.  A determination of background quality may include sampling of wells that are not hydraulically upgradient of the CCR management area where:

A)        Hydrogeologic conditions do not allow the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment to determine what wells are hydraulically upgradient; or

B)        Sampling at other wells will provide an indication of background groundwater quality that is demonstratively as representative or more representative than that provided by the upgradient wells; and

2)         Accurately represent the quality of groundwater passing the waste boundary of the CCR surface impoundment.  The downgradient monitoring system must be installed at the waste boundary that ensures detection of groundwater contamination.  All potential contaminant pathways must be monitored.

b)         The number, spacing, and depths of monitoring system wells must be determined based upon site-specific technical information identified in the hydrogeologic site characterization conducted under Section 845.620.

c)         The groundwater monitoring system must include a sufficient number of monitoring wells necessary to meet the performance standards specified in subsection (a) based on the site-specific information specified in subsection (b). The groundwater monitoring system must contain:

1)         A minimum of one upgradient and three downgradient monitoring wells; and

2)         Additional monitoring wells as necessary to accurately represent the quality of background groundwater that has not been affected by leakage from the CCR surface impoundment and the quality of groundwater passing the waste boundary of the CCR surface impoundment.

d)         Multiunit Groundwater Monitoring System

1)         The owner or operator of multiple CCR surface impoundments may install a multiunit groundwater monitoring system instead of separate groundwater monitoring systems for each CCR surface impoundment.

2)         The multiunit groundwater monitoring system must be equally as capable of detecting monitored constituents at the waste boundary of the CCR surface impoundment as the individual groundwater monitoring system specified in subsections (a) through (c) for each CCR surface impoundment, based on the following factors:

A)        Number, spacing, and orientation of each CCR surface impoundment;

B)        Hydrogeologic setting;

C)        Site history; and

D)        Engineering design of the CCR surface impoundment.

e)         Monitoring wells must be properly constructed in a manner consistent with the standards of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 920.170.

1)         The owner or operator must document and include in the facility's operating record the design, installation, development, and decommissioning of any monitoring wells, piezometers and other measurement, sampling, and analytical devices.  The qualified professional engineer must be given access to this documentation when completing the groundwater monitoring system certification required by subsection (g).

2)         The monitoring wells, piezometers, and other measurement, sampling, and analytical devices must be operated and maintained so that they perform to the design specifications throughout the life of the monitoring program.

f)         The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment must submit a construction permit application containing documentation showing that the groundwater monitoring system is designed to meet the requirements of this Section.  The owner or operator of all CCR surface impoundments must submit an operating permit application containing documentation showing that the groundwater monitoring system has been constructed to meet the requirements of this Section.

g)         The owner or operator must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the groundwater monitoring system has been designed and constructed to meet the requirements of this Section.  If the groundwater monitoring system includes the minimum number of monitoring wells specified in subsection (c)(1), the certification must document the basis supporting this determination. The certification must be submitted to the Agency with the appropriate permit application.

Section 845.640  Groundwater Sampling and Analysis Requirements

a)         The groundwater monitoring program must include consistent sampling and analysis procedures that are designed to ensure monitoring results that provide an accurate representation of groundwater quality at the background and downgradient wells required by Section 845.630.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must develop a sampling and analysis program that includes procedures and techniques for:

1)         Sample collection;

2)         Sample preservation and shipment;

3)         Analytical procedures;

4)         Chain of custody control; and

5)         Quality assurance and quality control.

b)         The groundwater monitoring program must include sampling and analytical methods that are appropriate for groundwater sampling and that accurately measure constituents and other monitoring parameters in groundwater samples.  For purposes of this Subpart, the term "constituent" refers to both constituents and other monitoring parameters listed in Section 845.600.

c)         The owner or operator must perform the following each time ground water is sampled:

1)         Measure groundwater elevations in each well before purging;

2)         Determine the rate and direction of groundwater flow; and

3)         Measure groundwater elevations in wells that monitor the same CCR management area within a time period short enough to avoid temporal variations in groundwater flow that could preclude accurate determination of groundwater flow rate and direction.

d)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must establish background groundwater quality in a hydraulically upgradient or background well for each of the constituents listed in Section 845.600.  Background groundwater quality may be established at wells that are not located hydraulically upgradient from the CCR surface impoundment if it meets the requirements of Section 845.630(a)(1).

e)         The number of samples collected when conducting monitoring (for both downgradient and background wells) must be consistent with the statistical procedures chosen under subsection (f) and the performance standards under subsection (g).  The sampling procedures must be those specified by Section 845.650(a) through (c).

f)         Statistical Methods

1)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must select one of the statistical methods specified in subsection (f)(1) to be used in evaluating groundwater monitoring data for each specified constituent.  The statistical test chosen must be conducted separately for each constituent in each monitoring well.

A)        A parametric analysis of variance followed by multiple comparison procedures to identify statistically significant evidence of contamination. The method must include estimation and testing of the contrasts between each compliance well's mean and the background mean levels for each constituent.

B)        An analysis of variance based on ranks followed by multiple comparison procedures to identify statistically significant evidence of contamination.  The method must include estimation and testing of the contrasts between each compliance well's median and the background median levels for each constituent.

C)        A tolerance or prediction interval procedure, in which an interval for each constituent is established from the distribution of the background data and the level of each constituent in each compliance well is compared to the upper tolerance or prediction limit.

D)        A control chart approach that gives control limits for each constituent.

E)        Another statistical test method that meets the performance standards of subsection (g).

2)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a certification from a qualified professional engineer stating that the selected statistical method is appropriate for evaluating the groundwater monitoring data for the CCR surface impoundment.  The certification must include a narrative description of the statistical method selected to evaluate the groundwater monitoring data.  The certification must be submitted to the Agency with the appropriate permit application.

3)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit the following to the Agency in an operating permit application:

A)        Documentation of the statistical method chosen; and

B)        The qualified professional engineer certification required by subsection (f)(2).

g)         Any statistical method chosen under subsection (f) must comply with the following performance standards, as appropriate, based on the statistical test method used:

1)         The statistical method used to evaluate groundwater monitoring data must be appropriate for the distribution of constituents.  Normal distributions of data values must use parametric methods.  Non-normal distributions must use non-parametric methods.  If the distribution of the constituents is shown by the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment to be inappropriate for a normal theory test, then the data must be transformed or a distribution-free (non-parametric) theory test must be used.  If the distributions for the constituents differ, more than one statistical method may be needed.

2)         If an individual well comparison procedure is used to compare an individual compliance well constituent concentration with background constituent concentrations or a groundwater protection standard, the test must be done at a Type I error level of at least 0.01 for each testing period.  If a multiple comparison procedure is used, the Type I experiment wise error rate for each testing period must be at least 0.05; however, the Type I error of at least 0.01 for individual well comparisons must be maintained. This performance standard does not apply to tolerance intervals, prediction intervals, or control charts.

3)         If a control chart approach is used to evaluate groundwater monitoring data, the specific type of control chart and its associated constituent values must be such that this approach is at least as effective as any other approach in this Section for evaluating groundwater data.  The constituent values must be determined after considering the number of samples in the background database, the data distribution, and the range of the concentration values for each constituent of concern.

4)         If a tolerance interval or a prediction interval is used to evaluate groundwater monitoring data, the levels of confidence and, for tolerance intervals, the percentage of the population that the interval must contain, must be such that this approach is at least as effective as any other approach in this Section for evaluating groundwater data.  These constituents must be determined after considering the number of samples in the background database, the data distribution, and the range of the concentration values for each constituent of concern.

5)         The statistical method must account for data below the limit of detection with one or more statistical procedures at least as effective as any other approach in this Section for evaluating groundwater data.  Any practical quantitation limit that is used in the statistical method must be the lowest concentration level that can be reliably achieved within specified limits of precision and accuracy during routine laboratory operating conditions that are available to the facility.  For the constituents identified in Section 845.600(a)(1), the practical quantitation limit must be less than the groundwater protection standards.

6)         If necessary, the statistical method must include procedures to control or correct for seasonal and spatial variability as well as temporal correlation in the data.

h)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must determine whether there is a statistically significant increase over background values for each constituent in Section 845.600.

1)         In determining whether a statistically significant increase has occurred, the owner or operator must compare the groundwater quality of each constituent at each monitoring well designated under Section 845.630(a)(2) or (d)(1) to the background value of that constituent, according to the statistical procedures and performance standards specified by subsections (f) and (g).

2)         Within 60 days after completing sampling and analysis, the owner or operator must determine whether there has been a statistically significant increase over background for any constituent at each monitoring well.

i)          The owner or operator must measure total recoverable metals concentrations in measuring groundwater quality.  Measurement of total recoverable metals captures both the particulate fraction and dissolved fraction of metals in natural waters. Groundwater samples must not be field filtered before analysis.

j)          All groundwater samples taken under this Subpart must be analyzed by a certified laboratory using Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods, SW-846, incorporated by reference in Section 845.150.

Section 845.650  Groundwater Monitoring Program

a)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must conduct groundwater monitoring consistent with this Section.  At a minimum, groundwater monitoring must include groundwater monitoring for all constituents with a groundwater protection standard in Section 845.600(a), calcium, and turbidity.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit a groundwater monitoring plan to the Agency with its operating permit application.

b)         Monitoring Frequency

1)         The monitoring frequency for all constituents with a groundwater protection standard in Section 845.600(a), calcium, and turbidity must be at least quarterly during the active life of the CCR surface impoundment and the post-closure care period or period specified in Section 845.740(b) when closure is by removal except as allowed in subsection (b)(4).

A)        For existing CCR surface impoundments, a minimum of eight independent samples from each background and downgradient well must be collected and analyzed for all constituents with a groundwater protection standard listed in Section 845.600(a), calcium, and turbidity within 180 days after April 21, 2021.

B)        For new CCR surface impoundments, and all lateral expansions of CCR surface impoundments, a minimum of eight independent samples for each background well and downgradient well must be collected and analyzed for all constituents with a groundwater protection standard listed in Section 845.600(a), calcium, and turbidity during the first 180 days of sampling.

2)         The groundwater elevation monitoring frequency must be monthly.

3)         Measurement of water elevation within the CCR surface impoundment must be conducted each time the groundwater elevations are measured (see subsection 845.650(b)(2)) before dewatering for closure.

4)         After completion of five years of monitoring under this Part, the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment may ask the Agency for approval of a semiannual monitoring frequency by demonstrating all of the following:

A)        The groundwater monitoring effectiveness will not be compromised by the reduced frequency of monitoring;

B)        Sufficient data has been collected to characterize groundwater;

C)        The groundwater monitoring schedule currently does not show any statistically significant increasing trends; and

D)        The concentrations of constituents monitored under Section 845.650(a) at the down-gradient monitoring wells are below the applicable groundwater protection standards of Section 845.600.

5)         If, after an Agency approval of a semiannual monitoring frequency under subsection (b)(4), a statistically significant increasing trend is detected or an exceedance above the GWPS is detected, the monitoring must revert to a quarterly frequency.

c)         The number of samples collected and analyzed for each background well and downgradient well during subsequent quarterly sampling events must be consistent with Section 845.640 and must account for any unique characteristics of the site; but must include at least one sample from each background and downgradient well.

d)         If one or more constituents are detected, and confirmed by an immediate resample, to be in exceedance of the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600 in any sampling event, the owner or operator must notify the Agency which constituent exceeded the groundwater protection standard and place the notification in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(16). The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment also must:

1)         Characterize the nature and extent of the release and any relevant site conditions that may affect the remedy ultimately selected.  The characterization must be sufficient to support a complete and accurate assessment of the corrective measures necessary to effectively clean up all releases from the CCR surface impoundment under Section 845.660.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit the characterization to the Agency and place the characterization in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(16). Characterization of the release includes the following minimum measures:

A)        Install additional monitoring wells necessary to define the contaminant plumes;

B)        Collect data on the nature and estimated quantity of material released, including specific information on the constituents listed in Section 845.600 and the levels at which they are present in the material released;

C)        Install at least one additional monitoring well at the facility boundary in the direction of contaminant migration and sample this well in accordance with subsections (a) and (b); and

D)        Sample all wells in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) to characterize the nature and extent of the release.

2)         Notify all persons who own the land or reside on the land that directly overlies any part of the plume of contamination if contaminants have migrated off-site as indicated by sampling of wells in accordance with subsection (d)(1).  The owner or operator must send notifications made under this subsection (d)(2) to the Agency and place the notifications in the facility's operating record (see Section 845.800(d)(16)).

3)         Except as provided in subsection (e), within 90 days after the detected exceedance of the groundwater protection standard, initiate an assessment of corrective measures (see Section 845.660).

e)         Alternative Source Demonstration (ASD).  The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment may, within 60 days after the detected exceedance of the groundwater protection standard, submit a demonstration to the Agency that a source other than the CCR surface impoundment caused the contamination and the CCR surface impoundment did not contribute to the contamination, or that the exceedance of the groundwater protection standard resulted from error in sampling, analysis, statistical evaluation, natural variation in groundwater quality, or a change in the potentiometric surface and groundwater flow direction.  Either type of ASD must include a report that contains the factual or evidentiary basis for any conclusions and a certification of accuracy by a qualified professional engineer.

