Superfund: EPA Could Further Ensure the Safe Operation of On-Site Incinerators
RCED-97-43
Published: Mar 05, 1997. Publicly Released: Mar 17, 1997.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) use of incineration at Superfund sites, focusing on: (1) what safeguards EPA uses to promote the safe operation of incinerators at these sites; and (2) whether EPA has fully implemented its planned system of safeguards.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Protection Agency | To provide further assurance that incinerators at Superfund sites are being operated safely, the Administrator, EPA, should implement the agency's guidance for having the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act hazardous waste incinerator inspectors evaluate Superfund incinerators, including the development of a single document specifying site-specific operating requirements and procedures for these incinerators. |
Although EPA will not publish a single document consolidating site-specific requirements, it has drafted a letter to regional staff advising them to use Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) inspectors for on-site incinerators at Superfund sites. The letter is expected to be issued soon.
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| Environmental Protection Agency | To provide further assurance that incinerators at Superfund sites are being operated safely, the Administrator, EPA, should document the lessons learned about safe operation from the experiences of each Superfund site where incineration is used and institute a systematic process to share this information at other sites where incinerators are used. |
In September 1997, EPA held a national conference of regional officials involved with on-site incineration at Superfund sites to discuss lessons learned. EPA is planning to hold another such conference in the future but has not yet scheduled a date. The minutes of the September 1997 conference, which were distributed to attendees, discuss lessons learned from on-site projects. Also, guidance documents on incineration were produced based on the conference.
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Air pollution controlEnvironmental monitoringEnvironmental policiesHazardous substancesHealth hazardsInspectionSafety regulationSafety standardsWaste disposalWaste managementHazardous waste sites