 |
In the June 11, 2014, Federal Register (FR), the EPA published an Information Collection Request (updated in the October 14, 2014, FR) asking for public comment concerning the hazardous waste generator rules under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Specifically, the Agency asked that the comments address the following components of the generator rules:
- Pretransport requirements for both large (LQG) and small (SQG) quantity generators;
- Storage requirements in tanks, containment buildings, and drip pads;
- Air emissions standards requirements for LQGs (referenced in 40 CFR 265, Subparts AA and BB);
- Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for LQGs and SQGs; and
- Export requirements for LQGs and SQGs (i.e., notification of intent to export and annual reporting).
Attend the Characterizing Solid and Hazardous Waste Streams webinar on April 8 to learn compliant and cost-effective ways to manage your waste streams. Learn more.
Concurrently, in the fall 2014 Unified Regulatory Agenda, the EPA announced its intention to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) called the Hazardous Waste Improvements Rule.
Components of the Hazardous Waste Improvements Rule would include:
- Updating the RCRA biennial reporting and hazardous waste determination provisions to reflect current EPA guidance and instructions.
- Consolidating all of the hazardous waste generator regulations, where appropriate, in 40 CFR 262.
- Requiring LQGs and SQGs to include additional information on container labels to better communicate risks associated with its contents.
- Allowing generators to maintain their regulatory status even though, because of an episodic event, they temporarily moved into a higher regulatory status. This would allow episodic generators to follow streamlined requirements. This would affect smaller generators that occasionally generate a larger amount of hazardous waste or when a single entity is responsible for hazardous waste management at a number of very small sites.
- Updating the RCRA emergency preparedness and response regulations in order to fit with current emergency response infrastructure.
Characterizing Solid and Hazardous Waste Streams: How to Achieve Cost- Effective Management and RCRA Compliance
Our presenter will provide you with a clear understanding of the RCRA regulations, including the December 2014 changes. Register today!
According to EPA estimates, 67,288 businesses would be affected by this rule.
In the fall 2014 Unified Agenda, the EPA anticipated that an NPRM for the Hazardous Waste Improvements Rule would be published in January 2015. That did not happen. When we contacted an Agency official, we were told that the EPA is behind schedule on this and that it is now scheduled for publication in the summer (2015).