1)         The owner or operator must place the ASD on the facility's publicly accessible Internet site (CCR website) under Section 845.810 within 24 hours after the submission to the Agency.

2)         Within two business days after receiving the ASD, the Agency must email a notice to its listserv for the facility that the ASD is available to view on the facility's CCR website.

3)         Members of the public may submit to the Agency written comments on the ASD within 14 days after the Agency provides notice under subsection (e)(2).

4)         The Agency must provide a written response to the owner and operator either concurring or not concurring with the ASD within 30 days after receiving the ASD. The Agency must also mail or email its response to each person who timely submitted a written public comment under subsection (e)(3) and supplied a mailing or email address.

5)         If the Agency concurs with the ASD, the owner or operator must continue monitoring as required by this Section.  The owner or operator must also include the ASD in the annual groundwater monitoring and corrective action report required by Section 845.610(e).

6)         If the Agency does not concur with the ASD, the owner or operator must initiate the assessment of corrective measures under Section 845.660.

7)         If the Agency does not concur with the ASD, the owner or operator may petition the Board for review of the Agency's non-concurrence under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 105. The filing of a petition for review under subsection (e)(7) does not automatically stay any requirements of this Part as to the owner or operator, including the 90-day deadline to initiate an assessment of corrective measures (see Section 845.660(a)(1)).

Section 845.660  Assessment of Corrective Measures

a)         Unless the Agency has concurred with an alternative source demonstration made under Section 845.650(e), the owner or operator must initiate an assessment of corrective measures to prevent further releases, to remediate any releases, and to restore the affected area.

1)         The assessment of corrective measures must be initiated within 90 days after finding that any constituent listed in Section 845.600 has been detected in exceedance of the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600, at the downgradient waste boundary or immediately upon detection of a release of CCR from a CCR surface impoundment.

2)         The assessment of corrective measures must be completed and submitted to the Agency within 90 days after initiation of assessment of corrective measures, unless the owner or operator demonstrates to the Agency the need for additional time to complete the assessment of corrective measures due to site-specific conditions or circumstances.  The owner or operator must submit this demonstration, along with a certification from a qualified professional engineer attesting that the demonstration is accurate, to the Agency within 60 days after initiating an assessment of corrective measures. The Agency must either approve or disapprove the demonstration within 30 days. The 90-day deadline to complete the assessment of corrective measures may be extended for no longer than 60 days.  The owner or operator must also include the Agency approved demonstration in the annual groundwater monitoring and corrective action report required by Section 845.610(e), in addition to the certification by a qualified professional engineer.

b)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must continue to monitor groundwater in accordance with the monitoring program as specified in Section 845.650.

c)         The assessment under subsection (a) must include an analysis of the effectiveness of potential corrective measures in meeting all the requirements and objectives of the corrective action plan, as described by Section 845.670, addressing at least the following:

1)         The performance, reliability, ease of implementation, and potential impacts of appropriate potential remedies, including safety impacts, cross-media impacts, and control of exposure to any residual contamination;

2)         The time required to begin and complete the corrective action plan; and

3)         The institutional requirements, such as State or local permit requirements or other environmental or public health requirements that may substantially affect implementation of the corrective action plan.

d)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must discuss the results of the corrective measures assessment, at least 30 days before the selection of remedy, in a public meeting with interested and affected parties (see Section 845.240).

e)         When the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment is completing closure and corrective action simultaneously, the owner or operator may combine the corrective measures assessment required by this Section and the closure alternatives analysis required by Section 845.710 into one assessment of alternatives.

Section 845.670  Corrective Action Plan

a)         The owner or operator must prepare a semi-annual report describing the progress in selecting a remedy and developing a corrective action plan.  The semi-annual report must be submitted to the Agency and placed in the operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(17).

b)         Within one year after completing the assessment of corrective measures as specified in Section 845.660, and after completion of the public meeting in Section 845.660(d), the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit, in a construction permit application to the Agency, a corrective action plan that identifies the selected remedy.  This requirement applies in addition to, not in place of, any applicable standards under any other State or federal law.

c)         The corrective action plan must meet the following requirements:

1)         Be based on the results of the corrective measures assessment conducted under Section 845.660;

2)         Identify a selected remedy that, at a minimum, meets the standards listed in subsection (d);

3)         Contain the corrective action alternatives analysis specified in subsection (e); and

4)         Contain proposed schedules for implementation, including an analysis of the factors in subsection (f);

d)         The selected remedy in the corrective action plan must:

1)         Be protective of human health and the environment;

2)         Attain the groundwater protection standards specified in Section 845.600;

3)         Control the sources of releases to reduce or eliminate, to the maximum extent feasible, further releases of constituents listed in Section 845.600 into the environment;

4)         Remove from the environment as much of the contaminated material that was released from the CCR surface impoundment as is feasible, taking into account factors such as avoiding inappropriate disturbance of sensitive ecosystems; and

5)         Comply with standards for management of wastes as specified in Section 845.680(d).

e)         Corrective Action Alternatives Analysis.  In selecting a remedy that meets the standards of subsection (d), the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must consider the following evaluation factors:

1)         The long- and short-term effectiveness and protectiveness of each potential remedy, along with the degree of certainty that the remedy will prove successful based on consideration of the following:

A)        Magnitude of reduction of existing risks;

B)        Magnitude of residual risks in terms of likelihood of further releases due to CCR remaining following implementation of a remedy;

C)        The type and degree of long-term management required, including monitoring, operation, and maintenance;

D)        Short-term risks that might be posed to the community or the environment during implementation of a remedy, including potential threats to human health and the environment associated with excavation, transportation, and re-disposal of contaminants;

E)        Time until groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600 are achieved;

F)         The potential for exposure of humans and environmental receptors to remaining wastes, considering the potential threat to human health and the environment associated with excavation, transportation, re-disposal, containment, or changes in groundwater flow;

G)        The long-term reliability of the engineering and institutional controls, including an analysis of any off-site, nearby destabilizing activities; and

H)        Potential need for replacement of the remedy.

2)         The effectiveness of the remedy in controlling the source to reduce further releases based on consideration of each of the following potential factors:

A)        The extent to which containment practices will reduce further releases; and

B)        The extent to which treatment technologies may be used.

3)         The ease or difficulty of implementing each potential remedy based on consideration of the following types of factors:

A)        Degree of difficulty associated with constructing the technology;

B)        Expected operational reliability of the technologies;

C)        Need to coordinate with and obtain necessary approvals and permits from other agencies;

D)        Availability of necessary equipment and specialists; and

E)        Available capacity and location of needed treatment, storage, and disposal services.

4)         The degree to which community concerns are addressed by each potential remedy.

f)         The owner or operator must specify, as part of the corrective action plan, a schedule for implementing of, and completing, remedial activities. The schedule must require the completion of remedial activities within a reasonable time, taking into consideration the factors in this subsection (f).  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must consider the following factors in determining the schedule of remedial activities:

1)         Extent and nature of contamination, as determined by the characterization required under Section 845.650(d);

2)         Reasonable probabilities of remedial technologies achieving compliance with the groundwater protection standards established by Section 845.600 and other objectives of the remedy;

3)         Availability of treatment or disposal capacity for CCR managed during implementation of the remedy;

4)         Potential risks to human health and the environment from exposure to contamination before completion of the remedy;

5)         Resource value of the aquifer, including:

A)        Current and future uses, including potential residential, agricultural, commercial industrial and ecological uses;

B)        Proximity and withdrawal rate of users;

C)        Groundwater quantity and quality;

D)        The potential impact to the subsurface ecosystem, wildlife, other natural resources, crops, vegetation, and physical structures caused by exposure to CCR constituents;

E)        The hydrogeologic characteristic of the facility and surrounding land; and

F)         The availability of alternative water supplies; and

6)         Other relevant factors.

Section 845.680  Implementation of the Corrective Action Plan

a)         Within 90 days after the Agency's approval of the corrective action plan submitted under Section 845.670, the owner or operator must initiate corrective action. Based on the schedule approved by the Agency for implementation and completion of corrective action, the owner or operator must:

1)         Establish and implement a corrective action groundwater monitoring program that:

A)        At a minimum, meets the requirements of the monitoring program under Section 845.650;

B)        Documents the effectiveness of the corrective action remedy; and

C)        Demonstrates compliance with the groundwater protection standard under subsection (c).

2)         Implement the corrective action remedy approved by the Agency under Section 845.670; and

3)         Take any interim measures necessary to reduce the contaminants leaching from the CCR surface impoundment, and/or potential exposures to human or ecological receptors.  Interim measures must, to the greatest extent feasible, be consistent with the objectives of, and contribute to the performance of, any remedy that may be required by Section 845.670.  The following factors must be considered by an owner or operator in determining whether interim measures are necessary:

A)        Time required to develop and implement a final remedy;

B)        Actual or potential exposure of nearby populations or environmental receptors to any of the constituents listed in Section 845.600;

C)        Actual or potential contamination of sensitive ecosystems or current or potential drinking water supplies;

D)        Further degradation of the groundwater that may occur if remedial action is not initiated expeditiously;

E)        Weather conditions that may cause any of the constituents listed in Section 845.600 to migrate or be released;

F)         Potential for exposure to any of the constituents listed in Section 845.600 as a result of an accident or failure of a container or handling system; and

G)        Other situations that may pose threats to human health and the environment.

b)         If the Agency or an owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment determines, at any time, that compliance with the requirements of Section 845.670(d) is not being achieved through the remedy selected, the owner or operator must implement other methods or techniques that could feasibly achieve compliance with the requirements.  These methods or techniques must receive approval by the Agency before implementation.

c)         Corrective action must be considered complete when:

1)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment demonstrates compliance with the groundwater protection standards established by Section 845.600 has been achieved at all points within the plume of contamination that lies beyond the waste boundary;

2)         Compliance with the groundwater protection standards has been achieved by demonstrating that concentrations of constituents listed in Section 845.600 have not exceeded the groundwater protection standards for a period of three consecutive years, using the statistical procedures and performance standards in Section 845.640(f) and (g); and

3)         All actions required to complete the remedy have been satisfied.

d)         All CCR managed under a remedy approved by the Agency under Section 845.670, or an interim measure required under subsection (a)(3), must be managed in a manner that complies with this Part.

e)         Upon completion of the corrective action plan, the owner or operator must submit to the Agency a corrective action completion report and certification.

1)         The corrective action completion report must contain supporting documentation, including:

A)        Any engineering and hydrogeology reports, including monitoring well completion reports and boring logs, all CQA reports, certifications, and designations of CQA officers-in-absentia required by Section 845.290;

B)        A written summary of the implementation of the corrective action plan as stated in the construction permit and this Part;

C)        Groundwater monitoring data demonstrating compliance with subsection (c);

D)        Any remedial actions completed under subsection (d);

E)        Documentation showing compliance with the selected remedy requirements of Section 845.670(b); and

F)         Any other information relied upon by the qualified professional engineer in making the closure certification.

2)         The corrective action completion certification must include a statement from a qualified professional engineer attesting that the corrective action plan has been completed in compliance with the requirements of subsection (c).

3)         The owner or operator must place the corrective action completion report and certification in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(18).

Section 845.700  Required Closure or Retrofit of CCR Surface Impoundments

a)         Required Closure.  The owner or operator of the following CCR surface impoundments must stop placing CCR or non-CCR waste streams in the CCR surface impoundment and must initiate closure of the CCR surface impoundment:

1)         An existing CCR surface impoundment that has not demonstrated compliance with any of the following location restrictions:

A)        Uppermost aquifer location (see Section 845.300);

B)        Wetlands (see Section 845.310);

C)        Fault areas (see Section 845.320);

D)        Seismic impact zones (see Section 845.330); or

E)        Unstable areas and floodplains (see Section 845.340).

2)         The owner or operator of any CCR surface impoundment that has failed to complete the initial or any subsequent annual safety factor assessment required by Section 845.460 or that has failed to document the calculated factors of safety for the CCR surface impoundment to achieve the minimum safety factors specified in Section 845.460(a).

b)         Required Closure or Retrofit. The owner or operator of an existing unlined CCR surface impoundment, as determined under Section 845.400(f), must stop placing CCR and non-CCR waste streams into that CCR surface impoundment and either retrofit or close the CCR surface impoundment in accordance with the requirements of Subpart G.  The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment electing to retrofit must submit, in accordance with the schedule in subsection (h), the written preliminary retrofit plan under subsection 845.770(a)(3) and a construction permit application to retrofit under Section 845.770;

c)         Beginning on April 21, 2021, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment required to close under subsection (a), or electing to close under subsection (b), must immediately take steps to categorize the CCR surface impoundment under subsection (g) and to comply with the closure alternatives analysis requirements in Section 845.710.  Within 30 days after April 21, 2021, the owner or operator must send the category designation, including a justification for the category designation, for each CCR surface impoundment to the Agency for review.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit a construction permit application containing a final closure plan under the schedule in subsection (h).

d)         Timeframes for Closure

1)         Except as provided in subsection (d)(2), the owner or operator must stop placing CCR and non-CCR waste streams in the impoundment and initiate closure within six months after failing to complete any of the demonstrations listed in subsection (a).

