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New Hazardous Waste Regulations

On October 31, 2001, new hazardous waste regulations were issued that replaced the state hazardous waste regulations issued on July 17, 1990. These new rules mainly served to incorporate numerous federal rules issued by EPA between 1989 and 1995 (with certain changes to be consistent with state law, or for appropriate technical reasons). This fact sheet summarizes many of the changes contained in these regulations. Please note that these regulations were later revised on June 27 and September 10, 2002. A separate fact sheet summarizes these revisions to the new regulations.

What Are Some of the Changes in the New Regulations?

The following table lists many of the changes in the October 31, 2001 regulations. At the end of each entry in the table is the state or federal citation for the new requirement. For new state rules, this citation identifies where in Section 22a-449(c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies ("RCSA") the rule is located. Please note that the beginning part of this citation (i.e., "22a-449(c)-") has been omitted to save space. For the new federal rules that are incorporated by the new state rules, the citation uses the federal numbering system (i.e., "40 CFR" followed by the section number). Please note that this table is only a partial listing of the changes in the new rules. Readers must refer to the actual rules in order to determine the precise impact on their operations.

Subject/Topic

 

Some Major Changes in the Rules

 

Hazardous Waste Identification

 

  • TCLP.  The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure ("TCLP") is now officially required when determining if a waste is toxic. 40 CFR 261.24
  • Waste Code Changes.  Numerous EPA waste codes were added, removed, or modified.  40 CFR 261.32 & 261.33
  • Hazardous waste determinations must be done annually or whenever there is a process or raw material change, and generators that use knowledge of process for their waste determinations must document the basis for their claim. 102(a)(2)(A)
  • New Exemptions.  Adopted federal exemptions for petroleum-contaminated media and debris from underground tank cleanups, used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) being reclaimed, and non-terne-plated used oil filters.  40 CFR 261.4(b)(10), (12) & (13)
  • Precipitation run-off is included in the definition of "derived-from" wastes, unless such precipitation is subject to DEEP’s stormwater general permit. 101(a)(2)(H)
  • Domestic Sewage.  Clarified that wastes exempt under the "domestic sewage" exclusion of 40 CFR 261.4(a)(1)(ii) are still subject to certain notification requirements.  101(a)(2)(I)

Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs)

 

  • Allowed Destination Facilities.  CESQGs may send their hazardous waste to facilities licensed by DEEP to accept household hazardous waste, and may send their universal waste to universal waste handlers and destination facilities.  101(a)(2)(S) & (U)
  • Applicable Requirements.  Clarified that CESQGs are only subject to the requirements of 40 CFR 261.5 and section 101(b) of the state regulations.  101(b)
  • Storage over 1000 kg.  Clarified that CESQGs storing more than 1000 kg of hazardous waste are subject to large quantity generator requirements.  101(a)(2)(I)

Small Quantity Generators (SQGs)

 

  • Allowed storage units.  Clarified that SQGs may only store waste in tanks or containers (and not in any other type of unit).  102(c)
  • Applicable Requirements.  Clarified that SQGs must comply with requirements concerning hazardous waste determinations, notification, use of manifest, pre-transport requirements, satellite containers, secondary containment, generator closure, inspection schedule and log, and 40 CFR 262 subparts E - G.  102(c) & 102(b)(2)
  • Transporters.  Clarified that SQGs must use transporters that are permitted by DEEP.  102(c) & 102(b)(1)
  • Spill response.  Clarified that SQGs must report spills to DEEP’s 24-hour spill response line in addition to the National Response Center, and must comply with CGS Section 22a-450 spill response requirements.  102(a)(2)(P)

Large Quantity Generators (LQGs)

 

    LQGs must comply with the requirements for the control of organic emissions from process vents and equipment leaks in 40 CFR 265 subparts AA and BB. LQGs must comply with the tank closure requirements of 40 CFR 265.197(c).

Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs)

 

    Disposal of liquids that are contained in biodegradable sorbents or in sorbents that release liquids when managed in landfills is prohibited. Adopted federal requirements for the control of organic emissions from process vents and equipment leaks. Eliminated the requirement that a copy of the manifest be maintained with waste analysis records. Reporting frequency reduced from annual to biennial. Clarified that TSDFs must report tank spills to DEEP’s 24-hour hotline in addition to National Response Center, and must comply with CGS Section 22a-450 spill response requirements. (1) Allowed demonstration of an alternate downgradient monitoring well - ; (2) Allowed DEEP to waive groundwater monitoring requirements (while imposing appropriate conditions) - ; (3) Allowed DEEP to reduce frequency of groundwater monitoring from quarterly to semi-annual (while imposing appropriate conditions) - ; (4) Groundwater reporting is now annual, not quarterly (unless specifically requested by DEEP) - . Required that third-party claims against liability coverage be reported. Clarified that facilities that lose their permit or interim status must comply with closure, post-closure, and financial assurance requirements. Permit process modified to require a public informational meeting, while making a formal, adjudicated hearing discretionary. Established fees for hazardous waste permit modifications and transfers.

