RCRA Hazardous Waste Regulations

The Requirements of 40 CFR 262.251 Maintenance and Operation of Facility for Preparedness, Prevention, and Emergency Procedures at Large Quantity Generator of Hazardous Waste

The Requirements of 40 CFR 262.251 Maintenance and Operation of Facility for Preparedness, Prevention, and Emergency Procedures at Large Quantity Generator of Hazardous Waste

Federal regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) at 40 CFR 262.17(a)(6) require a large quantity generator of hazardous waste (LQG) to comply with the preparedness, prevention, and emergency procedure standards of 40 CFR 262, subpart M. This article is the second in a series that looks closely at each of the sections in subpart M to clearly describe the responsibilities of a LQG.

The purpose of this article is to address the requirements of 40 CFR 262.251 Maintenance and operation of facility. (more…)
The Requirements of 40 CFR 262.250 Applicability of Preparedness, Prevention, and Emergency Procedures for Large Quantity Generator of Hazardous Waste

The Requirements of 40 CFR 262.250 Applicability of Preparedness, Prevention, and Emergency Procedures for Large Quantity Generator of Hazardous Waste

Federal regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) at 40 CFR 262.17(a)(6) require a large quantity generator of hazardous waste (LQG) to comply with the preparedness, prevention, and emergency procedure standards of 40 CFR 262, subpart M. This article is the first in a series that looks closely at each of the sections in subpart M to clearly describe the responsibilities of a LQG.

The purpose of this article is to address the requirements of 40 CFR 262.250 Applicability (of the preparedness, prevention, and emergency procedures for large quantity generators). (more…)
Off-Site Transportation of COVID-19 Waste

Off-Site Transportation of COVID-19 Waste

The COVID-19 public health emergency within the U.S. has created an unprecedented challenge for EHS professionals. One challenge: what to do with the waste generated during the testing for the coronavirus and the treatment of those with COVID-19? An earlier article (FAQ: Are wastes associated with COVID-19 a hazardous waste?) explained the status of this waste under Federal regulations of the USEPA and state regulations – primarily for its on-site management.

This article will address the regulatory requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), state environmental regulatory agencies, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT/PHMSA) for the off-site transportation of waste contaminated – or potentially contaminated – with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). (more…)

FAQ: Are wastes associated with COVID-19 a hazardous waste?

FAQ: Are wastes associated with COVID-19 a hazardous waste?

No.  Wastes such as used medical equipment or personal protective equipment contaminated with the coronavirus are not regulated as a hazardous waste under USEPA regulations.

Regulations codified under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) identify solid waste as a any discarded material not excluded by regulation.  The used medical equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), or COVID-19 test kits generated in connection with the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of persons infected – or suspected of being infected – with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) will be a solid waste.

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To meet the criteria of a hazardous waste, a solid waste must be one – or both – of the following according to USEPA regulations:

  • Identified on one of the lists of hazardous waste at 40 CFR 261, subpart D; i.e., a listed hazardous waste.
  • Display one of the characteristics of a hazardous waste identified at 261, subpart C; i.e., a characteristic hazardous waste.
Lists of hazardous waste:UN3291 Regulated Medical Waste
  • F001-F039 – Hazardous waste from non-specific sources.
  • K001-K181 – Hazardous waste from specific sources.
  • U001-U411 – Discarded commercial chemical products, off-specification species, container residues, and spill residues thereof (toxic).
  • P001-P205 – Discarded commercial chemical products, off-specification species, container residues, and spill residues thereof (acutely toxic).
Characteristics of hazardous waste:
  • D001 – Characteristic of Ignitability.  Liquid, solid, or gas that can self-ignite and burn vigorously or is capable of ignition at a temperature below a regulatory threshold.  It also includes oxidizers.
  • D002 – Characteristic of Corrosivity.  Liquid of low (acid) or high (alkaline) pH or liquid capable of corroding steel.
  • D003 – Characteristic of Reactivity.  Includes: waste that is unstable and readily undergoes violent change without detonation; waste that reacts violently with water; waste that emits toxic levels of cyanide or sulfide gas, waste that is capable of detonation.
  • D004-D043 – Characteristic of Toxicity. Waste that contains an identified toxin that is leachable from the waste and is above a regulatory threshold.

Contact me with any questions you may have about the generation, identification, management, and disposal of hazardous waste

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USEPA regulations do not define wastes as hazardous due to their infectious nature, including those contaminated by the novel coronavirus which causes COVID-19.  It is up to the generator of the waste to complete the hazardous waste determinationHowever, I can, with some confidence, write that it is unlikely a solid waste contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 will either be a listed hazardous waste or display a characteristic of a hazardous waste.

Non-hazardous solid waste – including waste contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 – is subject to state regulatory programs.  This includes states that lack RCRA authorization, e.g., Iowa, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.  State regulations for the management of medical waste vary between the states.  For example, not all states refer to this waste as medical waste, but I will for this article.  This website is a great place to start to determine the regulations of your state for the management of medical waste.
BioHazard red bag

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has helpful guidance for medical waste generated by healthcare facilities:

Medical waste (trash) coming from healthcare facilities treating COVID-2019 patients is no different than waste coming from facilities without COVID-19 patients. CDC’s guidance states that management of laundry, food service utensils, and medical waste should be performed in accordance with routine procedures. There is no evidence to suggest that facility waste needs any additional disinfection.

