RCRA - A Brief Summary

The owners and operators of TSDFs must operate their facilities in compliance with RCRA regulations. RCRA-mandated operating requirements address the following management concerns:

• Security
• Inspection
• Employee training
• Recordkeeping and required notices

Hazardous waste that is handled by TSDFs must be analyzed before it can be treated, stored, or disposed of. Personnel who handle ignitable, reactive, or incompatible wastes must follow specific guidelines.

The physical plant and its regulated units must be in compliance with RCRA regulations, including construction rules outlined in the Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) program. This program sets standards for surface impoundments, waste piles, and landfill units. Facilities that have regulated units on site must monitor and address any contamination of the soil and groundwater.

Emergency preparedness is central to the RCRA regulations concerning TSDFs. The owners and operators of TSDFs must ensure that their facilities are designed and equipped to immediately respond to any type of hazardous incident that could occur. All facility personnel must be trained in emergency preparedness, and owners and operators must make sure their employees have access to emergency prevention and response equipment.

Finally, owners and operators of TSDFs are required to plan in advance for the eventual closing of their facilities. At the time of closure, the owners and operators must clean up and remove all contaminants to ensure that the site poses no continuing threat to human health or the environment. They must also make financial and logistical arrangements for groundwater monitoring and facility maintenance to cover a 30-year post-closure period.

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