RCRA - STORAGE/DISPOSAL > Details

Most colleges and universities do not themselves transport hazardous waste, treat hazardous waste, or operate a hazardous waste disposal facility. Accordingly, these aspects of the regulations governing these activities are not addressed in the EVC. More typically, your school generates, stores and sends hazardous waste off-site for disposal. The following grounds/vehicle maintenance operations and materials may invoke the hazardous waste generator storage and disposal regulations:

• Generation, and disposal of used parts cleaning solvent
• Generation, storage, and disposal of paint-gun cleaning solvent
• Generation, storage, and disposal of other solvents
• Generation, storage, and disposal of paint waste
• Generation, storage, and disposal of contaminated diesel fuel
• Generation and storage of drums with unknown contents

The storage and disposal of batteries and fluorescent lamps invoke the standards for universal waste management. A typical grounds/vehicle maintenance facility may also generate used oil from operating equipment that meets Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) definition of Used Oil and will have to be managed accordingly. The text that follows provides a description of the Federal storage and disposal requirements of hazardous waste, Universal Waste and Used Oil based on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Many states also have their own, sometimes more stringent, regulations.

In general, a hazardous waste is a solid waste that is not exempt from regulation as a hazardous waste and that is either "listed" as a hazardous waste (according to the provisions of 40 CFR 261.30 - 261.33) or is "characteristically" hazardous. In the latter case, one of the following must be true:

1. Ignitability. Liquid waste that has a flash point below 140 °F, and therefore has the "characteristic of ignitability" is a hazardous wasted as defined in 40 CFR 261.21. The flash point is the temperature at which a material produces sufficient vapor to ignite in the presence of an ignition source such as an electrical spark or a lit match. The flash point refers to the temperature of the material itself, rather than to the temperature of the air around the material. Ignitable non-liquid waste is defined as a waste that is capable, under standard temperature and pressure, of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture or spontaneous chemical changes and, when ignited, burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard. Ignitable compressed gas is defined in 49 CFR 173.300 or by the test methods in 40 CFR 260.20 and 260.21; and oxidizers as defined in 40 CFR 173.151 are characteristically ignitable.
2. Corrosivity. Aqueous waste that has a pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5, meets the definition of "characteristic of corrosivity" as defined in 40 CFR 261.22. A material with a pH below 2 is strongly acidic, while a material with a pH above 12.5 is strongly "basic." Materials with high pH values are also called alkaline or caustic. Liquid waste that corrodes steel at a rate greater than 6.35 mm (0.250 inch) per year are also defined as corrosive.
3. Reactivity. A waste is characterized as reactive if it exhibits the "characteristic of reactivity" as defined in 40 CFR 261.23. This includes waste that is normally unstable and undergoes violent change without detonating, waste that is capable of detonation or exploding, or waste that reacts violently or forms potentially explosive mixtures or toxic gases when mixed with water. It also includes any cyanide- or sulfide-bearing waste that can generate toxic gases when exposed to pH conditions between 2 and 12.5. Lastly, it encompasses forbidden explosives (49 CFR 173.51), Class A explosives (49 CFR 173.53) and Class B explosives (49 CFR 173.88).
4. Toxicity. This definition applies to a waste that, when subjected to a laboratory test called the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), has results that exceed any of the threshold values listed in 40 CFR 261.24. Such wastes are said to be "TCLP positive" and to have the "characteristic of toxicity."

Examples of constituents covered by the TCLP test include, but are not limited to:

• Arsenic
• Barium
• Benzene
• Cadmium
• Carbon tetrachloride
• Chlordane
• Chloroform
• Chromium
• Cresol
• 1,4-dichlorobenzene
• Endrin
• Hexachloroethane
• Lead
• Mercury
• Selenium
• Silver
• Tetrachloroethylene
• Vinyl chloride

For listed wastes, EPA developed four lists (i.e., "F," "K," "P," and "U" lists) covering different types of hazardous wastes, which are summarized as follows:

F-wastes are hazardous wastes from nonspecific sources, manufacturing process wastes produced from a variety of operations, hence "nonspecific sources." These include, but are not limited to: spent solvents, wastes from heat treating operations, dioxin wastes, wood preserving wastes, and sludges from wastewater treatment systems in petroleum refineries. (40 CFR 262.31)

K-listed wastes are hazardous wastes from specific industries and, in turn, specific sources. (40 CFR 262.32)

P-listed and U-listed wastes are hazardous wastes that are discarded commercial chemical products, off-specification species, container residues, and spill residues. P-listed wastes are acute hazardous wastes (i.e. they have extremely hazardous properties). U-listed wastes are chemical wastes that EPA found to meet several criteria, including having toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic characteristics. (40 CFR 261.33)