More guidance about environmental infection control is available in section 7 of CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed COVID-19 or Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings.

If you are a healthcare provider, medical facility, hospital, community-based testing site, or some other commercial or government facility generating a waste potentially contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, you should do the following regarding that waste:

  1. Conduct a documented hazardous waste determination.
  2. If a hazardous waste (unlikely), manage it according to USEPA and state regulations as a hazardous waste.  Be sure to inform the transporter and designated facility it may be contaminated with the coronavirus.
  3. If not a hazardous waste, research your state regulations to determine your cradle-to-grave responsibility for its on-site and off-site management as a medical waste.
  4. Follow CDC and OSHA guidelines to ensure worker protection.
  5. Comply with USDOT/PHMSA regulations for its off-site transportation as a Division 6.2 Infectious Substance.
  6. Keep records of all activities.
  7. Be safe.

Daniels Training Services, Inc.

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USEPA and most states do not regulate the wastes generated by a homeowner.  Even California does not currently regulate home-generated medical waste, with the exception of sharps (i.e., needles).  Therefore, household waste that has come in contact with someone who has COVID-19 should be managed with prudence but is not subject to regulation.  This fact sheet from the Illinois EPA contains information helpful to any homeowner for management of this waste and related items.

FAQ: Can a hazardous waste generator exceed their on-site accumulation volume limit due to the COVID-19 public health emergency?

FAQ: Can a hazardous waste generator exceed their on-site accumulation volume limit due to the COVID-19 public health emergency?

Yes.  USEPA allows for an exceedance of the hazardous waste generator volume threshold / limit if due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Pursuant to Federal USEPA regulations some generators of hazardous waste are limited to the volume of hazardous waste they may accumulate on-site at one time.  Generators that exceed this limit / threshold either lose their allowance to accumulate hazardous waste without a permit (SQG) or must comply with the regulations of the higher generator category (VSQG to SQG).  Those thresholds / limits:

  • Large quantity generator (LQG) has no volume threshold or limit.
  • Small quantity generator (SQG) may not exceed 6,000 kg (13,200 lb) of hazardous waste on-site at one time.
  • Very small quantity generator (VSQG) may not exceed 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) of hazardous waste on-site at one time.

Unlike the on-site accumulation time limit for hazardous waste accumulated by LQGs and SQGs, USEPA regulations do not provide for an exceedance to these volume thresholds / limits.

Not sure of your hazardous waste generator category?

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That has changed due to USEPA’s Temporary Enforcement Discretion Policy in Light of COVID-19.  Part I.D.4 reads (emphasis added):

If a facility is a generator of hazardous waste and, due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, is unable to transfer the waste off-site within the time periods required under RCRA to maintain its generator status, the facility should continue to properly label and store such waste and take the steps identified under Part I.A, above. If these steps are met, as an exercise of enforcement discretion, the EPA will treat such entities to be hazardous waste generators, and not treatment, storage and disposal facilities. In addition, as an exercise of enforcement discretion, the EPA will treat Very Small Quantity Generators and Small Quantity Generators as retaining that status, even if the amount of hazardous waste stored on site exceeds a regulatory volume threshold due to the generator’s inability to arrange for shipping of hazardous waste off of the generator’s site due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Note1:  The reference to Part I.A in the above quotation is to the General Conditions of the enforcement discretion which pretty much says:

  • Generators should make every effort to comply with their environmental compliance obligations, and;
  • If compliance is not reasonably practical, generators should act responsibly to minimize the effects and duration of the non-compliance, return to compliance ASAP, and document everything.

Please refer to this article if you are interested in the first part of the above quotation that refers to the enforcement discretion available for the on-site accumulation time limits of a LQG and SQG

USEPA’s temporary policy clearly allows for an enforcement discretion if a VSQG or SQG exceeds their on-site accumulation volume limit / threshold as long as other conditions of the policy are met.

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So, what’s a hazardous waste generator to do?

  1. Contact your regional USEPA (if you operate in a state lacking RCRA authorization) or your state environmental agency (if your state has RCRA authorization) to inform them you will – or have – exceeded your on-site accumulation volume threshold / limit.  This notification is not required by the regulations or the enforcement discretion, but I recommend you do it anyway.  Read: RCRA State Authorization
  2. Comply with all other Federal and state regulations applicable to your hazardous waste generator category to the best of your ability during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  3. Non-compliance with other regulatory requirements (e.g., weekly inspections) due to the COVID-19 public health emergency must be addressed separately.
  4. Document your activities and correspondence and maintain as a record.
  5. Return to compliance as soon as you are able.
FAQ: Can a hazardous waste generator receive an extension to their on-site accumulation time limits due to the COVID-19 public health emergency?

FAQ: Can a hazardous waste generator receive an extension to their on-site accumulation time limits due to the COVID-19 public health emergency?

