SUBTITLE G: WASTE DISPOSAL
CHAPTER I: POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
SUBCHAPTER c: HAZARDOUS WASTE OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
PART 722 STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
SECTION 722.116 CONDITIONS FOR EXEMPTION FOR A SMALL QUANTITY GENERATOR THAT ACCUMULATES HAZARDOUS WASTE
Section 722.116 Conditions for Exemption for a Small Quantity Generator That Accumulates Hazardous Waste
An SQG may accumulate hazardous waste on site without a permit or interim status, and without complying with the requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 702, 703, 705, and 724 through 727, or the notification requirements of section 3010 of RCRA (42 USC 6930) for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, if all of the conditions for exemption listed in this Section are met:
a) Generation. The generator must generate in a calendar month no more than the amounts specified in the definition of "SQG" in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.110.
b) Accumulation. The generator accumulates hazardous waste on site for no more than 180 days, unless in compliance with the conditions for exemption for longer accumulation in subsections (c), (d), and (e). The following accumulation conditions also apply:
1) Accumulation Limit. The quantity of hazardous waste accumulated on site must never exceed 6,000 kg (13,200 lbs);
2) Accumulation of Hazardous Waste in Containers
A) Condition of Containers. If a container holding hazardous waste is not in good condition or the container begins to leak, the SQG must immediately transfer the hazardous waste from this container to a container that is in good condition or immediately manage the waste in some other way that complies with the conditions for exemption of this Section.
B) Compatibility of Waste with Container. The SQG must use a container made of or lined with materials that will not react with and that are otherwise compatible with the hazardous waste to be accumulated, so that the ability of the container to contain the waste is not impaired.
C) Management of Containers
i) A container holding hazardous waste must always be closed during accumulation, except when it is necessary to add or remove waste.
ii) A container holding hazardous waste must not be opened, handled, or accumulated in a manner that may rupture the container or cause it to leak.
D) Inspections. At least weekly, the SQG must inspect central accumulation areas. The SQG must look for leaking containers and for deterioration of containers caused by corrosion or other factors. See subsection (b)(2)(A) for remedial action required if deterioration or leaks are detected.
E) Special Conditions for Accumulation of Incompatible Wastes
i) The SQG must not place incompatible wastes or incompatible wastes and materials (for examples, see appendix V to 40 CFR 265, incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111) must not be placed in the same container, unless the generator complies with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.117(b).
ii) The SQG must not place hazardous waste in an unwashed container that previously held an incompatible waste or material (for examples, see appendix V to 40 CFR 265, incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111), unless the generator complies with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.117(b).
iii) The SQG must separate or protect a container accumulating hazardous waste, by means of a dike, berm, wall, or other device, from any waste or other materials accumulated or stored nearby in other containers, piles, open tanks, or surface impoundments.
3) Accumulation of Hazardous Waste in Tanks
A) This subsection (b)(3)(A) corresponds with 40 CFR 262.16(b)(3)(i), which USEPA has marked "reserved". This statement maintains structural consistency with the corresponding federal regulation.
B) An SQG of hazardous waste must comply with the following general operating conditions:
i) Treatment or accumulation of hazardous waste in tanks must comply with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.117(b).
ii) The SQG must not place hazardous wastes or treatment reagents in a tank if the hazardous wastes or treatment reagents could cause the tank or its inner liner to rupture, leak, corrode, or otherwise fail before the end of its intended life.
iii) The SQG must operate uncovered tanks must be operated to ensure at least 60 centimeters (2 feet) of freeboard, unless the tank is equipped with a containment structure (e.g., dike or trench), a drainage control system, or a diversion structure (e.g., standby tank) with a capacity that equals or exceeds the volume of the top 60 centimeters (2 feet) of the tank.
iv) If hazardous waste is continuously fed into a tank, the SQG must equip the tank with a means to stop this inflow (e.g., waste feed cutoff system or by-pass system to a stand-by tank).
