Search

EPA Reports Progress on Hazardous Waste E-Manifests

Posted on 9/29/2015 by James Griffin

On October 5, 2012, President Obama signed the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act into law. The Act requires EPA to establish and implement an IT system to track hazardous waste shipments in lieu of the current paper-based system. Once developed, the system will allow users to create and transmit manifests electronically.

However, pursuant to the Act, any e-Manifest approach adopted by regulation will be voluntary; paper manifest and continuation sheet forms would remain available to those entities that prefer this method.

On February 7, 2014, at 79 FR 7518, EPA established a regulatory foundation for phasing out paper manifests. It goes without saying that EPA must first develop an e-Manifest system before generators, transporters, and disposal facilities can use it. Under the law, EPA must establish an e-Manifest system no later than October 2015. As of September 24, 2015, the Agency hasn't completed a system, but has made progress toward one.

Employees prepare electronic hazmat shipping papers


EPA's Progress Toward E-Manifests

On February 18, 2015, at 80 FR 8643, EPA solicited nominations for a "Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Advisory Board." Representing State waste management agencies, information technology professionals, and transporters and managers of hazardous waste, the Board will advise EPA on the operations of the e-Manifest System. EPA expects the Board to begin operations by October 2015.

EPA began the process of soliciting bids from vendors to establish an e-Manifest system earlier this year, as shown on the FedBizOpps.gov website on May 19, 2015. Bids were due in by June 3, 2015.

While the Agency won't finalize a fee schedule until it has the e-Manifest system in place, EPA expects to propose a fee schedule for the e-Manifest system in May 2016 and finalize it November 2017.

US Department of Transportation Hazmat E-Shipping Papers

US DOT ran its own pilot program on electronic hazmat shipping papers, as required under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP 21. DOT released two information papers regarding its pilot program, one for shippers and carriers and one for emergency response information providers and first responders.

DOT issued two public notices and requests for information in July and November of 2013, and outlined its plans for an electronic hazard communication to Congress in September 2014. Per this recent status update from PHMSA, the pilot programs ran from February through April 2015. PHMSA anticipates releasing a report to Congress by October 1, 2015.

Hazmat Shipper and Hazardous Waste Personnel Training

Lion's 2016 workshops are now open for registration! Check out the catalog now for convenient, interactive workshops that help you navigate the latest US DOT, IATA, and IMO hazmat shipping rules, and State and Federal hazardous waste standards. All workshops are presented by an expert Lion instructor and include 365 days of regulatory support through Lion Membership. Register today!

Tags: EPA, hazardous waste, manifest, new rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Explore ten hazardous waste management errors that caused generators in California the most trouble last year.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.