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EPA Plans to Give Delaware Authority to Regulate Hazardous Waste

Release Date: 7/19/2000
Contact Information: Ruth Wuenschel, (215) 814-5540

Ruth Wuenschel, 215-814-5540

PHILADELPHIA -- The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to authorize the state of Delaware to enforce its own hazardous waste regulations. The public has three more weeks to review the agency’s plan.

EPA grants states primary responsibility for regulating their own hazardous waste because states are in a better position to respond to local needs. However, states must first demonstrate to the EPA that their regulations are at least as stringent as federal regulations. By authorizing Delaware’s program, duplication of effort between the state and the EPA will be reduced.

Before EPA’s approval, the public has 30 days to review and comment on the state’s application and EPA’s decision. The comment period started July 11 and ends August 11. If adverse comments are not received, EPA’s delegation of authority will automatically take effect in 60 days.

Anyone interested in viewing the Delaware authorization application can call the EPA regional library at (215) 814-5254 or Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control at (302) 739-3689.

The public may comment on EPA’s decision to approve Delaware’s Authorization Application for Hazardous Waste Management Program Revision by sending written comments to: Lillie Ellerbe, Delaware Program Manager, State Programs Branch (3WC21), U.S. EPA Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029.