C) Except as noted in subsection (b)(3)(D), an SQG that accumulates hazardous waste in tanks must inspect each of the following, if present:
i) Discharge control equipment (e.g., waste feed cutoff systems, by-pass systems, and drainage systems) at least once each operating day, to ensure that it is in good working order;
ii) Data gathered from monitoring equipment (e.g., pressure and temperature gauges) at least once each operating day, to ensure that the tank is being operated according to its design;
iii) The level of waste in the tank at least once each operating day, to ensure compliance with subsection (b)(3)(ii)(C);
iv) The construction materials of the tank at least weekly, to detect corrosion or leaking of fixtures or seams; and
v) The construction materials of discharge confinement structures and the immediately surrounding area (e.g., dikes) at least weekly, to detect erosion or obvious signs of leakage (e.g., wet spots or dead vegetation). The SQG must remedy any deterioration or malfunction of equipment or structures that the inspection reveals on a schedule that ensures that the problem does not lead to an environmental or human health hazard. If a hazard is imminent or has already occurred, the SQG must immediately take remedial action.
D) A SQG accumulating hazardous waste in tanks or tank systems that have full secondary containment and that either use leak detection equipment to alert personnel to leaks, or implement established workplace practices to ensure leaks are promptly identified, must inspect at least weekly, if applicable, the areas identified in subsections (b)(3)(C)(i) through (b)(3)(C)(v). Use of the alternate inspection schedule must be documented in the generator's operating record. This documentation must include a description of the established workplace practices at the SQG.
E) This subsection (b)(3)(E) corresponds with 40 CFR 262.116(b)(3)(v), which USEPA has marked "reserved". This statement maintains structural consistency with the corresponding federal regulation.
F) An SQG accumulating hazardous waste in tanks must remove all hazardous waste from tanks, discharge control equipment, and discharge confinement structures upon closure of the facility. At closure, as throughout the operating period, unless the SQG can demonstrate, in compliance with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 721.103(c) or (d), that any solid waste removed from its tank is not a hazardous waste, then it must manage the waste in compliance with all applicable provisions of this Part and 35 Ill. Adm. Code 722, 723, 725 and 728.
G) An SQG must comply with the following special conditions for accumulation of ignitable or reactive waste:
i) Ignitable or reactive waste must not be placed in a tank, unless the waste is treated, rendered, or mixed before or immediately after placement in a tank so that the resulting waste, mixture, or dissolution of material no longer meets the definition of ignitable or reactive waste under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 721.121 or 721.123, and the SQG complies with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.117(b); the generator accumulates or treats the waste is in such a way that the waste is protected from any material or conditions that may cause it to ignite or react; or the SQG uses the tank solely for emergencies.
ii) An SQG that treats or accumulates ignitable or reactive waste in covered tanks must comply with the buffer zone requirements for tanks contained in NFPA 30 (1977 or 1981), incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111.
iii) An SQG must not place incompatible wastes, or incompatible wastes and materials (for examples, see appendix V to 40 CFR 265, incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111) in the same tank or place hazardous waste in an unwashed tank that previously held an incompatible waste or material, unless the generator complies with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.117(b).
4) Accumulation of Hazardous Waste on Drip Pads. If the waste is placed on drip pads, the SQG must comply with the following:
A) Subpart W of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725 (except 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.545(c));
B) The SQG must remove all wastes from the drip pad at least once every 90 days. Any hazardous wastes that the generator removes from the drip pad are then subject to the 180-day accumulation limit in subsection (b) and Section 722.115 if hazardous wastes are being managed in satellite accumulation areas prior to being moved to the central accumulation area; and
C) The SQG must maintain on site at the facility the following records readily available for inspection:
i) A written description of procedures that are followed to ensure that all wastes are removed from the drip pad and associated collection system at least once every 90 days; and
ii) Documentation of each waste removal, including the quantity of waste removed from the drip pad and the sump or collection system and the date and time of removal.
