La. Admin. Code tit. 33 § V-1013

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 6, June 20, 2024

Section V-1013 - Conditions for Exemption for Small Quantity Generators

A. A small quantity generator may accumulate hazardous waste on-site without a permit or interim status, and without complying with the requirements of LAC 33:V.Subpart 1, provided that all the conditions for exemption listed in this Section are met.

B. Generation. The generator generates in a calendar month no more than the amounts specified in the definition of small quantity generator in LAC 33:V.109.

C. Accumulation. The generator accumulates hazardous waste on-site for no more than 180 days, unless in compliance with the conditions for exemption for longer accumulation in Subsections E and F of this Section. The following accumulation conditions also apply:

1. Accumulation Limit. The quantity of hazardous waste accumulated on-site never exceeds 6,000 kilograms (13,200 lbs.).

2. Accumulation of Hazardous Waste in Containers

a. Condition of Containers. If a container holding hazardous waste is not in good condition, or if it begins to leak, the small quantity generator shall immediately transfer the hazardous waste from this container to a container that is in good condition, or immediately manage the waste in some other way that complies with the conditions for exemption of this Section.

b. Compatibility of Waste with Container. The small quantity generator shall use a container made of or lined with materials that will not react with, and are otherwise compatible with, the hazardous waste to be accumulated, so that the ability of the container to contain the waste is not impaired.

c. Management of Containers

i. A container holding hazardous waste shall always be closed during accumulation, except when it is necessary to add or remove waste.

ii. A container holding hazardous waste shall not be opened, handled, or accumulated in a manner that may rupture the container or cause it to leak.

d. Inspections. At least weekly, the small quantity generator shall inspect central accumulation areas. The small quantity generator shall look for leaking containers and for deterioration of containers caused by corrosion or other factors. See Subparagraph C.2.a of this Section for remedial action required if deterioration or leaks are detected.

e. Special Conditions for Accumulation of Incompatible Wastes

i. Incompatible wastes, or incompatible wastes and materials (see LAC 33:V.199.Appendix B for examples), shall not be placed in the same container, unless the generator complies with LAC 33:V.1517.B.

ii. Hazardous waste shall not be placed in an unwashed container that previously held an incompatible waste or material (see LAC 33:V.199.Appendix B for examples), unless the generator complies with LAC 33:V.1517.B.

iii. A container accumulating hazardous waste that is incompatible with any waste or other materials accumulated or stored nearby in other containers, piles, open tanks, or surface impoundments shall be separated from the other materials or protected from them by means of a dike, berm, wall, or other device.

3. Accumulation of Hazardous Waste in Tanks

a. A small quantity generator of hazardous waste shall comply with the following operating conditions.

i. Treatment or accumulation of hazardous waste in tanks shall comply with LAC 33:V.1517.B.

ii. Hazardous waste or treatment reagents shall not be placed in a tank if they could cause the tank or its inner liner to rupture, leak, corrode, or otherwise fail before the end of its intended life.

iii. Uncovered tanks shall be operated to ensure at least 60 centimeters (2 feet) of freeboard, unless the tank is equipped with a containment structure (e.g., dike or trench), a drainage control system, or a diversion structure (e.g., standby tank) with a capacity that equals or exceeds the volume of the top 60 centimeters (2 feet) of the tank.

iv. Where hazardous waste is continuously fed into a tank, the tank shall be equipped with a means to stop this inflow (e.g., waste feed cutoff system or by-pass system to a standby tank).

b. Except as noted in Subparagraph C.3.C of this Section, a small quantity generator that accumulates hazardous waste in tanks shall inspect, where present:

i. discharge control equipment (e.g., waste feed cutoff systems, bypass systems, and drainage systems) at least once each operating day, to ensure that it is in good working order;

ii. data gathered from the monitoring equipment (e.g., pressure and temperature gauges) at least once each operating day to ensure that the tank is being operated according to its design;

iii. the level of waste in the tank at least once each operating day to ensure compliance with Clause C.3.a.iii of this Section;

iv. the construction materials of the tank at least weekly to detect corrosion or leaking of fixtures or seams; and

v. the construction materials of, and the area immediately surrounding, discharge confinement (e.g., dikes) at least weekly to detect erosion or obvious signs of leakage (e.g., wet spots or dead vegetation). The generator shall remedy any deterioration or malfunction of equipment or structures, which the inspection reveals on a schedule, which ensures that the problem does not lead to an environmental or human health hazard. Where a hazard is imminent or has already occurred, remedial action shall be taken immediately.

