Tag: Hazardous Waste

Highlights from OSWER Accomplishments 2013 Report

Highlights from OSWER Accomplishments 2013 Report The OSWER’s job is a big one encompassing diverse industries, practices and waste streams, as well as  state and local regulatory agencies, emergency response agencies and organizations, and the public. Overall, however, the goal is to protect the environment and the public from contamination, whether from a spill, leak […]

Gas Detection: Hydrogen Sulfide Hazards and Releases

Hydrogen sulfide, or sour gas, is a flammable, colorless gas that is toxic at extremely low concentrations. It is heavier than air, and may accumulate in low-lying areas. It smells like “rotten eggs” at low concentrations and causes workers to quickly lose their sense of smell. Hydrogen sulfide, or sour gas, is a flammable, colorless […]

Five Things to Remember About Haz Waste Piles

Five Things to Remember About Haz Waste Piles As noted yesterday, hazardous waste piles are considered land disposal units (LDUs) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are regulated under the RCRA at 40 CFR 264/265. Specific regulations pertaining to hazardous waste piles are covered in Subpart L and include the following five major aspects […]

Five Things to Remember About Haz Waste Surface Impoundments

Five Things to Remember About Haz Waste Surface Impoundments The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows land placement of hazardous waste in nine different types of land disposal units (LDUs), but has promulgated unit-specific standards for only four, two of which are surface impoundments and waste piles. These standards are covered in 40 CFR 264/265 Subpart […]

Post-Closure Requirements for Waste-In-Place TSDFs

Post-Closure Requirements for Waste-In-Place TSDFs When a TSDF cannot “clean close,” or completely decontaminate equipment, structures, and soils before closure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established specific post-closure requirements under 40 CFR Part 264/265, Subpart G. These requirements were developed for land disposal units (LDUs), such as landfills, land treatment units, and surface impoundments […]

Hazardous Waste: Permeation Factors and Decontamination Methods

Decontamination is a vital process for employees who handle hazardous wastes because it removes or neutralizes contaminants that have accumulated on personnel and equipment. Decontamination serves the following purposes: It protects workers from hazardous substances that may contaminate and eventually permeate the protective clothing, respiratory equipment, tools, vehicles, and other equipment used on-site. It protects […]