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91 2019 INDUSTRY RESOURCE DIRECTORY EPA and Portable Sanitation • Local rules can always be more restrictive than those prescribed by EPA, but they cannot ease EPA limits. Probably the biggest factors involved in setting policies, rules, and ordinances at the local level are relevant water and topographical conditions, while local politics can also play a big role. For example, an area with delicate waterways, little treatment capacity, and local leaders focused on tourism will generally be a more challenging place to affordably dispose of portable restroom waste than in an area with abundant treatment capacity and less concern about these things. Environmental rules and portable sanitation load disposal. There are many things that go into making a portable sanitation company successful, but one thing is sure—if you don't have a legal and affordable disposal option, it's going to be hard for your company to thrive. Here are some things you should do in order to be ready to deal with the environmental challenges that go with disposal of portable restroom waste. • Be familiar with the content of the federal rules. 40 CFR 503 is the EPA rule covering standards for the use or disposal of sewage sludge. It can be found online here: www.tinyurl.com/z8dn5yn. You may also find it helpful to look at "The Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule," which you can download here: www.epa.gov/biosolids/plain-english-guide-epa-part-503- biosolids-rule, and EPA's publication, "Domestic Septage Regulatory Guidance," found here: www.tinyurl.com/jgckj4y. While reading all of this may seem ponderous, it is certainly worthwhile to know what is actually in the federal law. Take the time to at least scan through it so you are conversant in the law. You'll not only sound "smart," you'll be better able to discern when what you're being told makes sense and when it doesn't. • Know your local regulatory structure. Every area is different, but generally speaking there is a state agency regulating water and pollution control, as well as a local authority regulating your treatment facility. Take the time to learn about these organizations and how things get done within them. Especially find out who the decision-makers are at the state and local levels. Learn how they come into their roles. Are they political appointees? Elected officials? Bureaucrats? In theory all of these people are serving the public, but in reality each group responds to different types of requirements and pressure. You need to know how things "work" in your area long before something happens to affect your business. Then, if something DOES happen, you'll already know who to talk to and how to do that before things get too far down the road. You want to be able to make a difference…not just make noise. Generally speaking, there is a state agency regulating water and pollution control, as well as a local authority regulating your treatment facility. Take the time to learn about these organizations. Better worksites. Better weekends. Better world. EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS-ONLY CONTENT REDACTED Join us now at www.psai.org for access to this valuable information.