Generators may encounter problems with properly identifying their hazardous wastes as P or U listed wastes. Generators may determine that a waste has one or more chemicals found on the P and/or U lists and then assign the P or U listed waste code to the waste and manage it as such. For example, if a generator has a waste that is an unused mercury containing thermometer, even though it contains mercury, because "thermometer" does not appear on the P or U list, this is not a listed waste. This waste item, however, would likely be a hazardous waste for failing the TCLP test for mercury (D009); hence, it would be a characteristically hazardous waste. On the other hand, unused mercury in a glass jar labeled "mercury" is a listed hazardous waste, because "mercury" appears on the U-list.

Waste solvents and chemical solutions used for extractions, purifications, standards, etc. may also be classified as hazardous waste.

The Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous-waste regulations separate generators of hazardous waste into three categories based on the quantity generated, as follows:

• Conditionally exempt small-quantity generators (CESQGs) generate no more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous waste in a calendar month.
• Small-quantity generators (SQGs) generate 100 kilograms (220 pounds) to 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste in a calendar month.
• Large-quantity generators (LQGs) generate more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste in a calendar month.

Small-quantity generators are defined as "generators of greater than 100 kg but less than 1,000 kg in a calendar month." Requirements for "generators" always apply to LQGs but may not apply to SQGs or CESQGs. Generator status is based on the monthly total of all hazardous waste generated, not the quantity of each type of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste generator status is not averaged; rather, it is determined separately for each calendar month, based on the actual quantity of hazardous waste generated. In addition, total volume limits cannot be exceeded (e.g., small quantity generators may not store more than 6,000 kilograms of hazardous waste on site at any time).

SQGs and LQGs must mark containers used to store hazardous waste with the words "Hazardous Waste" and with the date on which hazardous waste was first placed in the container (40 CFR 262.34). State and local regulations may also address container labeling. For example, Massachusetts' regulations require container labels to include a description of the hazard.

Facilities must label, mark and placard containers of hazardous waste in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which are found in 49 CFR 172. For example, facilities must permanently mark each container of 110 gallons or less that is used for transportation of hazardous waste as follows:

A contract with a hazardous waste disposal contractor does not affect the responsibility of the generator to ensure compliance with the labeling, marking and placard requirements.

CESQG facilities are not required to use manifests. They are, however, required to ensure delivery of the hazardous waste to a permitted hazardous waste treatment or disposal facility, or to a facility that reuses, recycles or reclaims the hazardous waste (40 CFR 261.5(g)(3)). They should also obtain from hazardous waste contractors receipts that list the EPA or state identification numbers of the transporter and the facility to which the waste is to be taken. SQG and LQG facilities must consign hazardous waste only to transporters and hazardous-waste management facilities that have EPA identification numbers (40 CFR 262.12(c)). SQGs are excused from the manifest requirement under the following circumstances (40 CFR 262.20(e)):

• The hazardous waste is reclaimed under a contractual agreement.
• The agreement specifies the type of waste involved and the frequency of pickup.
• The agreement specifies that vehicles to be used to transport the waste to the recycling facility and to deliver regenerated material to the generator are owned and operated by the reclaimer.
• The generator maintains a copy of the reclamation agreement in its files for at least 3 years after termination of the agreement.

Limited quantities of hazardous waste can be stored at or near their point of generation, under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste. These storage areas are referred to as satellite accumulation areas. When a container of hazardous waste becomes full or when the allowable quantity of waste for a satellite accumulation area is reached, waste must be moved to a centralized storage area. These centralized storage areas are commonly referred to as less than 90 day or less than 180 day storage areas. The number of days signifies how long the waste can remain in the storage area. LQGs may store hazardous waste for up to 90 days, while SQGs can store hazardous waste for up to 180 days.

Although requirements may vary in some states, satellite accumulation includes hazardous waste stored at SQG and LQG facilities that meets the following criteria (40 CFR 262.34(c)):

• The hazardous waste is stored in containers at or near the point of generation.
• No more than 55 gallons of hazardous waste (or 1 quart of acutely hazardous waste) is stored at each generation point.
• While the facility is operating, the stored hazardous waste is under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste.
• Storage containers are in good condition and compatible with the waste (40 CFR 265.171, 265.172).
• Storage containers are kept closed except when waste is added or removed (40 CFR 265.173(a)).
• Storage containers are labeled with the words "Hazardous Waste" or with other words that identify the contents (40 CFR 262.34(c)(1)(ii)).

