The MPCA will soon be rolling out a new online service for solid waste permits and approvals. Content on this page is tied to that service and may not yet be completely operational.
To obtain coverage under this permit, the owner(s) must submit a complete application on the form provided below documenting compliance with the criteria for coverage under this general permit, prior to disposal of the uncontaminated concrete.
Eligibility
Criteria to dispose of concrete under this general permit:
- The concrete proposed for disposal must be adequately characterized.
- Only uncontaminated concrete that originates on the site used for disposal may be disposed under this permit.
- The amount of uncontaminated concrete may not exceed 2,500 cubic yards.
- The disposal site must be approved by a county solid waste official prior to use.
- The site must not be located within a floodplain, shoreland, or wild and scenic river land use district.
- The site must not be located within a wetland unless MPCA approval has been received for the uncontaminated concrete to be left in-place to preserve the integrity of the wetland.
- A Demolition/Renovation notification form must be filed with the MPCA at least ten working days prior to the start of demolition.
Covered types of concrete
The concrete covered under this general permit must be uncontaminated and adequately characterized.
Concrete includes concrete block, concrete slabs, concrete forms, including metal and other materials embedded in the concrete, that has been used in architectural applications (such as slabs, foundations, walls) and engineering applications (such as pipes, culverts, vessels and basins, and tower supports). Concrete does not include concrete washout or excess concrete that requires disposal at the time of construction.
Uncontaminated concrete means that the concrete has been adequately characterized and does not contain, or have on it, any material that may potentially be harmful to human health and the environment including any form of hazardous waste or petroleum products, or asbestos-containing material (mastic). Concrete coated with lead-based paint is not uncontaminated concrete, but concrete that has been coated with a non-toxic paint is considered uncontaminated concrete.
Adequately characterized means a visual inspection of the concrete has been conducted. Any areas that have visible contamination (i.e., staining) or areas where the concrete has been in contact with petroleum products or hazardous substances must be analyzed by an accredited laboratory.
Affidavit and deed notation
Within 90 days of completing the uncontaminated concrete burial, the owner must:
- record with the county recorder the location of the uncontaminated concrete disposal site, using the MPCA's affidavit form
- provide a copy of the deed notification to the county solid waste official and the MPCA
After the disposal is complete and the affidavit is filed with the county, the owner must submit a notice of termination to terminate coverage under the general permit. Terminations are done using the MPCA's online service. There are instructions and guidance documents available on the page for additional assistance. Submittal of the Notice of Termination will notify MPCA staff of the request and begin the termination process.
Farm exemption
Minnesota statutes state a permit is not required from a state agency (except for fires, which require an open burning permit) for a person who owns or operates land used for farming that buries concrete or reinforcing bar from a building or structure located on the land used for farming. If you qualify for this exemption, you do not need to apply for coverage under this general permit.