1. PROCEDURAL HISTORY
    2. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
    3. CURRENT APPLICABLE STANDARDS
      1. SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT FACTORS
      2. IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
      3. CONSISTENCY WITH FEDERAL LAW
      4. AGENCY RECOMMENDATION
      5. BOARD DISCUSSION AND DETERMINATION
      6. Board Authority
        1. Stericycle’s Amended Petition
        2. Agency Recommendation
        3. Board Discussion and Conclusion
      7. Substantially Different Factors
      8. Efforts to Achieve Compliance and Alternatives
      9. Impact on the Environment
      10. Consistency with Federal Law
      11. CONCLUSION
      12. ORDER

ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
August 21, 2008
IN THE MATTER OF:
PETITION OF STERICYCLE, INC.
FOR AN ADJUSTED STANDARD
FROM 35 ILL. ADM. CODE 1422.111(b)(1),
1450.105(a, b), 1450.200(e)
)
)
)
)
)
)
AS 08-2
(Adjusted Standard - PIMW)
JESSICA E. DEMONTE APPEARED ON BEHALF OF PETITIONER, STERICYCLE, INC.;
and
WILLIAM D. INGERSOLL APPEARED ON BEHALF OF THE ILLINOIS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.
OPINION AND ORDER OF THE BOARD (by A.S. Moore)
Stericycle, Inc. (Stericycle) requests an adjusted standard from Illinois' requirement that
Stericycle manually weigh and record the weight of each load of Potentially Infectious Medical
Waste (PIMW) received at its Stickney transfer station at 3801 S. Laramie Street, Cicero, Cook
County (Site) with a device certified under the Weights and Measures Act (225 ILCS 470/1
et
seq
. (2006)). Specifically, Stericycle seeks instead to use weight measurement and recording
data generated at its PIMW treatment facilities in Clinton, Illinois, and Sturtevant, Wisconsin, for
the calculation of PIMW transporter fees and other regulatory purposes. The Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (Agency) recommends that the Board grant the request.
The Board today finds that Stericycle has provided sufficient justification for an adjusted
standard from Section 1422.111(b)(1) of the Board’s PIMW regulations for the Site and
therefore grants Stericycle an adjusted standard from those regulations, subject to conditions. 35
Ill. Adm. Code 1422.111(b)(1). However, the Board declines to grant Stericycle’s petition for an
adjusted standard from PIMW transporter fee regulations adopted by the Agency. 35 Ill. Adm.
Code 1450.105(a), 1450.105(b), 1450.200(e). The Board finds that it lacks authority to do so
under Section 28.1 of the Environmental Protection Act (Act).
See
415 ILCS 5/28.1 (2006).
In this opinion and order, the Board first describes the legal framework for adjusted
standard proceedings before providing the procedural history of this case. The Board then
provides the factual background of the Site and Stericycle’s operations. Next, the Board presents
the pertinent regulatory standards now applicable to the Site, Stericycle’s proposed adjusted
standard, and the standard of review under the Act. Finally, the Board evaluates the statutory
factors it must address in reviewing Stericycle’s petition before reaching its conclusion and
issuing its order.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK

 
2
The Act and Board rules provide that a petitioner may request, and the Board may grant,
an environmental standard that is different from the generally applicable regulation that
otherwise applies to that petitioner.
See
415 ILCS 5/28.1(a) (2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code
104.400(a), 104.402. This form of regulatory relief is called an adjusted standard.
The procedures that govern an adjusted standard proceeding are found in Section 28.1 of
the Act and Part 104, Subpart D, of the Board’s procedural rules.
See
415 ILCS 5/28.1 (2006);
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.400-428. The Board’s procedural rules specify the required contents for
the adjusted standard petition.
See
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406, 104.416. Once a petition for an
adjusted standard is filed, the Agency must file its recommendation with the Board.
See
415
ILCS 5/28.1(d)(3) (2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.416. The adjusted standard proceeding is
adjudicatory in nature and therefore is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of the Act or the
Illinois Administrative Procedure Act (5 ILCS 100/1-1
et seq
. (2006)).
See
415 ILCS 5/28.1(a)
(2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code 101.202 (defining “adjudicatory proceeding”).
Section 28.1(d)(1) of the Act (415 ILCS 5/28.1 (2006)) and Section 104.408(a) of the
Board’s procedural rules (35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.408(a) (quoting the Act)) require the adjusted
standard petitioner to publish notice of the petition’s filing by advertisement in a newspaper of
general circulation in the area likely to be affected by the proposed adjusted standard. Under
those provisions, publication must take place within 14 days after the petition is filed. The
newspaper notice must indicate that any person may cause a public hearing to be held on the
proposed adjusted standard by filing a hearing request with the Board within 21 days after
publication.
See
415 ILCS 5/28.1(d)(1) (2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.408(b).
The burden of proof in an adjusted standard proceeding is on the petitioner.
See
415
ILCS 5/28.1(b), (c) (2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.426. Once granted, the adjusted standard,
instead of the rule of general applicability, applies to the petitioner.
See
415 ILCS 5/28.1(a)
(2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code 101.202, 104.400(a). In granting adjusted standards, the Board may
impose conditions as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Act.
See
415 ILCS
5/28.1(a) (2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.428(a).
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On September 5, 2007, Stericycle filed a petition for an adjusted standard (Pet.). The
petition states that, “[u]nless an objection is raised by the Agency or a hearing is requested by a
member of the public or an interested party, Stericycle hereby waives hearing in this matter.”
Pet. at 10 (¶42).
On September 28, 2007, Stericycle timely filed with the Board proof of publication
indicating that the
Chicago Tribune
published notice of filing the petition on September 10,
2007.
See
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.410 (requiring filing of certificate of publication within 30
days after filing petition). The Board did not receive a request to hold a hearing in this matter.
In an order dated October 18, 2007, the Board found that Stericycle’s petition did not
provide all of the information required by the Act and the Board’s regulations for an adjusted
standard petition.
See
415 ILCS 5/28.1 (2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406. Accordingly, the