Once a container's volume limit is exceeded in a Satellite Accumulation Area, the container must be dated and shipped to a permitted hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facility (TSDF) within 90 days for large quantity generators (LQGs) or 180 days for small quantity generators (SQGs). For SQGs, the total volume of waste accumulated on-site may not exceed 6,000 kilograms (kg), and for CESQGs, the total volume may not exceed 10,000 kg.

The start date for storage of waste in the hazardous waste accumulation area is considered to be the date when the container is first used to store waste in the hazardous waste accumulation area. For wastes transferred to the hazardous waste accumulation area from, the date that waste is first placed in the container in the SAA is not critical; rather, the date that the volume limit for the SAA is exceeded is the important one with respect to the calculation of the 90 day or 180 day storage limit. For unknown wastes that may be undergoing analysis the start date is the date the material is identified as a waste, not when lab results are received. Containers must be shipped to a TSDF within the specified time limit regardless of whether or not the container is full.

Hazardous waste stored in containers (other requirements apply to hazardous waste in tanks) at a SQG or LQG facility that is not stored in a satellite accumulation area must comply with the following requirements:

• Storage containers must be in good condition and must be compatible with the waste (40 CFR 265.171, 265.172).
• Storage containers must be kept closed except when waste is added or removed (40 CFR 265.173(a)).
• Storage containers must not be opened, handled, or stored in a manner which may rupture the container or cause it to leak (40 CFR 265.173(b)).
• Areas where containers are stored must be inspected at least weekly for leaks and for deterioration caused by corrosion or other factors (40 CFR 265.174).
• A large-quantity generator facility may not store waste for more than 90 days without a hazardous waste facility permit, but there is no limit on quantity (40 CFR 262.34(a)).
• Without a hazardous waste facility permit, a small-quantity generator facility may not store hazardous waste for more than 180 days or in quantities exceeding 6,000 kilograms (13,200 pounds) (40 CFR 262.34(d)).
• If your school stores hazardous waste for longer than the allowed time period (i.e. 90 or 180 days), the Treatment, Storage and Disposal (TSD) Requirements of 40 CFR 264/265 must be met. These requirements include, but are not limited to: waste analysis, site security, inspection, record keeping, reporting, closure/post-closure, financial security and others. Links to these regulations can be found at the end of this EVC section.
• Containers holding ignitable or reactive waste must be located at least 50 feet from the facility's property line and the owner or operator must take precautions to prevent accidental ignition or reaction of ignitable or reactive waste (40 CFR 265.176 and 40 CFR 265.17). [This does not apply to SQGs.]
• Incompatible wastes and materials under certain conditions specified by RCRA, may be mixed or commingled, but only providing that it does not: generate extreme heat or pressure, fire or explosion, or violent reaction; produce uncontrolled toxic mists, fumes, dusts, or gases in quantities that threaten human health; produce uncontrollable flammable fumes or gases that may pose a risk of fire or explosions; damage the structural integrity of the device or facility containing the waste; or through other means threaten human health or the environment (40 CFR 265.177, 40 CFR 265.17(b))
• Hazardous waste must not be placed in an unwashed container that previously held an incompatible waste or material (unless certain conditions are met) (40 CFR 265.177(b), 265.17(b))
• A storage container holding a hazardous waste that is incompatible with any waste or other materials stored nearby in other containers, piles, open tanks, or surface impoundments must be separated from the other materials or protected from them by means of a dike, berm, wall or other device (40 CFR 265.177(c))
• Hazardous waste must be managed in accordance with applicable air emissions standards for process vents; equipment leaks; and tanks, surface impoundments, and containers specified in subparts AA, BB, and CC of 40 CFR 265 (40 CFR 265.178). [This does not apply to SQGs.]
• Containers of hazardous waste must be clearly labeled with the words "Hazardous Waste" (40 CFR 262.34(a)(3)).
• Each container must be clearly and visibly marked with the date when hazardous waste was first placed in the container (40 CFR 262.34(a)(2)).
• A large-quantity-generator facility must have a preparedness, prevention and contingency plan (PPC plan) that covers hazardous waste management (40 CFR 262.34(a)(4), 265.51). Although this requirement does not apply to small-quantity-generator facilities, SQGs must comply with the preparedness and prevention requirements of 40 CFR 265, Subpart C. Preparation and maintenance of a written plan is desirable to facilitate compliance with the preparedness and prevention requirements.
• The facility must have a formal training program for personnel responsible for managing hazardous waste (40 CFR 262.34(a)(4), 265.16). [This does not apply to SQGs. However, SQGs still have obligations under 40 CFR 262.34(d)(5) for having an emergency coordinator on premises or on call, posting response information next to the telephone, and ensuring that all employees are familiar with waste handling and emergency procedures.]

