NSPE Urges EPA to Require Licensed Professional Engineers to Perform Audits At Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

On September 14, NSPE submitted a public comment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commending the agency for proposing additional safety measures requiring a professional engineer to prepare site-specific gas collection and control system (GCCS) plans as part of the proposed rule Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills. As part of the proposed rule, EPA requested comments regarding the appropriate professional and educational requirements for auditors. NSPE asserted that the auditing process is best performed by licensed professional engineers. EPA further inquired as to whether self-audits should be allowed in lieu of independent audits. NSPE strongly encouraged EPA to maintain the current system of independent third-party audits. However, should the EPA allow a self-auditing process, NSPE stated that the report must be prepared by a licensed professional engineer.