FREE Solid Waste Management Certification Question and Answers
‥ Mixed waste contains both radioactive and hazardous waste components. As a result, both treatment and regulation are complex.
Mixed wastes are regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Atomic Energy Act (AEA).
In general, the requirements of RCRA and AEA are consistent and compatible. However, in cases where requirements of the two acts are found to be inconsistent, the AEA takes precedence.
‥ The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) regulate the radioactive portion of mixed waste under AEA authority, while EPA regulates the hazardous waste portion of mixed waste under RCRA authority.
This regulatory framework ensures that mixed waste, with its unique combination of radioactive and hazardous components, is managed safely and in compliance with environmental and public health standards.
Several amendments to RCRA were passed to protect groundwater.
- Imposed new regulations on underground storage tanks, developed new landfill liner standards for double liners, leachate collection systems, groundwater monitoring, and leak detection systems.
The 1984 Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) were passed as amendments to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). These amendments introduced several measures to protect groundwater from contamination caused by hazardous waste. Specifically, HSWA imposed new regulations on underground storage tanks, including requirements for leak detection systems and groundwater monitoring. It also established new standards for landfill liners, requiring double liners and leachate collection systems to prevent groundwater pollution from waste disposal sites. These amendments aimed to strengthen the management of hazardous and solid waste to reduce environmental and public health risks associated with improper waste disposal.
Legislation responsible for the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- One of the EPA's major responsibilities is to determine the environmental impact of a project. As civil engineers, we will have to write Environmental Impact Statements (EIS's) and preform environmental assessments (EAs) to identify a project's impact on the environment
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 was responsible for the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NEPA requires federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their decision-making processes by requiring them to prepare Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for major projects that could significantly impact the environment. These statements evaluate the potential environmental effects of proposed projects and provide the public with an understanding of the environmental consequences before decisions are made. Additionally, agencies must conduct Environmental Assessments (EAs) to determine if a project will have significant environmental impacts that would necessitate the preparation of an EIS. This legislation aims to promote the enhancement of the environment and ensure that environmental factors are considered in federal decision-making processes.
Through regulation, reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, rethinking, and renovation we could have zero pollution and avoid landfills, and incineration.
This rule emphasizes a comprehensive approach to waste management that goes beyond the traditional three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). It encompasses seven key strategies:
Reducing: Minimizing waste generation by using fewer materials and resources in the first place.
Reusing: Finding new uses for products to extend their lifespan and reduce the need for new materials.
Recycling: Processing used materials into new products to conserve resources and reduce waste.
Recovering: Extracting energy or other useful materials from waste that cannot be recycled.
Rethinking: Encouraging a shift in mindset towards sustainable consumption and waste reduction.
Renovating: Upgrading and modernizing waste management systems and infrastructure.
Regulating: Implementing policies and regulations to promote sustainable waste management practices.
By applying the principles of the 7 Rs Golden Rule, the goal is to achieve zero pollution, minimize landfilling and incineration, and create a circular economy where resources are conserved and reused in a sustainable manner.
MSW (EPA definition)—otherwise known as trash or garbage—consists of everyday items such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food waste, newspapers, and appliances.
Not included are materials that also may be disposed of in landfills but are not generally considered MSW, such as construction and demolition materials, municipal wastewater treatment sludges, and non-hazardous industrial wastes.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is essential for ensuring proper disposal and minimizing environmental impacts associated with waste generation. Strategies like recycling, composting, and waste reduction initiatives are increasingly employed to promote sustainable waste management practices.
Accepts comingled recyclable materials separate from the MSW stream (Technically Recycling)
The correct term for a facility that accepts comingled recyclable materials separate from the MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) stream is "Clean MRF" (Materials Recovery Facility). A Clean MRF is designed to sort and process recyclable materials such as plastics, paper, glass, and metals that have been collected from curbside recycling programs or drop-off centers. The materials are separated and prepared for sale to recycling markets.
Addresses the problem of hazardous waste as well as specifies guidelines for nonhazardous solid waste disposal.
- Subtitle D of RCRA is the municipal solid waste section and overviews standards used today in the building of landfills.
- Subtitle C deals directly with hazardous wastes
RCRA plays a crucial role in managing both hazardous and nonhazardous solid waste to protect public health and the environment from the adverse impacts of improper waste disposal.
By definition, EPA determined that some specific wastes are hazardous. These wastes are incorporated into lists published by the Agency.
These lists are organized into three categories:
‥ The F-list (non-specific source wastes)
‥ The K-list (source-specific wastes)
‥ The P-list and the U-list (discarded commercial chemical products)
These lists play a crucial role in identifying and managing hazardous wastes according to their sources or characteristics.
Environmental conservation became a national platform during the industrial revolution in the US and citizens became increasingly concerned about urbanization and the utilization of resources.
The movement urged the establishment of state and national parks and forests, wildlife refuges, and national monuments intended to preserve natural features
The Conservation Movement (1890-1900) aimed to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and protect wilderness areas from development. Key figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir played significant roles in advocating for the conservation of public lands and the creation of national parks.
Just south of Jefferson County (Louisville, KY) was a 23 acre site in which A.L. Taylor took in industrial waste.
He would excavate pits on the site, empty the contents into the pits and recycle the drums.
The Valley of the Drums refers to a specific hazardous waste site located just south of Jefferson County (Louisville, KY). The site, spanning approximately 23 acres, was operated by A.L. Taylor, who excavated pits on the property to dispose of industrial waste. Taylor emptied the contents of drums into these pits and often recycled the drums themselves.
Passed to limit ocean dumping of any wastes that would adversely affect human health or the marine environment.
- Waste sources regulated in this act include runoff from land, point source discharges, dumping of dredged materials, operational discharges from ships and off-shore platforms, and accidental spills.
The Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, passed in 1972, is often referred to as the Ocean Dumping Act. Its purpose is to regulate ocean dumping to protect human health and the marine environment from adverse effects caused by waste disposal. This act regulates various waste sources, including runoff from land, point-source discharges, dumping of dredged materials, operational discharges from ships and offshore platforms, and accidental spills. The MPRSA aims to prevent pollution of the oceans and maintain their health and ecological balance by managing and controlling waste disposal practices.