...
What is a RCRA permit?
A RCRA permit is a legally binding document that establishes the waste management activities that a facility can conduct and the conditions under which it can conduct them. The permit outlines facility design and operation, lays out safety standards, and describes activities that the facility must perform, such as monitoring and reporting.
Permits typically require facilities to develop emergency plans, find insurance and financial backing, and train employees to handle hazards. Permits also can include facility-specific requirements such as ground-water monitoring.
The permitting agency has the authority to issue or deny permits and is responsible for monitoring the facility to ensure that it is complying with the conditions in the permit. According to RCRA and its regulations, a TSDF cannot operate without a permit, with a few exceptions.
Who needs a RCRA permit?
All facilities that currently or plan to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous wastes must obtain a RCRA permit.
- New TSDFs must receive a permit before they even begin construction. They must prove that they can manage hazardous waste safely and responsibly. The permitting agency reviews the permit application and decides whether the facility is qualified to receive a RCRA permit. Once issued, a permit may last up to 10 years.
- Operating TSDFs with expiring permits must submit new permit applications six months before their existing permits run out.
- TSDFs operating under Interim Status must also apply for a permit.Congress granted “interim status” to facilities that already existed when RCRA was enacted. Interim status allows existing facilities to continue operating while their permit applications are being reviewed.
Who does NOT need a RCRA permit?
There are certain situations where a company is not required to obtain a RCRA a permit.
- Businesses that generate hazardous waste and transport it off site without storing it for long periods of time do not need a RCRA permit.
- Businesses that transport hazardous waste do not need a RCRA permit.
- Businesses that store hazardous waste for short periods of time without treating it do not need a permit.
EPA Form 8700-23: RCRA Hazardous Waste - Part A - Permit Application
A permit establishes the site-specific administrative and technical standards to which a hazardous waste TSDF must adhere in order to legally manage hazardous waste. A lengthy permit application and review process ensures that each site receives specific analysis concerning hazardous waste management at that location. Everything from the area’s climate to the soil conditions to the types of buildings can affect the facility’s permit.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requires anyone who owns or operates a facility where hazardous waste is treated, stored, or disposed to have a permit. RCRA establishes a procedure for obtaining interim status which allows existing facilities to continue operating until a final hazardous waste permit is issued.
Form 8700-23 and associated instructions are required for a federal permit to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The form defines the processes to be used for treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes; the design capacity of such processes and the specific hazardous wastes to be handled at a facility. Interim status is also explained.