Yes.  USEPA allows for an extension to accumulation time limits due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Pursuant to Federal USEPA regulations at 40 CFR 262.16(d) for a small quantity generator of hazardous waste (SQG) and §262.17(b) for a large quantity generator (LQG), an extension to the standard on-site accumulation time limit (180 or 270 days for a SQG, 90 days for a LQG) of up to 30 days may be granted by USEPA (or your state if it has an authorized hazardous waste program).  This extension may be granted if…

…hazardous wastes must remain on site for longer than 90 days (or 180 or 270 days for an SQG) due to unforeseen, temporary, and uncontrollable circumstances.  An extension of up to 30 days may be granted at the discretion of the Regional Administrator on a case-by-case basis.

I believe the current COVID-19 public health emergency qualifies for this extension.

Not sure of your hazardous waste generator category?

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Also, from USEPA’s Temporary Enforcement Discretion Policy in light of COVID-19.  Part I.D.4 reads:

If a facility is a generator of hazardous waste and, due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, is unable to transfer the waste off-site within the time periods required under RCRA to maintain its generator status, the facility should continue to properly label and store such waste and take the steps identified under Part I.A, above. If these steps are met, as an exercise of enforcement discretion, the EPA will treat such entities to be hazardous waste generators, and not treatment, storage and disposal facilities. In addition, as an exercise of enforcement discretion, the EPA will treat Very Small Quantity Generators and Small Quantity Generators as retaining that status, even if the amount of hazardous waste stored on site exceeds a regulatory volume threshold due to the generator’s inability to arrange for shipping of hazardous waste off of the generator’s site due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Note1:  The reference to Part I.A in the above quotation is to the General Conditions of the enforcement discretion which pretty much says:

  • Generators should make every effort to comply with their environmental compliance obligations, and;
  • If compliance is not reasonably practical, generators should act responsibly to minimize the effects and duration of the non-compliance, return to compliance ASAP, and document everything.

Note2:  The reference to amount of hazardous waste accumulated by a VSQG or SQG in the above quotation will be addressed in a separate article. 

USEPA’s temporary policy clearly allows for an enforcement discretion if an SQG or LQG exceeds their on-site accumulation time limits as long as other conditions of the policy are met.

The language on USEPA’s website of FAQ’s related to hazardous waste generators and COVID-19 are less clear than the above.  But there also it states that generators may request an extension to their on-site accumulation time limits from USEPA or their state as is allowed by §262.16(d) and §262.17(b).

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So, what’s a hazardous waste generator to do?

  1. Contact your regional USEPA (if you operate in a state lacking RCRA authorization) or your state environmental agency (if your state has RCRA authorization) to request an extension to the on-site accumulation time limit.  Read: RCRA State Authorization
  2. Comply with all other Federal and state regulations applicable to your hazardous waste to the best of your ability during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  3. Non-compliance with other regulatory requirements (e.g., weekly inspections) due to the COVID-19 public health emergency must be addressed separately.
  4. Document your activities and correspondence and maintain as a record.
  5. Return to compliance as soon as you are able.

California Paint Stewardship Program

The Bullet:

California’s Paint Stewardship Law requires the paint manufacturing industry to develop a financially sustainable and environmentally responsible program to manage post consumer architectural paint.  The program includes setting up convenient recycling locations throughout California where people and business can bring unused paint.

Who:
  • Paint manufacturers created PaintCare, a non-profit organization, to operate the paint stewardship program in California.
  • People bringing paint from their homes can bring as much latex or oil-based paint as the site is willing to accept.
  • Businesses (painting contractors and others) can use this program with the following restrictions:
    •  Any amount of latex paint the site is willing to accept.
    • Oil-based  paint is acceptable only from a business that generates no more than 100 kg (220 lb or about 20-30 gallons) of RCRA-hazardous waste per month.

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What:

PaintCare Products (accepted for free at drop-off sites):

  • Interior and exterior architectural paints: latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based, enamel (including textured coatings).
  • Deck coatings, floor paints (including elastomeric).
  • Primers, sealers, undercoaters.
  • Stains
  • Shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, urethanes (single component).
  • Waterproofing concrete/masonry/wood sealers and repellents (not tar or bitumen-based)
  • Metal coatings, rust preventatives.
  • Field and lawn paints.

Non-PaintCare Products (not accepted):

  • Leaking, unlabeled, and empty containers.
  • Containers of more than 5 gallons.
  • Paint thinners, mineral spirits, solvents.
  • Aerosol paints (spray cans).
    • These may be managed as a universal waste in California.
  • Auto and marine paints.
  • Art and craft paints.
  • Caulk, epoxies, glues, adhesives.
  • Paint additives, colorants, tints, resins.
  • Wood preservatives (containing pesticiedes)
  • Roof patch and repair.
  • Asphalt, tar, and bitumen-based products.
  • 2-component coatings.
  • Deck cleaners.
  • Traffic and road marking paints.
  • Industrial Maintenance (IM) coatings.
  • Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)(shop application) paints and finishes.
Where:

To find your nearest drop-off site, use PaintCare’s search tool at www.paintcare.org or call its hotline at 855.724.6809.

