SECTION 252:645-3-2. General requirements for septage storage facilities

(a)   Ownership of property. Septage storage facilities may only be located on property owned or leased by the licensed pumper and transporter seeking the authorization to operate.

(b)   Operational requirements. The person who holds the authorization shall ensure that the septage storage facility is operated in compliance with the terms of the authorization and the requirements of this Chapter. When in conflict, the terms of the authorization shall supersede the requirements of this Chapter.

(c)   Temporary. Septage storage facilities shall be used for the temporary storage of septage and not as a method of final disposal.

(d)   Security. Septage storage facilities shall be secured to prevent unauthorized access using one of the following methods:

(1)   Locks. All manholes, valves and other openings on the septage storage tanks shall be locked; or

(2)   Fencing. Either the entire property or the septage storage facility shall be surrounded by a fence that meets the following:

(A)   Specifications. The fence shall be a minimum of four feet (4') high and provide protection equivalent to the protection afforded by a woven wire or equally-spaced five-wire fence. Storage tanks that are located within three hundred fifty feet (350') of existing or platted residential areas, or that are in public access areas shall be surrounded by a six-foot (6') woven wire fence or equivalent.

(B)   DEQ authority to require more stringent fencing requirements. In order to protect public health and safety, the DEQ may require more stringent fencing requirements, even when the entire property is fenced.

(e)   Discharges prohibited. The septage storage facility shall be maintained so that no part of the facility bypasses or discharges wastes or wastewater. All such bypasses and/or discharges shall be considered a violation of this Chapter and be subject to enforcement as an unpermitted discharge to waters of the State in violation of the Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act.

(1)   Reporting requirements. Any and all bypasses and/or discharges from a septage storage facility shall be reported to DEQ at [phone] within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident and a completed and signed DEQ Form 645-009 "Self Reporting Septage Bypass Form" shall be submitted to DEQ within five (5) days of the incident.

(2)   Required response. Whenever a bypass or discharge occurs, immediate action shall be taken to stop, contain, clean up and prevent recurrence of the bypass or discharge.

(f)   Access. A road shall be maintained at the facility so that all septage storage tanks are accessible in all weather conditions.

(g)   Land application as final disposal. If lime stabilized septage has been stored for more than fourteen (14) days, it must be tested to verify a pH of at least twelve (12) prior to land application or be re-stabilized and meet the requirements of 252:645-5-2(l).

[Source: Added at 27 Ok Reg 2158, eff 7-11-10]