Storage Requirements

 

    were added as allowable types of storage and treatment units for LQGs and TSDFs. SQGs, LQGs, and TSDFs must mark containers and tanks with words describing the contents, such as "flammable," "acid," "alkaline," "cyanide," "reactive," "explosive," "halogenated solvent," or the chemical name. SQGs and LQGs storing waste in containers that are one gallon or less in size may mark this information on the storage unit in which the container is stored, rather than the container itself. Added the following requirements to the list of requirements that apply to satellite storage areas: (1) 40 CFR 265.31, maintenance and operations of facilities; (2) 40 CFR 265.173(b), management of containers; and, (3) 40 CFR 265.177, incompatible wastes.

Inspection Requirements

 

    SQGs, LQGs, and TSDFs must inspect safety and emergency equipment at least once per month.

Land Disposal Restrictions (LDRs)

 

    to be consistent with federal changes through July 1, 1995. Updated tables of "Treatment Standards for Hazardous Wastes" and "Universal Treatment Standards." for hazardous debris and HTMR residues. Generators may send LDR notices and certifications to their TSDF on a one-time basis instead of with each shipment (unless the waste or receiving facility changes, in which case a new notice or certification must be sent). are subject to LDRs. was modified to eliminate the special definitions for certain "F" and "K" listed wastes. were listed and clarified.

Requirements for Recyclable Materials

 

    Clarified which materials are subject to DEEP’s recyclable material registration and reporting requirements, and clarified that generators are subject to these requirements. The following units are exempt from recycling registration and reporting requirements: (1) units which are an integral part of an industrial production process; (2) wastewater treatment units; (3) recycling equipment used by CESQGs to recycle their own waste; and, (4) storage facilities subject to permitting requirements. Clarified the "case-by-case" recycling provisions (i.e., what materials and what facilities they apply to). Tanks and containers used to store characteristically hazardous sludges and byproducts, and commercial chemical products being reclaimed must be marked to identify the contents and the date of accumulation. Tanks and containers used to store materials which are used or reused in accordance with 40 CFR 261.2(e) must be marked to identify the contents and the date of accumulation. Clarified that recycling units exempt from regulation under 40 CFR 261.6(c) are still subject to CGS Section 22a-454 and section 101(c) of the state regulations.  New section added for recyclable materials utilized for precious metal recovery: (1) clarified that containers and tanks storing these materials must be marked so as to identify the contents and the date of accumulation; (2) accumulation start date for wastes stored in tanks may be in a log rather than on the tank itself; and, (3) clarified that the recyclable material registration and reporting requirements of section 101(c) of the state regulations apply.

Universal Waste Rule

 

    EPA’s Universal Waste Rule adopted in Connecticut for batteries, pesticides, thermostats, and lamps. Clarified: (1) which lamps are subject to regulation as universal waste lamps; (2) when lamps are considered to be "generated;" and, (3) lamps that are not managed as universal waste are subject to hazardous waste requirements. must be managed in accordance with the same standards as hazardous lamps. are not exempt from notification requirements (as provided in the federal rules). universal waste transporters and destination facilities may still be subject to certain permitting requirements under CGS Sections 22a-209(e) and/or 22a-454.

Lead-Acid Batteries

 

    in an inspection log. of spent lead acid batteries defined. (see above).

Hazardous Wastes Burned in BIFs

 

    for the burning of hazardous waste in Boilers and Industrial Furnaces (BIFs).

Used Oil - General

 

    (more details below). is prohibited, unless such mixing is for legitimate recycling purposes. includes waste oils that have not been used. were created. Clarified that cleanup must not only address the material spilled, but also any contaminated soil, groundwaters, or surface waters. Used oil may never be used for dust suppression in Connecticut. is subject to all applicable disposal requirements in the state hazardous waste rules. Clarified that the permitting requirements of CGS Section 22a-454 apply independently of the used oil regulations.

