Fees Increasing in Alabama: What Manufacturing EHS Teams Should Know
Posted: July 16th, 2026
Author: Michael Harris
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has proposed a broad round of fee increases that can impact facilities in Alabama and their 2026–2027 budget planning. Across most fee schedules, permit, certification, and review costs would rise by roughly 25%. Additionally, several previously free services would carry new fees, and an annual inflation-based adjustment would be built in for future years. The proposal also creates a new chapter introducing a statewide solid waste disposal fee for generators at solid waste management facilities, provides provisions for underground storage tank regulation fees, and charges a service fee for return payments.
What is ADEM proposing?
- An approximately 25% increase to most permit, certification, and review fees under Chapter 335-1-6 (Schedules A–E, G, and I). Schedules H (Brownfield Redevelopment and Voluntary Cleanup Program) and J (Environmental Covenants Fees) are unchanged.
- New fees for previously uncharged services, such as air permit application fees (per application), solid waste additive fees, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) non-exposure certifications.
- Two new fee schedules — Schedule F and K (see Table 1).
- A new Chapter 335-1-8 establishing a solid waste disposal fee, a $36 per tank/year underground storage tank (UST) regulation fee.
- Automatic annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments to most application fees beginning in 2028. The fees adjusted annually will be available on ADEM’s website.
Which media are affected by the proposed fee increase?
Core application fees in Rule 335-1-6-.04 apply across all media (Air, Water, and Waste – both hazardous and non-hazardous). It should be noted that the annual air emissions fees ($/ton) are not increasing as part of the proposed fee increase. Table 1 provides a list of each affected fee schedule and the affected media:
Table 1
ADEM Fee Schedule with Revision and Affected Media
| Fee Schedule | Media |
| Schedule A | Air Quality Permits |
| Schedule B | Coastal Use Permits, Statewide Water Quality Certifications, and Project Reviews |
| Schedule C | Hazardous Waste Permits |
| Schedule D | Water Permits |
| Schedule E | Solid Waste Permits/Registration |
| Schedule F (New) | NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit Authorization |
| Schedule G | Variances, Certifications and Licenses |
| Schedule I | Scrap Tire Program Permits/Registrations |
| Schedule K (New) | NPDES Sand and Gravel General Permit Authorization |
When would the fees take effect?
These changes are currently proposed and moving through the rulemaking process. The current schedule is:
Table 2
Timeline of Proposed Fee Increase
| Milestone | Date |
| Public comment period | May 20 – July 7, 2026 |
| Public hearing | July 7, 2026 |
| Environmental Management Commission (EMC) consideration | August 14, 2026 |
| Anticipated effective date (most fees) | October 15, 2026 |
| Solid waste disposal fee effective | January 1, 2027 |
The new solid waste disposal fee rises to $1.30 per ton (from $1.00) for municipal solid waste landfills, effective January 1, 2027.
What should facilities do now?
- Update compliance budgets and brief leadership on the ~25% increase and new fee categories that will impact future facility budget planning.
- Inventory upcoming renewals, modifications, and new construction activities to evaluate potentially submitting before October 15, 2026 to lock in current rates.
- Account for the new solid-waste disposal fees, per-outfall stormwater charges, and annual UST fee in forecasts.
How can ALL4 help?
ALL4’s team is tracking Alabama rulemakings as they develop and will provide updates to EHS professionals. We can assist with potential projects that are upcoming at your facility and provide guidance on how the proposed fee increase will affect your projects and which projects to accelerate. Reach out to your ALL4 Consultant for further news regarding the ADEM Fees increase or contact Michael Harris at 256.258.8358 or mharris@all4inc.com.
