The US Department of Transportation has recently published two notices in the Federal Register that are making changes is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
- Revise the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) to correct an error in the transportation requirements for entries listed under the proper shipping name, ``Hydrazine Dicarbonic Acid Diazide.”
- Revise the HMT to remove the entry for “Zinc ethyl, see Diethylzinc” that was superseded by proper shipping names adopted in a previous rulemaking.
- Add the inadvertently omitted entries for “Paint related material, flammable, corrosive (including paint thinning or reducing compound)” UN3469, PG II, and PG III to the Sec. 172.101 HMT.
- Remove references to special provisions B72 and B74 in 49 CFR 172.102.
- Revise special provision 138 in 49 CFR 172.102 to clarify the lead solubility calculation used to classify a material as a Marine Pollutant.
- Revise the shipping paper requirements in 49 CFR 172.203(e) to permit the placement of phrase “Residue last contained” before or after the basic shipping description sequence, or for rail shipments, directly preceding the proper shipping name in the basic shipping description sequence.
- Update the training recordkeeping requirements in 49 CFR 172.704 to specify that a hazmat employer must make hazmat employee training records available upon request, at a reasonable time and location, to an authorized official of the Department of Transportation or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Clarify that the material of trade exception in 49 CFR 173.6 may be used when transporting Division 2.1 and 2.2 gases in Dewar flasks.
- Clarify the lab pack provisions in 49 CFR 173.12 pertaining to temperature-controlled materials contained in a lab pack.
- Clarify the exceptions for external emergency self-closing valves on cargo tank motor vehicles (CTMVs) in 49 CFR 173.33(g) to specify that external emergency self-closing valves on MC 338 cargo tanks containing cryogenic liquids may remain open during transportation.
- Correct an inadvertent deletion of the 49 CFR 173.62 packaging requirements for explosives.
- Incorporate special permit DOT SP-13556 into 49 CFR 173.134, to authorize the transportation by motor vehicle of certain regulated medical wastes, designated as sharps, in non-DOT specification containers fitted into wheeled racks.
- Revise the requirements for cargo air transport of alcoholic beverages in 49 CFR173.150 to harmonize with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Technical Instructions (TI).
- Clarify the exceptions in 49 CFR 173.159a for non-spillable batteries secured to skids or pallets.
- Revise 49 CFR 178.2(c) to clarify the applicability of the closure notification requirements for packages containing residues.
- Correct regulatory citations in 49 CFR 178.2(c).
- Clarify the requirements for the Flame Penetration Resistance test specified for chemical oxygen generators and certain compressed gases in Appendix E to Part 178.
- Clarify the inspection record requirements in 49 CFR 180.416 for discharge systems of cargo tanks transporting liquefied compressed gases.
- Revise 49 CFR 178.3 to clearly indicate that a manufacturer or third-party laboratory mark may not be used when continued certification of a packaging is conducted by someone other than the original manufacturer or third-party testing laboratory, unless specifically authorized by the original manufacturer or third-party testing laboratory.
- Revise 49 CFR 178.601(l), 178.801(l) and 178.955(i) to relax the record retention requirements for packaging test reports and provide a chart to clearly identify the retention requirements.
- Revise the Hazardous Materials Table by removing the listing for “NA1203, Gasohol, gasoline mixed with ethyl alcohol, with not more than 10% alcohol”; and removing reference to gasohol in Sections Sec. Sec. 172.336(c)(4) and 172.336(c)(5).
- Revise 49 CFR 172.101 to refer to 49 CFR 173.151 to harmonize internationally and provide a limited quantity exception for Division 4.1, Self-reactive solids and Self-reactive liquids, Types B through F.
- Add a reference in 49 CFR 178.601(c)(4) and 178.801(c)(7) to ASTM D4976-06 Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials to provide a range of acceptable resin tolerances in the plastic drum and IBC material.
- Allow smokeless powder classed as a Division 1.4C material to be reclassed as a Division 4.1 material to relax the regulatory requirements for these materials without compromising safety.
- Allow the Dangerous Cargo Manifest (DCM) to be in locations designated by the master of the vessel besides “on or near the vessel’s bridge” while the vessel is in a United States port to ensure that the DCM is readily available to communicate to emergency responders and enforcement personnel the presence and nature of the hazardous materials on board a vessel.
