Alaska Administrative Code Title 18 - Environmental Conservation
Here’s a structured overview of Alaska Administrative Code – Title 18: Environmental Conservation:
🧾 What Is Title 18?
Title 18 of the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) outlines the regulations enforced by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These rules govern a wide range of environmental programs from waste to water to air quality (law.cornell.edu, dec.alaska.gov).
📚 Key Chapters (as listed by LII/Cornell)
Chapter 15 – Administrative Procedures: Defines permit applications, public notices, hearings, appeals for environmental programs (dec.alaska.gov).
Chapter 30 – Environmental Sanitation
Chapter 52 – Vehicle Emissions Inspection & Maintenance
Chapter 53 – Motor Fuel Requirements
Chapter 54 – Financial Assistance Distribution & Receipt
Chapter 60 – Solid Waste Management
Chapter 62 – Hazardous Waste
Chapter 63 – Siting of Hazardous Waste Facilities
Chapter 64 – Litter Receptacles
Chapter 65 – Litter Reduction & Resource Recovery Grants
Chapter 66 – School Waste‑Reduction Awards
Chapter 69 – Environmental Compliance for Passenger Vessels
Chapter 70 – Water Quality Standards
Chapter 72 – Wastewater Treatment & Disposal
Chapter 73 – Construction Grants
Chapter 74 – Operator Certification for Water/Wastewater
Chapter 75 – Oil & Hazardous Substances Pollution Control (law.cornell.edu).
🔍 Focus on Major Chapters
18 AAC 60 – Solid Waste Management
Sets general standards, permits, rules for municipal landfills, monofills, biosolids land application, fees, monitoring, and closure (dec.alaska.gov).
Example: Section 60.005 explains applicability and exemptions (like wood waste, mine tailings, etc.) (dec.alaska.gov).
18 AAC 50 – Air Quality Control
Covers special protected visibility zones (Denali, Mt. Deborah), wood‑smoke zones (e.g., Juneau), and the statewide Air Quality Control Plan (epa.gov).
18 AAC 15 – Administrative Procedures
Details permit application processes, hearings, notices, ex parte rules, enforcement — covering DEC’s waste, water, oil, pesticide permits (dec.alaska.gov).
18 AAC 75 – Oil & Hazardous Substances Pollution Control
Includes articles on spill prevention, financial responsibility, spill response, contingency planning, civil penalties, and tank regulations (regulations.justia.com).
📥 Accessing the Regulations
Regulations are available as PDFs via DEC’s website:
18 AAC 15, 50, 52–54, 60, 62–63, 69–72, etc. (dec.alaska.gov).
DEC post notices for amendments (e.g., 18 AAC 83 updates APDES/net credits) (aws.state.ak.us).
🧩 How It All Fits Together
Policy & Procedures (Ch. 15) guide all aspects of permitting and administrative actions.
Media-Specific Chapters (e.g., 50 air, 60 solid waste, 70 water, 75 oil) set technical and operational rules.
Support Chapters (52–54, 64–66, 69, 72–74) cover specific programs, infrastructure, grants, and incentives.
✅ Summary Table
Chapter | Focus | Highlights |
---|---|---|
15 | Admin procedures | Permits, notices, hearings |
50 | Air quality | Visibility, smoke zones, state plan |
60 | Solid waste management | Landfills, biosolids, fees |
62–63 | Hazardous waste, siting | Hazardous waste handling and facility siting |
70 | Water quality standards | Water protection |
75 | Oil/hazardous substances | Spill prevention, contingency, liability |
🛠️ Next Steps
Read the PDFs for in-depth requirements (e.g., 18 AAC 60 for landfill permits).
Review public notices for proposed updates (like aquatic discharge regulations in Ch. 83).
Reach out to DEC for guidance on applying rules to specific activities (e.g., landfills, spill planning, certification).
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