Used Oil -

Testing and Characterization

 

    specified for total halogen and used oil fuel specification testing. information that is used as a substitute for analytical testing to determine total halogen content must be documented. The presumption of mixing with listed hazardous waste for used oils with greater than 1000 ppm total halogens may be rebutted if the oil does not have more than 100 ppm of any one of the F001/F002 chlorinated solvents. for chlorinated paraffin cutting oils and oils with CFCs (e.g., Freon). Unless the presumption of mixing is successfully rebutted, a used oil with over 1000 ppm total halogens must be managed as a hazardous waste.  Mixtures of used oil and ignitable-only hazardous wastes need only be tested for ignitability to determine if they are hazardous waste. Analytical testing is required to determine a used oil is "on-spec" fuel (i.e., knowledge of process is not allowed). of 5000 BTU/lb for used oil fuels.

Used Oil - Generators

 

    Tank and container storage areas storing over 55 gallons of used oil must be equipped with an impervious surface. If outdoors, the storage area must also have secondary containment (e.g. a berm). Clarified that generators must determine the total halogen content of their used oil, and, if necessary, apply the rebuttable presumption. Records of total halogen determinations must be kept for 3 years.

Used Oil -

Collection Centers and Aggregation Points

 

    These requirements, in turn, require compliance with used oil generator requirements (see above). must have a permit to operate in Connecticut (this is not required for Aggregation Points).

Used Oil - Transporters and Transfer Facilities

 

    is requiredtransporting used oil. may not store for more than 10 days. Transporters that transfer used oil from one vehicle to another must have secondary containment (note: this activity may also require a permit). Must report spills using DEEP’s 24-hour Spill Response telephone number (in addition to the National Response Center), and must comply with the spill response requirements of CGS Section 22a-450.

Used Oil - Processors and Re-Refiners

 

    is required processing used oil. Analyses or other records documenting total halogen determinations must be retained for at least three years. must be tested monthly, and after each use. Must report spills using DEEP’s 24-hour Spill Response telephone number (in addition to the National Response Center), and must comply with the spill response requirements of CGS Section 22a-450. Established timeframes for the closure of used oil storage areas, and clarified that contaminated surface and groundwaters must be cleaned up during closure. must be retained until closure is completed. must be filed on whatever forms DEEP may specify, and shall include additional information if requested by DEEP.

Used Oil - Burners

 

    Clarified that used oil from refrigeration units must first have the CFCs reclaimed from it before being burned. Clarified that the burner retains a of the burner certification (not the original).

Used Oil - Marketers

 

    Clarified that the marketer retains the original copy of the burner certification.

22a-454 Permits

 

    Modified and clarified permit fee requirements.

Miscellaneous

  • New definitions
provided for the terms battery, impermeable or impervious, integral part of an industrial production process, lamp or universal waste lamp, ppmv (parts per million by volume), replacement unit, small quantity generator, state hazardous waste management regulations, universal waste, used oil, and several others. 100(c)
  • Farmers disposing of pesticides
  • must comply with any federal, state, or local laws which are more stringent than the pesticide label. 102(a)(2)(FF)

    How Can I Get a Copy of the New State Regulations?

    The new rules were published in the Connecticut Law Journal on December 11, 2001 (although this version only included those sections of the rules that were changed). The Connecticut Law Journal may be found at many public and university libraries, and at the law libraries located at each state courthouse. To get a complete copy of the new rules, including numerous amendments made to them on June 27 and September 10, 2002, visit the DEEP Hazardous Waste Regulations web page or call or write DEEP and ask to have a copy mailed to you. Telephone number and address information is listed at the beginning of this fact sheet.

    What about the Federal Hazardous Waste Regulations?

    Like the 1990 state rules, the new state rules incorporate the federal hazardous waste regulations with certain specified additions, deletions, and changes specifically for Connecticut. The relevant sections of the federal hazardous waste regulations may be found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("40 CFR"), Parts 260 through 268, 270, 273, and 279. These regulations may be found at many public and university libraries, at the law libraries located at each state courthouse, and on the DEEP Hazardous Waste Regulations web page. The CFR edition that is currently incorporated by the state rules is the edition dated July 1, 2000.

    Does DEEP Have More Guidance on the New Regulations?

    As noted above, the new regulations that are summarized in this fact sheet were revised on June 27 and September 10, 2002. These revisions are summarized in a separate fact sheet entitled "Revisions to DEEP Hazardous Waste Regulations." To get a copy of this fact sheet, visit the DEEP Hazardous Waste Regulations web page or call or write DEEP and ask to have a copy mailed to you. Telephone number and address information is listed at the beginning of this fact sheet.

    In addition, DEEP is also in the process of revising its many hazardous waste fact sheets and guidance documents to make them consistent with the new rules. Readers are advised to periodically check the DEEP web site listed above for developments in this area.

    Content Last Updated February 3, 2020