 
3
Board directed Stericycle to address seven points of information in an amended petition to be
filed within 45 days.
On November 16, 2007, Stericycle file a motion for extension of time to file an amended
petition. In an order dated November 28, 2007, the hearing officer granted Stericycle’s motion
and directed Stericycle to file an amended petition by December 21, 2007.
On December 20, 2007, Stericycle filed its amended petition (Am. Pet.).
1
The amended
petition restated that, “[u]nless an objection is raised by the Agency or a hearing is requested by
a member of the public or an interested party, Stericycle hereby waives hearing in this matter.”
Am. Pet. at 17 (¶66). In an order dated February 21, 2008, the Board accepted Stericycle’s
amended petition and directed the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Agency) to file its
recommendation by April 7, 2008.
On April 14, 2008, the Agency filed its recommendation (Rec.) to Stericycle’s amended
petition. In its recommendation the Agency “requests that the adjusted standard sought by
Stericycle be approved.” Rec. at 3. The Agency further states that it bases this recommendation
on the fact that the scale at Stericycle’s Sturtevant facility satisfies the requirement of the Illinois
Weights and Measures Act.
Id
. at 4. Consequently, the Agency recommends that, “[i]f at some
future time the State of Wisconsin’s weights and measures standards are amended so that the
weighing device at the Sturtevant facility no longer meets the standards set forth in the Illinois
Weights and Measures Act, Stericycle must continue to comply with Illinois law.”
Id
.
In an order dated June 4, 2008, the hearing officer directed Stericycle to obtain
certificates of conformance for the scales located at its Sturtevant facility on which it intends to
rely for weighing PIMW under its requested adjusted standard. The order further directed
Stericycle to file those certificates with the Board’s Clerk within 14 days. On June 12, 2008,
Stericycle timely filed Certificates of Conformance for three scales operated at its Sturtevant
facility.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
Stericycle was founded in 1989 and maintains its corporate headquarters in Bannockburn,
Illinois. Am. Pet. at 2 (¶¶1, 2). Since 1997, Stericycle has operated a PIMW transfer station at
3801 South Laramie Street, Cicero, Cook County, where the station occupies an area 40 feet by
55 feet within a 9.27 acre parcel.
Id
. at 1, 2 (¶¶2, 10). Stericycle employs approximately 23
persons at the Site.
Id
. at 3 (¶11). The Agency has issued the transfer station permit number
1997-264-DE/OP and on September 21, 2005 issued supplemental permit number 2005-182-SP.
1
In its original petition, Stericycle requested an adjusted standard from authorities including
Condition 15 of Permit No. 1997-264-DE/OP, Supplemental Permit No. 2005-182-SP. Pet. at 1,
11. In its amended petition, Stericycle no longer seeks an adjusted standard from this condition,
and the caption of its amended petition reflects this change in the relief requested from the
Board.
See
Am. Pet. at 1. Accordingly, the Board on its own motion amends the caption in this
proceeding, as reflected above.

4
Id
. at 3 (¶10);
see
Pet., Exh. C (supplemental permit). Waste Management has owned the
transfer station since the 1970s. Am. Pet. at 2 (¶2).
Stericycle “collects PIMW in sealed containers from approximately 8,000 individual
customer locations such as medical facilities, hospitals, clinics, veterinary hospitals, outpatient
surgery centers, dialysis centers and wound clinics across northern Illinois.” Am. Pet. at 3 (¶11).
After collection, Stericycle transports the sealed containers to the Site, where they are transferred
to another truck without being opened or otherwise compromised.
Id
. at 3 (¶¶12, 13). On a daily
basis, Stericycle transfers approximately 33,500 pounds of PIMW at the Site.
Id
. at 3 (¶12).
Stericycle weighs each truckload of PIMW as it arrives at the Site.
Id
. at 8 (¶32). The truck
scale there weighs in 200-pound increments.
Id
. Stericycle does not maintain information
regarding the base weights of transport vehicles.
Id
. Accordingly, the variability of vehicle
weights, amounts of fuel on a particular vehicle, and drivers’ weights can all affect the weight
data obtained at the Site.
Id
.
Stericycle ships most of the PIMW containers transferred at the Site along a specific day
or night route to its treatment facility in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. Am. Pet. at 3 (¶¶13, 19). The
Sturtevant facility treats PIMW with Electro-Thermal Destruction, after which the waste material
is no longer considered to be PIMW.
Id
. at 3-4 (¶13). Containers that are not shipped from the
Site to Sturtevant are shipped along a specific route to Stericycle’s facility in Clinton, Illinois,
which treats PIMW by incineration.
Id
. at 4 (¶¶14, 20). Both the Sturtevant and Clinton
facilities also accept PIMW in sealed containers from points other than the Site.
Id.
at 4 (¶15).
Specifically, those two facilities receive PIMW directly from generators in their service areas
and from other Stericycle transfer stations.
Id
. Stericycle typically transfers pathological and
trace chemotherapy PIMW to Clinton and all other PIMW to Sturtevant.
Id
.
Stericycle employs a system known as BioTrack to track waste from a generator through
the Site to a treatment facility. Am. Pet. at 4 (¶17). “The BioTrack system contains real-time
records of the PIMW picked up from each generator, including the name of the generator, the
time, the number of containers, the type of container, the driver and the route number.”
Id
. To
collect this data, drivers employ a PDT
2
, a device described by Stericycle as being “similar to a
UPS driver’s scanner.”
Id
. From its drivers, Stericycle daily downloads data, which is then
accessible from any Stericycle computer connected to the BioTrack system and is available to
generate daily reports.
Id
.;
see
Am. Pet., Exh. B (sample report).
Stericycle manually records the weight of each truck load of PIMW and maintains at the
Site a paper log indicating by route number the PIMW collected and designating the trailer to
which PIMW is transferred for shipment either to Sturtevant or Clinton. Am. Pet. at 5, 6 (¶¶21,
25). With these logs and its BioTrack data, “Stericycle tracks each container from the generator,
to the transport vehicle, to the vehicle onto which the PIMW is transferred and stored, to the
treatment and disposal facility.”
Id
. When PIMW arrives at Sturtevant or Clinton, Stericycle
weighs it again and enters into BioTrack data including generation and transportation
2
While Stericycle’s amended petition does not provide the specific meaning of the acronym
“PDT,” the Board considers the comparison to a scanning device instructive.

