Regulation of Land Treatment

Safe treatment using this method must be demonstrated prior to its use. The EPA regional administrator will be involved with this demonstration. They will make sure that the demonstration accurately simulates the characteristics and conditions that will be present if the facility is approved for land treatment.

Once in operation, the owner or operator is responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining the land treatment area to ensure that the waste degrades, transforms, and is immobilized as demonstrated. This includes controlling run-off of hazardous components of the waste during the active life of the treatment zone, and providing for the emptying of any collection areas or holding facilities that are associated with this. Typically, a clay or composite liner is used to prevent contaminants from entering the groundwater and polluting it. If there is a chance that the wind could pick up particulate and disperse it past the treatment zone, the facility must control this as well. The area must be inspected each week to confirm that run-off and blowing hazard controls are function properly. Special monitoring must be implemented if the land treatment area is determined to incorporate an unsaturated zone. In all cases, the owner or operator must continue to maintain the land treatment area as per the regulations after the closing the zone.

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