USEPA regulations at 40 CFR 265, Subpart D require a large quantity generator of hazardous waste to have a Contingency Plan and to implement emergency procedures 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.  40 CFR 265.56(d) mandates that a facility’s emergency coordinator notify both State and Federal authorities if he determines that the facility has had a release, fire, or explosion which could threaten human health, or the environment, outside the facility.  The purpose of this article is to provide some examples of scenarios that demonstrate the potential to threaten human health and the environment. (more…)