Tag: EPA

Lamp Recycler Fined for PCB Violations

According to EPA, the facility is permitted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to manage and store PCB wastes. Separate permits allow the facility to recycle fluorescent lamps and ballasts, batteries, electronic wastes, and mercury devices. The facility also manages non-PCB ballasts, phosphorous powders, aerosol cans, and mercury-containing wastes. The company operates facilities in […]

14 Expert Tips for Responding to NOVs and Enforcement Orders

Have a procedure in place for responding to NOVs, enforcement orders, and other related issuances. Give a copy of an NOV or order to the person responsible for responding. If the alleged violation is significant, make sure to alert the proper management official. Immediately determine the validity of the NOV or order. Mark all documents […]

More on Used Oil Generator Requirements

Used Oil Handler Activities A generator’s used oil activities may subject the generator to the responsibilities of one or more other used oil handler categories. These requirements would be in addition to those required of generators. Other handler categories and the activities that would subject the generator to these additional requirements are: Transporters. Generators who […]

The golden rules for construction stormwater management

Sediment is usually the main pollutant of concern; according to the EPA, sediment runoff rates from construction sites are typically 10 to 20 times greater than the rates from agricultural lands, and 1,000 to 2,000 times greater than those of forest lands. In fact, during a short period of time, construction sites can contribute more […]

Are You a Used Oil Generator?

Storage Requirements The rules state that generators must not store used oil in units other than tanks, containers, or units regulated under 40 CFR 264 or 40 CFR 265 (40 CFR 279.22(a)). (Tanks include both aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs)). According to EPA, this does not mean that the ASTs or […]

SO2 NAAQS: What’s Next?

By Timothy P. Fagan, BLR Air Expert tfagan@blr.com How were nonattainment designations determined? Once the NAAQS was set in 2010, EPA and state agencies worked together using monitoring data to determine what areas should be designated nonattainment and establish the area’s boundaries.  The newly designated nonattainment areas were designated as such because each had air […]

E-Learning Makes Training Easy

In some cases, EPA specifies general types of training (e.g., classroom or hands-on) and time frames for refresher training but leaves the duration of training and choice of training materials up to facility managers. For example, EPA requires hazardous waste large quantity generators and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to provide classroom instruction or on-the-job […]

EPA/Corps’ U.S. Waters Guidance Still on Hold

As used in rulemaking, the phrase “waters of the United States” most often refers to waters subject to CWA Section 404 dredge and fill permitting as implemented by the Corps and subject to EPA approval.  But in the draft guidance, the agencies make it clear that the phrase extends to other major programs administered under […]

EPA and SPCC Plan Amendments

Discharges and Releases EPA may require the facility to amend its SPCC plan to adequately prevent and contain future oil discharges and releases. A regulated facility must notify the EPA regional administrator within 60 days if it has: Discharged more than 1,000 gallons (gal) of oil in a single event; or Experienced two spills of […]

Listed Waste FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about EPA’s listed hazardous wastes. Acute Hazardous Wastes Q. What RCRA hazardous wastes are classified as "acute" hazardous wastes? A. Hazardous wastes listed in accordance with the criteria in 40 CFR 261.11(a)(2) are designated as "acute" hazardous wastes. Acute hazardous wastes are assigned the hazard code (H) (40 CFR […]