CESQG facilities may not store more than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste for more than 180 days without a hazardous waste facility permit (40 CFR 261.5(g)(2)). The hazardous waste regulations contain no requirements for CESQG facilities storing hazardous waste in a quantity less than 1,000 kilograms (no maximum time limit for storage) or for a period less than 180 days.

RCRA regulates tanks that store hazardous waste, whether the tanks are "new," "existing," aboveground, or underground. New tanks are defined as those that started holding hazardous waste after the effective date of the July 14, 1986 rule. (New tanks include reinstalled and replacement tank systems or components.) A school or university that stores hazardous waste in tanks must meet applicable requirements for installation/operation/inspection, integrity, secondary containment, hazardous waste release responses, and closure/post-closure care of tank systems, all of which are summarized below. The following requirements apply to hazardous waste storage tanks owned/operated by LQGs; SQGs are only required to comply with the hazardous waste storage tank requirements under 40 CFR 265.201, which are described in the next section.

Existing tank systems without adequate secondary containment (see 40 CFR 265.193) (those in existence on or before July 14, 1986) must have been assessed for leakage and overall fitness for use by January 12, 1988; and for tanks that store materials that become hazardous waste after July 14, 1986, must have been assessed within 12 months from the date the tank became regulated. Integrity assessments must consider the original design standards, the age of the unit, corrosion protection measures in place, compatibility of the tank with hazardous waste involved, and results of leak tests or inspections. Assessment results must be certified by an independent, qualified, Professional Engineer (PE) and maintained by the owner/operator of the hazardous waste tank system. (40 CFR 262.34(a)(1)(ii), 265.191)

New tank system design and installation requirements include specifications for: the foundation, structural support, and corrosion protection to prevent collapse, rupture, or failure of the tank. The tank's owner/operator must submit to EPA a written design assessment that has been reviewed and certified by an independent, qualified, PE; this assessment must be kept on site. (40 CFR 265.192)

Each tank must also be inspected prior to use by an independent, qualified inspection expert to ensure that no damage occurred to the integrity of the tank system during its installation. Any damage found to have occurred must be corrected prior to operating the tank system. (40 CFR 265.192)

Hazardous waste tanks systems must also be periodically inspected to verify that they are operated and maintained in a satisfactory condition, and to identify leaks, deterioration, corrosion, or structural fatigue in any portion of the tank system. Documentation of all tank inspections should be kept by the facility. The frequency for conducting these inspections depends on the portion of the tank being inspected and whether the tank has secondary containment. 40 CFR 265.195 contains the general inspection provisions for tanks.

New tank systems or components made wholly or partly of metal must be designed and installed with adequate corrosion protection (i.e., one of more of the following: construction materials that are corrosion-resistant, corrosion-resistant coating in combination with cathodic protection, electrical isolation devices). If the cathodic protection system is field-fabricated, it must be supervised by an independent corrosion expert. (40 CFR 265.192(f)).

Hazardous wastes or treatment reagents must not be placed in a tank system if they can cause any part of the system to fail (40 CFR 265.194), spill, or overflow. Options to prevent spills and overflows from the tank or secondary containment include: using check valves or high-level alarms and automatic feed cutoffs, and/or leaving sufficient freeboard in uncovered tanks to allow for overflow due to wave or wind action or precipitation.

All hazardous waste storage tanks must be provided with secondary containment and leak detection methods. New tanks must have secondary containment prior to being placed in service. Secondary containment for existing systems is to be phased in over time, according to the EPA schedule contained in 40 CFR 265.193(a). Secondary containment must be designed, installed, and operated so that no waste is released to surrounding soil, groundwater or surface water and be able to resist failure due to normal movement of surrounding soils (i.e., settlement, compression or uplift). Secondary containment devices may include an external liner, a vault, a double-walled tank, or an alternative equivalent device (subject to EPA approval). Leak detection systems that can detect a leak in either the primary or secondary containment structure are also required; these can be thermal conductivity sensors, electrical resistivity sensors, vapor detectors, or even daily visual inspections (where tanks and tank components are physically accessible) (40 CFR 265.193(c)). A technology-based or risk-based variance from secondary containment requirements may be obtained from EPA, in accordance with the provisions in 40 CFR 265.193(h). Tanks containing no free liquids that are situated inside a building with an impermeable floor and tanks, including sumps, that serve as part of a secondary containment system are automatically exempt from secondary containment and leak detection requirements (40 CFR 265.190(b)).

