Brownfields_Content Page_Hazardous waste remediation

Hazardous waste remediation

The requirements for remediation and redevelopment of sites contaminated with hazardous waste can be complicated and confusing. The federal hazardous waste program began in 1976 with the promulgation of Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA). In 1980, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency developed specific rules to implement these provisions.

The fact that these federal hazardous waste rules would also govern environmental cleanups was not considered when RCRA was originally written. As a result, EPA has subsequently issued additional rules along with numerous policy memos and guidance documents clarifying the applicability of the hazardous waste rules to clean up situations. These documents have provided for a more flexible approach to help ensure that contaminated sites are investigated and remediated in a timely manner.

The DNR has taken the information from these and other sources and developed a comprehensive guidance titled Guidance for Hazardous Waste Remediation (RR-705) [PDF]. This document provides direction to DNR staff, responsible parties and other interested individuals on the requirements that apply and the options that are available when dealing with cleanup and redevelopment issues at sites that are or may be contaminated with hazardous waste.

DNR has also created a fact sheet titled "Contained-Out" Values for PCE, TCE and vinyl chloride (RR-969) [PDF] that evaluates how the EPA regional screening level web calculator affected contained-out numbers for three of the most common constituents.

The following documents when used in conjunction with the Guidance for Hazardous Waste Remediation (RR-705) [PDF] can help with evaluating options for managing contaminated media and making waste determinations.

The following documents are provided here for informational and historical purposes.