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EPA Announces Plans to Give District of Columbia Authority Over Hazardous Waste Regulations

Release Date: 9/10/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith 215-814-5543

Contact: Bonnie Smith 215-814-5543
PHILADELPHIA - The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to authorize the District of Columbia to update federal hazardous waste regulations which the district administers and enforces.

EPA’s action is in accordance with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) that grants states primary responsibility for implementing hazardous waste regulations because states are in a better position to respond to local needs. Under RCRA, duplication of effort between the state’s and the federal hazardous waste program is reduced.

Before EPA’s approval is effective, the public has 30 days to review and comment on the district’s application and EPA’s decision. The comment period begins today and ends October 10, 2001. If there are no adverse comments, EPA’s decision will automatically take effect in 60 days.

Anyone interested in viewing the district’s application can call the EPA’s regional library at (215) 814-5254 or the District of Columbia Bureau of Hazardous Materials and Toxic Substances at (202) 535-2290.

The public may provide written comments on EPA’s decision to approve the District of Columbia’s authorization application for hazardous waste management program revisions by sending written comments to: Charles Bentley, District of Columbia state program manager, State Programs Branch (3WC21), U.S. EPA Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029.