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RCRA. More than 250 million metric tons of hazardous waste are produced each year. That’s more than a ton for every man, woman and child. Most comes from large manufacturers, refineries, factories and producers.
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RCRA • More than 250 million metric tons of hazardous waste are produced each year. • That’s more than a ton for every man, woman and child. • Most comes from large manufacturers, refineries, factories and producers. • Some comes from printers, laundries, photo labs, gas stations and other small facilities.
Managing Hazardous Waste • Treating, storing and getting rid of hazardous waste means different things to different people. • Owners of businesses-comply with Federal law. • Government official-ensure no harm to people or property. • Concerned citizen-want assurance that everyone handling HW knows what to do.
EPA and RCRA • Resource Conservation Recovery Act was established in 1976. • EPA has been developing specific requirements for handling HW to protect human health and the environment. • EPA gave us a Christmas tree! • OSHA, DOT and Coast Guard are also involved.
What Was It Like Before RCRA? • Rivers, lakes and streams polluted. • News stories everyday concerning random dumping.
The Main Players • Generators-companies that produce HW. • Transporters-move it from one place to another. • Waste Managers-treat, store and ultimately get rid of HW.
What Is Hazardous Waste? • Any solid, liquid or gas waste, which if not properly discarded would cause harm to human health or the environment. • Characteristics of HW: • Ignitable • Corrosive • Reactive • Toxic
Where does it come from? • EPA estimates that approximately 90-95% of HW is generated by large companies. • The other 5-10% is generated by small companies-known as small quantity generators or SQG’s.
Listed Wastes • Non-Specific Sources-”generics”- solvents, electroplating rinses, waste-water treatment sludges and other metal treating sludges. • Specific Sources-from specific industries-paint, lead, ink, petroleum, pesticides,etc. • Discarded commercial products-or not used for their intended purpose.
GENERATOR REQUIREMENTS • Bear principle responsibility for their waste and: • Determine hazardability. • Obtain EPA ID number. • Use HW Manifest. • Proper packaging. • Proper labeling. • Ensure proper disposal.
GENERATORS • Can treat and dispose on their site-96%. • Hire off-site managers-4%. • Must ensure companies have EPA authorization-waste managers and transporter.
Use of the Uniform Manifest • EPA form 870-22 tracks the waste from “Cradle to Grave”. • Passed from one person to the next in the chain. • The Manifest Identifies: • Type and quantity of waste. • The transporter. • TSD where waste is being shipped.
MANIFEST, continued • Generator must sign the manifest, ensure packaging and labeling meet DOT requirements, obtain transporters signature and supply at least six copies of the manifest.
Generator Must be Notified • In 35 days or call to find if where the waste is. • In 45 days or call the EPA.
Packaging and Labeling • HW must be properly packaged to ensure there is no significant release to the environment. Meet DOT requirements. • Containers must be properly labeled and placarded to identify what is being transported, where it came from and where it is going, and provide special handling instructions.
Storing Hazardous Waste • Generators of more than 2200 lbs.. In one month may accumulate and store any amount up to 90 days. • Storage requirements apply.
Storing, continued • Generators of 220-2200 pounds may store up to 2200 pounds on site for 180 days or 270 days if the waste is being shipped more than 270 miles.
TRANSPORTERS • Responsible for spills during transport. Must ensure wastes do not spread from the scene, notifying proper authorities and arranging for clean-up. • Must have EPA ID number. • Comply with manifest requirements. • Deliver the waste. • Ensure proper documentation.
Managing Hazardous Wastes • TSD’s are responsible for treating, storing and getting rid of the waste per Federal requirements. • General requirements” • EPA ID number. • Waste Analysis (waste analysis plan). • Permit to construct or operate. • Emergency Planning (contingency plan)
TSD’s continued • Manifest and Record Keeping. • Closure requirements.
Storage and Disposal • Tanks-above or under ground. • Concrete, Steel or Plastic. • Designed so it will not overflow. • If waste is fed continuously-it must have equipment to control flow and alarm for overflow. • Inspected regularly.
Land Disposal • Surface Impoundments • Landfills • Waste Piles • Land Treatment Units • Injection Wells
Incineration • Burning hazardous waste at high temperatures. • Must be designed, constructed and maintained so that it can remove all (99.99%) of the hazardous elements of the waste it is burning.
Liability Coverage • TSD’s - $ 1-2 million • Landfills - $ 3-6 million • Transporters - $ 5-7 million