5
information.
Id.
(¶¶25, 26). These data reveal whether the PIMW was transferred from the Site
or another transfer facility, how it was treated, and its final disposition.
Id
. (¶26).
In addition, a manifest accompanies containers of PIMW from each generator. Am. Pet.
at 4 (¶17). When it collects PIMW from a generator, Stericycle “records the number, type, and
volume of the containers in cubic feet on the State of Illinois PIMW waste manifest.”
Id
. at 6
(¶24);
see id
., Exh. C (blank sample manifest). Stericycle determines the net weight of the
PIMW when it is processed at either the Sturtevant or Clinton treatment facility.
Id
. at 6 (¶24).
Stericycle uses the net weight determined there to complete the manifest and determine the state
fee.
Id
.
Except in the case of an emergency or similar operating constraint, Stericycle does not
transport PIMW from the Site to facilities other than Sturtevant or Clinton. Am. Pet. at 4 (¶ 18).
In the event that Stericycle ships PIMW from the Site to another facility, “all Stericycle facilities
are connected to the BioTrack system and use the same procedures for electronically tracking
and recording all required information.”
Id
.
At the Site, Stericycle now uses a truck scale owned by Waste Management and certified
in Illinois under the Weights and Measures Act to weigh each truckload of PIMW received there.
Am. Pet. at 5, 9 (¶¶21, 41);
see
Am. Pet., Exh. G (scale calibration report). The scale measures
weight in 200-pound increments.
Id
. at 9 (¶41). Factors such as the amount of fuel on board and
the weight of the driver can cause some imprecision in the weight measurement system.
Id
. at 5
(¶21). Stericycle manually records the weight of each truckload of PIMW and maintains a daily
weight log at the Site.
Id
. (¶¶21, 22). Stericycle keeps this log for compliance with Illinois
regulations but does not use it either to bill customers or to determine transporter fees payable to
the State of Illinois.
Id
. (¶22, 23).
At both Sturtevant and Clinton, Stericycle owns and operates automatic scale systems
that weigh individual containers of PIMW. Am. Pet. at 6 (¶27). “The Sturtevant scale measures
the weight of each container of PIMW in increments of one-tenth of a pound.”
Id
. at 8 (¶33).
The Sturtevant scale “is calibrated twice per year at a minimum, is certified by the State of
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, and has a certificate of conformance pursuant to National
Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44.”
Id
. at 6-7 (¶27);
see
Am. Pet, Exh. D
(scale calibration report);
see also
Petition of Stericycle, Inc. for an Adjusted Standard from 35
Ill. Adm. Code 1422.111(b)(1), 1450.105(a), 1450.105(b), and 1450.200(e), AS 08-2 (June 12,
2008) (certificates of conformance). Both Illinois and Wisconsin regulations adopt the technical
requirements of Handbook 44 for commercial weighing and measuring devices.
Id
. (¶35), citing
8 Ill. Adm. Code 600.330, W
IS. ADMIN. CODE § ATCP 92.02(1);
see also
Am. Pet., Exh. F
(regulatory language). The Sturtevant scale is maintained by Kohler Scale, Inc., which “is
certified by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Weights and Measures, for
registration of weighing devices.” Am. Pet. at 7 (¶28);
see
Am. Pet., Exh. E (certificate of
registration issued to Kohler Scale, Inc.). As required by its Wisconsin permit, Stericycle weighs
each container of PIMW at Sturtevant on its state-certified scale. Am. Pet. at 7 (¶28). Stericycle
uses data from the Sturtevant scale system to bill its customers and to determine transporter fees
due to the State of Illinois.
Id
. (¶29). Stericycle also performs regular calibration of the scale at

 
6
the Clinton facility, which “is obviously subject to the jurisdiction of the State of Illinois.”
Id
.
(¶27).
CURRENT APPLICABLE STANDARDS
Stericycle requests that the Board grant an adjusted standard from 35 Ill. Adm. Code
1422.111(b)(1), 1450.105(a), 1450.105(b), and 1450.200(e). Am Pet. at 1;
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code
104.406(a). Section 1422.111(b)(1) of the Board’s regulations, addressing the design and
operation of facilities for PIMW, provides that,
[i]n addition to the requirements listed in subsection (a) of this Section, storage
operations required to have a permit pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 1420.105 of
this Subtitle must also comply with the following requirements that the Agency
shall review during the permitting process:
1)
Storage operations shall weigh in pounds the amount of PIMW
received, unless previously weighed by the transporter. PIMW
must be weighed with a device for which certification has been
obtained under the Weights and Measures Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991,
ch. 147, pars. 101 et seq.) [225 ILCS 470]. 35 Ill. Adm. Code
1422.11(b)(1).
Section 1450.105 of the Agency’s regulations, addressing procedures for operation of the
PIMW waste transporter fee system, provides in its entirety that
a)
Although PIMW may be measured in other units, the transporter is
responsible for accurately weighing any load of PIMW in pounds.
b)
The PIMW shall be weighed with a device for which certification has been
obtained under the Weights and Measures Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch.
147, pars. 101 et seq.) [225 ILCS 470]. 35 Ill. Adm. Code 1450.105.
Section 1450.200(e) of the Agency’s regulations, addressing the daily PIMW report
among procedures for operation of the PIMW waste transporter fee system, provides in its
entirety that
[e]ntries on a Daily PIMW Report shall be made contemporaneously with the
receipt of each load unless the transporter uses a different method of recording the
required information which assures that required information can be entered on
the Daily PIMW Report by the end of each business day, in which case the
information must be entered in the Daily PIMW Report by the end of each
business day. When an alternative method of contemporaneous recording is used,
that record must be maintained in accordance with the records retention
provisions of Section 1450.103 of this Part. 35 Ill. Adm. Code 1450.200(e).
STERICYCLE’S PROPOSED ADJUSTED STANDARD

7
In its amended petition, Stericycle “requests an exemption from the requirements
that each load of PIMW be weighed with a device for which certification has been
obtained under the Weights and Measures Act.” Am. Pet. at 11 (¶47);
see
225 ILCS
470/1
et seq
. (2006). Specifically, Stericycle requests that the Board adopt as an order
the following language:
a.
At the Stericycle facility permitted by the Agency under Permit No. 1997-
264-DE/OP and Supplemental Permit No. 2005-182-SP issued on
September 21, 2005 (the "Stickney transfer station"), Stericycle shall
weigh in pounds the amount of PIMW received, unless 1) PIMW was
previously weighed by the transporter, or 2) the PIMW subsequently will
be weighed at a facility designed to treat PIMW to eliminate its infectious
potential.
b.
The PIMW shall be weighed with a device for which a certificate of
conformance has been obtained pursuant to National Institute of Standards
and Technology Handbook 44. The PIMW may be weighed on a device
outside the state of Illinois, provided the device conforms with the
standards set forth in this section.
c.
The Daily PIMW Report shall be maintained at the location where the
PIMW is weighed and at the transporter's corporate headquarters in
Illinois.
d.
The Daily PIMW report shall be made contemporaneously with the receipt
of each load at a facility designed to treat PIMW to eliminate its infectious
potential. If the Daily PIMW report is generated at a facility outside the
State of Illinois, the Daily PIMW report shall be transmitted electronically
to the Stickney transfer station and its corporate headquarters at the close
of each business day.
e.
The Daily PIMW report for the Stickney transfer station shall include all
information required by Ill. Admin. Code tit. 35 § 1450.200(c).
f.
It shall be a violation of the conditions of this Permit if a Daily PIMW
report cannot be produced by Stericycle within 24 hours of a request for
such information by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
g.
Stericycle shall apply separately for a permit amendment to Section 15 of
Permit No. 1997-264-DE/OP and Supplemental Permit No. 2005-182-SP
issued on September 21, 2005, to effectuate the above-described changes.
h.
Immediately upon adoption of Adjusted Standard Case Number AS 2008-
002, Stericycle may change the method for weighing and recording PIMW
shipments as described herein. Stericycle is hereby granted interim

