§ 66264.226. Monitoring and Inspection.

(a) During construction and installation, liners (except in the case of existing portions of surface impoundments exempt from section 66264.221(a)) and cover systems (e.g., membranes, sheets, or coatings) shall be inspected for uniformity, damage, and imperfections (e.g., holes, cracks, thin spots, or foreign materials). Immediately after construction or installation:

(1) synthetic liners and covers shall be inspected to ensure tight seams and joints and the absence of tears, punctures, or blisters; and

(2) soil-based and admixed liners and covers shall be inspected for imperfections including lenses, cracks, channels, root holes, or other structural non-uniformities that may cause an increase in the permeability of the liner or cover.

(b) While a surface impoundment is in operation, it shall be inspected weekly and after storms to detect evidence of any of the following:

(1) deterioration, malfunctions, or improper operation of overtopping control systems;

(2) sudden drops in the level of the impoundment's contents; and

(3) the presence of liquids in leak detection systems;

(4) severe erosion or other signs of deterioration in dikes or other containment devices.

(c) Prior to the issuance of a permit, and after any extended period of time (at least six months) during which the impoundment was not in service, the owner or operator shall obtain a certification from a qualified engineer, registered in California, that the impoundment's dike, including that portion of any dike which provides freeboard, has structural integrity. The certification must establish, in particular, that the dike:

(1) will withstand the stress of the pressure exerted by the types and amounts of wastes to be placed in the impoundment;

(2) will not fail due to scouring or piping, without dependence on any liner system included in the surface impoundment construction;

(3) will not fail due to external or internal forces from a maximum credible earthquake or landslide.

(d)(1) An owner or operator required to have a leak detection system under section 66264.221(c) or (f) shall record the amount of liquids removed from each leak detection system sump at least once each week during the active life and closure period.

(2) After the final cover is installed, the amount of liquids removed from each leak detection system sump shall be recorded at least monthly. If the liquid level in the sump stays below the pump operating level for two consecutive months, the amount of liquids in the sumps shall be recorded at least quarterly. If the liquid level in the sump stays below the pump operating level for two consecutive quarters, the amount of liquids in the sumps shall be recorded at least semi-annually. If at any time during the post-closure care period the pump operating level is exceeded at units on quarterly or semi-annual recording schedules, the owner or operator shall return to monthly recording of amounts of liquids removed from each sump until the liquid level again stays below the pump operating level for two consecutive months.

(3) “Pump operating level” is a liquid level proposed by the owner or operator and approved by the Department based on pump activation level, sump dimensions, and level that avoids backup into drainage layer and minimizes head in the sump.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 5-24-91; operative 7-1-91 (Register 91, No. 22).

2. New subsections (d)(1)-(3) and amendment of Note filed 7-19-95; operative 8-18-95 (Register 95, No. 29).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Sections 25150 and 25159, Health and Safety Code; and Governor's Reorganization Plan Number 1 of 1991. Reference: Sections 25150, 25159 and 25159.5, Health and Safety Code; and 40 CFR Section 264.226.