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PA EPA LISTS ORGANOBROMINE AS A HAZARDOUS WASTE

Release Date: 05/08/98
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1998

EPA LISTS ORGANOBROMINE AS A HAZARDOUS WASTE

EPA issued a final rule that adds two new hazardous waste codes to its current list of hazardous waste. EPA has listed K140 -- floor sweepings, off-specification product and spent filter media from the production of 2,4,6-tribromophenol. EPA also listed U408 -- 2,4,6-tribromophenol, which includes discarded commercial chemical products, off-specification species, container residues and spill residues. These two hazardous waste codes are listed based on high concentrations of 2,4,6-tribromophenol in these wastes. The Agency’s risk assessment indicates that this chemical would be mobile in a leachate and may present a high risk to human health and the environment if the wastes were disposed of untreated in a landfill. Wastes listed as hazardous are subject to federal requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for persons who generate, transport, treat, store or dispose of such waste. The effect of this hazardous waste listing subjects the waste to stringent management standards under RCRA as well as to emergency notification requirements when hazardous substances are released into the environment under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act. For these notifications, EPA is adjusting the reportable quantities to 100 pounds for 2,4,6-tribromophenol waste code U408 and waste code K140. The Federal Register notice was published on May 4. A copy of the rule can be accessed through the Internet at: www.epa.gov/fedrgstr by choosing May 4, 1998. Paper copies of the rule can be ordered through the RCRA Hotline at 800-424-9346 or 703-412-9810.

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