In a rare communication, the EPA is acknowledging the difficulty hazardous waste generators are having finding incineration capacity for their wastes. Both states and an industry trade association recently contacted EPA regarding the situation of the incineration treatment capabilities. Through an approach outlined below, EPA is reminding the regulated community of existing regulatory processes for requesting extensions to the accumulation time limit for hazardous wastes when needed. The memo makes it clear that more than one extension may be possible.
Veolia has been proactive in managing its storage capabilities at its treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) as well as ensuring adequate incineration capacity to minimize any impact to our customers. We will continue to work with our customers to provide uninterrupted waste management and disposal services and keep them in compliance. If you have any questions, please contact your Account Manager.
Introduction
EPA Headquarters issued a memo to the EPA regional offices and authorized state programs that implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) program in response to the backlog of hazardous waste awaiting processing at permitted incineration facilities across the United States. The memo lays out the existing regulatory options to address this urgent issue for various regulated entities that generate and manage hazardous waste, including both generators of hazardous waste and RCRA permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. The regulatory options can be used to extend waste accumulation and storage times when needed while continuing to ensure hazardous wastes are safely managed during this unusual circumstance.
Headquarters urges the EPA regional offices and authorized states to prioritize evaluating requests from the impacted regulated entities, and to work with them to ensure their requests contain all the necessary information to allow EPA regions and states to make informed and expeditious decisions.
Read the full memo here.