After review of the public comments, a final public notice with the permit decision is issued. The entire permit process may take from 16 to 32 months, depending on the type of facility, public interest, public hearings, revisions, appeals and site preparation. Landfill permits are valid for the life of the facility as permitted as long as it complies with regulations and annual maintenance fees are paid. The applicant has the right to proceed with approved activities according to the conditions specified on the permit. Permits are transferable but require a new application, public notice, disclosure statement and assumption of financial assurance requirements.
Major modifications require a public notice and re-issuance of the permit.
If a permit is denied or if the applicant disagrees with certain permit conditions, the permit may be appealed to the Tennessee Solid Waste Disposal Control Board. The Division has the responsibility to regulate solid waste storage, processing and disposal facilities in order to protect public health and the environment. The Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste Management has the right to inspect a facility as deemed necessary and without announcement, terminate a permit or deny a renewal for non-compliance, and establish permit conditions in order to achieve compliance with federal laws. Applications and further assistance can be obtained from the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. New applicants who need more than one permit can contact their regional Environmental Coordinator for further assistance.