Responding to Leaks or Spills

Owners or operators of hazardous waste management facilities that use tank systems must put leak detection systems in place, or put practices in place to ensure that leaks are detected right away. Weekly inspections of the leak detection system are required, and any changes to the system must be described in the facility's operating record. If a tank system or a secondary containment system leaks, spills, or is otherwise found unfit for its purpose, the facility must remove the system from service right away. The owner or operator is responsible for each of the following actions:

• Stopping the flow or addition of wastes into the container
• Removing the waste from the problem container within 24 hours after the leak is detected, or at the earliest possible time
• Containing the releases to prevent further leaking into the soil or water supplies
• Notifying the EPA regional administrator within 24 hours after the leak is detected
• Providing secondary containment, repair, or closure of the problem container
• Having any major repairs certified by a licensed professional engineer before using the system to contain wastes

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