 
8
authorization to operate pursuant to AS 2008-02 pending approval of the
permit amendment as described above. Am. Pet. at 11-12 (¶48).
Stericycle states that, if the Board lacks authority to grant interim authorization under the
requested subsection (h), the Stericycle requests that the Board disregard that proposed
subsection. Am. Pet. at 12 n.11.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
The regulations of general applicability at issue here do not specify a level of justification
required to qualify for an adjusted standard.
See
415 ILCS 5/28.1(c) (2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code
104.406(c);
see also
Am. Pet. at 3, 13 (¶¶9, 57). Accordingly, under Section 28.1(c) of the Act, a
petitioner must demonstrate that:
1)
factors relating to that petitioner are substantially and significantly
different from the factors relied upon by the Board in adopting the general
regulation applicable to that petitioner;
2)
the existence of those factors justifies an adjusted standard;
3)
the requested standard will not result in environmental or health effects
substantially and significantly more adverse than the effects considered by
the Board in adopting the rule of general applicability; and
4)
the adjusted standard is consistent with any applicable federal law. 415
ILCS 5/28.1(c) (2006);
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.426(a);
see also
Am.
Pet. at 13 (¶57).
Further, Section 28.1(a) of the Act provides that the Board may grant an adjusted
standard “for persons who can justify such an adjustment consistent with subsection (a) of
Section 27 of this Act.” 415 ILCS 5/28.1(a) (2006). Section 27(a) is a rulemaking provision that
requires the Board to “take into account,” among other things, “the technical feasibility and
economic reasonableness of measuring or reducing the particular type of pollution.” 415 ILCS
5/27(a) (2006).
SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT FACTORS
Stericycle refers to the Board’s rulemaking docket R91-20, in which the Board adopted
PIMW regulations in 1993. Am. Pet. at 13 (¶58), citing Potentially Infectious Medical Waste
(PIMW): Treatment, Storage, and Transfer Facilities and Transportation, Packaging, and
Labeling (35 Ill. Adm. Code 1420, 1421, and 1422, R91-20 (Dec. 3, 1992) (first-notice
proposal);
see also id.
(June 17, 1993) (final adoption of rules). Stericycle indicates that the
Board’s opinion adopting those regulations does not specifically address “the requirement that
PIMW be weighed on a scale certified by the State of Illinois.” Am. Pet. at 13 (¶58);
see
Potentially Infectious Medical Waste (PIMW): Treatment, Storage, and Transfer Facilities and
Transportation, Packaging, and Labeling (35 Ill. Adm. Code 1420, 1421, and 1422, R91-20, slip

9
op. at 28-32 (June 17, 1993) (analyzing Part 1422). However, Stericycle expresses the belief that
“the regulations were primarily concerned with ensuring the accurate and consistent weighing of
PIMW on an independently-certified weight measurement system and the accurate recording of
such data, which is important for waste tracking and fee determination purposes.” Am. Pet. at
13-14 (¶¶58, 59); citing Potentially Infectious Medical Waste (PIMW): Treatment, Storage, and
Transfer Facilities and Transportation, Packaging, and Labeling (35 Ill. Adm. Code 1420, 1421,
and 1422, R91-20, slip op. at 30 (June 17, 1993) (addressing standards for PIMW storage
operations). Stericycle claims that Section 1422.111(b) “prescribe[s] general design and
operating standards, most of which have nothing to do with weight measurement or recording.”
Am. Pet. at 14 (¶59);
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 1422.11(b).
Stericycle claims that the factors relating to it are substantially different from the factors
relied upon in adopting the generally applicable regulations. Am. Pet. at 14 (¶¶59, 61(l))).
Stericycle argues that it “has in place a full set of systems and controls necessary to comply with
all applicable rules and regulations – in spirit and in letter – yet is required to have an additional
step that is unnecessarily burdensome.”
Id.
at 17 (¶61(l));
see id
. (¶62). Stericycle further argues
that “[t]he rules did not contemplate a transporter being required to operate dual weight
measurement systems simply because it was transporting PIMW a short distance across the state
line.”
Id
. at 14 (¶61). Stericycle claims that “granting the adjusted standard will allow
significant cost savings to Stericycle with no threat to human health or the environment or
decrease in accuracy of waste tracking or fee generation information.”
Id
. at 17 (¶¶61(l), 63).
Stericycle makes a number of arguments in support of its position on this justification.
First, Stericycle states that the regulations require it to operate duplicative scales at the
Site and at the Sturtevant and Clinton treatment facilities. Am. Pet. at 14 (¶61). Stericycle
argues that the “time, effort, materials and manpower” necessary to operate these duplicative
systems place an unreasonable economic burden upon it.
Id
. (¶61(a)). Stericycle argues that its
existing BioTrack system tracks and records PIMW in a manner that at all times maintains
necessary information about the PIMW.
Id
. Stericycle further argues that weighing PIMW at
the Site where it is merely moved between trucks “does not generate any new or more precise
information.”
Id
. Stericycle states that the requested adjusted standard would reduce its
administrative costs without compromising the accuracy or completeness of its weight data or
posing any detriment to human health or the environment.
Id
. at 14-15 (¶61(a)).
Second, Stericycle reiterates that the scales at the Sturtevant and Clinton facilities are
more precise and less susceptible to human error than the truck scale at the Site. Am. Pet. at 15
(¶61(b)). Stericycle states that it does not use the truck scale at the Site either to bill its
customers or to determine fees payable to the State of Illinois.
Id
. Stericycle argues that “[t]he
rules of general applicability apply differently because they require Stericycle to operate and
maintain a system that is not essential for proper waste tracking and is not used for billing or
state fee purposes.”
Id
.
Third, Stericycle argues that requiring PIMW to be weighed at the Site on a scale
certified under Illinois law “does not protect human health or the environment, nor does it
provide any additional assurance of accurate weight measurement or recordkeeping for the

10
PIMW.” Am. Pet. at 15 (¶61(c)). Stericycle argues that the requirement intends instead to
ensure that the weight data obtained satisfy Illinois’ standards for accuracy. Am. Pet. at 15
(¶61(c)). Stericycle states that both Illinois and Wisconsin follow the same accuracy standards
by requiring scales to conform to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook
44.
Id.
;
see
8 Ill. Adm. Code 600.330, WIS. ADMIN. CODE § ATCP 92.02(1);
see also
Am. Pet.,
Exh. F (regulatory language). Stericycle claims that regulations in the 40 states that have
adopted Handbook 44 are “automatically updated” with any changes to the handbook so “that the
rules remain consistent within all 40 states at all times.” Am. Pet. at 15 (¶61(c)). Stericycle
suggests that the factors relating to it are substantially different than the factors relied upon in
adopting the generally applicable regulation because it seeks to use a weight measurement
system that, although situated in another state, is subject to the same technical standards.
See id
.
Fourth, Stericycle claims that Illinois adopted specific regulations to ensure that it
“collected proper fees pursuant to the Illinois Medical Waste Transporter Fee System.” Am. Pet.
at 15 (¶61(d)); citing 35 Ill. Adm. Code 1450.105(a), 1450.105(b). Stericycle restates that it does
not use weight data from the Site for the purpose of fee payment but instead uses the more
precise data from Sturtevant and Clinton. Am. Pet. at 15 (¶61(d)). Stericycle argues that the
factors relating to it are substantially different than the factors relied upon in adopting the
generally applicable regulation because it does not use weight data collected at the Site for
payment of fees.
Id
. Stericycle further argues that, because it uses the weight data from
Sturtevant and Clinton for both fees and billing, it “has an economic and regulatory incentive to
ensure the most precise and consistent collection of PIMW weight data is used . . . .”
Id
.
Fifth, Stericycle states that the generally applicable rules require the Site to keep a daily
PIMW report. Am. Pet. at 15 (¶61(e)). Stericycle restates that, although the Site generates a
daily report from the truck scale there, the treatment facility at Sturtevant can electronically
transfer weight data to the Site and to its corporate headquarters in Illinois.
Id
. Stericycle argues
that the factors relating to it are substantially different than the factors relied upon in adopting the
generally applicable regulation because the data from Sturtevant are more precise and accessible
than the manual log at the Site.
Id.
at 15-16. Stericycle stresses that, although it may be
generated in another state, “Illinois regulators have access to and can view Stericycle’s PIMW
weight information without traveling outside the State of Illinois.”
Id
. at 16.
Sixth, Stericycle argues that, “in adopting the rules, it was apparently assumed that
transfer stations would transfer PIMW to other facilities in Illinois or to facilities not owned or
operated by the transporter or transfer station operator.” Am. Pet. at 16 (¶61(f)). Stericycle
claims that its interstate system of collection, transportation, and treatment enables it to track
containers of PIMW from generation to disposition without having to weigh it at the Site.
Id
.
Stericycle claims that “[t]he requirement that PIMW be weighed twice by different scales applies
differently to Stericycle than it would for a wholly intrastate operation or to transporters, transfer
stations and disposal facilities that operate independently.”
Id
.
Seventh, Stericycle states that the scale at the Site satisfies requirements to determine fees
and confirm weights on manifests received there. Am. Pet. at 16 (¶61(g)). Stericycle argues,
however, that “using the scale to weigh each contained of PIMW with the accuracy required for