In the event of a leak of spill from a tank system, or if a tank is found unfit for use, the owner/operator of the tank system must carry out the following response actions (40 CFR 265.196):

• Stop the flow of waste into the tank and inspect the tank to determine the cause of the release

• Any remaining waste in the tank or secondary containment system must be removed within 24 hours or at the "earliest practicable time"

• Remove and properly dispose of any contaminated media

• Unless the release is less than one pound and is immediately cleaned up, notify the EPA Regional Administrator or National Response Center if required under 40 CFR 302 and submit a follow-up written report to the Regional Administrator within 30 days

• Repair and/or equip the tank with secondary containment in accordance with the specifications contained in 40 CFR 265.197 (Note: Major repairs must be certified by an independent, qualified, registered, PE and this certification must be sent to the EPA Regional Administrator.)

Owners/operators of tanks that are "clean closed," i.e., those tanks for which all waste residues, contaminated containment system components, contaminated soils, and contaminated structures and equipment are removed or decontaminated, have no post-closure responsibilities for such tanks, other than the general closure and financial responsibility requirements of 40 CFR 265, Subpart G and H.

If "clean closure" is not an option, EPA requires that the owner/operator have a plan developed and implemented for taking care of the remaining waste for a number of years after closure (i.e., a "post-closure plan"). Post-closure requirements are contained in the regulations for landfills in Subpart G and H and portions of Subpart N (40 CFR 265.197(b)).

SQGs are only required to comply with the hazardous waste storage tank requirements under 40 CFR 265.201, which include:

• Incompatible wastes and materials under certain conditions specified by RCRA, may be mixed or commingled, but only providing that it does not: generate extreme heat or pressure, fire or explosion, or violent reaction; produce uncontrolled toxic mists, fumes, dusts, or gases in quantities that threaten human health; produce uncontrollable flammable fumes or gases that may pose a risk of fire or explosions; damage the structural integrity of the device or facility containing the waste; or through other means threaten human health or the environment (40 CFR 265.201(b)(1), 265.17(b))
• Hazardous waste must not be placed in an unwashed container that previously held an incompatible waste or material (unless certain conditions are met) (40 CFR 265.201(b)(1), 265.17(b))
• Hazardous wastes or treatment reagents must not be placed in a tank if they could cause the tank or its inner liner to rupture, leak, corrode, or otherwise fail before the end of its intended life. (40 CFR 265.201(b)(2)
• Uncovered tanks must be operated to ensure at least 2 feet of freeboard, unless the tank is equipped with a containment structure (e.g., dike or trench), a drainage control system, or a diversion structure (e.g., standby tank) with a capacity that equals or exceeds the volume of the top 2 feet of the tank. (40 CFR 265.201(b)(3)
• For continuously fed tanks, the tank must be equipped with a means to stop the inflow (e.g., waste feed cut-off system or bypass system to a stand-by tank) (40 CFR 265.201(b)(4)
• Inspection must occur according to the following provisions and frequencies (40 CFR 265.201(c):
• Discharge control equipment: at least once each operating day
• Data gathered from monitoring equipment (e.g. pressure, temperature), at least once each operating day
• The level of the waste in the tank: at least once each operating day
• Construction materials of the tank: at least weekly, for corrosion and leaks
• Construction materials of, and the area immediately surrounding discharge confinement structures (e.g., dikes), at least weekly for erosion or obvious signs of leakage

• Upon closure of the facility, all hazardous waste must be removed from tanks, discharge control equipment, and discharge confinement structures (40 CFR 265.201(d))
• Ignitable or reactive waste must not be placed in a tank unless (40 CFR 265.201(d)(1)):
• The waste is treated, rendered or mixed before or immediately after placement in a tank so that the resulting waste, mixture or dissolution of material is no longer ignitable (according to the definition under 40 CFR 262.21 or 262.23) and the requirements of 40 CFR 265.17(b) (see above) are met; or
• It is stored or treated in a way that it is protected from materials or conditions that may cause the waste to ignite or react; or
• The tank is used solely for emergency purposes

• Facilities that treat or store ignitable or reactive waste in covered tanks must meet the buffer zone requirements for tanks contained in Tables 2-1 through 2-6 of the National Fire Protection Association's "Flammable and Combustible Liquid Code," (1977 or 1981), which are incorporated by reference.) (40 CFR 265.201(e)(2))
• Incompatible wastes and materials must not be placed in the same tank, or must not be placed in an unwashed tank which previously held an incompatible waste or material, unless the requirements of 40 CFR 265.17(b) (see above) are met. (40 CFR 265.201(f))

Facilities designated as SQGs storing hazardous waste must comply with the following "Preparedness and Prevention" requirements (40 CFR 262.34(d)(5)):