2)         For CCR surface impoundments required to close under subsection (a)(1) or electing to close under subsection (b):

A)        If, on April 21, 2021, the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment has not satisfied an alternative closure requirement of 40 CFR 257.103 that allows for the continued receipt of CCR or non-CCR waste streams, the owner or operator must not place CCR or non-CCR waste streams into the CCR surface impoundment after April 21, 2021.

B)        If, by November 30, 2020, the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment has submitted a complete demonstration to USEPA seeking an alternative deadline to stop receiving waste or complete closure under 40 CFR 257.103(f), the deadline to stop receiving waste will be tolled until USEPA issues a decision.  If USEPA determines that a submission is incomplete, an owner or operator must immediately stop receiving waste and comply with all applicable deadlines of Section 845.700(d)(1).

C)        If USEPA disapproves the requested alternative deadline to stop receiving waste and complete closure, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must immediately stop receiving waste and initiate closure within six months after the USEPA denial of the extension and will be subject to Section 845.760(a).

D)        If USEPA approves a demonstration that alternative disposal capacity is infeasible under 40 CFR 257.103(f)(1), the owner or operator must stop placing CCR or non-CCR waste streams into the CCR surface impoundment by the end of the initial time extension approved under 40 CFR 257.103 or once alternative capacity becomes available, whichever is sooner.  In no case may the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment place CCR or non-CCR waste streams into an eligible CCR surface impoundment after October 15, 2024, or into any other CCR surface impoundment subject to closure under Section 845.700(a) or (b) after October 15, 2023.

E)        If USEPA approves a demonstration for permanent cessation of coal-fired power boilers by a certain date under 40 CFR 257.103(f)(2), the owner or operator must:

i)          For CCR surface impoundments that are 40 acres or smaller, stop operation of the coal-fired boiler and complete closure by October 17, 2023; or

ii)         For CCR surface impoundments that are larger than 40 acres, stop operation of the coal-fired boiler and complete closure by October 17, 2028.

F)         The USEPA's decision to approve or deny the demonstration requesting an alternative deadline to initiate closure must within 30 days be submitted to the Agency and placed in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(19).

G)        Failure to remain in compliance with any of the requirements of this Part will result in the automatic loss of authorization under subsections (d)(2)(D) and (d)(2)(E).

H)        The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment with a USEPA-approved extension will not be given extensions of the timeframes for completion of closure under Section 845.760(c).

e)         Semi-Annual Reports.  The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment closing under the time frames in subsections (d)(2)(B) and (d)(2)(C) must prepare semi-annual reports consistent with the requirements in 40 CFR 257.103(f)(1)(x), incorporated by reference in Section 845.150, until the owner or operator has initiated closure.

f)         An owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment required to close under this Section must prepare the notification required under Section 845.730(d) that the CCR surface impoundment is closing under this Section.

g)         Closure Prioritization

1)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment required to close under this Section must assign the CCR surface impoundment to one of the following categories. Category 1 has the highest priority for closure. Category 7 has the lowest priority for closure.

A)        Category 1 includes CCR surface impoundments that have impacted an existing potable water supply well or that have impacted groundwater quality within the setback of an existing potable water supply well.

B)        Category 2 includes CCR surface impoundments that are an imminent threat to human health or the environment or have been designated by the Agency under subsection (g)(5).

C)        Category 3 includes CCR surface impoundments located in areas of environmental justice concern, as determined by the Agency under subsection (g)(6).

D)        Category 4 includes inactive CCR surface impoundments that have an exceedance of the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600.

E)        Category 5 includes existing CCR surface impoundments that have exceedances of the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600.

F)         Category 6 includes inactive CCR surface impoundments that are in compliance with the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600.

G)        Category 7 includes existing CCR surface impoundments that are in compliance with the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600.

2)         If a CCR surface impoundment can be categorized in more than one category, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must assign the CCR surface impoundment the highest priority category.

3)         Whenever an owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment has more than one CCR surface impoundment that must close under this Section, the owner or operator must close the CCR surface impoundments in order of priority.

4)         If the CCR surface impoundment meets the criteria for Category 1, the owner or operator must take immediate steps to mitigate the impact to any existing potable water supply.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must act to replace the water supply with a supply of equal or better quality and quantity within 30 days after notice that the impact has occurred.

5)         The Agency may designate a CCR surface impoundment as a Category 2 surface impoundment when:

A)        The CCR surface impoundment has failed to document that the calculated factors of safety for the CCR surface impoundment achieve the minimum safety factors specified in Section 845.460(a);

B)        The CCR surface impoundment has not demonstrated compliance with the location restrictions in Subpart C;

C)        The owner or operator has been enjoined under Section 43 of the Act;

D)        An exceedance of the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600 has migrated off-site; or

E)        The Agency finds that an emergency condition exists creating an immediate danger to public health or welfare, or the environment.

6)         For purposes of, and only for, this Part, areas of environmental justice concern are identified as any area that meets either of the following:

A)        Any area within one mile of a census block group where the number of low-income persons is twice the statewide average, where low income means the number or percent of a census block group's population in households where the household income is less than or equal to twice the federal poverty level; or

B)        Any area within one mile of a census block group where the number of minority persons is twice the statewide average, where minority means the number or percent of individuals in a census block group who list their racial status as a race other than white alone or list their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino.

7)         For purposes of subsection (g)(6), if any part of a facility falls within one mile of the census block group, the entire facility, including all its CCR surface impoundments, must be considered an area of environmental justice concern.

8)         The Agency may designate a CCR surface impoundment as another Category when site-specific conditions contradict the designations provided by the owner or operator in subsection (c) and the categories in subsection (g)(1).

h)         Application Schedule

1)         Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, and Category 4 CCR surface impoundment owners or operators must submit either a construction permit application containing a final closure plan or a construction permit application to retrofit the CCR surface impoundment in accordance with the requirements of this Part by February 1, 2022.

2)         Category 5 CCR surface impoundment owners or operators must submit either a construction permit application containing a final closure plan or a construction permit application to retrofit the CCR surface impoundment in accordance with the requirements of this Part by August 1, 2022.

3)         Category 6 and Category 7 CCR surface impoundment owners or operators must submit either a construction permit application containing a final closure plan or a construction permit application to retrofit the CCR surface impoundment in accordance with the requirements of this Part by August 1, 2023.

4)         Owners or operators consolidating one or more CCR surface impoundments for closure must meet the application schedule of the highest priority CCR surface impoundment.

5)         If the Agency denies a construction permit application submitted under this Section, the owner and operator must submit a revised construction permit application addressing all deficiencies identified by the Agency.  The revised construction permit application for closure must be submitted to the Agency within 90 days after the Agency's denial if the Agency's denial is not appealed under Section 845.270.  If the Agency's denial is appealed and upheld, the owner or operator must submit a revised construction permit application for closure within 90 days after a final decision by the Board is rendered.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must discuss the owner's or operator's proposed response to all deficiencies identified by the Agency in a public meeting with interested and affected parties held under Section 845.240.

Section 845.710  Closure Alternatives

a)         Closure of a CCR surface impoundment, or any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, must be completed either by leaving the CCR in place and installing a final cover system or through removal of the CCR and decontamination of the CCR surface impoundment, as described in Sections 845.720 through 845.760.

b)         Before selecting a closure method, the owner or operator of each CCR surface impoundment must complete a closure alternatives analysis.  The closure alternatives analysis must examine the following for each closure alternative:

1)         The long- and short-term effectiveness and protectiveness of the closure method, including identification and analyses of the following factors:

A)        The magnitude of reduction of existing risks;

B)        The magnitude of residual risks in terms of likelihood of future releases of CCR;

C)        The type and degree of long-term management required, including monitoring, operation, and maintenance;

D)        The short-term risks that might be posed to the community or the environment during implementation of a closure, including potential threats to human health and the environment associated with excavation, transportation, and re-disposal of contaminants;

E)        The time until closure and post-closure care or the completion of groundwater monitoring under Section 845.740(b) is completed;

F)         The potential for exposure of humans and environmental receptors to remaining wastes, considering the potential threat to human health and the environment associated with excavation, transportation, re-disposal, containment or changes in groundwater flow;

G)        The long-term reliability of the engineering and institutional controls, including an analysis of any off-site, nearby destabilizing activities; and

H)        Potential need for future corrective action of the closure alternative.

2)         The effectiveness of the closure method in controlling future releases based on analyses of the following factors:

A)        The extent to which containment practices will reduce further releases; and

B)        The extent to which treatment technologies may be used.

3)         The ease or difficulty of implementing a potential closure method based on analyses of the following types of factors:

A)        Degree of difficulty associated with constructing the technology;

B)        Expected operational reliability of the technologies;

C)        Need to coordinate with and obtain necessary approvals and permits from other agencies;

D)        Availability of necessary equipment and specialists; and

E)        Available capacity and location of needed treatment, storage, and disposal services.

4)         The degree to which the concerns of the residents living within communities where the CCR will be handled, transported and disposed of are addressed by the closure method.

c)         In the closure alternatives analysis, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must:

1)         Analyze complete removal of the CCR as one closure alternative, along with the modes for transporting the removed CCR, including by rail, barge, low-polluting trucks, or a combination of these transportation modes;

2)         Identify whether the facility has an onsite landfill with remaining capacity that can legally accept CCR, and, if not, whether constructing an onsite landfill is possible; and

3)         Include any other closure method in the alternatives analysis if requested by the Agency.

d)         The analysis for each alternative completed under this Section must:

1)         Meet or exceed a class 4 estimate under the AACE Classification Standard, incorporated by reference in Section 845.150, or a comparable classification practice as provided in the AACE Classification Standard;

2)         Contain the results of groundwater contaminant transport modeling and calculations showing how the closure alternative will achieve compliance with the applicable groundwater protection standards;

3)         Include a description of the fate and transport of contaminants with the closure alternative over time, including consideration of seasonal variations; and

4)         Assess impacts to waters in the State.

e)         At least 30 days before submission of a construction permit application for closure, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must discuss the results of the closure alternatives analysis in a public meeting with interested and affected parties (see Section 845.240).

f)         After completion of the public meeting under subsection (e), the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must select a closure method and submit a final closure plan to the Agency under Section 845.720(b).  All materials demonstrating completion of the closure alternatives analysis specified in this Section must be submitted with the final closure plan.

g)         The selected closure method must meet the requirements and standards of this Part, ensure the protection of human health and the environment, and achieve compliance with the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600.

Section 845.720  Closure Plan

a)         Preliminary Written Closure Plan

1)         Content of the Preliminary Closure Plan.  The owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment or an existing CCR surface impoundment not required to close under Section 845.700 must prepare a preliminary written closure plan that describes the steps necessary to close the CCR surface impoundment at any point during the active life of the CCR surface impoundment consistent with recognized and generally accepted engineering practices.  The preliminary written closure plan must include, at a minimum, the following:

A)        A narrative description of how the CCR surface impoundment will be closed in accordance with this Part.

B)        If closure of the CCR surface impoundment will be accomplished through removal of CCR from the CCR surface impoundment, a description of the procedures to remove the CCR and decontaminate the CCR surface impoundment in accordance with Section 845.740.

C)        If closure of the CCR surface impoundment will be accomplished by leaving CCR in place, a description of the final cover system, designed in accordance with Section 845.750, and the methods and procedures to be used to install the final cover.  The closure plan must also discuss how the final cover system will achieve the performance standards specified in Section 845.750.

D)        An estimate of the maximum inventory of CCR ever on-site over the active life of the CCR surface impoundment.

E)        An estimate of the largest area of the CCR surface impoundment ever requiring a final cover (see Section 845.750), at any time during the CCR surface impoundment's active life.

F)         A schedule for completing all activities necessary to satisfy the closure criteria in this Section, including an estimate of the year in which all closure activities for the CCR surface impoundment will be completed.  The schedule should provide sufficient information to describe the sequential steps that will be taken to close the CCR surface impoundment, including identification of major milestones such as coordinating with and obtaining necessary approvals and permits from other agencies, the dewatering and stabilization phases of CCR surface impoundment closure, or installation of the final cover system, and the estimated timeframes to complete each step or phase of CCR surface impoundment closure.  When preparing the preliminary written closure plan, if the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment estimates that the time required to complete closure will exceed the timeframes specified in Section 845.760(a), the preliminary written closure plan must include the site-specific information, factors and considerations that would support any time extension sought under Section 845.760(b).

2)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit the preliminary written closure plan to the Agency with its initial operating permit application.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit the most recently amended preliminary closure plan to the Agency with each operating permit renewal application. The owner or operator must place preliminary and amended preliminary written closure plans in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(20).