11
fee generation and customer billing purposes is not practicable.”
Id
. Stericycle further argues
that the Site’s scale would not be as precise as measurements obtained at Sturtevant.
Id
.
Eighth, Stericycle argues that, because of the size of the Site, it does not believe that it is
possible to install a scale able to measure each container of PIMW precisely for billing and for
calculating fees. Am. Pet. at 16 (¶61(h)). Stericycle further argues that, even if it could install
such as system at the Site, it would duplicate the equipment already in place at Sturtevant and
would require capital costs estimated to be approximately $250,000.
Id
. In addition, Stericycle
claims that such a duplicate system would require Stericycle to weigh each container as it is
transferred from one vehicle to another at the Site and again at the treatment facility.
Id
. (¶61(i)).
Specifically, Stericycle states that, instead of unloading each incoming truck to a transfer vehicle,
“each container would have to be weighed on the scale before being transferred.”
Id
. (¶61(k)).
Stericycle further claims that “[t]his would create an additional and unnecessary step into the
transportation process, decreasing the efficiency of the operation and the safety of human health
and the environment.”
Id
. (¶61(j)).
In its recommendation, the Agency states that it “is of the opinion that Stericycle has met
the level of justification necessary to obtain the adjusted standard that it is seeking.” Rec. at 3;
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406(h).
Stericycle states that, by maintaining duplicate weight recording systems, it complies
with the regulation from which it seeks an adjusted standard. Am. Pet at 9 (¶¶39, 40).
Specifically, Stericycle states that it manually records the weight of each truckload of PIMW at
the Site.
Id
. (¶40). Stericycle claims that, although the scale at the Site is not as precise as those
at Sturtevant and Clinton, it complies with the regulations by providing an accurate weight of a
load of PIMW in pounds with a device certified under the Weights and Measures Act.
Id
. (¶41);
citing 35 Ill. Adm. Code 1450.105(a), 1450.105(b). Stericycle claims that it also complies with
the regulations by electronically and more precisely recording the weight of each container of
PIMW at the Sturtevant or Clinton facility.
Id
. (¶40, 41);
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 1450.105(a).
Because Stericycle uses these electronic weight data to determine customer billing and fees
payable to the State of Illinois, Stericycle claims that the Site does not require a scale that is
capable of weighing individual containers of PIMW.
Id
. (¶42). Stericycle states that “[t]he
weight information generated in Sturtevant (and Clinton) is transmitted daily to Stericycle’s
corporate headquarters in Illinois.”
Id
. (¶40).
Stericycle states that it measures and weights PIMW at Sturtevant and Clinton just as it
would if it transported the PIMW directly from the generator to the treatment facility. Am. Pet.
at 10 (¶43). Stericycle argues that “granting the Adjusted Standard will not make it any more or
less likely that there will be a leak or loss of PIMW during transportation, nor will it make it any
more or less likely that such a leak or loss will be promptly detected and remediated in
compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.”
Id
.
Stericycle claims that it would be “burdensome and time-consuming” to weigh each
truckload as it arrives at the Site and then re-weigh each truck there after it has been unloaded.
Am. Pet. at 10 (¶44). Although Stericycle acknowledges that this process may provide an
alternative for addressing the varying weights of fuel and drivers from truck to truck, it “does not

 
12
cure the problem necessitating this Adjusted Standard.”
Id
. Stericycle claims that it would still
need to re-weigh each load of PIMW upon arrival at either Sturtevant or Clinton in order to
obtain data for customer billing and state fees.
Id
.;
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406(e).
In addition, Stericycle argues that it “is not possible” to install at the Site a scale
equivalent to the system in place in Sturtevant. Am. Pet. at 10 (¶45). Stericycle claims that the
Site “is too small to allow the installation of such a system.”
Id
. Stericycle further claims that,
even if it could construct such a system, “it would be cost prohibitive.”
Id
. Stericycle estimates
the cost of constructing a loading and unloading dock and the installation of additional
equipment to be approximately $250,000.
Id
. Stericycle also estimates that the “costs of
operating such a system could be approximately $390,000 per year.”
Id
.
Addressing another alternative, Stericycle claims that “the cost and time to weigh each
individual container of PIMW at the generator pick-up location would also be prohibitive.” Am.
Pet. at 10 (¶46). Stericycle argues that this alternative would require it to operate a certified
scale at each of approximately 8,000 customer facilities or on each of its transport vehicles.
Id
.
Stericycle estimates that installation cost would be approximately $3,000 per scale and that
annual operating costs “could well exceed $390,000 per year.”
Id
. Stericycle claims that this
alterative would result in significant operating costs “for scale maintenance, for inefficiencies in
weighing each container at the time of pick-up; for training each driver to operate and accurately
operate the scale; and for other unanticipated costs.”
Id
.
Stericycle adds that it “will incur no additional costs to comply with the Adjusted
Standard.” Am. Pet. at 12 (¶49). Stericycle argues that, if it is no longer required to operate the
scale at the site, it will annually save approximately $42,000.
Id.
Stericycle claims that “[t]hese
savings include the costs to operate, certify and maintain the scale and the additional costs of
recordkeeping.”
Id
.
In its recommendation, the Agency states that Stericycle now complies with the
regulations by weighing each load of PIMW with the truck scale at the Site. Rec. at 2. Noting
that Stericycle seeks to forego weighing at the Site and replace it with weighing at either
Sturtevant or Clinton, the Agency states that “[t]he treatment facility weighing devices are much
more accurate and do not have to take into account the weight of the transporting truck.”
Id
. at
2-3. The Agency further states that the Site lacks space for the installation of the same type of
scale as used at the treatment facilities.
Id
. at 3;
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406(e).
IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Stericycle argues that, if the Board grants the adjusted standard, “[t]here will be no
qualitative or quantitative impact on human health and the environment,” and “it will not result
in any emission, discharges, or release of any constituent.” Am. Pet. at 12 (¶¶53, 54). Stericycle
further argues that, if granted an adjusted standard, it “will continue to operate its facilities in
Illinois and Wisconsin in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and
regulations so as to minimize the chance for release or discharge of any PIMW.”
Id
. (¶55).
Stericycle concludes by claiming that “[t]here will be no environmental impact if the adjusted
standard is granted.”
Id
. (¶52); see 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406(g).

