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Contact Solid & Hazardous Waste

Mike Apple, Director
5th Floor, L&C Tower
401 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37243-1535
615-532-0780
615-532-0886 (fax)

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Egyptian Lacquer Manufacturing Company Cleanup

A certified Landfill Operator must be present at a municipal solid waste landfill during all hours of operation. A person interested in obtaining a Landfill Operator certification must take training provided by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and pass an examination conducted by TDEC. The details regarding the training and certification requirements can be found in TDEC Rule 1200-1-7-.12. The following is additional information regarding the certification program:

Currently, certification training and examinations are arranged by TDEC once a year in the spring (usually in April) at the Fleming Training Center located in Murfreesboro. However, in calendar years 2006, 2009, 2012, and every three years thereafter, TDEC will hold training and examinations twice a year (usually in the spring and fall).

TDEC's landfill operators certification training program consists of three (3) days of classroom instruction (including a field trip) and a final exam on the fourth day. Those landfill operators taking the exam must achieve at least a score of 70 (out of 100 points) to be certified. Topics that are covered during the three (3) days include: Tennessee Solid Waste Management Regulations, Landfill Math, Landfill Plans, Landfill Operations, Surveying, Waste Acceptance/Random Inspections, Groundwater Monitoring, Landfill Gas Management, Erosion Control, Liners & Leachate Collection, Closure & Post Closure, and Compliance Inspections & Recordkeeping.

The certification for Landfill Operators is valid for three years. To be recertified, a Landfill Operator must obtain 30 hours of TDEC approved training during this three-year period.

There is reciprocity for those Landfill Operators holding SWANA certification. A Tennessee certificate will be issued with the same expiration date as the SWANA certificate.

In addition to the training provided by TDEC at the Fleming Training Center location in Murfreesboro, TDEC recognizes the following training opportunities in order for a Landfill Operator to obtain the 30 hours for recertification:

  • The Solid Waste Sessions being held at the Annual Solid and Hazardous Waste Conference and Exhibition (Gatlinburg, TN)
  • Tennessee Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Training and Certification Program (includes Level I certification and Level II certification training classes). Training course information can be obtained from the following web site: www.tnstormwatertraining.org/index.asp.
  • Level I Recertification - Tennessee Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Program. Recertification training course information can be obtained from the following web site: www.tnstormwatertraining.org/index.asp.
  • TDEC Division of Solid Waste Management 8-credit hour class for certified landfill operators (offered each year in October).
  • TDEC approved SWANA training courses (landfill operator must submit proof of attendance).

TDEC encourages Tennessee Class I Landfill Operators to participate in these types of worthwhile programs.

Associated Fees for the Tennessee Landfill Operators Certification Training are:
Initial Certification: $400.00
Recertification: $100.00 (upon completion of 30 hours of TDEC approved training)

The 2009 Landfill Operators Certification Training (LOCT) Class will be held March 30 through April 2, 2009 at the Fleming Training Center in Murfreesboro, TN. This is the basic training class held for new operators that need certification as well as certified operators that want to obtain additional credit hours for re-certification.

For further details, contact:

Paul Evan Davis at 615-532-0072
or
Tommy Himes at 615-532-0788
Division of Solid Waste Management
5th Floor, L&C Tower
401 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37243