EPA Hazardous Waste Permitting Program: Updates and Compliance Under RCRA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manages hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), ensuring safe treatment, storage, and disposal. The Hazardous Waste Permitting program sets regulatory requirements for facilities handling hazardous waste to protect health and the environment.

Understanding Hazardous Waste Permits

A RCRA hazardous waste permit legally defines the activities a facility can perform with hazardous waste, including design, operation, safety, and monitoring requirements. These permits apply mainly to Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) and follow Title 40 CFR Parts 260–270.

Permitting Process

Key steps include:

• Pre-Application Meeting: Engages community input on proposed plans.
• Application Submission: Comprises Part A (basic info) and Part B (detailed operations).
• Application Review: Assesses completeness and regulatory compliance.
• Draft Permit & Public Comment: Releases draft for stakeholder review.
• Final Permit Decision: Incorporates public feedback into final approval.

Recent Updates

• Model Permit Modules: Released on May 14, 2025, including new modules on general facility and permit conditions.
• TSDF Toolkit Update: Updated May 9, 2025, consolidating key permitting resources.
• 2023 Hazardous Waste Data: The National Biennial Hazardous Waste Report provides insights on waste trends.

Compliance and Monitoring

Facilities must meet conditions such as:

• Proper closure and post-closure care.
• Financial assurance for waste management obligations.
• Groundwater contamination monitoring.
• Air emission controls for volatile organic compounds.

Public Participation

The EPA prioritizes community involvement through resources like the 2016 Public Participation Manual and the RCRAInfo Web portal, helping the public engage in permitting decisions.

The EPA’s Hazardous Waste Permitting program plays a vital role in responsible hazardous waste management, combining strict regulatory oversight with transparency and community engagement to protect human health and the environment.

Reference: EPA Hazardous Waste Permitting