3)         Amendment of a Preliminary Written Closure Plan

A)        The owner or operator may amend the preliminary written closure plan at any time.

B)        The owner or operator must amend the preliminary written closure plan whenever:

i)          There is a change in the operation of the CCR surface impoundment that would substantially affect the written closure plan in effect; or

ii)         Before closure activities have started, unanticipated events necessitate a revision of the written closure plan.

C)        The owner or operator must amend the closure plan at least 60 days before a planned change in the operation of the facility or CCR surface impoundment, or within 60 days after an unanticipated event requires the need to revise an existing written closure plan.

4)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain and submit with its initial and renewal operating permit applications a written certification from a qualified professional engineer that the initial and any amendment of the preliminary written closure plan meets the requirements of this Part.

b)         Final Closure Plan

1)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must submit to the Agency, as a part of a construction permit application for closure, a final closure plan.  The plan must be submitted before the installation of a final cover system or removal of CCR from the surface impoundment for the purpose of closure.

2)         Except as otherwise provided in Section 22.59 of the Act, the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must not close a CCR surface impoundment without a construction permit issued under this Part.

3)         The final closure plan must identify the proposed selected closure method and must include the information required in subsection (a)(1) and the closure alternatives analysis specified in Section 845.710.

4)         If a final written closure plan revision is necessary after closure activities have started for a CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must submit a request to modify the construction permit within 60 days following the triggering event.

5)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain and submit with its construction permit application for closure a written certification from a qualified professional engineer that the final written closure plan meets the requirements of this Part.

Section 845.730  Initiation of Closure

Initiation of closure activities.  Except as provided for in this Section, the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must initiate closure of the CCR surface impoundment within the applicable timeframes specified in either subsection (a) or (b).  For purposes of this Section, closure of the CCR surface impoundment has been initiated if the owner or operator has stopped placing waste in the CCR surface impoundment and has submitted to the Agency a construction permit application under Section 845.220(d).

a)         Known Final Receipt.  The owner or operator must initiate closure of the CCR surface impoundment within 30 days after the date on which the CCR surface impoundment either:

1)         Receives the known final placement of waste, either CCR or any non-CCR waste stream; or

2)         Removes the known final volume of CCR from the CCR surface impoundment for the purpose of beneficial use of CCR.

b)         Temporarily Idled CCR Surface Impoundments

1)         Except as provided by subsection (b)(2), the owner or operator must initiate closure of a CCR surface impoundment that has not received CCR or any non-CCR waste stream, or is no longer removing CCR for the purpose of beneficial use, within two years after the last receipt of waste or within two years after the last removal of CCR material for the purpose of beneficial use.

2)         Notwithstanding subsection (b)(1), the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment may secure an additional two years to initiate closure of the idle surface impoundment if the Agency approves the owner's or operator's written demonstration that the CCR surface impoundment will continue to accept wastes or will start removing CCR for the purpose of beneficial use.  The documentation must be supported by, at a minimum, the information specified in this subsection (b)(2).  The owner or operator may obtain two-year extensions, provided the owner or operator continues to be able to demonstrate that there is reasonable likelihood that the CCR surface impoundment will accept wastes in the foreseeable future or will remove CCR from the surface impoundment for the purpose of beneficial use.  The owner or operator must place each Agency approved demonstration, if more than one time extension is sought, in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(21) before the end of any two-year period.

A)        Information documenting that the CCR surface impoundment has remaining storage or disposal capacity or that the CCR surface impoundment can have CCR removed for the purpose of beneficial use; and

B)        Information demonstrating that that there is a reasonable likelihood that the CCR surface impoundment will resume receiving CCR or non-CCR waste streams in the foreseeable future or that CCR can be removed for the purpose of beneficial use.  The narrative must include a best estimate as to when the CCR surface impoundment will resume receiving CCR or non-CCR waste streams.  The situations listed in this subsection (b)(2)(B) are examples of situations that would support a determination that the CCR surface impoundment will resume receiving CCR or non-CCR waste streams in the foreseeable future.

i)          Normal plant operations include periods during which the CCR surface impoundment does not receive CCR or non-CCR waste streams, such as the alternating use of two or more CCR surface impoundments whereby, at any point in time, one CCR surface impoundment is receiving CCR while CCR is being removed from a second CCR surface impoundment after its dewatering.

ii)         The CCR surface impoundment is dedicated to a coal-fired boiler surface impoundment that is temporarily idled (e.g., CCR is not being generated) and there is a reasonable likelihood that the coal-fired boiler will resume operations in the future.

iii)        The CCR surface impoundment is dedicated to an operating coal-fired boiler (i.e., CCR is being generated); however, no CCR is being placed in the CCR surface impoundment because the CCR is being entirely diverted to beneficial uses, but there is a reasonable likelihood that the CCR surface impoundment will again be used in the foreseeable future.

iv)        The CCR surface impoundment currently receives only non-CCR waste streams and those non-CCR waste streams are not generated for an extended period of time, but there is a reasonable likelihood that the CCR surface impoundment will again receive non-CCR waste streams in the future.

3)         In order to obtain additional time extensions to initiate closure of a CCR surface impoundment beyond the two years provided by subsection (b)(1), the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit the demonstration required by subsection (b)(2) to the Agency for review and approval.  The written documentation must include the following statement signed by the owner or operator or an authorized representative:

I certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined and am familiar with the information submitted in this demonstration and all attached documents, and that, based on my inquiry of those individuals immediately responsible for obtaining the information, I believe that the submitted information is true, accurate, and complete.  I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment.

c)         The timeframes specified in subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to an owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment closing the CCR surface impoundment as required by Section 845.700:

d)         By the date the owner or operator initiates closure of a CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must prepare a notification of intent to close a CCR surface impoundment.  The notification must be placed in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(21).

Section 845.740  Closure by Removal

a)         Closure by Removal of CCR. An owner or operator may elect to close a CCR surface impoundment by removing all CCR and decontaminating all areas affected by releases of CCR from the CCR surface impoundment. CCR removal and decontamination of the CCR surface impoundment are complete when all CCR and CCR residues, containment system components such as the impoundment liner and contaminated subsoils, and CCR impoundment structures and ancillary equipment have been removed.  Closure by removal must be completed before the completion of a groundwater corrective action under Subpart F.

b)         After closure by removal has been completed, the owner or operator must continue groundwater monitoring under Subpart F for three years after the completion of closure or for three years after groundwater monitoring does not show an exceedance of the groundwater protection standard established under Section 845.600, whichever is longer.

c)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment removing CCR during closure must responsibly handle and transport the CCR consistent with this subsection.

1)         Transportation

A)        Manifests

i)          When transporting CCR off-site by motor vehicle, manifests must be carried as specified in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 809. For this Part, coal combustion fly ash that is removed from a CCR surface impoundment is not exempt from the manifest requirement.

ii)         When transporting CCR off-site by any other mode or method, including trains or barges, manifests must be carried specifying the following information: the volume of the CCR; the location from which the CCR was loaded onto the mode of transportation and the date the loading took place; and the location where the CCR is being taken and the date it will be delivered.

B)        The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment from which CCR is removed and transported off-site must develop a CCR transportation plan, which must include:

i)          Identification of the transportation method selected, including whether a combination of transportation methods will be used;

ii)         The frequency, time of day, and routes of CCR transportation;

iii)        Any measures to minimize noise, traffic, and safety concerns caused by the transportation of the CCR;

iv)        Measures to limit fugitive dust from any transportation of CCR;

v)         Installation and use of a vehicle washing station;

vi)        A means of covering the CCR for any mode of CCR transportation, including conveyor belts; and

vii)       A requirement that, for transport by motor vehicle, the CCR is transported by a permitted special waste hauler under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 809.201.

2)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must develop and implement onsite dust controls, which must include:

A)        A water spray or other commercial dust suppressant to suppress dust in CCR handling areas and haul roads; and

B)        Handling of CCR to minimize airborne particulates and offsite particulate movement during any weather event or condition.

3)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must provide the following public notices:

A)        Signage must be posted at the property entrance warning of the hazards of CCR dust inhalation; and

B)        When CCR is transported off-site, a written notice explaining the hazards of CCR dust inhalation, the transportation plan, and tentative transportation schedule must be provided to units of local government through which the CCR will be transported.

4)         The owner or operator of the surface impoundment must take measures to prevent contamination of surface water, groundwater, soil and sediments from the removal of CCR, including the following:

A)        CCR removed from the surface impoundment must be stored in a lined landfill, CCR surface impoundment, enclosed structure, or CCR storage unit.

B)        CCR storage units must:

i)          Be tarped or constructed with wind barriers to suppress dust and to limit stormwater contact with CCR storage units;

ii)         Be periodically wetted or have periodic application of dust suppressants when needed to control dust;

iii)        Have a storage pad, or a geomembrane liner, with a hydraulic conductivity no greater than 1 x 10^‑7 cm/sec, that is properly sloped to allow appropriate drainage, and large enough to allow each portion of the pad or liner to be uncovered for inspection at least once in a year under subsection (c)(4)(C)(iii);

iv)        Be tarped over the edge of the storage pad where possible;

v)         Be constructed with fixed and mobile berms, where appropriate, to reduce run-on and run-off of stormwater to and from the CCR storage unit, and minimize stormwater-CCR contact; and

vi)        Have a groundwater monitoring system that is consistent with the requirements of Section 845.630 and approved by the Agency.

vii)       CCR storage units must be located as far as possible from waterways while taking into consideration worker safety, transportation logistics, closure or corrective action activities and other facility operational needs.

C)        The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must:

i)          incorporate general housekeeping procedures including daily cleanup of CCR, tarping of trucks, maintaining the pad and equipment;

ii)         incorporate good practices during unloading and loading including minimizing drop distance on to CCR storage units; and

iii)        inspect the storage pad or geomembrane of CCR storage units at least once a year and repair any cracks, holes, tears, or other damage identified during the inspection as soon as practicable. An annual inspection report summarizing the results of inspection under this subsection must be included in the annual consolidation report under Section 845.550.

D)        The owner or operator of the CCR must minimize the amount of time the CCR is exposed to precipitation and wind.

E)        The discharge of stormwater runoff that has contact with CCR must be covered by an individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.  The owner or operator must develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in addition to any other requirements of the facility's NPDES permit. Any construction permit application for closure must include a copy of the SWPPP.

F)         The owner or operator must demonstrate that CCR is not accumulated in a CCR storage unit over a period longer than one year by using photographs, records (contracts, purchase orders), or other observable or discernable information that shows CCR is being removed within one year of being placed in the unit.  This demonstration must be included in the annual consolidation report under Section 845.550.

d)         At the end of each month during which CCR is being removed from a CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must prepare a report that:

1)         Describes the weather, precipitation amounts, the amount of CCR removed from the CCR surface impoundment, the amount and location of CCR being stored on-site, the amount of CCR transported offsite, the implementation of good housekeeping procedures required by subsection (c)(4)(C), and the implementation of dust control measures;

2)         Documents the inspections of the CCR storage units' storage pad, geomembrane and any barriers or berms for damage or defects as required by subsection (c)(4)(C)(iv);

3)         Contains the photographs, records (contracts, purchase orders), or other observable or discernable information that shows CCR is being removed from each area of the CCR storage unit within one year of being placed in the CCR storage unit under subsection (c)(4)(F);

4)         Documents worker safety measures implemented; and

5)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must place the monthly report in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(23).

e)         Upon completion of CCR removal and decontamination of the CCR surface impoundment under subsection (a), the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit to the Agency a completion of CCR removal and decontamination report and a certification from a qualified professional engineer that CCR removal and decontamination of the CCR surface impoundment has been completed in compliance with this Section.  The owner or operator must place the CCR removal and decontamination report and certification in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(32).

f)         Upon completion of groundwater monitoring required under subsection (b), the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit to the Agency a completion of groundwater monitoring report and a certification from a qualified professional engineer that groundwater monitoring has been completed in compliance with this Section.  The owner or operator must place the groundwater monitoring report and certification in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(24).

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 8977, effective June 26, 2025)

Section 845.750  Closure with a Final Cover System

Closure Performance Standard When Leaving CCR in Place

a)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must ensure that, at a minimum, the CCR surface impoundment is closed in a manner that will:

1)         Control, minimize or eliminate, to the maximum extent feasible, post-closure infiltration of liquids into the waste and releases of CCR, leachate, or contaminated run-off to the ground or surface waters or to the atmosphere;

2)         Preclude the probability of future impoundment of water, sediment, or slurry;

3)         Include measures that provide for major slope stability to prevent the sloughing or movement of the final cover system during the closure and post-closure care period;

4)         Minimize the need for further maintenance of the CCR surface impoundment; and

5)         Be completed in the shortest amount of time consistent with recognized and generally accepted engineering practices.

b)         Drainage and Stabilization of CCR Surface Impoundments.  The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment or any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment must meet the requirements of this subsection (b) before installing the final cover system required by subsection (c).

1)         Free liquids must be eliminated by removing liquid wastes or solidifying the remaining wastes and waste residues.

