Requirements for Surface Impoundments

A surface impoundment is an above-ground area in which hazardous wastes are treated, stored, or disposed of. Regulations for these areas are designed to keep the wastes out of the surrounding soil and water supply. The surface impoundment must be designed, constructed, and operated to prevent spillover due to overfilling, wind or waves, precipitation, equipment failure, or human error.

The area in which the waste is located must be lined with materials that are appropriate for the type of waste, the conditions in which it will be used, and the surrounding climate. The liner must also stand up to the stresses of daily operation.

Before receiving any waste that will be held in a surface impoundment unit, the owner or operator of the hazardous waste facility must have a response action plan in place. The need for a response is determined by the "action leakage rate," which designates unacceptable rates of leaking based on how efficiently a leak detection system sump can remove any leaking material. The objective is to avoid the overflow and backup of hazardous materials into the surrounding area due to overwhelmed sump systems.

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.