 
13
In its recommendation, the Agency states that “[t]he regulations in question are
administrative requirements to weigh and record weights of PIMW at the transfer station. At no
time is the PIMW ever exposed to the environment. As such, adopting the proposed standard
will have no environmental impact.” Rec. at 3;
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406(g).
CONSISTENCY WITH FEDERAL LAW
Stericycle argues that “[t]he Board may grant the adjusted standard consistent with
federal law including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, the Underground Injection Control Program, the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA], and all federal regulations adopted pursuant
thereto.” Am. Pet. at 17 (¶64). Stericycle further argues that “[t]he Facility does not have any
air emissions or water discharges, and granting the adjusted standard will not impact air
emissions, water discharges, or public drinking water.”
Id
.;
see
Am. Pet. at 8 (¶36). In addition,
Stericycle states that the Site “is not subject to regulation under the Underground Injection
Control Program or RCRA.”
Id
. at 17 (¶64). Stericycle concludes by claiming that “[t]he
adjusted standard in consistent with federal law.”
Id
(¶65);
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406(i).
In its recommendation, the Agency states that it “is unaware of any inconsistencies that
the proposed adjusted standard would have with federal law.” Rec. at 3.
AGENCY RECOMMENDATION
In its recommendation, the Agency provides four reasons for its request that the Board
approve the adjusted standard sought by Stericycle. First, the Agency states that the weight
measurements obtained by the truck scale at the Site are less accurate than those obtained at the
facilities at Sturtevant and Clinton. Rec. at 3. Second, the Agency claims that adopting the
proposed adjusted standard will not adversely affect the environment.
Id
. at 4. Third, the
Agency indicates that it “has been informed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
that Stericycle has had no compliance issues with regard to weighing PIMW at its Sturtevant
facility.”
Id
. Fourth, the Agency claims that Illinois and Wisconsin have equivalent weights and
measures standards.
Id
.
The Agency notes that its recommendation relies on the fact that the weighing system at
the Sturtevant facility satisfies the Illinois Weights and Measures Act. Rec. at 4. The Agency
states that, “[i]f at some future time the State of Wisconsin’s weights and measures standards are
amended so that the weighing device at the Sturtevant facility no longer meets the standards set
forth in the Illinois Weights and Measures Act, Stericycle must continue to comply with Illinois
law.”
Id
.
BOARD DISCUSSION AND DETERMINATION
Board Authority

 
14
Stericycle’s Amended Petition
The Board previously directed Stericycle to “clarify its request for an adjusted standard to
identify only the Board-adopted regulations from which the Board can grant relief under the
Act.” Petition of Stericycle, Inc. for an Adjusted Standard from 35 Ill. Adm. Code
1422.111(b)(1), 1450.105(a), 1450.105(b), and 1450.200(e), AS 08-2, slip op. at 3 (Oct. 18,
2007), citing 415 ILCS 5/28.1(a) (2006); 35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406(a). In the same order, the
Board noted that the Agency had adopted Part 1450 of Illinois’ PIMW regulations. Petition of
Stericycle, Inc. for an Adjusted Standard from 35 Ill. Adm. Code 1422.111(b)(1), 1450.105(a),
1450.105(b), and 1450.200(e), AS 08-2, slip op. at 3 (Oct. 18, 2007), citing 415 ILCS 5/56.6(b)
(2006) (requiring Agency to establish fee collection procedures), 17 Ill. Reg. 20268 (effective
Nov. 15, 1993).
Stericycle claims that the Act provides the Board with authority to conduct proceedings
upon other petitions for review of final determinations which are made pursuant
to this Act or Board rule and which involve a subject which the Board is
authorized to regulate. The Board may also conduct other proceedings as may be
provided by this Act or any other statute or rule. Am. Pet. at 12 (¶56), citing 415
ILCS 5/5(d) (2006), 2 Ill. Adm. Code 2175.600(11).
Stericycle further claims that the Act provides that the Board’s authority to grant adjusted
standards “shall not be construed so as to affect or limit the authority of the Board to adopt,
amend or repeal regulations specific to individual persons, geographic areas or sites.” Am. Pet.
at 12 (¶56), citing 415 ILCS 5/28.1(h) (2006);
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.406(h).
Stericycle argues that the regulations adopted by the Agency and codified at 35 Ill. Adm.
Code 1450 “are final determinations made under the Act which involve subject that the Board is
authorized to regulate.” Am. Pet. at 13 (¶56). Stericycle further argues that both the Act and the
regulations provide the Board with “authority to grant an adjusted [] standard to rules of ‘general
applicability.’”
Id
., citing 415 ILCS 5/28.1 (2006);
see
35 Ill. Adm. Code 104.400
et seq
.
Stericycle also claims that “the Board is not restricted in its authority to adopt or amend
regulations specific to individual sites.” Am. Pet. at 13 (¶56). Stericycle concludes that “the
Board has the authority to grant the adjusted standard as requested.”
Id
. at 12, 13 (¶56).
However, Stericycle states that,
[i]f the Board finds that is it not within the Board’s authority to grant the adjusted
standard for all regulations set forth in this petition, Stericycle respectfully
requests that the Board grant the adjusted standard as to those regulations that are
within its power to grant, and deny this petition only with regard to the
regulations that the Board deems outside its authority.
Id
. at 13 (¶56).
Agency Recommendation
In its recommendation, the Agency does not specifically address the Board’s authority to
grant an adjusted standard from a regulation adopted by the Agency.
See generally
Rec. In

