RCRA - Introduction Training

### **RCRA Introduction Training**
This training provides a foundational understanding of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment. Below is an outline tailored for introductory RCRA training.

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### **1. Overview of RCRA**
- **What is RCRA?**
- Federal law enacted in 1976 to address the growing volume of waste.
- Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- **Objectives**:
- Protect human health and the environment from waste-related hazards.
- Conserve energy and natural resources through waste recycling and recovery.
- Reduce waste generation wherever possible.
- **Key Components**:
- Subtitle C: Hazardous Waste Management.
- Subtitle D: Non-Hazardous Solid Waste Management.
- Subtitle I: Underground Storage Tanks (USTs).

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### **2. Importance of Compliance**
- **Environmental Impacts**:
- Prevention of soil, water, and air contamination.
- **Human Health**:
- Reducing exposure to toxic substances.
- **Legal and Financial Risks**:
- Avoiding penalties, fines, and cleanup costs.
- **Reputation Management**:
- Promoting a positive public image through responsible waste management.

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### **3. Hazardous Waste Identification**
- **Definition of Hazardous Waste**:
- Solid waste that poses substantial hazards to human health or the environment.
- **Characteristics of Hazardous Waste**:
- Ignitability, Corrosivity, Reactivity, Toxicity (ICRT).
- **EPA Waste Codes**:
- F-list, K-list, P-list, U-list wastes.
- **Examples**:
- Used solvents, lead-acid batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment.

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### **4. Generator Categories**
- **Generator Classification**:
- **Large Quantity Generators (LQGs)**: >1,000 kg of hazardous waste per month.
- **Small Quantity Generators (SQGs)**: 100–1,000 kg per month.
- **Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs)**: <100 kg per month.
- **Key Responsibilities by Category**:
- Waste accumulation, labeling, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements.

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### **5. Hazardous Waste Management Requirements**
- **Accumulation and Storage**:
- Proper container labeling (“Hazardous Waste”).
- Accumulation time limits based on generator status.
- Use of secondary containment for spill prevention.
- **Transportation**:
- Use of authorized transporters and shipping manifests.
- **Treatment and Disposal**:
- Permitted Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs).

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### **6. Recordkeeping and Reporting**
- **Required Documentation**:
- Waste manifests, biennial reports, and inspection logs.
- **Retention Period**:
- Minimum of three years for most records.
- **Importance of Accuracy**:
- Ensuring traceability and compliance during audits.

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### **7. Training Requirements**
- **Who Requires Training**:
- Employees who handle, manage, or generate hazardous waste.
- **Frequency**:
- Initial training within six months of hire.
- Annual refresher training.
- **Training Content**:
- Waste identification, emergency procedures, and safe handling practices.

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### **8. Emergency Preparedness**
- **Contingency Planning**:
- Developing plans for spills, fires, and other emergencies.
- **Emergency Coordinators**:
- Roles and responsibilities in incident response.
- **Spill Kits and Equipment**:
- Availability and proper use.

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### **9. Common Violations and Best Practices**
- **Typical Violations**:
- Improper labeling, open containers, and incomplete records.
- **Best Practices**:
- Regular audits and inspections.
- Clear labeling and segregation of hazardous materials.
- Employee awareness and ongoing training.

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### **10. Closing and Resources**
- Recap of RCRA basics.
- Importance of proactive waste management.
- Resources for further learning:
- EPA’s RCRA Online Database.
- State-specific hazardous waste regulations.
- Q&A session to address facility-specific concerns.

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**Optional Enhancements**:
- **Interactive Case Studies**: Real-life examples of hazardous waste mismanagement.
- **Quizzes and Assessments**: Test understanding of key principles.
- **Resource Distribution**: Handouts, quick-reference guides, and checklists.

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