2)         Remaining wastes must be stabilized sufficiently to support the final cover system.

c)         Final Cover System. If a CCR surface impoundment is closed by leaving CCR in place, the owner or operator must install a final cover system that is designed to minimize infiltration and erosion, and, at a minimum, meets the requirements of this subsection (c).  The final cover system must consist of a low permeability layer and a final protective layer.  The design of the final cover system must be included in the preliminary and final written closure plans required by Section 845.720 and the construction permit application for closure submitted to the Agency.

1)         Standards for the Low Permeability Layer.  The low permeability layer must have a permeability less than or equal to the permeability of any bottom liner system or natural subsoils present, or a hydraulic conductivity no greater than 1 x 10^‑7 cm/sec, whichever is less.  The low permeability layer must be constructed in accordance with the standards in either subsection (c)(1)(A) or (c)(1)(B), unless the owner or operator demonstrates that another low permeability layer construction technique or material provides equivalent or superior performance to the requirements of either subsection (c)(1)(A) or (c)(1)(B) and is approved by the Agency.

A)        A compacted earth layer constructed in accordance with the following standards:

i)          The minimum allowable thickness must be 0.91 meter (three feet); and

ii)         The layer must be compacted to achieve a hydraulic conductivity of 1 x 10^‑7 cm/sec or less and minimize void spaces.

B)        A geomembrane constructed in accordance with the following standards:

i)          The geosynthetic membrane must have a minimum thickness of 40 mil (0.04 inches) and, in terms of hydraulic flux, must be equivalent or superior to a three-foot layer of soil with a hydraulic conductivity of 1 x 10^‑7 cm/sec;

ii)         The geomembrane must have strength to withstand the normal stresses imposed by the waste stabilization process; and

iii)        The geomembrane must be placed over a prepared base free from sharp objects and other materials that may cause damage.

2)         Standards for the Final Protective Layer. The final protective layer must meet the following requirements, unless the owner or operator demonstrates that another final protective layer construction technique or material provides equivalent or superior performance to the requirements of this subsection (c)(2) and is approved by the Agency.

A)        Cover the entire low permeability layer;

B)        Be at least three feet thick, be sufficient to protect the low permeability layer from freezing, and minimize root penetration of the low permeability layer;

C)        Consist of soil material capable of supporting vegetation;

D)        Be placed as soon as possible after placement of the low permeability layer; and

E)        Be covered with vegetation to minimize wind and water erosion.

3)         The disruption of the integrity of the final cover system must be minimized through a design that accommodates settling and subsidence.

4)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain and submit with its construction permit application for closure a written certification from a qualified professional engineer that the design of the final cover system meets the requirements of this Section.

d)         This subsection specifies the allowable uses of CCR in the closure of CCR surface impoundments closing under Section 845.700.  Notwithstanding the prohibition on further placement in Section 845.700, CCR may be placed in these surface impoundments, but only for purposes of grading and contouring in the design and construction of the final cover system, if:

1)         The CCR placed was generated at the facility and is located at the facility at the time closure was initiated;

2)         CCR is placed entirely above the elevation of CCR in the surface impoundment, following dewatering and stabilization (see subsection (b));

3)         The CCR is placed entirely within the perimeter berms of the CCR surface impoundment; and

4)         The final cover system is constructed with either:

A)        A slope not steeper than 5% grade after allowance for settlement; or

B)           At a steeper grade, if the Agency determines that the steeper slope is necessary, based on conditions at the site, to facilitate run-off and minimize erosion, and that side slopes are evaluated for erosion potential based on a stability analysis to evaluate possible erosion potential.  The stability analysis, at a minimum, must evaluate the site geology; characterize soil shear strength; construct a slope stability model; establish groundwater and seepage conditions, if any; select loading conditions; locate critical failure surface; and iterate until minimum factor of safety is achieved.

Section 845.760  Completion of Closure Activities

a)         Except as provided for in subsection (b), the owner or operator must complete closure of existing and new CCR surface impoundments, and any lateral expansion of a CCR surface impoundment, within the timeframe approved by the Agency in the final closure plan, or within five years of obtaining a construction permit for closure, whichever is less.

b)         Extensions of Closure Timeframes

1)         The timeframes for completing closure of a CCR surface impoundment specified under subsection (a) may be extended if the owner or operator has demonstrated to the Agency that it was not feasible to complete closure of the CCR surface impoundment within the required timeframes due to factors beyond the facility's control.

2)         The demonstration must include a narrative explaining the basis for additional time.

3)         The owner or operator must submit the demonstration to the Agency with a renewal construction permit application for closure.

4)         Factors that may support a demonstration include:

A)        Complications stemming from the climate and weather, such as unusual amounts of precipitation or a significantly shortened construction season;

B)        Time required to dewater a surface impoundment due to the volume of CCR contained in the CCR surface impoundment or the characteristics of the CCR in the surface impoundment;

C)        Statement that the geology and terrain surrounding the CCR surface impoundment will affect the amount of material needed to close the CCR surface impoundment; or

D)        Time required or delays caused by the need to coordinate with and obtain necessary approvals and permits from the Agency or other agencies.

c)         Maximum Time Extensions

1)         CCR surface impoundments of 40 acres or smaller that are not closing by removal may extend the time to complete closure by no longer than two years.

2)         CCR surface impoundments larger than 40 acres that are not closing by removal may extend the timeframe to complete closure of the CCR surface impoundment multiple times, in two-year increments.  For each two-year extension sought, the owner or operator must substantiate the factual circumstances demonstrating the need for the extension.  No more than a total of five two-year extensions may be obtained for any CCR surface impoundment.

3)         CCR surface impoundments that are closing by removal may extend the time to complete closure multiple times, in two-year increments.  For each two-year extension sought, the owner or operator must substantiate the factual circumstances demonstrating the need for the extension.  In no instance may the time allowed for closure by removal be extended beyond the completion of a groundwater corrective action as required by Section 845.680(c)(1).

d)         In order to obtain an additional time extension to complete closure of a CCR surface impoundment beyond the times provided by subsection (a), the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must include with the demonstration required by subsection (b) the following statement signed by the owner or operator or an authorized representative:

I certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined and am familiar with the information submitted in this demonstration and all attached documents, and that, based on my inquiry of those individuals immediately responsible for obtaining the information, I believe that the submitted information is true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment.

e)         Upon completion of all closure activities required by this Part and approved in the final closure plan, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit to the Agency a closure report and a closure certification.

1)         The closure report must contain supporting documentation, including:

A)        Engineering and hydrogeology reports, including monitoring well completion reports and boring logs, all CQA reports, certifications, and designations of CQA officers-in-absentia required by Section 845.290;

B)        Photographs, including time, date and location information of the photographs, of the final cover system and groundwater collection system, if applicable, and any other photographs relied upon to document construction activities;

C)        A written summary of closure requirements and completed activities as stated in the closure plan and this Part; and

D)        Any other information relied upon by the qualified professional engineer in making the closure certification.

2)         The closure certification must include a statement from a qualified professional engineer that closure has been completed in accordance with the Agency-approved final closure plan and the requirements of this Section.

3)         The owner or operator must place the closure report and certification in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(24).

f)         Within 30 days after the Agency's approval of the closure report and closure certification submitted under subsection (e), the owner or operator must prepare a notification of closure of the CCR surface impoundment.  The notification must include the certification by a qualified professional engineer required by subsection (e)(2). The owner or operator must place the notification in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(25).

g)         If an owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment has completed closure of the CCR surface impoundment before April 21, 2021, the owner or operator must notify the Agency of the completed closure by September 30, 2021, if that notification has not previously been submitted.

h)         Deed Notations

1)         Following closure of a CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must record a notation on the deed to the property, or some other instrument that is normally examined during title search.

2)         The notation on the deed must in perpetuity notify any potential purchaser of the property that:

A)        The land has been used as a CCR surface impoundment; and

B)        Its use is restricted under the post-closure care requirements as provided by Section 845.780(d)(1)(C) or groundwater monitoring requirements in Section 845.740(b).

3)         Within 30 days after recording a notation on the deed to the property, the owner or operator must submit to the Agency a notification stating that the notation has been recorded.  The owner or operator must place the notification in the facility's operating record as required by 845.800(d)(26).

Section 845.770  Retrofitting

Retrofit of a CCR surface impoundment must be completed in accordance with the requirements of this Section.

a)         To retrofit an existing CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must:

1)         First remove all CCR, including any liners except as specified in subsection (a)(4), as necessary, and contaminated soils and sediments from the CCR surface impoundment;

2)         Comply with the requirements in Sections 845.410 and 845.420; and

3)         Within 30 days after April 21, 2021, the owner or operator electing to retrofit a CCR surface impoundment under this Section must submit a written preliminary retrofit plan to the Agency and post the written preliminary retrofit plan in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(27).  The written preliminary retrofit plan must include a prioritization categorization under Section 845.700(g) and the expected construction permit application date under Section 845.700(h); and

4)         An owner or operator may request the Agency to approve the use of an existing competent geomembrane liner as a supplemental liner by submitting visual inspection, and analytical testing results to demonstrate that the existing liner is not contaminated with CCR constituents.

b)         A CCR surface impoundment undergoing a retrofit remains subject to all other requirements of this Part, including the requirement to conduct any necessary corrective action.

c)         Written Retrofit Plan

1)         Content of the Plan.  The owner or operator must prepare a written retrofit plan that describes the steps necessary to retrofit the CCR surface impoundment consistent with recognized and generally accepted engineering practices.  The written retrofit plan must include, at a minimum, all the following information:

A)        A narrative description of the specific measures that will be taken to retrofit the CCR surface impoundment in accordance with this Section.

B)        A description of the procedures to remove all CCR, liners as necessary, and contaminated soils and sediments from the CCR surface impoundment.

C)        An estimate of the maximum amount of CCR and other contaminated materials that will be removed as part of the retrofit operation.

D)        An estimate of the largest area of the CCR surface impoundment that will be affected by the retrofit operation.

E)        A schedule for completing all activities necessary to satisfy the retrofit criteria in this Section, including an estimate of the year in which retrofit activities of the CCR surface impoundment will be completed.

2)         The owner or operator must submit the written retrofit plan with the construction permit application and must obtain a construction permit before retrofitting a CCR surface impoundment.

3)         Amendment of a Written Retrofit Plan

A)        The owner or operator may submit a permit modification application to amend the initial or any subsequent written retrofit plan at any time.

B)        The owner or operator must seek to amend the written retrofit plan whenever:

i)          There is a change in the operation of the CCR surface impoundment that would substantially affect the written retrofit plan in effect; or

ii)         unanticipated events necessitate a revision of the written retrofit plan either before or after retrofit activities have started.

C)        The owner or operator must seek to amend the retrofit plan at least 60 days before a planned change in the operation of the facility or CCR surface impoundment, or within 60 days after an unanticipated event requires the revision of an existing written retrofit plan.  If a written retrofit plan needs to be revised after retrofit activities have started for a CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must submit a request to modify the construction permit within 60 days following the triggering event.

4)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a written certification from a qualified professional engineer that the activities outlined in the written retrofit plan, including any amendment of the plan, meet the requirements of this Section.

d)         By the date the owner or operator submits a construction permit application to the Agency to retrofit a CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must prepare a notification of intent to retrofit a CCR surface impoundment.  The owner or operator has completed the notification when it has been placed in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(28).

e)         When activities related to retrofitting the CCR surface impoundment include the removal of CCR from the surface impoundment, the handling and removal of CCR must be performed in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 845.740.

f)         Deadline for Completion of Activities Related to the Retrofit of a CCR Surface Impoundment.  Any CCR surface impoundment that is being retrofitted must complete all retrofit activities within the timeframe approved by the Agency in the retrofit plan, or within five years after obtaining a construction permit, whichever is less.  The same procedures specified for the extension closure timeframes in Section 845.760(b) apply to extension of retrofit timeframes.

g)         Upon completion of all retrofit activities required by this Part and approved by the Agency in a construction permit, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit to the Agency a retrofit completion report and certification.

1)         The retrofit completion report must contain supporting documentation, including:

A)        Engineering and hydrogeology reports, including monitoring well completion reports and boring logs, all CQA reports, certifications, and designations of CQA officers-in-absentia required by Section 845.290;

B)        Photographs, including time, date and location information of the photographs, of the liner system and leachate collection system, and any other photographs relied upon to document construction activities;

C)        A written summary of retrofit requirements and completed activities as stated in the construction permit and this Part; and

D)        Any other information relied upon by the qualified professional engineer in making the closure certification.

2)         The retrofit certification must include a statement from a qualified professional engineer that retrofit has been completed in accordance with the retrofit plan specified in subsection (c) and the requirements of this Part.

3)         The owner or operator must place the retrofit completion report and certification in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(29).

h)         Within 30 days after the Agency's approval of the retrofit completion report and certification submitted under subsection (g), the owner or operator must prepare a notification of completion of retrofit activities.  The notification must include the certification by a qualified professional engineer as required by subsection (g)(2).  The owner or operator has completed the notification when it has been placed in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(30).

i)          At any time after the initiation of a CCR surface impoundment retrofit, the owner or operator may stop the retrofit and seek to initiate closure of the CCR surface impoundment in accordance with the requirements of this Subpart G.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain an approved construction permit for closure.