 
15
addressing Stericycle’s justification of its proposed adjusted standard, the Agency states that it
“is of the opinion that Stericycle has met the level of justification necessary to obtain the
adjusted standard that it is seeking.”
Id
. at 3.
Board Discussion and Conclusion
Section 5(d) of the Act confers upon the Board authority to conduct proceedings on a
number of bases, including “petitions for review of final determinations which are made pursuant
to this Act or Board rule and which involve a subject which the Board is authorized to regulate.”
415 ILCS 5/5(d) (2006). Stericycle claims that Agency regulations are final determinations
made pursuant to the Act and involving a subject the Board is authorized to regulate, thus
providing the Board with authority to grant an adjusted standard from the regulations adopted by
the Agency specified in its amended petition. However, this claim overlooks language in Section
5(d) specifically authorizing the Board to conduct proceedings on a petition for an adjusted
standard.
Id
. The Board reads this specific authorization in conjunction with the language of
Section 28.1, which implements that authority.
See
415 ILCS 5/5(d), 28.1 (2006).
Section 28.1(a) provides in pertinent part that, “
after adopting a regulation of general
applicability
, the Board may grant, in a subsequent adjudicatory determination, an adjusted
standard for persons who can justify such an adjustment . . .” 415 ILCS 5/28.1(a) (2006)
(emphasis added). The Board construes this language as allowing it to grant an adjusted standard
only from regulations that it has itself adopted. Neither Stericycle nor the Agency has cited
authority persuasively supporting the argument that the Board may grant relief from a regulation
adopted by the Agency. Accordingly, the Board declines to grant Stericycle’s petition for an
adjusted standard from Sections 1450.105(a), 1450.105(b), and 1450.200(e) of the Agency’s
PIMW transporter fee regulations (35 Ill. Adm. Code 1450.105(a), 1450.105(b), 1450.200(e)).
However, the Board proceeds below to determine whether Stericycle’s petition for an adjusted
standard from Section 1422.11(b)(1) of the Board’s PIMW regulations satisfies the standard of
review at Section 28.1(c) of the Act (415 ILCS 5/28.1(c) (2006)).
Substantially Different Factors
In adopting PIMW regulations, the Board contemplated that activities managing PIMW
might take place outside the State of Illinois. Addressing the scope and applicability of those
regulations, Section 1420.101 provides in its entirety that “[t]his Subtitle applies to all persons
who generate, transport, treat, store or dispose of potentially infectious medical waste. It sets
forth standards for such activities occurring in whole
or in part
within the State of Illinois.” 35
Ill. Adm. Code 1420.101 (emphasis added). The Board’s opinion adopting these regulations
clarifies “that part of any PIMW wastestream activity (
e.g.
, transporting) that takes place in
Illinois is subject to these regulations, even if some portion of the PIMW wastestream activity
(
e.g.
, disposal) does not.” Potentially Infectious Medical Waste (PIMW): Treatment, Storage,
and Transfer Facilities and Transportation, Packaging, and Labeling (35 Ill. Adm. Code 1420,
1421, and 1422, R91-20, slip op. at 19 (June 17, 1993).
However, that Board opinion does not specifically address the requirement in Section
1422.11(b)(1) that a storage operation must weigh PIMW it receives with a device certified

 
16
under the Weights and Measures Act, unless a transporter previously weighed it.
See
Potentially
Infectious Medical Waste (PIMW): Treatment, Storage, and Transfer Facilities and
Transportation, Packaging, and Labeling (35 Ill. Adm. Code 1420, 1421, and 1422, R91-20, slip
op. at 29-30 (June 17, 1993). Stericycle argues persuasively that, for purposes of both waste
tracking and PIMW fees, this requirement seeks to ensure that storage operations accurately and
consistently weigh PIMW on a certified scale. The requirement does not specifically address the
use of a weight-measurement system that, while located in another state, is subject to the same
technical standards for accuracy. It also does not specifically address an Illinois storage
operation relying upon this same out-of-state scale for the purpose of determining state PIMW
fees. The Board thus finds that the factors relating to Stericycle are substantially and
significantly different than the factors considered by the Board in adopting 35 Ill. Adm. Code
1422.111(b)(1). The Board further finds that this factor supports granting an adjusted standard
from that provision.
Efforts to Achieve Compliance and Alternatives
Stericycle weighs each truckload of PIMW at the Site on a scale certified under the
Weights and Measures Act. This weighing complies with the regulation from which Stericycle
seeks an adjusted standard. For the purposes of billing its customers and determining PIMW
fees, however, Stericycle relies on more precise electronic scales at its Sturtevant and Clinton
treatment facilities to weigh individual containers of PIMW. Consequently, Stericycle’s
operations at the Site do not require a scale capable of weighing individual containers of PIMW.
Stericycle suggests that it weighs truckloads of PIMW there solely to comply with the regulation
from which it seeks relief in this proceeding. Stericycle estimates that, if it no longer operates a
scale at the site, it would realize annual savings of approximately $42,000.
Stericycle acknowledges that it is possible to weigh each truckload arriving at the Site
and then re-weigh each truck after it has been unloaded. Stericycle states that, while this may
provide data more precise than simply weighing the fully-loaded truck, it would be time-
consuming and burdensome and would still require duplicative procedures and scales.
Furthermore, Stericycle relies upon more precise weight measurement systems at its Sturtevant
and Clinton treatment facilities.
Stericycle states that the Site is too small for the installation of a weight measurement
system equivalent to that at either Sturtevant or Clinton. Stericycle estimates that, even if it
could construct such as system there, construction and installation costs would be approximately
$250,000 and annual operating costs would be approximately $390,000.
Stericycle characterizes as “prohibitive” the cost of weighing each container of PIMW at
the generator’s location. This alternative would require Stericycle to operate a certified scale on
each of its vehicles or at each of approximately 8,000 customer facilities. Stericycle estimates
the cost of installing each scale would be approximately $3,000 and that annual operating costs
would be approximately $390,000.
The Board finds that the existence of substantially and significantly different factors
relating to Stericycle’s procedures and facilities justifies issuance of the requested adjusted

 
17
standard. While there are alternatives that would allow the Site both to comply with Section
1422.111(b)(1) and to provide weight data for the purposes of billing and fees, the Board finds
that those alternatives are not economically or practically feasible. Therefore, the Board finds
that this factor supports the granting of an adjusted standard.
Impact on the Environment
The Board is persuaded by the information provided by the parties that the requested
adjusted standard will not cause an impact on the environment substantially and significantly
more adverse than the effects considered by the Board in adopting 35 Ill. Adm. Code
1422.111(b)(1). Stericycle stated that granting the adjusted standard would result in no emission,
discharge, or release of any constituent and would have no effect on human health or the
environment.
Stericycle acknowledges that an undetected loss of PIMW may result in the threat of
human exposure to pathogens or other infectious material, contamination of soil or groundwater
by infectious materials, and litter. However, Stericycle’s PIMW tracking system allows
Stericycle to detect and report loss of PIMW. Specifically, the BioTrack system records the
number of containers collected from a generator and again when Stericycle weighs the containers
at the treatment facility in order to detect any discrepancies. Stericycle also visually inspects
containers during collection, transfer, and receipt at the treatment facility in order to detect any
leaks or losses.
Also in this regard, the Board notes that, in its recommendation, the Agency stated that
the regulation at issue is an administrative requirement to weigh PIMW at the Site. Because the
PIMW is not exposed to the environment there, states the Agency, granting the requested
adjusted standard would have no environmental impact. Accordingly, the Board finds that
Stericycle has demonstrated that the requested adjusted standard would not have a detrimental
environmental effect. The Board further finds that this factor supports granting an adjusted
standard from 35 Ill. Adm. Code 1422.111(b)(1).
Consistency with Federal Law
The Board is persuaded by the information provided by the parties that the requested
adjusted standard is consistent with federal law. Stericycle stated that operation of the Site does
not involve air emissions or discharges onto land or into water and suggested that the requested
adjusted standard would therefore be consistent with federal authorities including the Clean Air
Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and regulations adopted under them.
The Board also notes Stericycle’s statement that the Site is not regulated under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act or the underground injection control program. In its
recommendation, the Agency indicated that it is not aware of any way in which the proposed
adjusted standard would be inconsistent with federal law. Accordingly, the Board finds that
Stericycle has demonstrated that the requested adjusted standard is consistent with federal law.
The Board further finds that this factor supports granting an adjusted standard from 35 Ill. Adm.
Code 1422.111(b)(1).