c. A small quantity generator accumulating hazardous waste in tanks or tank systems that have full secondary containment and that either use leak detection equipment to alert personnel to leaks, or implement established workplace practices to ensure leaks are properly identified, shall inspect at least weekly, where applicable, the areas identified in Clauses C.3.b.i-v of this Section. Use of the alternate inspection schedule shall be documented in the generator's operating record. This documentation shall include a description of the established workplace practices at the generator.

d. A small quantity generator accumulating hazardous waste in tanks shall, upon closure of the facility, remove all hazardous waste from tanks, discharge control equipment, and discharge confinement structures. At closure, as throughout the operating period, unless the small quantity generator can demonstrate, in accordance with LAC 33:V.109.Hazardous Waste.4 or 5, that any solid waste removed from its tank is not a hazardous waste, then it shall manage such waste in accordance with all applicable provisions of LAC 33:V.Chapters 10, 11, 13, 22, and 43.

e. A small quantity generator shall comply with the following special conditions for accumulation of ignitable or reactive waste.

i. Ignitable or reactive waste shall not be placed in a tank, unless:

(a), the waste is treated, rendered, or mixed before or immediately after placement in a tank so that the resulting waste, mixture, or dissolution of material no longer meets the definition of ignitable or reactive waste under LAC 33:V.4903.B or D and LAC 33:V.1517.B is complied with;

(b). the waste is accumulated or treated in such a way that it is protected from any material or conditions that may cause the waste to ignite or react; or

(c). the tank is used solely for emergencies,

ii. A small quantity generator which treats or accumulates ignitable or reactive waste in covered tanks shall comply with the buffer zone requirements for tanks contained in Tables 2-1 through 2-6 of the 1977 or 1981 National Fire Protection Association's "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code" (incorporated by reference in LAC 33:V.110).

iii. A small quantity generator shall comply with the following special conditions for incompatible wastes.

(a). Incompatible wastes, or incompatible wastes and materials (see LAC 33:V.199.Appendix B for examples), shall not be placed in the same tank, unless the generator complies with LAC 33:V.1517.B.

(b). Hazardous waste shall not be placed in an unwashed tank that previously held an incompatible waste or material, unless the generator complies with LAC 33:V.1517.B.

f. A small quantity generator accumulating hazardous waste in tanks shall use inventory logs, monitoring equipment or other records in accordance with LAC 33:V.1909.D or E to demonstrate that hazardous waste has been emptied within 180 days of first entering the tank if using a batch process, or in the case of a tank with a continuous flow process, demonstrate that estimated volumes of hazardous waste entering the tank daily exit the tank within 180 days of first entering.

g. A small quantity generator accumulating hazardous waste in tanks shall keep inventory logs or records documenting the generator's compliance with LAC 33:V.1909.D or E on-site and readily available for inspection.

4. Accumulation of Hazardous Waste on Drip Pads. If the waste is placed on drip pads, the small quantity generator shall:

a. comply with LAC 33:V.2801, 2803, 2804, 2805, 2807, and 2809;

b. remove all wastes from the drip pad at least once every 90 days (Any hazardous wastes that are removed from the drip pad at least once every 90 days are then subject to the 180-day accumulation limit in Subsection C of this Section and LAC 33:V.1011 if hazardous waste is being managed in satellite accumulation areas prior to being moved to the central accumulation area.); and

c. maintain on-site at the facility the following records readily available for inspection:

i. a written description of procedures that are followed to ensure that all wastes are removed from the drip pad and associated collection system at least every 90 days; and

ii. documentation of each waste removal, including the quantity of waste removed from the drip pad and the sump or collection system, and the date and time of the removal.