When:

No time restrictions.

Why:

PaintCare will ensure the unused paint is remixed into recycled paint, used as a fuel, made into other products or properly disposed.

Daniels Training Services, Inc.

815.821.1550

Info@DanielsTraining.com

https://www.danielstraining.com/

How:

Consumers pay fees for PaintCare Products at the time of purchase.  The fees are used to fund the collection and recycling of paint and the remainder of the Paint Stewardship Program in California.

Conclusion:

California is one of only eight states with a Paint Stewardship Program.  I encourage any person or business to take advantage of this free program.

The Requirements of 40 CFR 262.16(b)(8)(i) Maintenance and Operation of Facility for Small Quantity Generator of Hazardous Waste

Federal regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) mandate a small quantity generator of hazardous waste (SQG) take certain precautions to prepare for and prevent hazardous waste emergencies and to take certain measures if one were to occur. These regulations are found within the SQG conditions of exemption at 40 CFR 262.16:

  • 40 CFR 262.16(b)(8) Preparedness and prevention
  • 40 CFR 262.16(b)(9) Emergency procedures

This article is the first in a series that closely examines these regulations and attempts to make them understandable.

The purpose of this article: 40 CFR 262.16(b)(8)(i) Maintenance and operation of facility. (more…)

Arrangements with Local Authorities: Example Letter

EXAMPLE

 (Insert Company Letterhead)

 

 

Date

 

Name of Local Police Department / Fire Department / Other Emergency Response Team / Emergency Response Contractors or Suppliers / Local Hospitals / (if applicable) Local Emergency Planning Committee

Attn: Local Authority Contact

Street Address

City, State, Zip code

 

Dear Local Authority Contact:

This letter is written as a requirement of the Hazardous Waste Rules adopted by the State of Your State.  The purpose of this letter is to document arrangements to familiarize (Name of Local Authority) with the layout of the facility; types, quantities, and properties of hazardous waste handled at the facility and associated hazards; places where facility personnel would normally be working; entrances to roads inside the facility; possible evacuation routes; and the types of injuries or illnesses which could result from fires, explosions, or releases at the facility.

Name of Facility is located at Address of Facility. Name of the Facility engages in activities that make it subject to the preparedness, prevention, and emergency procedures of USEPA and Your State; these include:

  • Include a description of the activities/processes that occur at the site.

Hazardous waste is generated as a result of describe the process generating hazardous waste, and is accumulated at this facility. In accordance with select which applies: 40 CFR 262.16(b)(8)(vi) [for SQGs] or 40 CFR 262.256 [for LQGs], we are providing your facility with the following information:

  • A layout of the facility showing areas where hazardous waste is generated and accumulated, places where facility personnel would normally be working, entrances to roads inside the facility and possible evacuation routes. (Attach information)
  • A description of the types, quantities, and properties of hazardous waste handled at the facility and the associated hazards. (Attach information or describe here)
  • A description of the types of injuries or illnesses which could result from fires, explosions, or releases at the facility. (Attach information or describe here).

We are requesting that your facility provide the following services in the event of an emergency regarding hazardous waste generation and accumulation at the facility:

  • (Describe/Specify the requested Services) (Where more than one police or fire department might respond, facility must have agreements designating primary emergency authority to a specific police or fire department, and agreements with any others to provide support to the primary emergency authority)

If you do not agree with the arrangements, have questions, or need additional information please call me at Phone Number of Facility.

Sincerely,

 

Facility Contact Signature

Facility Contact Name

 

Comparison of New and Old Requirements in Generator Improvements Rule: Preparedness, Prevention, and Emergency Procedures for Large Quantity Generators

40 CFR 262, Subpart M - Preparedness, Prevention, and Emergency Procedures for Large Quantity Generators
New (262.250) ApplicabilityOld (265.30 and 265.50) Applicability
The regulations of this subpart apply to those areas of a large quantity generator where hazardous waste is generated or accumulated on site.The regulations in this subpart apply to owners and operators of all hazardous waste facilities, except as §265.1 provides otherwise.
New (262.251) Maintenance and operation of facilityOld (265.31) Maintenance and operation of facility
A large quantity generator must maintain and operate its facility to minimize the possibility of a fire, explosion, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water which could threaten human health or the environment.Facilities must be maintained and operated to minimize the possibility of a fire, explosion, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water which could threaten human health or the environment.
New (262.252) Required equipmentOld (265.32) Required equipment
All areas deemed applicable by §262.250 must be equipped with the items in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section (unless none of the hazards posed by waste handled at the facility could require a particular kind of equipment specified below or the actual hazardous waste generation or accumulation area does not lend itself for safety reasons to have a particular kind of equipment specified below). A large quantity generator may determine the most appropriate locations within its facility to locate equipment necessary to prepare for and respond to emergencies:

(a) An internal communications or alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility personnel;

(b) A device, such as a telephone (immediately available at the scene of operations) or a hand-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire departments, or state or local emergency response teams;

(c) Portable fire extinguishers, fire control equipment (including special extinguishing equipment, such as that using foam, inert gas, or dry chemicals), spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment; and

