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Environmental Measurement and Monitoring: Projects

Development of Air Emission Standards for Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities

Client

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste

Description

Background. EPA required technical data and analyses to provide a basis for regulating air-polluting emissions from hazardous waste facilities. EPA also required assistance in preparing regulatory documents, including the rationale for decisions, responses to comments by the public, and actual regulations published in the Federal Register.

Activities. We developed background information and assisted EPA in preparing the proposal and promulgation materials for regulations that apply to hazardous waste facilities. We developed regulations for air emissions pursuant to RCRA, with supplemental authority under the CAA.

We conducted site visits and reviewed surveys of hazardous waste management facilities, developed emission models and process simulations, conducted special studies of control techniques, generated estimates of capital and operating costs for air pollution controls, constructed a national impacts computer model, and estimated the impacts of numerous potential control strategies.

We prepared briefing packages for internal decision makers at all levels. Under the guidance of EPA staff, we prepared drafts of regulations and the rationale for EPA decisions for review by EPA work groups. Our staff reviewed and summarized public comments and made recommendations on technical issues. We also provided technical and informational support to EPA in response to litigation brought against the Agency following the promulgation of rules.

Results. With our assistance, EPA proposed and promulgated rules to reduce organic air emissions from hazardous waste management facilities. EPA also proposed and promulgated rules limiting emissions of benzene from benzene waste operations. The rules establish a mechanism to substantially reduce air pollution from hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.