The EnviroBlog

The table below lists the user fees for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 (October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2021) for the e-Manifest system. These user fees are set based on the manifest usage and processing costs for each manifest type. EPA encourages the hazardous waste industry to adopt fully electronic manifesting as soon as possible so that industry members can take maximum advantage of the benefits and cost savings of electronic manifesting. However, EPA acknowledges that it will take time for industry to fully transition to electronic manifests. EPA supports wide adoption of electronic manifesting by the regulated community as soon as it’s feasible. Manifest submission type Fee per Manifest Mailed in paper manifest $25.00 Scanned image upload $20.00 Data + image upload $14.00 Electronic manifest (fully electronic & hybrid) $8.00 Who pays user fees? EPA charges user fees to receiving faciliti...

As we move further into the information age, we must stay mindful of our shared responsibility to make our internet communications and information sharing practices more secure for ourselves and our colleagues.  On the internet as with the offline world the choices we make often have an impact on others.  The links we share and the sites we visit can sometimes introduce risk to the people we know and work with.  Given how quickly our collected use of technology has evolved and how integral it has become to our business processes and interactions, it’s important to periodically remind ourselves of practices that can help us achieve a more secure and enjoyable experience. Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online. NCSAM 2019 will empha...

The Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements (HWGI) rule is currently adapted in 23 states in addition to the territories and tribes who automatically implement Federal RCRA regulations.  Other states that have yet to adapt the rule are still in discussions.  Below are updates from the mid-atlantic area: Maryland is in the final stages of drafting its proposal to integrate the major changes made by HWGI into COMAR 26.13.03 by January 2020.  The MDE is currently developing 14 regulatory changes affected by HWGI listed below: Program Regulation Title Purpose Oil Control Program UST Regulations Chapters revised to comply with current federal UST regulations, to remove obsolete language, and update current practices. Solid Waste Program Solid Waste Management A review of the regulations pursuant to State Government Article, §§10-130-10-139 revealed the need to update these regulations due ...

US DOT has increased civil penalties for violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).  While these types of penalties may seem marginal to large companies that work with hazardous materials, the daily application of the penalty assessment means that amounts can become substantial very quickly and a pain in any large organizations pocket. Below are the new penalty amounts as of July 31, 2019: Penalty Previous Current Maximum penalty for HMR law violation (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(a)) $79,976.00 per day per violation $81,993.00 per day per violation Violations resulting in death, serious illness, severe injury, or substantial property damage $186.610.00 $191.316.00 Minimum penalty for hazmat training violation $12.00 per day per employee $493.00 per day per employee The importance of hazardous materials management compliance is highlighted each times PHMSA raises these penalty amounts.  Let u...

Neither The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nor most states specifically define trace chemotherapy (often shortened to “chemo”). EPA has recently recognized trace chemo waste as empty IV bags, tubings, vials, gowns, gloves and other items that are contaminated with residual chemo pharmaceuticals.  To add to the overall confusion, EPA lists only nine chemo agents, but we must consider that the regulations were written years ago and have not been updated since the approval of numerous new drugs now on the market. What is Trace Chemotherapy Waste? All chemo paraphernalia should be managed as trace chemo waste if there is any risk exposure to chemo contamination. Trace chemo waste includes: RCRA empty vials, syringes, IV bags, tubing, gowns, gloves, wipes other paraphernalia associated with routine handling, preparation, and administration of chemo wipes and other materials used during routine cleaning and decontamination of a biological safety cabinet or glove box ...

For those of us who ship lithium batteries, you are probably well aware of the recent regulatory changes regarding them.   These changes were enacted in 2017 and called for a two-year transition period during which “old” labels could still be used while phasing in the “new” labels.   January 1, 2019 marked the end of that phase-in period and you can no longer use the “old” labels. We strongly recommend if you haven’t already started using these new updated labels yet, now is the time to do it! To ensure you are using the correctly marked labels, below are some examples of “approved” and “no longer approved” labels.   Consult with your local Enviroexpert today to ensure correct shipping of your lithium batteries! YES NO

Effectively developing, implementing and managing an integrated waste solution requires a very specific set of expertise, resources and planning.   We’re here to ensure your organization has the solutions and services you need to implement a scalable program that handles all you waste streams at all your locations. As your single source partner with our Enviroexpert Integrated Waste Solutions, we offer: ·          Assess and evaluate your companywide waste management and disposal programs for all waste including but not limited to hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, pharmaceutical waste, regulated medical waste, universal waste, recycling materials, and secure and confidential documents for shredding.  We also assess points of generation and equipment efficiency with focus on evaluating collective effectiveness and identifying needs and conditions for success. ·          Design, Deve...