Alaska Administrative Code Title 18 - Environmental Conservation

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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

ChapterFocusHighlights
15Admin proceduresPermits, notices, hearings
50Air qualityVisibility, smoke zones, state plan
60Solid waste managementLandfills, biosolids, fees
62–63Hazardous waste, sitingHazardous waste handling and facility siting
70Water quality standardsWater protection
75Oil/hazardous substancesSpill 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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