The RCRA, Subtitle C demands control of hazardous wastes from "Cradle to Grave." Hazardous Waste is to be controlled all along the cycle of it's existence. Even after public comment, I still find it interesting to think he will write rules from this legislation allowing radioactive waste to be dumped in USA waters. I suppose the petroleum industry doesn't like dealing with their own mess and simply want the government to look the other way. To allow such drastic changes requires federal legislation to change the law.
I think Pruitt will over step his authority and write a rule that is illegal and all the concerned parties having written during the public comment period will take him to court.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (click here) Subtitle C establishes a federal program to manage hazardous wastes from cradle to grave. The objective of the Subtitle C program is to ensure that hazardous waste is handled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. To this end, there are Subtitle C regulations for the generation; transportation; and treatment, storage or disposal of hazardous wastes. In practical terms, this means regulating a large number of hazardous waste handlers. The RCRA Subtitle C program also:
- Conducts compliance evaluation inspections to ensure that hazardous waste is managed in accordance with law, regulations, and safe handling practices.
- Works with state agencies and the Department of Justice on civil and criminal enforcement of hazardous waste laws where violations are observed.
- Helps state and local agencies develop and administer hazardous waste management programs.
The Subtitle C program has resulted in perhaps the most comprehensive regulations EPA has ever developed. The regulations first identify the criteria to determine which solid wastes are hazardous, and then establish various requirements for the three categories of hazardous waste handlers: generators, transporters, and treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs). In addition, the Subtitle C regulations set technical standards for the design and safe operation of TSDFs. These standards are designed to minimize the release of hazardous waste into the environment. Furthermore, the regulations for TSDFs serve as a basis for developing and issuing the permits required by the Act for each facility. Permits are essential to making the Subtitle C regulatory program work, since it is through the permitting process that the EPA or state applies standards to TSDFs.
