July 2014\
Environmental Science Ch # 18
Environmental Regulations: Hazardous Substances and Wastes.
18 -1. Hazardous and Toxic Materials in the Environment
Modern Technology has provided benefits, health, but with consequential problems.
Source of Toxic or Hazardous Waste are Power Plants, Factories with substances such as: mercury in the
atmosphere, Pesticides, PCBs, and other Chemicals.
Disaster Areas include Love Canal, Bopal, Vac, Minamata Bay.
18 -2. Hazardous and Toxic Substances - Characterizing
Definitions _ Haz materials can cause harm to humans and the Environment
Toxic – a narrow group of substances , poisonous and causes death.
Haz – all dangerous substances (any substances used for the production of goods and /or
services).
“Cradle to Grave” concept : regulations for generators, transporters, treatment , storage and disposal
facilities.
Defining Hazardous Waste as by-products for which there are no immediate use. RCRA (Resource
Conservation and zrecovery Act, 1976) definition.
Characteristics of Hazardous materials are:

Ignitability – fire hazard

Corrosiveness – corrodes container

Reactivity – reacts spontaneously (Na)

Toxicity – may release toxicants.
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18 – 3. Controlling Hazardous materials and Wastes
Determining Regulations
ALL REGULATIONS ARE COMMAND AND CONTROL basis : liability and compensation.
ID of Hazardous and Toxic Materials
After ID, Regulations are set up. Hazardous substances are consumed or modified in industrial processes
Overall, testing is inadequate. Accidents cause closer investigations and testing.

Setting Exposure Limits
Limits vary, depending on the purpose and type of Exposure, however the Threshold level is not affected.
(Skin exposure, breathing and consumption).

Acute and Chronic Toxicity
Acute dosage makes one ill, but not dead.Chronic will cause death, for example – alcohol, or lead.

Persistent and non-persistent Pollutants
While non-persistent is biodegradable, Persistent ends up in the food chain.

Synergism: Once mixed, becomes highly toxic.
18 -5. How Hazardous Wastes enter the Environment
Problems caused by Hazardous Wastes

Fugitive emissions – escape from leaking pipes (gas)
Health Risks associated with Hazardous Wastes. There are none if handled correctly and are extremely
difficult to access..
18 - 5. Hazardous Waste Dumps
A legacy of AbuseMore than 25,000 uncontrolled sites in the US. Government has established a
SUPERFUND, expedited by CERCLA (Comprehensive Response, Compensation and Liability
Act).
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The purpose of this Fund is:
Research ; ID and Clean up abandoned sites; Make responsible party pay; and Develop a
program, priority, etc. for handling Hazardous waste.
18 – 6. Toxic Chemical Releases
More than 50,000 lbs/year, if produced, must be reported as of 1987.
Emissions were reduced 60% from 1988 to 2003 from Mining, Power generation, Chemical and Metals
manufacturing.
18 - 7. Hazardous Waste Management Choices
Indications are that 23% waste is released; 27% recycled, burnt or treated. These actions lead to
pollution prevention and waste minimization.
Reducing the amount of Waste at the Source
Recycling Waste
Treatment – neutralization, biodegradation, air stripping, carbon absorption, and precipitation.
Disposal Methods – Incineration, and Land disposal in (Deep wells, in rivers or/and ponds, and
storage in special land fills).
18 – 8. International Trade in Hazardous Wastes
Basel Convention.1989. Objectives are
Minimize waste production
Control and reduce movement
No export to Antarctica
Broad ban on export from the Northern to Southern Hemisphere.
Sound management of hazardous waste.
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18 – 9. Nuclear Waste Disposal
Radioactive wastes are hazardous and toxic, but RCRA regulates it differently.
Waste sources are in every step of the process of producing nuclear fuel. Additionally, in Weapon
manufacture.
Early, waste was buried or pumped into the ground, stored in ponds or released into rivers.
Wastes from Nuclear weapons are a major security concern.
Wastes from Nuclear Power Plants – Spent fuel cells- are stored at the power plants.
Disposal Methods
There are 4 categories of wastes
1. Transuranic wastes. Are highly radioactive, come from Weapon manufacture. Taken to New
Mexico for storage.
2. Mining and Milling wastes – low level of radioactivity. The most serious problems are direct
gamma radiation, the release of radon gas, wind blown dust and contamination od ground
water. Covered by a thick level of soil prevents GW contamination, reduces gamma radiation.
3. High level Radioactive wastes. Spent fuel rods. In some countries these are recycled
4. Low level radioactive wastes. From a variety of sources including power plants. In the US,
currently buried
Hazardous Waste Management Program Evolution.
Un controlled Disposal
Treatment
Disposal facilities.
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