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

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S 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 is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

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

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Tips to identify and manage universal waste under more-stringent state regulations for generators and universal waste handlers in California.

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.