Solid Waste Operations: RISKY BUSINESS Sharon A. Yergeau, Supervisor Solid Waste Compliance Assurance Section Solid Waste Management Bureau Waste Management Division, NHDES

Agenda Solid Waste Regulatory System in NH Best Management Practices (BMPs) Permittee Role in Reducing Risk

2012 National Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries Number 6: Refuse, recyclable material collectors

Hazards Include Road Incidents Heavy Equipment Hazardous Materials

Common Safety Concerns Property Liability Trust: Slips, trips + falls Back injury prevention “Don’t swing and heave, lift and tilt. That’s much easier on the back, and, I might add, proper etiquette.”

DES Focus Chemicals from HHW, meth labs, etc. Sharps from legal + illicit drug use

How does the regulatory system work to protect facility operators and the environment?

1. Facility Permits RSA 149-M:9 “No person shall construct, operate, or initiate closure of a public or private facility without first obtaining a permit” from DES.”

Permits give DES oversight of a facility from start (construction) to finish (closure).

Written permit specifies which wastes can (and can not be accepted) + from where. Operating Plan (prepared by applicant) –Daily operations, incl. handling procedures –Residual (non-routine) waste management –Maintenance, Inspection & Monitoring Plan –Contingency Plan –Employee Training (+ DES certification) –Recordkeeping & Reporting

2. Operator Certification RSA 149-M:9 VI. “No person shall operate a public or private facility who is not certified by the Department.”

Purpose (Env-Sw ) Ensure that operators are aware of potential adverse environmental impacts Increase the likelihood of compliance Reduce the likelihood of accidents

Who must be certified? An individual who: Directly operates a solid waste facility Directly handles/manages solid waste at a facility Directly supervises any individual described above

Operator Requirements “Basic” Training and Open Book Test Annual Renewal –Application Form –$50 fee (+ $25 more if late) –Minimum of 2.5 hours of applicable training

Professional Development “Continuing Professional Development” means professional or technical instruction that imparts information and instruction relevant to waste management and solid waste facility operations to individuals who have already attended basic training.”

Professional Development (examples of DES training) Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Identification + Dangerous Properties Regulation, especially environmental protection and personal safety

Professional Development (examples of DES training) Things that go BANG! –Meth labs –Explosives Sharps

Professional Development (examples of DES training) Universal Wastes –Hg Containing Wastes –Fluorescent Lamps –CRTs –Antifreeze –Batteries Used Oil

Best Management Practices Preferred work methods and strategies to: Handle waste to protect environment/public health Comply with regulations Avoid unnecessary costs

BMPs vs Solid Waste Rules BMPRule Preferred; sometimes required Required Outcome basedUsually more specific

BMP Manual Printing possible with USDA grant money Purpose: information sharing

BMPs……Tab 1 (Light Blue)

Examples of BMPs (that can save $) Allow only trained operators to transfer the contents of DIY jugs to used oil storage container.

Examples of BMPs (that can save $) Don’t pay to “recycle” alkaline batteries; they are not hazardous and can go in the trash.

Examples of BMPs (that can save $) Separate Construction & Demolition Debris to maximize savings from recycling vs. disposal.

Resources…Tab 2 (Green)

Permit Info…Tab 3 (Dark Blue)

Facility Inspections…Tab 4 (Yellow)

Facility Reporting & Recordkeeping…Tab 5 (Orange) Annual Facility Report (AFR)

Operator Training & Certification Tab 6 (Green)

Miscellaneous…Tab 7 (Yellow) Contacts…Tab 8 (Dark Blue)

Permittee Owner Municipal Role in Reducing Risk to Operators and the Environment: SUPPORT

Support for Change or Improvements To comply with Rules or To follow BMPs

Budget Support!