(a) This Chapter sets forth permitting requirements and minimum operating standards for in-vessel digestion operations and facilities that receive and process by means of in-vessel digestion solid wastes that are subject to the requirements of this Chapter. The regulatory tier requirements of sections 17896.3 through 17896.15 are not applicable to operations and facilities that are subject to regulations elsewhere in this Division. Activities placed within the excluded tier in other chapters of this Division, may still be subject to the regulatory requirements specified in this Chapter.

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

(c) Digestion of organic material can be a naturally occurring or an artificially controlled process. This Chapter establishes standards and regulatory requirements for the intentional processing of organic material by means of in-vessel digestion.

(d) This Chapter implements and interprets those provisions of the Act relating to receipt, storage, handling, recovery, transfer, or processing of solid waste at in-vessel digestion operations and facilities. Nothing in this Chapter 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 limits or restricts cities and counties from promulgating and enforcing laws which are as strict or stricter than the regulations contained in this Chapter. However, no city or county may promulgate or enforce laws which otherwise conflict with the provisions of this Chapter.

(e) No provision in this Chapter shall be construed as relieving any owner, operator, or designee from obtaining all required permits, licenses, or other clearances and complying with all orders, laws, regulations, or reports, or other requirements of other regulatory or enforcement agencies, including but not limited to, local health agencies, regional water quality control boards, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, air quality management districts or air pollution control districts, local land use authorities, and fire authorities.