(a) This Article sets forth permitting requirements and minimum operating standards for facilities that operate a waste tire monofill as defined in Section 17346.1 of this Article.

(b) This Article is adopted pursuant to and for the purpose of implementing the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (the Act) commencing with Section 40000 of the Public Resources Code, as amended. These regulations should be read together with the Act.

(c) Nothing in this Article limits or restricts the power of any federal, state, or local agency to enforce any provision of law that it is authorized or required to enforce or administer, nor to limit or restrict cities or counties from promulgating laws which are at least as strict as the regulations contained in this Article. However, no city or county may promulgate laws which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Article.

(d) Nothing in this Article shall be construed as relieving any owner or operator from obtaining all required permits, licenses, or other clearances complying with all orders, laws, regulations, or other requirements of other regulatory or enforcement agencies, including, but not limited to, local health agencies, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, air quality management district or air pollution control district, local land use authorities, and fire authorities.

(e) These regulations are intended to provide a sufficient level of information and oversight to ensure that the disposal of waste tires will be conducted in a manner which meets the purposes of the Act, as specified in Public Resources Code Section 40052, while protecting the public health, safety and the environment.

(f) For the purposes of this Article and Article 5.5 of this Chapter, disposal and storage of waste tires does not include the beneficial reuse of waste tires as the Department may determine on a case-by-case basis. A project shall be considered a beneficial reuse of waste tires only if it is approved by the Department and meets the requirements set forth in section 18431.3 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.