(d) Water at adequate volume and pressure to supply water hose streams, or foam producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems.
All facilities must be equipped with the following, unless none of the hazards posed by waste handled at the facility could require a particular kind of equipment specified below:

(a) An internal communications or alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility personnel;

(b) A device, such as a telephone (immediately available at the scene of operations) or a hand-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire departments, or State or local emergency response teams;

(c) Portable fire extinguishers, fire control equipment (including special extinguishing equipment, such as that using foam, inert gas, or dry chemicals), spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment; and

(d) Water at adequate volume and pressure to supply water hose streams, or foam producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems.
New (262.253) Testing and maintenance of equipmentOld (265.33) Testing and maintenance of equipment
All communications or alarm systems, fire protection equipment, spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment, where required, must be tested and maintained as necessary to assure its proper operation in time of emergency.All facility communications or alarm systems, fire protection equipment, spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment, where required, must be tested and maintained as necessary to assure its proper operation in time of emergency.
New (262.254) Access to communications or alarm systemOld (265.34) Access to communications or alarm system
(a) Whenever hazardous waste is being poured, mixed, spread, or otherwise handled, all personnel involved in the operation must have immediate access (e.g., direct or unimpeded access) to an internal alarm or emergency communication device, either directly or through visual or voice contact with another employee, unless such a device is not required under §262.252.

(b) In the event there is just one employee on the premises while the facility is operating, the employee must have immediate access (e.g., direct or unimpeded access) to a device, such as a telephone (immediately available at the scene of operation) or a hand-held two-way radio, capable of summoning external emergency assistance, unless such a device is not required under §262.252.
(a) Whenever hazardous waste is being poured, mixed, spread, or otherwise handled, all personnel involved in the operation must have immediate access to an internal alarm or emergency communication device, either directly or through visual or voice contact with another employee, unless such a device is not required under § 265.32.

(b) If there is ever just one employee on the premises while the facility is operating, he must have immediate access to a device, such as a telephone (immediately available at the scene of operation) or a hand-held two-way radio, capable of summoning external emergency assistance, unless such a device is not required under § 265.32.
New (262.255) Required aisle spaceOld (265.35) Required aisle space
The large quantity generator must maintain aisle space 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.The owner or operator must maintain aisle space 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.
New (262.256) Arrangements with local authoritiesOld (265.37) Arrangements with local authorities
(a) The large quantity generator must attempt to make arrangements with the local police department, fire department, other emergency response teams, emergency response contractors, equipment suppliers, and local hospitals, taking into account the types and quantities of hazardous wastes handled at the facility. Arrangements may be made with the Local Emergency Planning Committee, if it is determined to be the appropriate organization with which to make arrangements.

(1) A large quantity generator attempting to make arrangements with its local fire department must determine the potential need for the services of the local police department, other emergency response teams, emergency response contractors, equipment suppliers and local hospitals.

(2) As part of this coordination, the large quantity generator shall attempt to make arrangements, as necessary, to familiarize the above organizations
with the layout of the facility, the properties of the hazardous waste handled at the facility and associated hazards, places where personnel would normally be working, entrances to roads inside the facility, and possible evacuation routes as well as the types of injuries or illnesses which could result from fires, explosions, or releases at the facility.

(3) Where more than one police or fire department might respond to an emergency, the large quantity generator shall attempt to make arrangements designating primary emergency authority to a specific fire or police department, and arrangements with any others to provide support to the primary emergency authority.

(b) The large quantity generator shall maintain records documenting the arrangements with the local fire department as well as any other organization necessary to respond to an emergency. This documentation must include documentation in the operating record that either confirms such arrangements actively exist or, in cases where no arrangements exist, confirms that attempts to make such arrangements were made.

(c) A facility possessing 24-hour response capabilities may seek a waiver from the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) over the fire code within the facility's state or locality as far as needing to make arrangements with the local fire department as well as any other organization necessary to respond to an emergency, provided that the waiver is documented in the operating record.
(a) The owner or operator must attempt to make the following arrangements, as appropriate for the type of waste handled at his facility and the potential need for the services of these organizations:

(1) Arrangements to familiarize police, fire departments, and emergency response teams with the layout of the facility, properties of hazardous waste handled at the facility and associated hazards, places where facility personnel would normally be working, entrances to roads inside the facility, and possible evacuation routes;

(2) Where more than one police and fire department might respond to an emergency, agreements designating primary emergency authority to a specific police and a specific fire department, and agreements with any others to provide support to the primary emergency authority;

(3) Agreements with State emergency response teams, emergency response contractors, and equipment suppliers; and

(4) Arrangements to familiarize local hospitals with the properties of hazardous waste handled at the facility and the types of injuries or illnesses which could result from fires, explosions, or releases at the facility.

(b) Where State or local authorities decline to enter into such arrangements, the owner or operator must document the refusal in the operating record.
New (262.260) Purpose and implementation of contingency planOld (265.51) Purpose and implementation of contingency plan
(a) A large quantity generator must have a contingency plan for the facility. The contingency plan must be designed to minimize hazards to human health or the environment from fires, explosions, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water.

