Introduction
This site focuses on the regulatory aspects of chemical waste management that present special problems to higher education. The information on the site ranges from the very practical, such as how to manage RCRA generator status, to discussion of issues that I hope the EPA will consider, and ask us for comments about, in future rulemakings.
The navigation bar on the left side of the page links to the major topics covered on the site. The site map contains a complete table of contents.
The site grew out of a cooperative agreement that allowed me to use a cubicle and computer in the Washington DC (actually Crystal City, VA) office of the EPA Office of Solid Waste (see disclaimer) during fall, 2004.
The cooperative agreement afforded the luxury of one-on-one access to national experts on RCRA regulations. I deeply appreciate the time they willingly spent sharing their expertise and perspectives on the regulatory process. I returned with a lot more knowledge and a new appreciation of the dedicated folks who navigate very difficult regulatory waters.
Please remember to read the disclaimer. Comments, suggestions, criticisms, etc. are welcome, also questions. Please send an email.
——Dave Drummond, University of Wisconsin–Madison——
[about the author]
News on the academic laboratory rule!
(updated 5 March 2007)
EPA extended the comment period to mid-September, but it is now closed. The agency is evaluating the comments, developing responses and formulating the final rule. No-one knows how long the process will take and EPA will say very little, as is normal in this stage of their work.
One of the few indications of internal EPA processes recently emerged in the form of a question about the percentage of laboratory waste in higher education chemical waste streams. Many folks have questioned the EPA finding that 9 percent of higher education chemical waste comes from laboratories. Several universities have contributed data and all confirm that the percentage of higher education chemical waste coming from laboratories is actually in the 65–90 percent range.
The following button takes you to additional information and instructions on how to access the public comments submitted to EPA.