 
18
CONCLUSION
The Board today finds that Stericycle has provided sufficient justification for an adjusted
standard from Section 1422.111(b)(1) of the Board’s PIMW regulations for the Site and
therefore grants Stericycle an adjusted standard from those regulations, subject to conditions. 35
Ill. Adm. Code 1422.111(b)(1). However, the Board declines to grant Stericycle’s petition for an
adjusted standard from PIMW transporter fee regulations adopted by the Agency. 35 Ill. Adm.
Code 1450.105(a), 1450.105(b), 1450.200(e). The Board finds that it lacks authority to do so
under Section 28.1 of the Act.
See
415 ILCS 5/28.1 (2006).
The relief from Section 1422.111(b)(1) granted by the Board below in its order differs in
four significant respects from that requested by Stericycle in its amended petition. First,
Stericycle requested that a Board order granting its requested adjusted standard include a
condition requiring Stericycle to apply for an amendment to Section 15 of its permit in order to
effectuate the adjusted standard. Am. Pet. at 11. Instead, the Board provides below that, upon
receipt of a complete application from Stericycle for a modification of Condition 15 of its permit,
the Agency shall modify that permit in a manner consistent with the terms of this order.
Second, Stericycle requested that a Board order granting its requested adjusted standard
include a condition that “[i]t shall be a violation of the conditions of this permit if a Daily PIMW
report cannot be produced by Stericycle within 24 hours of a request for such information by the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.” Am. Pet. at 11. Instead, the Board provides below
that, if Stericycle files an application for modification of its permit for the Site, the Agency may
add to that permit a condition requiring that Stericycle produce a Daily PIMW report within 24
hours of a request for such a report by the Agency.
Third, Stericycle requested that a Board order granting its adjusted standard include a
condition that, “[i]mmediately upon adoption of Adjusted Standard Case Number AS 2008-002,
Stericycle may change the method for weighing and recording PIMW shipments as described
herein. Stericycle is hereby granted interim authorization to operate pursuant to AS 2008-02
pending approval of the permit amendment as described above.” Am. Pet at 11-12. As the Act
confers upon the Board no specific authority to grant relief in the form of an “interim
authorization,” the Board at Stericycle’s request disregards this proposed condition.
See
Am.
Pet. at 12 n.11;
but see
415 ILCS 5/35 (2006) (variances and provisional variances).
Finally, the Board notes that the Agency premised its recommendation to grant the
requested adjusted standard
on the fact that Stericycle’s weighing device at its Sturtevant facility meets the
standards set forth in the Illinois Weights and Measures Act. If at some future
time, the State of Wisconsin’s weights and measures standards are amended so
that the weighing device at the Sturtevant facility no longer meets the standards
set forth in the Illinois Weights and Measures Ace, Stericycle must continue to
comply with Illinois law. Rec. at 4;
see
225 ILCS 470/1
et seq
. (2006).
The Agency’s recommendation is reflected in the conditions below in the Board’s order.

 
19
The Board grants relief from Section 1422.111(b)(1) as described in the order below.
This opinion constitutes the Board’s findings of fact and conclusions of law.
ORDER
Effective August 21, 2008, the Board grants Stericycle, Inc. (Stericycle) an adjusted
standard from 35 Ill. Adm. Code 1422.111(b)(1) for its transfer station located at 3801 South
Laramie Street, Cicero, Cook County, subject to the following conditions:
1.
At the Stericycle facility permitted by the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency under Permit No. 1997-264-DE/OP and Supplemental
Permit No. 2005-182-SP issued on September 21, 2005, also known as the
Stickney transfer station, Stericycle shall weigh in pounds the amount of
potentially infectious medical waste received unless (1) the potentially
infectious medical waste was previously weighed by the transporter, or (2)
the potentially infectious medical waste will subsequently be weighed at a
facility designed to treat potentially infectious medical waste to eliminate
its infectious potential.
2.
The potentially infectious medical waste shall be weighed with a device
for which a certificate of conformance has been obtained pursuant to
National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44. The
potentially infectious medical waste may be weighed on a device outside
the State of Illinois, provided that the device complies with the weights
and measures regulations of that other state and conforms to the
requirements set forth in the conditions of this adjusted standard.
3.
Upon receipt of a complete application from Stericycle for a modification
of Condition 15 of its Permit No. 1997-264-DE/OP and Supplemental
Permit No. 2005-182-SP issued on September 21, 2005, the Agency shall
modify that permit in a manner consistent with this order.
4.
If Stericycle files an application for modification of its permit for the Site,
the Agency may add to that permit a condition requiring that Stericycle
produce a Daily PIMW report within 24 hours of a request for such a
report by the Agency.
5.
If the State of Wisconsin amends its weights and measures standards so
that the weighing device at Stericycle’s Sturtevant PIMW treatment
facility no longer meets the standards in the Illinois Weights and Measures
Act, Stericycle is required to notify the Agency of the amended standard
and must then comply with the equivalent requirements of Illinois law. If
Stericycle files an application for modification of its permit for the Site,

20
the Agency may modify that permit in a manner consistent with the
language of this condition.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Section 41(a) of the Environmental Protection Act provides that final Board orders may
be appealed directly to the Illinois Appellate Court within 35 days after the Board serves the
order. 415 ILCS 5/41(a) (2006);
see also
35 Ill. Adm. Code 101.300(d)(2), 101.906, 102.706.
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 335 establishes filing requirements that apply when the Illinois
Appellate Court, by statute, directly reviews administrative orders. 172 Ill. 2d R. 335. The
Board’s procedural rules provide that motions for the Board to reconsider or modify its final
orders may be filed with the Board within 35 days after the order is received. 35 Ill. Adm. Code
101.520;
see also
35 Ill. Adm. Code 101.902, 102.700, 102.702.
I, John T. Therriault, Assistant Clerk of the Illinois Pollution Control Board, certify that
the Board adopted the above opinion and order on August 21, 2008, by a vote of 4-0.
___________________________________
John T. Therriault, Assistant Clerk
Illinois Pollution Control Board

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