5. Accumulation of Hazardous Waste in Containment Buildings. If the wastes is placed in containment buildings, the small quantity generator shall:

a. comply with LAC 33:V.Chapter 43. Subchapter T;

b. label its containment building with the words "Hazardous Waste" in a conspicuous place easily visible to employees, visitors, emergency responders, waste handlers, or other persons on-site;

c. provide an indication of the hazards of the contents in a conspicuous place (examples include, but are not limited to, the applicable hazardous waste characteristic(s) (i.e., ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic); hazardous communication consistent with the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements in 49 CFR part 172 subpart E (labeling) or subpart F (placarding); a hazard statement or pictogram consistent with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard in 29 CRF 1910.1200; or a chemical hazard label consistent with the National Fire Protection Association Code 704);

d. maintain the following records on-site and made readily available for inspection:

i. the professional engineer certification that the building complies with the design standards specified in LAC 33:V.4703 (This certification shall be in the generator's files prior to operation of the unit.); and

ii. inventory logs or other records (i.e., monitoring equipment or any other effective means) with the following information:

(a), a written description of procedures to ensure that each waste volume remains in the unit for no more than 90 days, a written description of the waste generation and management practices for the facility showing that the generator is consistent with maintaining the 90-day limit, and documentation that the procedures are complied with; or

(b). documentation that the unit is emptied at least once every 90 days.

6. Labeling and Marking of Containers and Tanks

a. A small quantity generator shall mark or label its containers and tanks accumulating hazardous waste with:

i. the words "Hazardous Waste"; and

ii. an indication of the hazards of the contents (examples include, but are not limited to, the applicable hazardous waste characteristic(s) (i.e., ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic); hazard communication consistent with the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements in 49 CFR part 172 subpart E (labeling) or subpart F (placarding); a hazard statement or pictogram consistent with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Communication Standard in 29 CFR 1910.1200; or a chemical hazard label consistent with the National Fire Protection Association Code 704).

b. In addition to Clauses 6.a.i and ii above, each container shall be marked or labelled with the date upon which each period of accumulation begins. The date shall be clearly visible for inspection on each container.

7. Land Disposal Restrictions. A small quantity generator shall comply with all the applicable requirements mLAC 33:V.Chapter 22.

8. Preparedness and Prevention

a. Maintenance and Operation of Facility. A small quantity generator shall maintain and operate its facility to minimize the possibility of a fire, explosion, or any unplanned sudden or nonsudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water, which could threaten human health or the environment.

b. Required Equipment. All areas where hazardous waste is either generated or accumulated shall be equipped with the items in Clauses 1013.C.b.i-iv of this Section, unless none of the hazards posed by waste handled at the facility could require a particular kind of equipment specified below or the actual waste generation or accumulation area does not lend itself for safety reasons to have a particular kind of equipment specified below. A small quantity generator may determine the most appropriate locations to locate equipment necessary to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The required equipment consists of:

i. an internal communications or alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility personnel;

ii. a device (i.e., a telephone) immediately available at the scene of operations, or a hand-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire departments, or state or local emergency response teams;

iii. portable fire extinguishers, fire control equipment, including special extinguishing equipment, such as that using foam, inert gas, or dry chemicals, spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment; and

iv. water at adequate volume and pressure to supply water hose streams, or foam producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems.

c. Testing and Maintenance of Equipment. All communications or alarm systems, fire protection equipment, spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment, where required, shall be tested and maintained as necessary to ensure its proper operation in time of emergency.

d. Access to Communications or Alarm System

i. Whenever hazardous waste is being poured, mixed, spread, or otherwise handled, all personnel involved in the operation shall have immediate access (e.g., direct or unimpeded access) to an internal alarm or emergency communication device, either directly or through visual or voice contact with another employee, unless such a device is not required under Subparagraph C.8.b of this Section.

ii. In the event there is just one employee on the premises while the facility is operating, the employee shall have immediate access (e.g., direct or unimpeded access) to a device, such as a telephone (immediately available at the scene of operation) or a hand-held two-way radio, capable of summoning external emergency assistance, unless such a device is not required under Subparagraph C.8.b of this Section.