• At all times, at least one employee with responsibility for coordinating emergency response measures must be either at the facility or on call and able to reach the facility in a short time (40 CFR 262.34(d)(5)(i)). This employee is the "emergency coordinator."
• The following information must be posted next to telephones (40 CFR 262.34(d)(5)(ii)):

• All employees must be thoroughly familiar with the proper waste-handling and emergency-response procedures that are relevant to their responsibilities (40 CFR 262.34(d)(5)(iii)).
• The facility must have the following equipment, unless this equipment would not be needed to control the hazards posed by the waste at the facility (40 CFR 265.32):

• All equipment listed above must be tested and maintained as necessary to ensure that it will function properly in time of emergency (40 CFR 265.33).
• Personnel handling hazardous waste must have immediate access to an internal alarm or emergency communication device (40 CFR 265.34(a)). An employee working alone on the premises must have immediate access to a means of summoning external emergency assistance (40 CFR 265.34(b)).
• Aisle space must be maintained to allow the unobstructed movement of personnel, fire protection equipment, spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment to any area of facility operation in an emergency, unless aisle space is not needed for any of these purposes (40 CFR 265.35)
• To the extent warranted by type of hazardous waste handled at the facility and the potential need for emergency services, the generator must attempt to familiarize police, fire departments and emergency-response teams with facility operations and the wastes handled at the facility. They also must attempt to familiarize local hospitals with the properties of the waste and the injuries and illnesses that could result from fire, explosion or waste discharge at the facility (40 CFR 265.37).
• The emergency coordinator or a person designated by the emergency coordinator must:
• In the event of a fire, call the fire department or attempt to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher (40 CFR 262.34(d)(5)(iv)(A)).
• In the event of a spill, contain the flow of hazardous waste to the extent possible and clean up the waste and any contaminated materials or soil as soon as possible (40 CFR 262.34(d)(5)(iv)(B)).
• In the event of a fire, an explosion, a spill that has reached surface water, or any other release that could threaten the health of people outside the facility, immediately notify the National Response Center (NRC) at 800-424-8802. The following information must be provided: the name, address, and identification number of the generator; the type of incident and the date and time of the incident; the type and quantity of hazardous waste involved; a description of any injuries; the quantity of materials recovered and the disposition of the materials. (40 CFR 262.34(d)(5)(iv)(C))
  
  In addition, hazardous waste generators who experience a release of a "hazardous substance" under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) or an "extremely hazardous substance" under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), including hazardous waste streams that meet these definitions, must report such releases. Reportable quantities for hazardous substances are given in 40 CFR 302. Reportable quantities for extremely hazardous substances are given in 40 CFR Part 355, Parts A and B. Facilities must notify State Emergency Response Committees (SERC) and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) immediately of releases that go beyond the facility boundaries and provide subsequent written notification and/or follow up to the releases. For CERCLA and EPCRA releases that stay within the facility boundaries, then only the NRC must be notified (see previous paragraph).

In addition to complying with the Preparedness and Prevention requirements of 40 CFR 265, Subpart C, LQG facilities must meet the following requirements for contingency plans:

The facility must develop a contingency plan that is designed to minimize hazards to people and the environment from fires, explosions, and releases of hazardous waste or constituents of hazardous waste (40 CFR 262.34(a)(4), 265.51(a)).

The plan must be implemented whenever there is a fire, explosion or release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste consitituents which could threaten human health or the environment. (40 CFR 265.51(b))

The hazardous waste contingency plan must address the following elements (40 CFR 265.52):

• Actions facility must take to respond to fires, explosions, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water
• If a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan or another contingency plan has been prepared by the facility, then that plan only need be amended to incorporate the hazardous waste management provisions of this part.
• A description of the arrangements agreed to by local police departments, fire departments, hospitals, contractors, and State and local emergency response teams to coordinate emergency services
• Current names, addresses and phone numbers (home and office) of all persons qualified to act as emergency coordinator; primary and alternate emergency coordinators must be identified whenever more than one person is listed; others must be listed in order of which they will assume responsibility
• An up-to-date list of all emergency equipment at the facility and decontamination equipment (where this is required); including the location and a physical description of each item and an outline of its capabilities
• An evacuation plan for facility personnel where there is a possibility that evacuation could be necessary; including signals to be used to begin evacuation, evacuation routes, and alternate evacuation routes

Copies of the contingency plan and all revisions to the plan must be kept at the facility. In addition, copies of the contingency plan must be submitted to all local police, fire departments, hospitals, and emergency response teams that may be called upon to provide emergency services (40 CFR 265.53).