Section 845.780  Post-Closure Care Requirements

a)         Applicability

1)         Except as provided by subsection (a)(2), this Section applies to the owners or operators of CCR surface impoundments who have completed an Agency approved closure.

2)         An owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment that elects to close a CCR surface impoundment by removing CCR as provided by Section 845.740 is not subject to the post-closure care criteria of this Section.

b)         Post-closure Care Maintenance Requirements.  Following closure of the CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must conduct post-closure care for the CCR surface impoundment, which must consist of at least the following:

1)         Maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the final cover system, including making repairs to the final cover as necessary to correct the effects of settlement, subsidence, erosion, or other events, and preventing run-on and run-off from eroding or otherwise damaging the final cover;

2)         If the CCR surface impoundment is subject to the design criteria of Section 845.420, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the leachate collection and removal system and operating the leachate collection and removal system in accordance with the requirements of Section 845.420; and

3)         Maintaining the groundwater monitoring system and monitoring the groundwater in accordance with the requirements of Subpart F.

c)         Post-closure Care Period

1)         Except as provided by subsection (c)(2), the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must conduct post-closure care for 30 years.

2)         At the end of the 30-year post-closure care period, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must continue to conduct post-closure care until the groundwater monitoring data shows the concentrations are:

A)        Below the groundwater protection standards in Section 845.600; and

B)        Not increasing for those constituents over background, using the statistical procedures and performance standards in Section 845.640(f) and (g), provided that:

i)          Concentrations have been reduced to the maximum extent feasible; and

ii)         Concentrations are protective of human health and the environment.

d)         Written Post-closure Care Plan

1)         Content of the Plan. The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must prepare a written post-closure care plan that includes, at a minimum, the information specified in this subsection (d)(1).

A)        A description of the monitoring and maintenance activities required in subsection (b) for the CCR surface impoundment and the frequency at which these activities will be performed;

B)        The name, address, telephone number, and email address of the person or office to contact about the facility during the post-closure care period; and

C)        A description of the planned uses of the property during the post-closure care period. Post-closure use of the property must not disturb the integrity of the final cover, liners, or any other component of the containment system, or the function of the monitoring systems unless necessary to comply with the requirements of this Part.  Any other disturbance is allowed if the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment demonstrates that disturbance of the final cover, liner, or other component of the containment system, including any removal of CCR, will not increase the potential threat to human health or the environment.  The demonstration must be certified by a qualified professional engineer and must be submitted to the Agency.

2)         Deadline to Prepare the Initial Written Post-closure Care Plan.  The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must submit to the Agency an initial written post-closure care plan, consistent with the requirements specified in subsection (d)(1), with its initial operating permit application.

3)         Amendment of a Written Post-closure Care Plan

A)        The owner or operator may submit an operating permit modification application to amend the initial or any subsequent written post-closure care plan developed under subsection (d)(1) at any time.

B)        The owner or operator must seek to amend the written closure care plan whenever:

i)          There is a change in the operation of the CCR surface impoundment that would substantially affect the written post-closure care plan in effect; or

ii)         unanticipated events necessitate a revision of the written post-closure care plan, after post-closure activities have started.

C)        The owner or operator must seek to amend the written post-closure care plan at least 60 days before a planned change in the operation of the facility or CCR surface impoundment, or within 60 days after an unanticipated event requires the need to revise an existing written post-closure care plan.  If a written post-closure care plan is revised after post-closure activities have started for a CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must submit a request to modify the operating permit within 30 days following the triggering event.

4)         The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must obtain a written certification from a qualified professional engineer that the initial, and any amendment of the, written post-closure care plan meets the requirements of this Section.

e)         Upon the completion of the post-closure care period, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must submit a request to the Agency to terminate post-closure care.  The request must include a certification by a qualified professional engineer verifying that post-closure care has been completed in accordance with the post-closure care plan specified in subsection (d) and the requirements of this Section.

f)            Notification of Completion of Post-closure Care Period.  Within 30 days after the Agency's approval of the owner's or operator's request to terminate post-closure care, the owner or operator must prepare a notification of completion of post-closure care and must place the notification in the facility's operating record as required by Section 845.800(d)(31).

Section 845.800  Facility Operating Record

a)         Each owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment subject to the requirements of this Part must maintain files of all information required by this Section in a written operating record at the facility.

b)         Unless specified otherwise, each file must be retained for at least three years past the date the Agency approved the owner's or operator's request to terminate post-closure care, when closure is with a final cover system, or the completion of groundwater monitoring under Section 845.740(b), when closure is by removal.

c)         An owner or operator of more than one CCR surface impoundment subject to the provisions of this Part may comply with the requirements of this Section in one recordkeeping system provided the system identifies each file by the name and identification number of each CCR surface impoundment. The files may be maintained on microfilm, on a computer, on computer disks, on a storage system accessible by a computer, on magnetic tape disks, or on microfiche.

d)         Unless otherwise required below, the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must place the following information, as it becomes available, in the facility's operating record:

1)         Copies of all permit applications and permits issued under this Part;

2)         Documentation recording the public meetings held under Section 845.240;

3)         Weekly CQA reports under Section 845.290(b);

4)         Hazard potential classification assessments for CCR surface impoundments (see Section 845.440(a)(3)(D));

5)         Structural stability assessments for CCR surface impoundments (see Section 845.450(d)(4));

6)         Safety factor assessments for CCR surface impoundments (see Section 845.460(c)(4));

7)         The CCR fugitive dust control plan and any subsequent amendment of the plan (see Section 845.500(b)(6)), except that only the most recent fugitive dust control plan must be maintained in the facility's operating record, irrespective of the time requirement specified in subsection (b);

8)         Inflow design flood control system plans for CCR surface impoundments (see Section 845.510(c)(4)(D));

9)         Emergency Action Plan (see Section 845.520(a)), except that only the most recent EAP must be maintained in the facility's operating record irrespective of the time requirement specified in subsection (b);

10)        Documentation prepared by the owner or operator recording all activations of the EAP (see Section 845.520(f));

11)        Documentation prepared by the owner or operator recording the annual face-to-face meeting or exercise between representatives of the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment and the local emergency responders (see Section 845.520(g));

12)        Safety and Health Plan (see Section 845.530(a));

13)        Documentation recording the results of each inspection and instrumentation monitoring by a qualified person (see Section 845.540(a)(2));

14)        Annual consolidated report (see Section 845.550), which contains the following:

A)        The annual CCR fugitive dust control report (see Section 845.500(c));

B)        The annual inspection report (see Section 845.540(b)(3)); and

C)        The annual groundwater monitoring and corrective action report (see Section 845.610(e));

15)        All groundwater monitoring data submitted to the Agency and any analysis performed (see Section 845.610(b)(3)(D));

16)        Within 30 days after detecting one or more monitored constituents above the groundwater protection standard, the notifications required by Section 845.650(d) and (e);

17)        The semi-annual report describing the progress in selecting and designing the remedy (see Section 845.670(a));

18)        Within 30 days after completing the corrective action plan, the notification required by Section 845.680(e);

19)        USEPA-approved or denied demonstration as required by Section 845.700(d)(2)(F);

20)        The preliminary written closure plan and any amendment of the plan (see Section 845.720(a)) except that only the most recent closure plan must be maintained in the facility's operating record, irrespective of the time requirement specified in subsection (b);

21)        The written demonstrations, including the certification required by Section 845.730(b)(3), for a time extension for initiating closure (see Section 845.730(b)(2));

22)        The notification of intent to close a CCR surface impoundment (see Section 845.730(d));

23)        The monthly reports for closure by removal (see Section 845.740(d));

24)        The closure report and certification (see Section 845.760(e)(3)), or the completion of groundwater monitoring report and certification (see Section 845.740(f));

25)        The notification of completion of closure of a CCR surface impoundment (see Section 845.760(f));

26)        The notification recording a notation on the deed (see Section 845.760(h));

27)        The preliminary written retrofit plan for a CCR surface impoundment (see Section 845.770(a)(3));

28)        The notification of intent to initiate retrofit of a CCR surface impoundment (see Section 845.770(d));

29)        The retrofit completion report and certification (see Section 845.770(g)(3));

30)        The notification of completion of retrofit activities (see Section 845.770(h));

31)        The notification of completion of post-closure care period (see Section 845.780(f));

32)        The completion of CCR removal and decontamination report and certification (see Section 845.740(e)); and

33)        The most current cost estimates (see Section 845.940(d)).

34)        The quarterly fugitive dust complaint reports submitted to the Agency under Section 845.500(b)(2)(B) along with any Agency determinations under Section 845.500(b)(3).

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 8977, effective June 26, 2025)

Section 845.810  Publicly Accessible Internet Site Requirements

a)         Each owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment subject to the requirements of this Part must maintain a publicly accessible Internet site (CCR website) containing the information specified in this Section.  The owner's or operator's website must be titled "Illinois CCR Rule Compliance Data and Information".

b)         An owner or operator of more than one CCR surface impoundment subject to the provisions of this Part may comply with the requirements of this Section by using the same Internet site for multiple CCR surface impoundments, provided the CCR website clearly delineates information by the name and identification number of each CCR surface impoundment.

c)         Unless otherwise required in this Section, the information required to be posted to the CCR website must be made available to the public on the CCR website until 3 years after post-closure care (when closure is with a final cover system) or the completion of groundwater monitoring under Section 845.740(b) (when closure is by removal).

d)         Unless otherwise required in this Section, the information must be posted to the CCR website within 14 days after placing the pertinent information required by Section 845.800 in the operating record.

e)         The owner or operator must place all the information specified under Section 845.800(d) on the owner's or operator's CCR website.

f)            The owner or operator must place all the information specified in Section 845.240(e) on the owner's or operator's CCR website at least 30 days before the public meeting.

g)         The owner or operator must notify the Agency of the web address of the publicly accessible Internet site, including any change to the web address.  The Agency must maintain a list of these web addresses on the Agency's website.

Section 845.900  General Provisions

a)         This Subpart provides procedures by which the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment subject to this Part provides financial assurance satisfying the requirements of Section 22.59(f) of the Act.

b)         The owner or operator must provide financial assurance to ensure the following:

1)         Completion of closure;

2)         Completion of post-closure care, if applicable; and

3)         Remediation of releases from a CCR surface impoundment.

c)         The owner or operator must maintain financial assurance equal to or greater than the current cost estimates always calculated under Section 845.930, except as otherwise provided by Section 845.910.

d)         Financial assurance must be provided by a trust agreement, a surety bond guaranteeing payment, a surety bond guaranteeing payment or performance, or an irrevocable letter of credit (see Section 845.950).  The owner or operator must provide financial assurance to the Agency within the timeframes in Section 845.950(c).

e)         This Subpart does not apply to the State of Illinois, its agencies and institutions, any unit of local government, or any not-for-profit electric cooperative as defined in Section 3.4 of the Electric Supplier Act [220 ILCS 30].

f)         The Agency is authorized to enter into contracts and agreements necessary to carry out the purposes of this Subpart and of Section 22.59(f) of the Act.  Neither the State, nor the Director of the Agency, nor any State employee will be liable for any damages or injuries arising out of, or resulting from, any action taken under this Part.

g)         The Agency may sue in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce its rights under financial instruments.  The filing of an enforcement action before the Board is not a condition precedent to such an Agency action, except when this Subpart or the terms of the instrument provide otherwise.

h)         The Agency must have the authority to approve or disapprove any financial assurance mechanism posted or submitted under this Subpart.

i)          The following Agency actions may be appealed to the Board as a permit denial under Section 845.270(e) and Section 22.59(f)(3) of the Act:

1)         A refusal to accept financial assurance tendered by the owner or operator;

2)         A refusal to release the owner or operator from the requirement to maintain financial assurance;

3)         A refusal to release excess funds from a trust;

4)         A refusal to approve a reduction in the penal sum of a bond; and

5)         A refusal to approve a reduction in the amount of a letter of credit.

j)          An owner or operator must notify the Agency by certified mail of the beginning of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding under Title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) naming any of the owners or operators as debtor, within 10 days after the proceeding starts.

k)         An owner or operator that fulfills the requirements of Section 845.960, 845.970, 845.980, or 845.990 by obtaining a trust fund, surety bond, or letter of credit will be deemed to be without the required financial assurance in the event of bankruptcy of the trustee or issuing institution, or a suspension or revocation of the authority of the trustee institution to act as trustee or of the institution issuing the surety bond or letter of credit to issue those instruments.  The owner or operator must establish alternative financial assurance within 60 days after such an event.

Section 845.910  Upgrading Financial Assurance

a)         The owner or operator must increase the total amount of financial assurance to equal or exceed the current cost estimate within 60 days after either of the following occurrences:

1)         An increase in the current cost estimate; or

2)         A decrease in the value of a trust fund.

b)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must make annual adjustments for inflation if required under Section 845.930 or 845.940.