Learn more about the latest changes in the hazardous materials regulations by attending one of the courses listed in the following articles.
Jacksonville RCRA and DOT Training
San Antonio RCRA and DOT Training
Virginia Beach RCRA and DOT Training
How to Implement OSHA’s Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard (GHS)
OSHA has issued a final rule revising its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations’ globally harmonized system (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals. This means that virtually every product label, material safety data sheet (now called “safety data sheet” or SDS), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard. Worker training must be updated so that workers can recognize and understand the symbols and pictograms on the new labels as well as the new hazard statements and precautions on SDSs.
Environmental Resource Center is offering live online training for you to learn how the new rule differs from current requirements, how to implement the changes, and when the changes must be implemented.
EPA Orders Enbridge to Perform Additional Dredging to Remove Oil from Kalamazoo River
EPA recently issued an administrative order that requires Enbridge to do additional dredging in Michigan’s Kalamazoo River to clean up oil from the company’s July 2010 pipeline spill. EPA’s order requires dredging in sections of the river above Ceresco Dam, upstream of Battle Creek, and in the Morrow Lake Delta.
EPA has repeatedly documented the presence of recoverable submerged oil in the sections of the river identified in the order and has determined that submerged oil in these areas can be recovered by dredging. The dredging activity required by EPA’s order will prevent submerged oil from migrating to downstream areas where it will be more difficult or impossible to recover.
Enbridge has five days to respond to the order and 15 days to provide EPA with a work plan. Dredging is anticipated to begin this spring and is not expected to result in closures of the river. EPA’s order also requires Enbridge to maintain sediment traps throughout the river to capture oil outside the dredge areas.
On July 26, 2010, Enbridge reported that a 30-inch oil pipeline ruptured near Marshall, Michigan. Heavy rains caused the spilled oil to travel 35 miles downstream before it was contained.
Bank of America to Reimburse EPA for Emergency Response
Bank of America has agreed to reimburse EPA $80,398 for its portion of the emergency response costs incurred by EPA at the Rehrig-United International Superfund Site in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Rehrig was a manufacturer of shopping carts and baskets. When Rehrig filed a petition for bankruptcy reorganization in September 2008, Bank of America provided financing to manage and operate this business during the reorganization. After converting to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, in December 2008, Rehrig unexpectedly shut down its operations. From that point until March 31, 2009, Bank of America maintained control of the facility and its assets. In January 2009, a utilities worker noticed a large amount of water gushing from a water pipe at the Rehrig facility. Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Services responded to the release and requested EPA’s support. EPA identified elevated levels of nickel and chromium in surface water and soils, and noted leakage in the plating vat area. Due to the release or threat of release of elevated levels of hazardous substances—specifically nickel and chromium used during Rehrig’s plating operations—EPA initiated an emergency removal action.
In addition to Bank of America’s portion of the emergency response costs, J&P Keegan LLP, the current owner, performed cleanup work at the site beginning in July 2009 and was given a notice of completion from EPA in the summer of 2010. Keegan reimbursed EPA $43,877 for its share of the costs incurred by the agency during the cleanup. The emergency response costs recovered will be placed back into the Superfund, to be available for cleanups at other sites.
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA to Pay $2.25M Civil Penalty for Air, Water, and Hazardous Waste Violations
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., has agreed to pay a $2.25 million civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and the State of Missouri’s Air Conservation Law, Clean Water Law, and Hazardous Waste Management Law at the company’s facility in Mexico, Missouri, the Justice Department, EPA, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced recently.
A 2007 inspection of the Missouri facility revealed violations of the CAA. The violations included failure to control emissions of hazardous air pollutants from wastewater and failure to comply with regulations designed to prevent leaks of air pollutants from equipment at the facility.
In 2007, an EPA inspection found the Teva facility was discharging pollutants above permitted levels established by the City of Mexico’s Pretreatment Program, in violation of the CWA. In some cases, these pollutants were causing interference with the city’s ability to treat its domestic sewage, leading to pollutant discharges into the Salt River. A 2008 inspection found that Teva was discharging a green effluent that ultimately discolored a portion of the Salt River in November and December 2008.
