Search

EPA Proposes Major RCRA Overhaul

Posted on 9/1/2015 by Roger Marks

On August 31, 2015, US EPA proposed a complete overhaul of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations for managing hazardous waste.

Called the “Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule,” the proposal lays out a re-structuring of the RCRA rules within the generator management standards at 40 CFR Part 262, defines certain key terms, and adds some new requirements.

Lion Members—get a full breakdown of changes in the Member Bulletin sent by email today, and now available here.

Goodbye CESQG!

EPA’s proposal will replace the term “conditionally exempt small quantity generator” with a new name, “Very small quantity generator.”

This change was inspired by the fact that following the rules at 40 CFR 262 grants ALL generators a conditional exemption from the more stringent hazardous waste management standards for permitted storage facilities in Part 265, et al.

Managing hazardous waste under changing RCRA regulations

Moving the RCRA Rules Around

The changes EPA proposed include a major re-structuring of the RCRA rules. In brief, the generator rules at 40 CFR Part 262 commonly refer personnel to other parts of 40 CFR, like part 261, Part 268, and others. Many of these rules will be copied and/or transferred to Part 262 to make navigating the RCRA regulations easier.

New RCRA Rules Added

In addition to restructuring and re-wording changes, EPA has added some new management standards for hazardous waste, like:
  • New marking requirements for hazardous waste containers
  • Requiring ANNUAL re-notifications for LQGs and SQGs under 49 CFR 262.18
  • Requiring LQGs and SQGs to create and maintain records to support solid and hazardous waste determinations
New Standards for Episodic Waste Generation

EPA’s proposal provides new standards for “episodic generation”—a common situation faced by generators where more than the usual amount of hazardous waste is generated in a given month. The new standards provide options for generators to manage this extra waste without a change to generator status [i.e. Large Quantity, Small Quantity (CESQG)].

Lion Members—Get a Full Breakdown

Lion Members can log in to get a full breakdown of the new rules here. To become a Lion Member, attend the Hazardous/Toxic Waste Management Workshop or sign up for the new RCRA refresher online course!

For more information about Lion Membership, visit www.Lion.com/Membership.

Tags: EPA, hazardous waste, new rules, RCRA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

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

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In most cases, injuries that occur at work are work-related and must be recorded to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. This report shows you the 9 types of injuries you don’t record.

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.