Section 845.920  Release of Financial Institution and Owner or Operator

a)         The Agency must release a trustee, surety, or other financial institution when:

1)         An owner or operator substitutes alternative financial assurance such that the total financial assurance for the CCR surface impoundment is equal to or greater than the current cost estimate, without counting the amounts to be released; or

2)         The Agency releases the owner or operator from the requirements of this Subpart under subsection (b).

b)         The Agency must release an owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment from the requirements of this Subpart under the following circumstances:

1)         Completed Closure.  In the Agency's approval of the closure report and certification under Section 845.760, the Agency must notify the owner or operator in writing that it is no longer required by this Subpart to maintain financial assurance for closure of the CCR surface impoundment.

2)         Completed Post-Closure Care.  In the Agency's approval of the owner's or operator's request to terminate post-closure care under Section 845.780, the Agency must notify the owner or operator in writing that it is no longer required by this Subpart to maintain financial assurance for post-closure care of the CCR surface impoundment.

3)         Completed Corrective Action.  In the Agency's approval of the corrective action completion report and certification under Section 845.680, the Agency must notify the owner or operator in writing that it is no longer required by this Subpart to maintain financial assurance for corrective action.

Section 845.930  Cost Estimates

a)         The owner or operator must prepare and submit to the Agency, for approval, written cost estimates for:

1)         The total costs for closure and post-closure care;

2)         Preliminary corrective action costs; and

3)         The total costs of the corrective action plan for remediation of any releases from a CCR surface impoundment.

b)         Written Cost Estimate for Closure and Post-closure

1)         The owner or operator must have a detailed written estimate, in current dollars, of the cost of closing the CCR surface impoundment in accordance with this Part and providing post-closure care on an annual basis, when required, in accordance with this Part.  The cost estimate is the total cost for closure and post-closure care.

2)         The cost estimate must equal the cost of final closure and post-closure care at the point in the CCR surface impoundment's active life when the extent and manner of its operation would make closure and post-closure care the most expensive.

3)         The cost estimate must be based on the assumption that the Agency will contract with a third party at the appropriate prevailing wages, under the Prevailing Wage Act [820 ILCS 130], if applicable, to implement the closure and post-closure care plans.  A third party is a party who is neither a parent nor a subsidiary of the owner or operator.

4)         The cost estimate may not be reduced by allowance for the salvage value of facility structures or equipment, for the resale value of land, for the sale of CCR or its beneficial reuse if permitted by the Agency under this Part, or for other assets associated with the facility at the time of partial or final closure.

5)         The owner or operator must not incorporate a zero cost for CCR, if permitted by the Agency under this Part, that might have economic value.

6)         The cost estimate must, at a minimum, include all costs for all activities necessary to close the CCR surface impoundment and provide post-closure care in accordance with all requirements.

7)         The post-closure care portion of the cost estimate must, at a minimum, be based on the following elements:

A)        Maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the final cover system, including making repairs to the final cover as necessary to correct the effects of settlement, subsidence, erosion, or other events, and preventing run-on and run-off from eroding or otherwise damaging the final cover;

B)        If the CCR surface impoundment is subject to the design criteria of Section 845.420, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the leachate collection and removal system and operating the leachate collection and removal system in accordance with the requirements of Section 845.420; and

C)        Maintaining the groundwater monitoring system and monitoring the groundwater in accordance with the requirements of this Part.

c)         Cost Estimate for Corrective Action

1)         Preliminary Corrective Action Cost Estimate.  An owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment with a release that has caused an exceedance of the groundwater protection standard in Section 845.600, or groundwater quality standard in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620, must provide a preliminary corrective action cost estimate that is equal to 25% of the costs calculated under subsection (b).

2)         Corrective Action Cost Estimate.  The owner or operator must provide to the Agency a detailed written estimate, in current dollars, of the cost of hiring a third party at the appropriate prevailing wages, under the Prevailing Wage Act, if applicable, to implement the approved corrective action plan in accordance with this Part.  The corrective action cost estimate must account for the total costs of corrective action activities as described in the approved corrective action plan for the entire corrective action period.

3)         The owner or operator must annually adjust the cost estimates in this subsection (c) for inflation (see Section 845.940(a)) until the approved corrective action plan is completed.

4)         The owner or operator must increase the corrective action cost estimates in this subsection (c) and the amount of financial assurance provided if changes in the corrective action plan or CCR surface impoundment conditions increase the maximum costs of corrective action.

5)         The owner or operator may reduce the amount of the corrective action cost estimate, upon Agency approval, if the cost estimate exceeds the maximum remaining costs of corrective action.

Section 845.940  Revision of Cost Estimates

a)         During the active life of the CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must adjust the cost estimates for closure, post-closure care, and corrective action for inflation on an annual basis.  The adjustments must occur within 60 days before the anniversary date of the establishment of the financial instruments used to comply with Section 845.950.  The adjustment may be made by recalculating the maximum costs of closure, post-closure care, or corrective action in current dollars, or by using an inflation factor derived from the annual Implicit Price Deflator for Gross National Product (Deflator) as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce in its Survey of Current Business (Table 1.1.9) (see subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2)).  The inflation factor is the result of dividing the latest published annual Deflator by the Deflator for the previous year.

1)         The first adjustment is made by multiplying the cost estimate by the inflation factor. The result is the adjusted cost estimate.

2)         Subsequent adjustments are made by multiplying the latest adjusted cost estimate by the latest inflation factor.

b)         During the active life of the CCR surface impoundment, the owner or operator must revise the cost estimate within 30 days after the Agency has approved a request to modify the corrective action plan, closure plan, or post-closure care plan, if the change in the modified plan increases the cost of corrective action, closure or post-closure care.  The revised cost estimate must be adjusted for inflation (see subsection (a)).

c)         At least 60 days before submitting any closure plan to the Agency, the owner or operator must revise the cost estimate if the selected closure method increases the estimated closure or post-closure care costs.

d)         The owner or operator must keep the most current cost estimates in the facility's operating record during the operating life of the CCR surface impoundment.

Section 845.950  Mechanisms for Financial Assurance

a)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must use any of the mechanisms listed in this subsection (a) to provide financial assurance for closure and post-closure care, and for corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment.  An owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must also meet the requirements of subsections (b), (c), and (d). The mechanisms are as follows:

1)         A trust fund (see Section 845.960);

2)         A surety bond guaranteeing payment (see Section 845.970);

3)         A surety bond guaranteeing performance (see Section 845.980); or

4)         An irrevocable letter of credit (see Section 845.990).

b)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must ensure that the language of the mechanisms listed in subsection (a), when used for providing financial assurance for closure, post-closure, and corrective action, is consistent with the forms prescribed by the Agency and satisfies the following:

1)         The amount of funds assured is sufficient to cover the costs of closure, post-closure care, and corrective action; and

2)         The funds will be available in a timely fashion when needed.

c)         The owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment must provide financial assurance utilizing one or more of the mechanisms listed in subsection (a) within the following timeframes:

1)         An owner or operator of an existing CCR surface impoundment must provide financial assurance to the Agency for closure and post-closure care within 60 days after April 21, 2021;

2)         An owner or operator of a new CCR surface impoundment must provide financial assurance to the Agency for closure and post-closure care at least 60 days before the date of initial receipt of CCR in the CCR surface impoundment.

3)         In the case of corrective action required by this Part, the owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must provide preliminary financial assurance for corrective action no later than when the owner or operator initiates an assessment of corrective measures under Section 845.650(d)(3).  The preliminary financial assurance for corrective action must be maintained until replaced with financial assurance based on the cost estimate of the corrective action.  The owner or operator of the CCR surface impoundment must provide financial assurance based on the approved corrective action plan to the Agency within 60 days after either the Agency's approval or April 21, 2021, whichever is later.

d)         The owner or operator must provide continuous financial assurance coverage until the owner or operator is released from the financial assurance requirements of this Subpart under Section 845.920(b).

e)         Use of Multiple Financial Assurance Mechanisms.  An owner or operator may satisfy the requirements of this Subpart by establishing more than one financial mechanism per CCR surface impoundment.  These mechanisms are limited to trust funds, surety bonds guaranteeing payment, and letters of credit.  The mechanisms must be as specified in Sections 845.960, 845.970, and 845.990, as applicable, except that it is the combination of mechanisms, rather than the single mechanism, that must provide financial assurance for an aggregate amount at least equal to the current cost estimate for closure, post-closure care, and corrective action, except that mechanisms guaranteeing performance, rather than payment, may not be combined with other instruments.  The owner or operator may use any or all the mechanisms to provide financial assurance for corrective action, closure and post-closure care.

f)         Use of a Financial Assurance Mechanism for Multiple CCR Surface Impoundments in Illinois.  An owner or operator may use a financial assurance mechanism specified in this Subpart to meet the requirements of this Subpart for more than one CCR surface impoundment located in Illinois.  Evidence of financial assurance submitted to the Agency must include a list showing, for each CCR surface impoundment, the identification number (see Section 845.130), name, address and the amount of funds assured by the mechanism.  The amount of funds available through the mechanism must be at least the sum of funds that would be available if a separate mechanism had been established and maintained for each CCR surface impoundment.  The amount of funds available to the Agency must be enough to close and provide post-closure care for all of the owner's or operator's CCR surface impoundments.  In directing funds available through a single mechanism for the closure and post-closure care of any single CCR surface impoundment covered by that mechanism, the Agency must direct only that amount of funds designated for that CCR surface impoundment, unless the owner or operator agrees to the use of additional funds available under that mechanism.

Section 845.960  Trust Fund

a)         An owner or operator may satisfy the requirements of this Subpart by establishing a fully funded trust fund that conforms to the requirements of this Section and submitting to the Agency an original signed duplicate of the trust agreement.

b)         The trustee must be an entity that has the authority to act as a trustee and of whom either of the following is true:

1)         It is an entity whose trust operations are examined by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Illinois Banking Act [205 ILCS 5]; or

2)         It is an entity that complies with the Corporate Fiduciary Act [205 ILCS 620].

c)         The trust agreement must be on forms prescribed by the Agency. The trust agreement must be updated within 60 days after a change in the amount of the current closure, post-closure, and corrective action cost estimates covered by the agreement.

d)         The trust fund must be fully funded from the date that the trust agreement becomes effective.

e)         The trustee must evaluate the trust fund annually, as of the day the trust was created or on such earlier date as may be provided in the agreement. The trustee must notify the owner or operator and the Agency of the value within 30 days after the evaluation date.

f)         If the owner or operator of a CCR surface impoundment establishes a trust fund after having used one or more alternative mechanisms specified in this Subpart, the trust fund must be fully funded and established according to the specifications of this Section.

g)         Release of Excess Funds

1)         If the value of the financial assurance is greater than the total amount of the current cost estimate, the owner or operator may submit a written request to the Agency for a release of the amount in excess of the current cost estimate.

2)         Within 60 days after receiving a request from the owner or operator for a release of funds, the Agency must instruct the trustee to release to the owner or operator the funds as the Agency specifies in writing to be in excess of the current cost estimate.

h)         Reimbursement for Closure, Post-closure Care, and Corrective Action Expenses

1)         After initiating corrective action, closure, or post-closure care an owner or operator, or any other person authorized to perform corrective action, closure, or post-closure care, may request reimbursement for closure, post-closure care, or corrective action expenditures by submitting itemized bills to the Agency.

2)         Within 60 days after receiving the itemized bills for closure, post-closure care, or correction action activities, the Agency must determine whether the expenditures are in accordance with the closure, post-closure care, or corrective action plan.  The Agency must instruct the trustee to make reimbursement in amounts the Agency specifies in writing as expenditures made in accordance with the closure, post-closure care, or corrective action plan.

3)         If the Agency determines, based on information available to it, that the cost of closure and post-closure care or corrective action will be greater than the value of the trust fund, it must withhold reimbursement of amounts it determines are necessary to preserve the fund in order to accomplish closure and post-closure care or corrective action until it determines that the owner or operator is no longer required to maintain financial assurance for closure and post-closure care or corrective action. If the fund is inadequate to pay all claims, the Agency must pay claims according to the following priorities:

A)        Persons with whom the Agency has contracted to perform closure, post-closure care, or corrective action activities (first priority);

B)        Persons who have completed closure, post-closure care, or corrective action authorized by the Agency (second priority);

C)        Persons who have completed work that furthered the closure, post-closure care, or corrective action (third priority);

D)        The owner or operator and related business entities (last priority).