(b) The provisions of the plan must be carried out immediately whenever there is a fire, explosion, or release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents which could threaten human health or the environment.
(a) Each owner or operator must have a contingency plan for his facility. The contingency plan must be designed to minimize hazards to human health or the environment from fires, explosions, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water.

(b) The provisions of the plan must be carried out immediately whenever there is a fire, explosion, or release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents which could threaten human health or the environment.
New (262.261) Content of contingency planOld (265.52) Content of contingency plan
(a) The contingency plan must describe the actions facility personnel must take to comply with §§262.260 and 262.265 in response to fires, explosions, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water at the facility.

(b) If the generator has already prepared a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan in accordance with part 112 of this chapter, or some other emergency or contingency plan, it need only amend that plan to incorporate hazardous waste management provisions that are sufficient to comply with the standards of this part. The generator may develop one contingency plan that meets all regulatory standards. EPA recommends that the plan be based on the National Response Team's Integrated Contingency Plan Guidance (“One Plan”).

(c) The plan must describe arrangements agreed to with the local police department, fire department, other emergency response teams, emergency response contractors, equipment suppliers, local hospitals or, if applicable, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, pursuant to §262.256.

(d) The plan must list names and emergency
telephone numbers of all persons qualified to act as emergency coordinator (see §262.264), and this list must be kept up to date. Where more than one person is listed, one must be named as primary emergency coordinator and others must be listed in the order in which they will assume responsibility as alternates. In situations where the generator facility has an emergency coordinator continuously on duty because it operates 24 hours per day, every day of the year, the plan may list the staffed position (e.g., operations manager, shift coordinator, shift operations supervisor) as well as an emergency telephone number that can be guaranteed to be answered at all times.

(e) The plan must include a list of all emergency equipment at the facility (such as fire extinguishing systems, spill control equipment, communications and alarm systems (internal and external), and decontamination equipment), where this equipment is required. This list must be kept up to date. In addition, the plan must include the location and a physical description of each item on the list, and a brief outline of its capabilities.

(f) The plan must include an evacuation plan for generator personnel where there is a possibility that evacuation could be necessary. This plan must describe signal(s) to be used to begin evacuation, evacuation routes, and alternate evacuation routes (in cases where the primary routes could be blocked by releases of hazardous waste or fires).
a) The contingency plan must describe the actions facility personnel must take to comply with §§265.51 and 265.56 in response to fires, explosions, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water at the facility.

(b) If the owner or operator has already prepared a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan in accordance with Part 112 of this chapter, or some other emergency or contingency plan, he need only amend that plan to incorporate hazardous waste management provisions that are sufficient to comply with the requirements of this Part. The owner or operator may develop one contingency plan which meets all regulatory requirements. EPA recommends that the plan be based on the National Response Team’s Integrated Contingency Plan Guidance (“One Plan”). When modifications are made to non-RCRA provisions in an integrated contingency plan, the changes do not trigger the need for a RCRA permit modification.

(c) The plan must describe arrangements agreed to by local police departments, fire departments, hospitals, contractors, and State and local emergency response teams to coordinate emergency services, pursuant to §265.37.

(d) The plan must list names, addresses, and phone numbers (office and home) of all persons qualified to act as emergency coordinator (see §265.55), and this list must be kept up to date. Where more than one person is listed, one must be named as primary emergency coordinator and others must be listed in the order in which they will assume responsibility as alternates.

(e) The plan must include a list of all emergency equipment at the facility (such as fire extinguishing systems, spill control equipment, communications and alarm systems (internal and external), and decontamination equipment), where this equipment is required. This list must be kept up to date. In addition, the plan must include the location and a physical description of each item on the list, and a brief outline of its capabilities.

(f) The plan must include an evacuation plan for facility personnel where there is a possibility that evacuation could be necessary. This plan must describe signal(s) to be used to begin evacuation, evacuation routes, and alternate evacuation routes (in cases where the primary routes could be blocked by releases of hazardous waste or fires).
New (262.262) Copies of contingency planOld (265.53) Copies of contingency plan
A copy of the contingency plan and all revisions to the plan must be maintained at the large quantity generator and—

(a) The large quantity generator must submit a copy of the contingency plan and all revisions to all local emergency responders (i.e., police departments, fire departments, hospitals and State and local emergency response teams that may be called upon to provide emergency services). This document may also be submitted to the Local Emergency Planning Committee, as appropriate.

(b) A large quantity generator that first becomes subject to these provisions after May 30, 2017 or a large quantity generator that is otherwise amending its contingency plan must at that time submit a quick reference guide of the contingency plan to the local emergency responders identified at paragraph (a) of this section or, as appropriate, the Local Emergency Planning Committee. The quick reference guide must include the following elements:

(1) The types/names of hazardous wastes in layman's terms and the associated hazard associated with each hazardous waste present at any one time (e.g., toxic paint wastes, spent ignitable solvent, corrosive acid);

(2) The estimated maximum amount of each hazardous waste that may be present at any one time;

(3) The identification of any hazardous wastes where exposure would require unique or special treatment by medical or hospital staff;

(4) A map of the facility showing where hazardous wastes are generated, accumulated and treated and routes for accessing these wastes;

(5) A street map of the facility in relation to surrounding businesses, schools and residential areas to understand how best to get to the facility and also evacuate citizens and workers;

(6) The locations of water supply (e.g., fire hydrant and its flow rate);

(7) The identification of on-site notification systems (e.g., a fire alarm that rings off site, smoke alarms); and

(8) The name of the emergency coordinator(s) and 7/24-hour emergency telephone number(s) or, in the case of a facility where an emergency coordinator is continuously on duty, the emergency telephone number for the emergency coordinator.