e. Required Aisle Space. The small quantity generator shall maintain aisle space to allow the unobstructed movement of personnel, fire protection equipment, spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment to any area of facility operation in an emergency, unless aisle space is not needed for any of these purposes.

f. Arrangements with Local Authorities

i. The small quantity generator shall attempt to make arrangements with the local police department, fire department, other emergency response teams, emergency response contractors, equipment suppliers and local hospitals, taking into account the types and quantities of hazardous waste handled at the facility. Arrangements may be made with the local emergency planning committee, if it is determined to be the appropriate organization with which to make arrangements.

(a). A small quantity generator attempting to make arrangements with its local fire department shall determine the potential need for the services of the local police department, other emergency response teams, emergency response contractors, equipment suppliers and local hospitals.

(b). As part of this coordination, the small quantity generator shall attempt to make arrangements, as necessary, to familiarize the above organizations with the layout of the facility, the properties of hazardous waste handled at the facility and associated hazards, places where facility personnel would normally be working, entrances to roads inside the facility, and possible evacuation routes as well as the types of injuries or illnesses that could result from fires, explosions, or releases at the facility.

(c). Where more than one police or fire department might respond to an emergency, the small quantity generator shall attempt to make arrangements designating primary emergency authority to a specific fire or police department, and arrangements with any others to provide support to the primary emergency authority.

ii. A small quantity generator shall maintain records documenting the arrangements with the local fire department as well as any other organization necessary to respond to an emergency. This documentation shall include documentation in the operating record that either confirms such arrangements actively exist or in cases where no arrangements exist, confirms that attempts to make such arrangements were made.

iii. A facility possessing 24-hour response capabilities may seek a waiver from the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) over the fire code at the facility's location (i.e., state fire marshal or district fire chief) as far as needing to make arrangements with the local fire department as well as any other organization necessary to respond to an emergency, provided the waiver is documented in the operating record.

9. Emergency Procedures. The small quantity generator shall comply with the following conditions for those areas of the generator facility where hazardous waste is generated and accumulated.

a. At all times there shall be at least one employee either on the premises or on call (i.e., available to respond to an emergency by reaching the facility within a short period of time) with the responsibility for coordinating all emergency response measures specified in Subparagraph C.9.d of this Section. This employee is the emergency coordinator.

b. The small quantity generator shall post the following information next to telephones or in areas directly involved in the generation and accumulation of hazardous waste:

i. the name and emergency telephone number of the emergency coordinator;

ii. location of fire extinguishers and spill control material, and if present, fire alarm; and

iii. the telephone number of the fire department, unless the facility has a direct alarm.

c. The small quantity generator shall ensure that all employees are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures, relevant to their responsibilities during normal facility operations and emergencies.

d. The emergency coordinator or his designee shall respond to any emergencies that arise. The applicable responses are as follows.

i. In the event of a fire, the small quantity generator shall call the fire department or attempt to extinguish it using a fire extinguisher.

ii. In the event of a spill, the small quantity generator is responsible for containing the flow of hazardous waste to the extent possible, and as soon as is practicable, cleaning up the hazardous waste and any contaminated materials or soil. Such containment and cleanup can be conducted either by the small quantity generator or by a contractor on behalf of the small quantity generator, iii. Immediate Emergency Notification

(a). Notification to the Louisiana State Police, Department of Public Safety

(i). In the event of a fire, explosion, or other release that could threaten human health outside the facility or when the small quantity generator has knowledge that a spill has reached surface water, the small quantity generator shall immediately, but in no case later than one hour, notify the 24-hour Louisiana Emergency Hazardous Materials Hotline by calling 1-877-922-6595 or 225-925-6595. This notification to the Louisiana State Police, Department of Public Safely shall be in accordance with LAC 33:1.Chapter 39 and shall include the following information:

[a]. the name and telephone number, and employer of the contact person;

[b]. the company or responsible party's name;

[c]. where the incident occurred (mailing address and physical location);

[d]. date and time the incident began and ended;

