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By law the U.S. DOE was required to develop a permanent geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, and begin accepting waste for disposal on January 31, 1998. But after decades of investigations, design, engineering, and testing at a cost of $14 billion, the Yucca Mountain option appears to have died under overwhelming negative response from […]
Also, in less catastrophic conditions, a UST system that has been prepared for the risks posed by surface-level floodwater or rising groundwater can be brought back online relatively quickly. If the UST has been in a flood, the following actions, depending on site-specific conditions, are recommended: Do not assume everything is OK because water didn’t […]
What are the regulations for taping/protecting the ends of batteries when preparing them for shipment/disposal? There are no requirements under EPA‘s Universal Waste regulations for taping/protecting the ends of batteries when preparing them to be sent offsite as universal waste. However, a handler of universal wastes (which includes the generator) may manage broken or damaged […]
Even if you have insurance to cover repairs, bringing a damaged UST back up to code can be a lengthy process, particularly if the flooding is widespread and qualified UST contractors are in high demand. Furthermore, loss of product can lead to environmental pollution and the attendant remediation obligations and costs. If You are in […]
Although these options have worthwhile aspects in terms of safety and practicality, each is very expensive and has contamination and exposure risks over both the short and long term. Not to mention, the American public is adamant in rejecting any proposal that places nuclear waste near communities either via transportation or storage. In November 2009, […]
On-Site Storage On-site storage continues the status quo for isolating nuclear waste from the public and the environment. While electric power companies clearly oppose the continuation of on-site storage, which is costly and resource intensive, there are several real advantages. First, companies are able to closely monitor stored waste and provide security. Second, the waste […]
Although different used oil handlers may have specific requirements, the following requirements are common to all types of handlers. These requirements relate to storage and to cleaning up leaks and spills, as follows. Storage Label all containers and tanks as Used Oil. Keep containers and tanks in good condition. Don’t allow tanks to rust, leak, […]
Centralized storage sites would be used to consolidate nuclear waste that would be transported from the 121 facilities generating the waste for which DOE is responsible. The primary advantage of centralized storage is that it would allow DOE to take possession of the waste and terminate or at least, truncate the lawsuits the department is […]
Service stations must: Comply with EPA’s used oil management standards, Not mix used oil with any hazardous substance, and Accept used oil from Do-it-yourselfers (DIYs) and send it for recycling. Call the RCRA Hotline for complete details regarding this liability exemption. Some Help with Cleanup EPA recommends used oil handlers follow these cleanup practices: Maximize […]