(c) Generators must update, if necessary, their quick reference guides, whenever the contingency plan is amended and submit these documents to the local emergency responders identified at paragraph (a) of this section or, as appropriate, the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
A copy of the contingency plan and all revisions to the plan must be:

(a) Maintained at the facility; and

(b) Submitted to all local police departments, fire departments, hospitals, and State and local emergency response teams that may be called upon to provide emergency services.
New (262.263) Amendment of contingency planOld (265.54) Amendment of contingency plan
The contingency plan must be reviewed, and immediately amended, if necessary, whenever:

(a) Applicable regulations are revised;

(b) The plan fails in an emergency;

(c) The generator facility changes—in its design, construction, operation, maintenance, or other circumstances—in a way that materially increases the potential for fires, explosions, or releases of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents, or changes the response necessary in an emergency;

(d) The list of emergency coordinators changes; or

(e) The list of emergency equipment changes.
The contingency plan must be reviewed, and immediately amended, if necessary, whenever:

(a) Applicable regulations are revised;

(b) The plan fails in an emergency;

(c) The facility changes – in its design, construction, operation, maintenance, or other circumstances – in a way that materially increases the potential for fires, explosions, or releases of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents, or changes the response necessary in an emergency;

(d) The list of emergency coordinators changes; or

(e) The list of emergency equipment changes.
New (262.264) Emergency coordinatorOld (265.55) Emergency coordinator
At all times, there must be at least one employee either on the generator's premises or on call (i.e., available to respond to an emergency by reaching the facility within a short period of time) with the responsibility for coordinating all emergency response measures and implementing the necessary emergency procedures outlined in §262.265. Although responsibilities may vary depending on factors such as type and variety of hazardous waste(s) handled by the facility, as well as type and complexity of the facility, this emergency coordinator must be thoroughly familiar with all aspects of the generator's contingency plan, all operations and activities at the facility, the location and characteristics of hazardous waste handled, the location of all records within the facility, and the facility's layout. In addition, this person must have the authority to commit the resources needed to carry out the contingency plan.At all times, there must be at least one employee either on the facility premises or on call (i.e., available to respond to an emergency by reaching the facility within a short period of time) with the responsibility for coordinating all emergency response measures. This 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 handled, the location of all records within 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.

[Comment: The emergency coordinator’s responsibilities are more fully spelled out in §265.56. Applicable responsibilities for the emergency coordinator vary, depending on factors such as type and variety of waste(s) handled by the facility, and type and complexity of the facility.]
New (262.265) Emergency proceduresOld (265.56) Emergency procedures
(a) Whenever there is an imminent or actual emergency situation, the emergency coordinator (or his designee when the emergency coordinator is on call) must immediately:

(1) Activate internal facility alarms or communication systems, where applicable, to notify all facility personnel; and

(2) Notify appropriate state or local agencies with designated response roles if their help is needed.

(b) Whenever there is a release, fire, or explosion, the emergency coordinator must immediately identify the character, exact source, amount, and areal extent of any released materials. The emergency coordinator may do this by observation or review of the facility records or manifests and, if necessary, by chemical analysis.

(c) Concurrently, the emergency coordinator must assess possible hazards to human health or the environment that may result from the release, fire, or explosion. This assessment must consider both direct and indirect effects of the release, fire, or explosion (e.g., the effects of any toxic, irritating, or asphyxiating gases that are generated, or the effects of any hazardous surface water run-offs from water or chemical agents used to control fire and heat-induced explosions).

(d) If the emergency coordinator determines that the facility has had a release, fire, or explosion which could threaten human health, or the environment, outside the facility, the emergency coordinator
must report the findings as follows:

(1) If the assessment indicates that evacuation of local areas may be advisable, the emergency coordinator must immediately notify appropriate local authorities. The emergency coordinator must be available to help appropriate officials decide whether local areas should be evacuated; and

(2) The emergency coordinator must immediately notify either the government official designated as the on-scene coordinator for that geographical area, or the National Response Center (using their 24-hour toll free number 800/424-8802). The report must include:

(i) Name and telephone number of reporter;

(ii) Name and address of the generator
;

(iii) Time and type of incident (e.g., release, fire);

(iv) Name and quantity of material(s) involved, to the extent known;

(v) The extent of injuries, if any; and

(vi) The possible hazards to human health, or the environment, outside the facility.

(e) During an emergency, the emergency coordinator must take all reasonable measures necessary to ensure that fires, explosions, and releases do not occur, recur, or spread to other hazardous waste at the generator's facility. These measures must include, where applicable, stopping processes and operations, collecting and containing released hazardous waste, and removing or isolating containers.