In 2009, an inspection by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources uncovered various RCRA violations. These violations included failure to determine if waste was hazardous, illegal storage of hazardous waste, failure to comply with labeling requirements, and offering hazardous waste for transport without a manifest.
“This settlement penalizes Teva for multiple violations of US environmental laws when it allowed excess emissions of hazardous air pollutants from Teva’s wastewater treatment facility and excess discharges of pollutants into the City of Mexico, Missouri’s wastewater treatment facility,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, the Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The agreement is protective of human health and the environment because it requires Teva to offset its excess emissions, install modern equipment that will increase the recovery, and reuse of hazardous pollutants and reduce air emissions, as well as enhance its leak prevention capability.”
“With numerous violations over a period of years, Teva’s actions resulted in significant environmental damage to the air and water,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks. “The penalty and injunctive relief required by this agreement send a strong message to Teva and others that businesses must comply with environmental laws.”
Teva’s $2.25 million penalty includes a $1.125 million payment to the US Treasury and a $1.125 million payment to the State of Missouri.
In addition to the penalty, Teva will complete other actions at the facility valued at approximately $2.5 million. These include the installation of equipment to recover and reuse approximately 59.5 tons of methylene chloride and reduce other emissions by 19 tons over a five-year period. Teva will also conduct an audit to identify past causes of CWA violations, implement a program to prevent leaks of hazardous air pollutants at the facility, take actions to prevent future violations, and implement an Environmental Management System with third-party monitoring.
As a result of this Consent Decree, Teva has certified that it is in full compliance with CAA, CWA, and RCRA regulations.
Groeller Painting Inc. of St. Louis to Pay $23,000 Penalty for Failure to Use Lead Safe Work Practices
Groeller Painting, Inc., of St. Louis, Missouri, has agreed to pay a $23,000 civil penalty to settle allegations that it failed to use proper lead-safe work practices during the renovation of a pre-1978 multifamily unit property, in violation of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP). The company also failed to notify residents about lead-based paint risks before the company or its subcontractors performed renovation work at their homes.
According to an administrative consent agreement and final order filed by EPA Region 7 in Lenexa, Kansas, Groeller or its subcontractors were legally required to use proper lead-safe work practices during the renovation and provide owners and occupants of the properties with an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet, known as the Renovate Right pamphlet, before starting renovations at the properties. The Renovate Right pamphlet helps homeowners and tenants understand the risks of lead-based paint, and how best to minimize these risks to protect themselves and their families.
The RRP rule requires that contractors that work on pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities are trained and certified to use lead-safe work practices. This ensures that common renovation and repair activities like sanding, cutting, and replacing windows minimize the creation and dispersion of dangerous lead dust. EPA finalized the RRP rule in 2008 and the rule took effect on April 22, 2010.
This enforcement action addresses RRP Rule violations that could result in harm to human health. Lead exposure can cause a range of adverse health effects, from behavioral disorders and learning disabilities to seizures and death, putting young children at the greatest risk because their nervous systems are still developing.
Amalgamated Sugar Settles for Failure to Immediately Report the Release of Chlorine Gas
EPA reached a settlement with Amalgamated Sugar Company, LLC, (Amalgamated Sugar) for failing to properly report the release of dangerous chlorine gas at its Paul, Idaho facility. Amalgamated Sugar, a sugar manufacturing facility that processes sugar beets, will pay $18,000 in penalties.
According to the settlement, plant operators did not immediately notify federal and state authorities about the chlorine gas release.
“Companies need to notify the appropriate agencies right away so emergency personnel can quickly respond to these hazardous chemical releases,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of EPA’s Office of Compliance & Enforcement in Seattle. “Failure to do this puts not only employees, but the community at risk.”
The release on February 7, 2012, was caused when a chemical truck driver mistakenly unloaded hydrochloric acid into the tank containing sodium hypochlorite. When mixed, the chemicals caused a violent reaction, which blew the access lid off the tank, emitting 43 lb. of chlorine gas into the atmosphere. According to Amalgamated Sugar, the driver was injured and evacuated by ambulance. The company’s notification to state and federal authorities was over 46 hours late.
