EPA Seeks Input for Hazardous Waste Worker Protections, Incinerator Emissions

SEATTLE (Waste 360): The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted two information collection requests (ICR) just published in the Federal Register—one for EPA’s Worker Protection Standards for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, as well as Emission Guidelines for Existing Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units. Both ICRs have been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval, with public comment periods ending September 30.  

EPA’s Worker Protection Standards for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response is a proposed extension of the ICR currently approved through August 31. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on November 27, 2018, during a 60-day comment period. The latest notice allows for an additional 31 days of public comments.

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) requires EPA to set worker protection standards for state and local employees engaged in hazardous waste operations and emergency response in the 27 states that do not have Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved state plans. The EPA coverage, required to be identical to the OSHA standards, extends to three categories of employees:

1.       Those engaged in cleanups at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, including corrective actions at treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) facilities regulated under the agency’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
2.       Employees working on routine hazardous waste operations at RCRA TSD facilities.
3.       Employees involved in emergency response operations without regard to location.

The ICR renews existing mandatory recordkeeping collection of ongoing activities including monitoring any potential employee exposure at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, maintaining records of employee training, refresher training, medical exams and reviewing emergency response plans.

Courtesy: https://www.waste360.com