(f) If the generator
stops operations in response to a fire, explosion or release, the emergency coordinator must monitor for leaks, pressure buildup, gas generation, or ruptures in valves, pipes, or other equipment, wherever this is appropriate.

(g) Immediately after an emergency, the emergency coordinator must provide for treating, storing, or disposing of recovered waste, contaminated soil or surface water, or any other material that results from a release, fire, or explosion at the facility. Unless the generator can demonstrate, in accordance with §261.3(c) or (d) of this chapter, that the recovered material is not a hazardous waste, then it is a newly generated hazardous waste that must be managed in accordance with all the applicable requirements and conditions for exemption in parts 262, 263, and 265 of this chapter.

(h) The emergency coordinator must ensure that, in the affected area(s) of the facility:

(1) No hazardous waste that may be incompatible with the released material is treated, stored, or disposed of until cleanup procedures are completed; and

(2) All emergency equipment listed in the contingency plan is cleaned and fit for its intended use before operations are resumed.

(i) The generator must note in the operating record the time, date, and details of any incident that requires implementing the contingency plan. Within 15 days after the incident, the generator must submit a written report on the incident to the Regional Administrator. The report must include:

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the generator;

(2) Date, time, and type of incident (e.g., fire, explosion);

(3) Name and quantity of material(s) involved;

(4) The extent of injuries, if any;

(5) An assessment of actual or potential hazards to human health or the environment, where this is applicable; and

(6) Estimated quantity and disposition of recovered material that resulted from the incident.
a) Whenever there is an imminent or actual emergency situation, the emergency coordinator (or his designee when the emergency coordinator is on call) must immediately:

(1) Activate internal facility alarms or communication systems, where applicable, to notify all facility personnel; and

(2) Notify appropriate State or local agencies with designated response roles if their help is needed.

(b) Whenever there is a release, fire, or explosion, the emergency coordinator must immediately identify the character, exact source, amount, and areal extent of any released materials. He may do this by observation or review of facility records or manifests and, if necessary, by chemical analysis.

(c) Concurrently, the emergency coordinator must assess possible hazards to human health or the environment that may result from the release, fire, or explosion. This assessment must consider both direct and indirect effects of the release, fire, or explosion (e.g., the effects of any toxic, irritating, or asphyxiating gases that are generated, or the effects of any hazardous surface water run-offs from water or chemical agents used to control fire and heat-induced explosions).

(d) If the emergency coordinator determines that the facility has had a release, fire, or explosion which could threaten human health, or the environment, outside the facility, he must report his findings as follows:

(1) If his assessment indicates that evacuation of local areas may be advisable, he must immediately notify appropriate local authorities. He must be available to help appropriate officials decide whether local areas should be evacuated; and

(2) He must immediately notify either the government official designated as the on-scene coordinator for that geographical area, or the National Response Center (using their 24-hour toll free number 800/424-8802). The report must include:

Notify the National Response Center
NRC 800.424.8802

(i) Name and telephone number of reporter;

(ii) Name and address of facility;

(iii) Time and type of incident (e.g., release, fire);

(iv) Name and quantity of material(s) involved, to the extent known;

(v) The extent of injuries, if any; and

(vi) The possible hazards to human health, or the environment, outside the facility.

(e) During an emergency, the emergency coordinator must take all reasonable measures necessary to ensure that fires, explosions, and releases do not occur, recur, or spread to other hazardous waste at the facility. These measures must include, where applicable, stopping processes and operations, collecting and containing released waste, and removing or isolating containers.

(f) If the facility stops operations in response to a fire, explosion or release, the emergency coordinator must monitor for leaks, pressure buildup, gas generation, or ruptures in valves, pipes, or other equipment, wherever this is appropriate.

(g) Immediately after an emergency, the emergency coordinator must provide for treating, storing, or disposing of recovered waste, contaminated soil or surface water, or any other material that results from a release, fire, or explosion at the facility.

[Comment: Unless the owner or operator can demonstrate, in accordance with §261.3(c) or (d) of this chapter, that the recovered material is not a hazardous waste, the owner or operator becomes a generator of hazardous waste and must manage it in accordance with all applicable requirements of parts 262, 263, and 265 of this chapter.]

(h) The emergency coordinator must ensure that, in the affected area(s) of the facility:

(1) No waste that may be incompatible with the released material is treated, stored, or disposed of until cleanup procedures are completed; and

(2) All emergency equipment listed in the contingency plan is cleaned and fit for its intended use before operations are resumed.

(i) The owner or operator must note in the operating record the time, date, and details of any incident that requires implementing the contingency plan. Within 15 days after the incident, he must submit a written report on the incident to the Regional Administrator. The report must include:

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the owner or operator;

(2) Name, address, and telephone number of the facility;

(3) Date, time, and type of incident (e.g., fire, explosion);

(4) Name and quantity of material(s) involved;

(5) The extent of injuries, if any;

(6) An assessment of actual or potential hazards to human health or the environment, where this is applicable; and

(7) Estimated quantity and disposition of recovered material that resulted from the incident.