The plan must be reviewed and immediately amended if necessary whenever (40 CFR 265.54):

• The facility permit is revised
• The plan fails in an emergency
• The facility changes in a way that materially increases the potential for fires, explosions, or releases of hazardous wastes or hazardous waste constituents, or changes the response necessary in an emergency
• The list of emergency coordinators or the list of emergency equipment changes

At all times, there must be at least one employee either at the facility or on call (i.e., able to reach the facility in a short time) who has responsibility for coordinating all emergency response measures. This employee is the emergency coordinator. The emergency coordinator must be thoroughly familiar with all aspects of the facility's contingency plan, all operations and activities at the facility, the location and characteristics of waste stored or handled, the location of all records at the facility, and the facility layout. In addition, this person must have the authority to commit the resources needed to carry out the contingency plan. (40 CFR 265.55)

Procedures for alarm activation; released material characterization; assessment of the hazards of the material to either human health or the environment; if necessary, reporting to state or local agencies and the National Response Center; released material containment; monitoring leaks, pressure buildup, etc.; recovered waste management; and cleaning of emergency equipment prior to reuse. (40 CFR 265.56)

The facility must ensure that implementation of the contingency plan is fully noted in the operating log. (40 CFR 265.56)

All facilities that accumulate certain wastes, including batteries, mercury-containing equipment or lamps (e.g., fluorescent light bulbs) are subject to the universal waste management requirements in 40 CFR 273, which include:

• Following procedures for managing waste batteries in such a way that batteries showing evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage are stored in appropriate containers; the integrity of each battery cell is preserved during the following activities including, but not limited to: sorting, regenerating, and disassembly, and wastes resulting from regeneration/disassembly are properly characterized.
• Following procedures for storing waste lamps (whether they are intact or broken) in such a way that they are properly contained. The container(s) must be structurally sound, adequate to prevent breakage or, in the case of broken waste lamps, leakage; and compatible with the contents of the container.
• Labeling, as appropriate, the wastes: “Waste Batteries,” “Universal Waste-Batteries,” “Used Batteries,” ”Universal Waste-Mercury Thermostat(s),” “Waste Mercury Thermostat(s),” “Used Mercury Thermostat(s),” “Universal Waste-Lamp(s),” “Used Lamp(s),” “Universal Waste-Mercury-Containing Equipment,” “Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment,” or “Used Mercury-Containing Equipment.”
• Tracking the length of time universal waste accumulates, to ensure that the waste does not accumulate for more than one year (unless the facility can demonstrate that accumulating universal wastes for more than one year is necessary to facilitate proper recovery, treatment or disposal).
  
• Providing universal waste training to employees that covers responsibilities for universal waste handling and emergency procedures.
  
• Containing all universal waste releases and determining whether any released material is hazardous waste.

In addition, large quantity handlers of universal waste - those who accumulate 5,000 kg or more of universal waste at any given time - are required to notify the EPA of its universal waste management and retain records of all universal wastes shipped from and received by the facility. (Other wastes considered to be universal wastes include pesticides and mercury thermostats.) If spent batteries and mercury containing devices (e.g. thermostats), fluorescent lamps and waste pesticides are not managed as universal wastes, then these wastes must be managed according to applicable RCRA hazardous waste requirements.

EPA considers used oil as the following: any oil that was refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil and as a result of use is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities. EPA distinguishes between used oil and waste oil. For example, bottom waste generated from an oil storage tank cleanout or virgin oil spill residue may be contaminated with impurities, but because they have never been used, they do not meet the definition of used oil. Two other distinctions regarding used oil that you may encounter at your campus include mixtures of used oil with hazardous wastes, and solid wastes, both of which are further described below. Many states also have their own used oil regulations.

If the hazardous waste is listed, then the mixture of used oil and hazardous waste must be managed according to the hazardous waste rules. If the hazardous waste is characteristically hazardous, then two possibilities exist for managing the mixture of used oil and characteristically hazardous waste:

• If the hazardous waste is hazardous solely because it is ignitable and the resulting mixture is not ignitable, then the mixture can be managed as used oil. For example, used oil displaying toxicity characteristic for lead is mixed with an ignitable hazardous waste. Providing the mixture is no longer ignitable, this mixture may be managed as used oil. If the mixture is ignitable, then it must be managed as a hazardous waste and not as used oil.
  
• If the hazardous waste exhibits one or more characteristics of hazardous waste other than ignitability, the resultant mixture must not display any characteristics if it is going to be managed as used oil. For example, used oil displaying toxicity characteristic for lead is mixed with a hazardous waste that is characteristically reactive. In order for this mixture to be managed as used oil, it must be void of both the lead characteristic and the reactive characteristic.