Chlorine is a toxic gas that attacks skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and can cause serious injury or death in extreme cases.
The chlorine release and the failure to notify appropriate agencies are violations of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
ADEQ Reaches Milestone with Completion of First Cleanup of State Superfund Site
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials announced recently that the agency has reached a milestone, the first completion of cleanup work on a state superfund site, the East Washington Fluff site in central Phoenix.
The 10-acre site, located on the southwest corner of East Buckeye Road and South Fifth Street, was once major, contaminated urban blight near Phoenix’s central core with more than 6,000 tons of shredded auto materials and other waste from an abandoned metal salvage yard.
But the signing of the record of decision makes it the first of ADEQ’s 36 Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF) sites in the state to be removed from the WQARF registry.
“This is a huge day in the history of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,” ADEQ Director Henry Darwin said. “The East Washington Fluff site presented major challenges to overcome during a long period of time and it’s a credit to our staff to see this come to fruition.”
Phil McNeely, environmental programs manager for the city of Phoenix, also said he was pleased to see the site removed from the state superfund list.
“ADEQ, EPA, and the city worked closely together for many years to transition this site from a blighted eyesore to a property that is now an opportunity for business redevelopment near downtown in a key area within walking distance of Chase Field,” McNeely said.
In 1986, National Metals, Co., abandoned the site and declared bankruptcy, leaving thousands of tons of shredded glass, plastic, rubber, and fabric behind.
ADEQ gained access to the property in 1997 and inspectors determined that it had levels of cadmium, chromium, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which exceeded state and federal EPA health standards. A 12-foot-high fence and warning signs were posted around the site and the site was added to the WQARF registry in June 1999.
The EPA placed three monitoring wells at the site in 2000 and no groundwater contamination was found. But a report conducted by the Arizona Department of Health Services and Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry determined that a health hazard existed.
In 2001, about 5,907 tons of hazardous waste and 819 tons of additional solid waste were removed from the site and a protective soil cap installed to prevent exposure to any remaining contamination in the soil. After ADEQ completed investigative reports, the site was purchased at public auction in 2006 and a deed restriction entered that the engineered soil cap must remain in place and that the site be used for only business or commercial development.
In 2008, soil sampling beneath a concrete slab removed by the property’s new owner showed lead contamination at low levels and about 235 tons of soil was removed. A layer of crushed, recycled concrete debris about two feet deep was placed on top of the existing engineered cap in that part of the site. The concrete debris was further crushed to 3 inches or smaller and spread across the site.
Yamaha Fined $2.2 Million for Violating Air Quality Rules
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) recently announced that Yamaha Motor Corp USA and Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd., of Japan have agreed to a court approved settlement of $2,205,000 to resolve allegations of the illegal importation and sale of uncertified off-highway vehicles.
“Verification of a new vehicle’s ability to meet anti-smog requirements is a cornerstone of our clean air efforts,” said ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden. “Businesses that sell vehicles before demonstrating that they effectively reduce emissions pose a danger to public health. They are also engaging in practices that are unfair to their competitors.”
The court-approved agreement settles a protracted legal dispute between the ARB and Yamaha regarding the sales of certain 2007 model off-highway vehicles known as “Rhinos.” As stipulated in the settlement, both ARB and Yamaha will stop further legal actions related to the sales of these vehicles, and Yamaha has agreed that future vehicle sales will fully comply with California law.
Under the terms of the agreement, $255,000 of the settlement penalty is suspended for a period of three years provided Yamaha does not import, deliver, or sell any on- or off-road vehicles prior to their receiving certification of compliance with new vehicle standards by the Air Resources Board.
Funds collected under the settlement will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, created to support clean air research.
Jefferson Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Submitting False Records to Louisiana DEQ
Recently, Marc Victoriano, 38, of Marrero, pled guilty in 19th Judicial District Court to knowingly making a false representation on a form filed with DEQ. Victoriano is the operator of Professional Safety Consultants, an asbestos abatement training provider. In 2009, Victoriano knowingly prepared asbestos course forms that falsely misrepresented the number of accredited instructors teaching asbestos training courses. DEQ regulations require that two or more accredited instructors must be listed for each asbestos training course. Victoriano knowingly submitted the false forms to DEQ in Baton Rouge with the name of an instructor that was out of the state on the dates the classes were taught.