[e]. the identity of the hazardous material released or involved (this would include proper chemical name if available, an indication of whether it is an extremely hazardous substance and whether it is a solid, liquid or gas);

[f]. the actual amount or an estimate of the amount released; or in the absence of quantity data for the hazardous materials released, one of the following incident classifications: unusual event, site emergency, or general emergency;

[g]. whether the material released escaped or could reasonably be expected to escape, beyond the site of the facility;

[h]. if available, the substance's hazard class and any other identifier (e.g., U.N. number, CHRIS code, etc.);

[i]. medium into which the hazardous materials was released (e.g., air, water, land);

[j]. whether the release resulted in a fire or explosion;

[k]. injury to personnel, or a fatality resulting from the release or incident;

[l]. details regarding wind direction, wind speed, temperature, and precipitation;

[m]. any need or a recommendation for, an offsite protective action (road closure, shelter-in-place, evacuation, or none);

[n]. details of the release or incident; and

[o]. whether other responsible state and local agencies such as the local emergency planning committee have been notified.

(ii). Updates During the Incident. The hotline must be immediately notified of any adverse change in the nature or rate of the discharge. Additional notifications must be made for discharges of multiple constituents when they originate from different causes or sources or they are substantially different in nature from the discharges in the initial notification.

(iii). Written Follow-Up Reports. Written follow-up reports for any unauthorized discharge that requires notification shall be submitted by the small quantity generator to SPOC in accordance with LAC 33:1.3925 and the Louisiana State Police, Department of Public Safety in accordance with LAC 33.V.Subpart 2.10111.

(b). Emergency Notifications to Other Regulatory Agencies. The small quantity generator should be aware that other federal, state and local agencies may require immediate and/or follow-up notification of an emergency situation under other regulatory authorities, including, but not limited to, the following:

(i). the National Response Center by calling their 24-hour toll free number 1-800-424-8802, to the extent that immediate notification is required under 40 CFR 302.6 (exceedance of reportable quantities) or 40 CFR 110.6 (oil spills); and/or

(ii). the appropriate local emergency planning committee having jurisdiction over the facility to the extent that immediate notification is required under 40 CFR part 355, Subpart C or LAC 33:V.Subpart 2.Chapter 101. (Contact information for each local emergency planning committee is available on the Louisiana State Police, Department of Public Safety's website.)

D. Transporting Over 200 Miles. A small quantity generator who transports its waste, or offers its waste for transportation, over a distance of 200 miles or more for off-site treatment, storage or disposal may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for 270 days or less without a permit or without having interim status provided that the generator complies with the conditions of Subsection C of this Section.

E. Accumulation Time Limit Extension. A small quantity generator who accumulates hazardous waste for more than 180 days (or for more than 270 days if it transports its waste, or offers its waste for transportation, over a distance of 200 miles or more) is subject to the requirements of LAC 33:V.Subpart 1 unless it has been granted an extension to the 180-day (or 270-day if applicable) period. Such extension may be granted by the Office of Environmental Services if hazardous waste shall remain on-site for longer than 180-days, or 270 days if applicable, due to temporary, unforeseen, and uncontrollable circumstances. An extension of up to 30 days may be granted at the discretion of the Office of Environmental Services on a case-by-case basis.

F. Rejected Load. A small quantity generator who sends a shipment of hazardous waste to a designated facility with the understanding that the designated facility can accept and manage the waste and later receives that shipment back as a rejected load or residue in accordance with the manifest discrepancy provisions of LAC 33:V.1516.C may accumulate the returned waste on-site in accordance with Subsections B-E of this Section. Upon receipt of the returned shipment, the generator shall:

1. sign Item 18c of the manifest, if the transporter returned the shipment using the original manifest; or

2. sign Item 20 of the manifest, if the transporter returned the shipment using a new manifest.

G. A small quantity generator experiencing an episodic event may accumulate hazardous waste in accordance with Subchapter C of this Chapter in lieu of Section 1015 of this Chapter.

La. Admin. Code tit. 33, § V-1013

Promulgated by the Office of the Secretary, Legal Affairs and Criminal Investigations Division, LR 46906 (7/1/2020).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:2180 et seq.