Requirements for Units That Store Munitions & Explosives

RCRA regulations include special requirements for spent munitions and explosives. These more stringent requirements are necessary because of the potential of these wastes to detonate or explode, releasing hazardous waste components, byproducts, or contamination of the soil, water supply, or the air.

Units in which munitions and explosive hazardous wastes are stored must meet specific regulations, including the following:

• Units must be designed and operated to include containment systems, controls, and monitoring that minimize the potential for detonation or explosion.
• The storage units in which munitions and explosives are located must be inspected and monitored as necessary to ensure the safety of the explosives and the integrity of the container.
• When a storage facility is closed, the owner or operator must remove or decontaminate all remaining waste components.

The RCRA regulations specifically address the management of solid waste military munitions. We will discuss this in Unit 8, "Specific Wastes."

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