Criminal investigators within the DEQ Criminal Investigation Division arrested Victoriano for submitting false documents to DEQ in April 2010. Recently in East Baton Rouge Parish, Victoriano was sentenced to 12 months of probation, ordered to pay $3,040.00 to DEQ for the costs of its investigation, perform 30 hours of community service, and ordered to pay a $100 fine.
“DEQ-CID will actively pursue anyone who disregards the state’s environmental laws,” said DEQ-CID Manager Jeffrey Nolan.
Pennsylvania DEP Orders Erie County Company to Empty Underground Storage Tanks
The Department of Environmental Protection recently ordered Urraro Oil of Fairview, Erie County, to empty its seven underground fuel storage tanks until it complies with the financial assurance requirements by paying past due fees to the Pennsylvania Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund.
The storage tanks, at 6355 Sterrettania Road at the Interstate 90 and State Route 832 interchange, have a combined capacity of 62,000 gallons.
“Pennsylvania’s Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund (USTIF) is an insurance program that provides financial assistance to tank owners to ensure cleanups are completed,” DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “If there is a release from an underground storage tank, any claim made to the fund is denied if the fees are not currently paid in full.”
The Pennsylvania Storage Tank Act requires owners of underground storage tanks to participate in USTIF. The fund, administered by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, pays for cleanups at underground storage facilities, some of them costing millions of dollars. Owners of underground tanks are required to maintain the insurance coverage, much like a car owner is required to maintain auto insurance. The fees paid by all owners into the fund are used to pay claims. Urraro Oil has failed to pay more than $65,000 in USTIF fees, dating as far back as 1994, so the company would be denied coverage in the event of a spill or release. If a tank owner cannot afford cleanup costs at the time of the cleanup, the responsibility falls to the commonwealth.
DEP’s order requires Urraro Oil to pay all fees due to USTIF within 60 days. It allows the company to resume using the underground tanks after the fees have been paid and DEP provides written approval to proceed.
States to Release Draft Guidance on Finding Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals
Washington state, partnering with seven state environmental agency members of the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2), has released a draft guidance document on finding alternatives to the use of toxic chemicals in products people use and ways to reduce risk to human health.
“We welcome input, especially from those with industry experience in comparing the potential effects of chemical alternatives,” said K Seiler, manager of the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program at the Washington Department of Ecology. “The goal of the voluntary guidance is to provide businesses with a flexible and effective approach to alternatives assessment.”
Alternatives assessment is a process that encourages companies to consider the potential harm that alternatives could have on human health and the environment before they are used in products. The IC2 states are working together to help develop common definitions and best practices through collaboration. Safer alternatives and alternatives assessment are being used in the market place now. As published in a recent Washington Post article, “Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, has banned a controversial flame retardant found in hundreds of consumer goods, from couches to child car seats. It has told suppliers to come up with safer alternatives.”
Seiler said: “When a company considers alternatives, it provides an opportunity to continually improve the everyday products that contribute to our quality of life in Washington. Alternatives assessment is a smart approach for businesses working to meet the growing consumer demand for greener products and services.” The guidance is based on the alternatives assessment process pioneered by the EPA”s Design for the Environment Program. The IC2 is working with industry, EPA, and others to share results and best practices among all the state members.
IC2 members have worked since 2011 to collaborate on the voluntary guidance so that individual states could provide technical assistance with interested companies. After input receiving on the draft guidance, the member states will invite businesses to pilot use of the process.
Owner of Colorado Aircraft Painting Company Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Treating Hazardous Waste
Norman Teltow, owner of Gold Metal Paint, Co., LLC (GMP), pleaded guilty late recently in Denver to a criminal information charging him with illegally treating hazardous waste at the company’s facility, the Justice Department announced. Teltow, who will be sentenced on June 10, 2013, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Teltow operated GMP out of a hangar near the Front Range Airport in Watkins, Colorado. GMP was primarily in the business of painting small aircrafts. During the course of its business, GMP created hazardous waste in the form of spent methylene chloride-based solvents mixed with paint waste. Methylene chloride, a listed hazardous waste, is both ignitable and toxic. Moreover, exposure to methylene chloride can cause skin irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Under RCRA, GMP was required to use a licensed waste management company to transport the hazardous waste to a licensed facility for disposal. To avoid the costs associated with proper disposal, Teltow directed GMP employees to store the spent solvents in an underground tank below the facility, knowing that it was illegal to store the waste in that manner.
