Category: Hazardous and Solid Waste

Train Derailments Highlight Issues with Train Safety and Toxic Waste Disposal

Over 2 months later, cleanup continues after a fiery February 3, 2023, train derailment in Ohio. At the time, Norfolk Southern reported that an unknown number of the 150 train cars had derailed, but 20 of the cars were listed as carrying hazardous materials. Five of the derailed cars were loaded with vinyl chloride, which […]

EPA Takes Charge of Ohio Train Derailment Cleanup

On February 21, 2023, the EPA announced it would take charge of the cleanup from a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that released hazardous chemicals into the environment. The Norfolk Southern train derailment occurred on February 3, 2023. The company reported that an unknown number of the 150 train cars had derailed, but 20 […]

Retail and Hospitality Industries Hit with Hazardous Waste Violations

For the last few years, many “big box” retailers have found themselves the subject of hazardous waste enforcement suits after California enforcement agencies conducted “dumpster dive” inspections to determine exactly what kind of waste is being disposed of by these companies. These retailers include Target Corp., Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Whole Foods Market California Inc., and […]

Ask the Expert: Waste Paint-Related Material Disposal

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at EHS Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking about the disposal process for waste paint-related materials. See what the experts had to say. Q: If my waste disposal destination processes waste paint-related material (liquid) […]

Hazardous Waste Management is More Than Manifests

The EPA recently announced a settlement with Siemens Industry, Inc., d/b/a Russelectric, a Siemens Business, a Delaware corporation, whereby the company agreed to pay a $121,546 penalty and has confirmed the facility is in compliance with state and federal hazardous waste management laws. The company, a power control system manufacturer in Hingham, Massachusetts, allegedly violated […]

Judge Rejects RCRA MPU Exemption

A recent decision by an EPA administrative law judge (ALJ) rejected an EPA argument of its interpretation of the Manufacturing Process Unit (MPU) exemption. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) governs the EPA’s authority to regulate the proper management of hazardous and nonhazardous solid waste.  The Act determines the boundary where the manufacturing process […]

Ask the Expert: Recordkeeping for Universal Waste Shipments

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at EHS Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking about the recordkeeping requirements for universal waste shipments. See what the experts had to say.  Q: What record keeping requirements are there for Universal Waste shipments? […]

Ask the Expert: Lead Removal and Disposal Methods

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at EHS Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking about lead removal and disposal methods. See what the experts had to say.   Q: What is the proper disposal method for cleaning materials used to wipe […]

Proposal Requires FRPs for Hazardous Substances

A recently proposed rule would require facilities located near navigable waters and storing hazardous substances above certain levels to submit Facility Response Plans (FRPs) for worst-case discharges and substantial threats of worst-case discharges of those hazardous substances. “As climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, planning and preparedness for these incidents […]

Superfund site

EPA Superfunding Announced

On December 20, 2021, the EPA announced it will utilize $1 billion from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to begin clearing the backlog of 49 Superfund sites and continue cleanup of other Superfund sites across the United States. Superfund Defined In 1980, Congress established the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), more commonly known […]