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

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

3. 2012 National Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries Number 6: Refuse, recyclable material collectors

4. Hazards Include Road Incidents Heavy Equipment Hazardous Materials

5. 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.”

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

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

8. 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.”

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

10. 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

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

12. Purpose (Env-Sw 1601.01) Ensure that operators are aware of potential adverse environmental impacts Increase the likelihood of compliance Reduce the likelihood of accidents

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

22. BMPs……Tab 1 (Light Blue)

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

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

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

26. Resources…Tab 2 (Green)

27. Permit Info…Tab 3 (Dark Blue)

28. Facility Inspections…Tab 4 (Yellow)

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

30. Operator Training & Certification Tab 6 (Green)

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

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

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

34. Budget Support!