When the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) became aware that Teltow and GMP were storing hazardous waste in an underground tank, the agency conducted an inspection and ordered Teltow to hire a licensed waste management company to pump the waste out of the tank and dispose of it properly. CDPHE further ordered that the tank be cleaned, that the trench drain leading to the underground tank be sealed, and that GMP use a licensed waste management company to transport all hazardous waste in the future. In response to CDPHE’s orders,
Teltow hired a licensed waste management company to pump out the tank, and sealed off the trench drain to the underground tank. However, rather than hire a licensed waste management company to clean out the tank, Teltow ordered subordinate employees to clean out the tank without the benefit of any personal protective equipment. The employees were exposed to hazardous waste containing methylene chloride, and suffered from headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Teltow then devised a new plan for treating GMP’s hazardous waste by “evaporating” it into the atmosphere. Teltow ordered subordinate GMP employees to pour the hazardous waste onto the floor of the hangar at the end of the work day. Workers would then leave the hangar doors ajar and allow the methylene-chloride waste to evaporate. Teltow knew that it was illegal to treat the hazardous waste in this manner. When Teltow’s “evaporation” method was unsuccessful at treating all of the waste that GMP accumulated, Teltow drilled open the trench drain so that the waste could again flow into the underground tank.
“The illegal handling of hazardous waste threatens public safety and the environment and puts workers in harms way,” said Jeffrey Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Colorado. “The defendant admits that he attempted to make hazardous waste disappear by ordering his workers to allow spent solvents to evaporate and to clean up hazardous chemicals without protective safety gear, putting the workers at great risk. Although this case centers on the illegal treatment of hazardous materials, it’s really about the defendant trying to save a buck by cutting corners.”
EPA Wants Your Input on Waste Analysis Plan Guidance
The manual is used to provide guidance on how to develop and implement a Waste Analysis Plan (WAP) suitable for managing hazardous wastes in accordance with RCRA, assist federal and state permit writers in evaluating submitted WAPs, and assist enforcement personnel in determining whether a facility is in compliance with their testing requirements. The guidance was last updated in 1994 and requires updating, based on problems that have surfaced in use.
Areas identified as particularly in need of clarification include: design of characterization studies; recharacterization frequency; how to address issues of waste variability; establishing and employing data quality objectives; selection of indicator parameters to reduce testing costs; measurement uncertainty and using statistical concepts to guide the characterization process. The guidance is important in many waste management areas including: Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) permitting and facility operations, site cleanup, and management of the residuals generated during remediation, responding to disaster incidents, and all other situations dealing with the management of hazardous or potentially hazardous wastes. The updated WAP guidance can potentially make the data collection and evaluation at RCRA Corrective Action and TSDF sites much more effective and efficient and transparent to their respective communities.
The EPA is inviting operating TSDFs, permit writers, trade associations, and environmental groups to provide comments on the updated guidance.
EPA Orders NASA to Clean Up Soils Threatening Sensitive Habitat
EPA has ordered the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to take immediate and long-term actions to address soil contamination at its Ames Research Center at the Moffett Field Naval Air Station in Mountain View, California. This order is part of an effort to enter into a long-term cleanup agreement with NASA for the Ames site.
Soils at the site—contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead, chromium, zinc, cadmium, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)—pose a threat to local wildlife, including the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse, and have the potential to re-contaminate an adjacent stormwater retention pond that the US Navy spent $9.7 million cleaning up in 2012.
In the coming months, EPA and the California State Regional Water Quality Control Board will continue to negotiate a facility-wide cleanup agreement with NASA for its remaining environmental cleanup responsibilities at the Moffett Field Superfund Site. Once the agreement is signed, EPA will monitor NASA’s work to ensure proper and timely implementation of the cleanup.
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Trivia Question of the Week
Which common water pollutant is believed to be harmful to newborn babies?
a: Nitrate
b. Chlorine
c. BOD
d. COD