Used oil mixed with solid waste or material contaminated with or containing used oil is regulated under the RCRA used oil regulation in 40 CFR 279. If the used oil has been properly drained or removed from the mixture; that is, there are no visible signs of free-flowing oil, then in almost all cases the solid waste is no longer subject to regulation as used oil. If, however, the solid waste is burned for energy recovery, then it is still subject to regulation as used oil. The drained used oil, of course, is regulated by 40 CFR 279.

Used oil containing less than 50 ppm of PCBs is subject to 40 CFR 279 provided that no dilution has occurred. Used oil with greater than or equal to 50 ppm is regulated under TSCA, 40 CFR 761.

While several types of exemptions from the used oil regulations exist (such as distillation and tank bottoms used for asphalt paving and roofing, crude oil pipelines, petroleum refineries) - they key exemption potentially applicable to a printing operation is the exemption for wastewater. Basically, any small spills, leaks, or drippings from machinery, pumps, and other similar equipment during normal operations that enter the wastewater treatment system during washing or draining is exempt from used oil management regulations; rather, it is regulated by the Clean Water Act. Used oil that might be recovered from wastewater, however, must be managed according to the used oil requirements in 40 CFR 279.

The RCRA requirements for storing used oil are straightforward, "borrowing" some requirements from the RCRA hazardous waste rules for container management. In short, the requirements for storing used oil are as follows:

• The used oil must be stored in tanks, containers or units subject to regulation under 40 CFR 264, 265, or 280. These may include aboveground tanks, underground tanks (USTs), or lined surface impoundments.
  
• Tanks or containers must be in good condition; meaning, free of any visible spills, leaks, structural damage or deterioration.
  
• Tanks, containers and fill pipes used to transfer used oil into USTs must be clearly labeled as "Used Oil," to prevent inadvertent mixing of used oil with hazardous waste or other materials.

There is no time or quantity limitation imposed on generators of used oil because, given that used oil is a marketable commodity, EPA is trying to provide an incentive for generators to send used oil out for recycling. If your operation generates used oil that is sent off-site for recovery, the transporter used to transport the used oil must have an EPA identification number.

Options for used oil disposition include: sending the used oil off-site to a facility authorized to process or re-refine the used oil; burning used oil as a fuel; marketing the used oil. Each is described below.

In most cases, a generator of used oil sends the used oil off-site to a facility permitted to handle the used oil (much like a hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF)). The generator must make sure the used oil is transported using a transporter that has an EPA identification number.

Used oil that meets the specification criteria in 40 CFR 279.11 is not regulated by the burner standards in 40 CFR 279. Off-specification used oil can be burned for energy recovery in only the following three devices: industrial furnaces (only 12 specific furnaces that are listed in 40 CFR 260.10), boilers that meet the criteria listed in 40 CFR 260.10, and permitted hazardous waste incinerators.

A used oil marketer is defined by EPA as one who either (1) directs a shipment of off-specification used oil from their facility to a used oil burner; or (2) first claims that used oil that is to be burned for energy recovery meets the used oil fuel specifications set forth in 40 CFR 279.11. In essence, then, there are off-specification used oil marketers and specification (or on-specification) used oil marketers and the requirements for the two vary.

If a used oil marketer has not already done so, it must obtain an EPA identification number by notifying the EPA of its used oil activity in a written letter that includes the marketer's name, the owner of the marketer, address of the marketer, name and phone number for a point of contact, and the type of used oil activity.

Off-specification used oil may only be shipped to a used oil burner who has an EPA identification number and who burns the used oil in approved industrial furnaces or boilers. The marketer of off-specification used oil must keep a record (e.g., log, invoice, manifest, bill of lading, etc.) of each shipment of used oil to a used oil burner that identifies the following:

• Name and address of transporter delivering the used oil to the burner
• Name and address of the burner who will receive the used oil
• EPA identification numbers of both the transporter and the burner
• Quantity of used oil shipped
• Date of shipment

On-specification used oil may be shipped to a regulated used oil burner, as well - providing the oil has been analyzed to demonstrate it's "on specification." The marketer of specification used oil must keep a record of each shipment of used oil to an on-specification used oil burner that identifies the following:

• Name and address of the facility receiving the used oil
• Quantity of used oil shipped
• Date of shipment
• Cross-reference to the record of used oil analysis or other information used to make the determination that the oil meets the specification

For the complete text of the regulations (40 CFR 261, 262, 264, 265, 273, 279, 302 and 355; and 49 CFR 172), click here: