The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 and 1989 (RCRA) Alex Chenault Period 4

Amendments The Federal Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) are the 1984 amendments to RCRA. It focused on waste minimization and phasing out land disposal of hazardous waste as well as corrective action for releases. It is a National Act implemented by all states. Many states have state-level hazardous waste requirements that go above and beyond the federal RCRA requirements. many states

Function of the RCRA The RCRA gives the EPA the authority to control hazardous waste including the generation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of it. Most RCRA requirements are not industry specific but they apply to any company that treats, transports, stores, or disposes of hazardous waste. It has a corrective action program that was created to investigate and guide the cleanup up of any contaminated air, groundwater, surface water or oil spills. It also helps to conserve energy and natural resources, as well as Reducing the amount of waste generated and ensuring that wastes are managed in an environmentally-sound manner.

Regulation and Enforcement This act is implemented and managed by the Environmental Protection Agency, also known as the EPA.