Food-Chain Crops in Land Treatment Zones

Food-chain crops are grown for consumption by animals or people. The EPA regional administrator may approve the growth of such crops in a treatment zone if the owner or operator meets certain conditions. The administrator specifies which crops may be grown. Prior to approval, the owner or operator must demonstrate that there is no risk to human health. This is accomplished by demonstrating that the following are true:

• Hazardous components will not be transferred to the food or feed portions of food-chain animals, such as grazing cows.
• Hazardous components will not be more concentrated in or on the food or feed portions growing on the treatment zone than they would be in untreated areas.

If cadmium is present in the treatment zone, the owner or operator must comply with more stringent regulations. These specify ratios of waste and acreage, as well as pH balance requirements, depending on the type of crop grown there.

To learn more about RCRA visit our RCRA Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.