Section 845.970  Surety Bond Guaranteeing Payment

a)         An owner or operator may satisfy the requirements of this Subpart by obtaining a surety bond that conforms to the requirements of this Section and submitting the bond to the Agency.

b)         The surety company issuing the bond must, at a minimum, be among those listed as acceptable sureties on federal bonds in Circular 570 of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Circular 570 is available on the Internet from the following website: https://fiscal.treasury.gov/surety-bonds/circular-570.html.

c)         The surety bond must be on forms prescribed by the Agency.

d)         Any payments drawn from or made under the bond will be placed in the Coal Combustion Residual Surface Impoundment Financial Assurance Fund within the State Treasury.

e)         Conditions

1)         The bond must guarantee that the owner or operator will:

A)        Provide closure and post-closure care in accordance with the approved closure and post-closure care plans and, if the bond is a corrective action bond, provide corrective action in accordance with this Part; and

B)        Provide alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart, and obtain the Agency's written approval of the assurance provided within 90 days after receipt by both the owner or operator and the Agency of a notice from the surety that the bond will not be renewed for another term.

2)         The surety will become liable on the bond obligation when, during the term of the bond, the owner or operator fails to perform as guaranteed by the bond. The owner or operator fails to perform when the owner or operator:

A)        Abandons the CCR surface impoundment;

B)        Is adjudicated bankrupt;

C)        Fails to initiate closure of the CCR surface impoundment or post-closure care or corrective action when ordered to do so by the Board under Title VIII of the Act (Enforcement), or when ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction;

D)        Notifies the Agency that it has initiated closure or corrective action, or initiates closure or corrective action, but fails to close the CCR surface impoundment or provide post-closure care or corrective action in accordance with the Agency-approved closure and post-closure care or corrective action plans;

E)        For a corrective action bond, fails to implement or complete corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment in accordance with Section 845.670; or

F)         Fails to, within 90 days after receipt by both the owner or operator and the Agency of a notice from the surety that the bond will not be renewed for another term:

i)          Provide alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart; and

ii)         Obtain the Agency's written approval of the assurance.

3)         If the owner or operator does not establish alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart, and obtain written approval of that alternative assurance from the Agency within 90 days after receipt by both the owner or operator and the Agency of a notice of nonrenewal from the surety (see subsection (g)(2)), the Agency must draw on the bond.  During the last 30 days of a notice of nonrenewal, the Agency must draw on the bond if the owner or operator has failed to provide alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Section, and obtain from the Agency written approval of that assurance.

f)         Penal Sum

1)         The penal sum of the bond must be in an amount at least equal to the current cost estimate.

2)         Whenever the current cost estimate decreases, the penal sum may be reduced to the amount of the current cost estimate following written approval by the Agency.

3)         Whenever the current cost estimate increases to an amount greater than the penal sum, the owner or operator, within 90 days after the increase, must either cause the penal sum to be increased to an amount at least equal to the current cost estimate and submit evidence of that increase to the Agency or obtain other financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart, to cover the increase and submit evidence of the alternative financial assurance to the Agency.

g)         Term

1)         The bond must be issued for a term of at least one year and must not be cancelable during that term.

2)         The surety bond must provide that, on the current expiration date and on each successive expiration date, the term of the surety bond will be automatically extended for a period of at least one year unless, at least 120 days before the current expiration date, the surety notifies both the owner or operator and the Agency by certified mail of a decision not to renew the bond. Under the terms of the surety bond, the 120 days will begin on the date when both the owner or operator and the Agency have received the notice, as evidenced by the return receipts.

3)         The Agency must release the surety by providing written authorization for termination of the bond to the owner or operator and the surety when either of the following occurs:

A)        An owner or operator substitutes alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart; or

B)        The Agency releases the owner or operator from the requirements of this Subpart in accordance with Section 845.920(b).

h)         Cure of Default and Refunds

1)         The Agency must release the surety if, after the surety becomes liable on the bond, the owner or operator or another person provides financial assurance for closure and post-closure care of the CCR surface impoundment or corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment; unless the Agency determines that the closure, post-closure care, or corrective action plan, or the amount of substituted financial assurance, is inadequate to provide closure and post-closure care or implement corrective action in compliance with this Part.

2)         After closure and post-closure care have been completed in accordance with the plans and requirements of this Part or after the completion of corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment in accordance with this Part, the Agency must refund any unspent money that was paid into the Coal Combustion Residual Surface Impoundment Financial Assurance Fund by the surety, subject to appropriation of funds by the Illinois General Assembly.

Section 845.980  Surety Bond Guaranteeing Performance

a)         An owner or operator may satisfy the requirements of this Subpart by obtaining a surety bond that conforms to the requirements of this Section and submitting the bond to the Agency.

b)         The surety company issuing the bond must, at a minimum, be among those listed as acceptable sureties on federal bonds in Circular 570 of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Circular 570 is available on the Internet from the following website: https://fiscal.treasury.gov/surety-bonds/circular-570.html.

c)         The surety bond must be on forms prescribed by the Agency.

d)         Any payments made under the bond will be placed in the Coal Combustion Residual Surface Impoundment Financial Assurance Fund within the State Treasury.

e)         Conditions

1)         The bond must guarantee that the owner or operator will:

A)        Provide closure and post-closure care in accordance with the approved closure and post-closure care plans and, if the bond is a corrective action bond, provide corrective action in accordance with this Part; and

B)        Provide alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart, and obtain the Agency's written approval of the assurance provided within 90 days after receipt by both the owner or operator and the Agency of a notice from the surety that the bond will not be renewed for another term.

2)         The surety will become liable on the bond obligation when, during the term of the bond, the owner or operator fails to perform as guaranteed by the bond. The owner or operator fails to perform when the owner or operator:

A)        Abandons the CCR surface impoundment;

B)        Is adjudicated bankrupt;

C)        Fails to initiate closure of the CCR surface impoundment or post-closure care or corrective action when ordered to do so by the Board under Title VIII of the Act (Enforcement), or when ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction;

D)        Notifies the Agency that it has initiated closure or corrective action, or initiates closure or corrective action, but fails to close the CCR surface impoundment or provide post-closure care or corrective action in accordance with the Agency-approved closure and post-closure care or corrective action plans;

E)        For a corrective action bond, fails to implement or complete corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment in accordance with Section 845.670; or

F)         Fails to, within 90 days after receipt by both the owner or operator and the Agency of a notice from the surety that the bond will not be renewed for another term:

i)          Provide alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart; and

ii)         Obtain the Agency's written approval of the assurance.

3)         Upon failure of the owner or operator to perform as guaranteed by the bond, the surety must have the option of:

A)        providing closure and post-closure care in accordance with the approved closure and post-closure care plans;

B)        carrying out corrective action in accordance with the corrective action plan; or

C)        paying the penal sum.

f)         Penal Sum

1)         The penal sum of the bond must be in an amount at least equal to the current cost estimate.

2)         Whenever the current cost estimate decreases, the penal sum may be reduced to the amount of the current cost estimate following written approval by the Agency.

3)         Whenever the current cost estimate increases to an amount greater than the penal sum, the owner or operator, within 90 days after the increase, must either cause the penal sum to be increased to an amount at least equal to the current cost estimate and submit evidence of that increase to the Agency or obtain other financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart, and submit evidence of the alternative financial assurance to the Agency.

g)         Term

1)         The bond must be issued for a term of at least one year and must not be cancelable during that term.

2)         The surety bond must provide that, on the current expiration date and on each successive expiration date, the term of the surety bond will be automatically extended for a period of at least one year unless, at least 120 days before the current expiration date, the surety notifies both the owner or operator and the Agency by certified mail of a decision not to renew the bond. Under the terms of the surety bond, the 120 days will begin on the date when both the owner or operator and the Agency have received the notice, as evidenced by the return receipts.

3)         The Agency must release the surety by providing written authorization for termination of the bond to the owner or operator and the surety when either of the following occurs:

A)        An owner or operator substitutes alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart; or

B)        The Agency releases the owner or operator from the requirements of this Subpart in accordance with Section 845.920(b).

h)         Cure of Default and Refunds

1)         The Agency must release the surety if, after the surety becomes liable on the bond, the owner or operator or another person provides financial assurance for closure and post-closure care of the CCR surface impoundment or corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment; unless the Agency determines that the closure, post-closure care, or corrective action plan, or the amount of substituted financial assurance, is inadequate to provide closure and post-closure care or implement corrective action in compliance with this Part.

2)         After closure and post-closure care have been completed in accordance with the plans and requirements of this Part or after the completion of corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment in accordance with this Part, the Agency must refund any unspent money that was paid into the Coal Combustion Residual Surface Impoundment Financial Assurance Fund by the surety, subject to appropriation of funds by the Illinois General Assembly.

i)          The surety will not be liable for deficiencies in the performance of closure, post-closure care, or corrective action by the owner or operator after the Agency releases the owner or operator from the requirements of this Subpart.

Section 845.990  Letter of Credit

a)         An owner or operator may satisfy the requirements of this Subpart by obtaining an irrevocable standby letter of credit that conforms to the requirements of this Section and submitting the letter to the Agency.

b)         The issuing institution must be an entity that has the authority to issue letters of credit and:

1)         Whose letter of credit operations are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Illinois Banking Act [205 ILCS 5]; or

2)         Whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

c)         Forms

1)         The letter of credit must be on forms prescribed by the Agency.

2)         The letter of credit must be accompanied by a letter from the owner or operator, referring to the letter of credit by number, the name and address of the issuing institution, and the effective date of the letter, and providing the following information: the name and address of the CCR surface impoundment, the identification number (see Section 845.130), and the amount of funds assured by the letter of credit for closure and post-closure care of the CCR surface impoundment, or for corrective action at the CCR surface impoundment.

d)         Any amounts drawn by the Agency under the letter of credit will be deposited in the Coal Combustion Residual Surface Impoundment Financial Assurance Fund within the State Treasury.

e)         Conditions on Which the Agency Must Draw on the Letter of Credit

1)         The Agency must draw on the letter of credit if the owner or operator fails to perform closure or post-closure care in accordance with the approved closure and post-closure care plans or fails to perform corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment in accordance with this Part.

2)         The Agency must draw on the letter of credit if the owner or operator:

A)        Abandons the CCR surface impoundment;

B)        Is adjudicated bankrupt;

C)        Fails to initiate closure of the CCR surface impoundment or post-closure care or corrective action when ordered to do so by the Board under Title VIII of the Act (Enforcement), or when ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction;

D)        Notifies the Agency that it has initiated closure or corrective action, or initiates closure or corrective action, but fails to provide closure and post-closure care or corrective action in accordance with the Agency-approved closure and post-closure care or corrective action plans;

E)        For a corrective action letter of credit, fails to implement or complete corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment in accordance with Section 845.670; or

F)         Fails to, within 90 days after receipt by both the owner or operator and the Agency of a notice from the surety that the bond will not be renewed for another term:

i)          Provide alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart; and

ii)         Obtain the Agency's written approval of the assurance.

3)         If the owner or operator does not establish alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart, and obtain written approval of that alternative assurance from the Agency within 90 days after receipt by both the owner or operator and the Agency of a notice of expiration from the issuing institution (see subsection (g)(2)), the Agency must draw on the letter of credit. During the last 30 days of a notice of expiration, the Agency must draw on the letter of credit if the owner or operator has failed to provide alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Section, and obtain from the Agency written approval of that assurance.

f)         Amount

1)         The letter of credit must be issued in an amount at least equal to the current cost estimate.

2)         Whenever the current cost estimate decreases, the amount of credit may be reduced to the amount of the current cost estimate following written approval by the Agency.

3)         Whenever the current cost estimate increases to an amount greater than the amount of the credit, the owner or operator, within 90 days after the increase, must either cause the amount of the credit to be increased to an amount at least equal to the current cost estimate and submit evidence of that increase to the Agency or obtain other financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart, to cover the increase and submit evidence of the alternative financial assurance to the Agency.

g)         Term

1)         The letter of credit must be issued for a term of at least one year and must be irrevocable during that term.

2)         The letter of credit must provide that, on the current expiration date and on each successive expiration date, the letter of credit will be automatically extended for a period of at least one year unless, at least 120 days before the current expiration date, the issuing institution notifies both the owner or operator and the Agency by certified mail of a decision not to extend the letter of credit for another term.  Under the terms of the letter of credit, the 120 days will begin on the date when both the owner or operator and the Agency have received the notice, as evidenced by the return receipts.

3)         The Agency must return the letter of credit to the issuing institution for termination when either of the following occurs:

A)        An owner or operator substitutes alternative financial assurance, as specified in this Subpart; or

B)        The Agency releases the owner or operator from the requirements of this Subpart in accordance with Section 845.920(b).

h)         Cure of Default and Refunds

1)         The Agency must release the financial institution if, after the Agency is allowed to draw on the letter of credit, the owner or operator or another person provides financial assurance for closure and post-closure care of the CCR surface impoundment or corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment; unless the Agency determines that the closure, post-closure care, or corrective action plan, or the amount of substituted financial assurance, is inadequate to provide closure and post-closure care or implement corrective action in compliance with this Part.

2)         After closure and post-closure care have been completed in accordance with the plans and requirements of this Part or after the completion of corrective action at a CCR surface impoundment in accordance with this Part, the Agency must refund any unspent money that was drawn and paid into the Coal Combustion Residual Surface Impoundment Financial Assurance Fund by the financial institution, subject to appropriation of funds by the Illinois General Assembly.