5) Accumulation of Hazardous Waste in Containment Buildings. If the SQG places waste in containment buildings, the SQG must comply with Subpart DD of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725. The SQG must label its containment buildings with the words "Hazardous Waste" in a conspicuous place easily visible to employees, visitors, emergency responders, waste handlers, or other persons on site. The SQG must also provide in a conspicuous place an indication of the hazards of the contents. Examples include the applicable hazardous waste characteristics (i.e., ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic); hazard communication consistent with subpart E (Labeling) and subpart F (Placarding) of 49 CFR 172, incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111; a hazard statement or pictogram consistent with 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication), incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111; or a chemical hazard label consistent with NFPA 704, incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111. The SQG must also maintain the following:
A) The professional engineer certification that the building complies with the design standards specified in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.1101. This certification must be in the generator's files prior to operation of the unit; and
B) The following records, by use of inventory logs, monitoring equipment, or any other effective means:
i) A written description of procedures to ensure that each waste volume remains in the unit for no more than 90 days, a written description of the waste generation and management practices for the facility showing that the generator is consistent with maintaining the 90 day limit, and documentation that the SQG complies with the procedures; or
ii) Documentation that the SQG empties the unit at least once every 90 days.
iii) The SQG must maintain inventory logs or records with the above information on site and readily available for inspection.
6) Labeling and Marking of Containers and Tanks
A) Containers. An SQG must mark or label its containers with the following:
i) The words "Hazardous Waste";
ii) An indication of the hazards of the contents. Examples include, but are not limited to, the applicable hazardous waste characteristics (i.e., ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic); hazard communication consistent with subpart E (Labeling) and subpart F (Placarding) of 49 CFR 172, incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111; a hazard statement or pictogram consistent with 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication), incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111; or a chemical hazard label consistent with NFPA 704, incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111; and
iii) The date upon which each period of accumulation begins clearly visible for inspection on each container.
B) Tanks. An SQG accumulating hazardous waste in tanks must do the following:
i) Mark or label its tanks with the words "Hazardous Waste";
ii) Mark or label its tanks with an indication of the hazards of the contents. Examples include, but are not limited to, the applicable hazardous waste characteristics (i.e., ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic); hazard communication consistent with subpart E (Labeling) and subpart F (Placarding) of 49 CFR 172, incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111; a hazard statement or pictogram consistent with 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication), incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111; or a chemical hazard label consistent with NFPA 704, incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111;
iii) Use inventory logs, monitoring equipment, or other records to demonstrate that hazardous waste has been emptied within 180 days of first entering the tank if using a batch process or, in the case of a tank with a continuous flow process, demonstrate that estimated volumes of hazardous waste entering the tank daily exit the tank within 180 days of first entering; and
iv) Keep inventory logs or records with the above information on site and readily available for inspection.
7) Land Disposal Restrictions. An SQG must comply with all the applicable requirements under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 728.
8) Preparedness and Prevention
A) Maintenance and Operation of Facility. An SQG must maintain and operate its facility to minimize the possibility of a fire, explosion, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water that could threaten human health or the environment.
B) Required Equipment. An SQG must equip all areas where hazardous waste is either generated or accumulated with the items in subsections (b)(8)(B)(i) through (b)(8)(B)(iv) (unless none of the hazards posed by waste handled at the facility could require a particular kind of equipment specified below or the actual waste generation or accumulation area does not lend itself for safety reasons to have a particular kind of equipment specified below). An SQG may determine the most appropriate places to locate equipment necessary to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
i) An internal communications or alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility personnel;
ii) A device, such as a telephone (immediately available at the scene of operations) or a hand-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire departments, or State or local emergency response teams;
iii) Portable fire extinguishers, fire control equipment (including special extinguishing equipment, such as that using foam, inert gas, or dry chemicals), spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment; and
iv) Water at adequate volume and pressure to supply water hose streams, foam producing equipment, automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems.
C) Testing and Maintenance of Equipment. The SQG must test and maintain all communications or alarm systems, fire protection equipment, spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment, if required, as necessary to assure its proper operation in time of emergency.
D) Access to Communications or Alarm System
i) Whenever the SQG pours, mixes, spreads, or otherwise handles hazardous waste, all personnel involved in the operation must have immediate access (e.g., direct or unimpeded access) to an internal alarm or emergency communication device, either directly or through visual or voice contact with another employee, unless a device is not required under subsection (b)(8)(B).
ii) When there is just one employee on the premises while the facility is operating, the employee must have immediate access (e.g., direct or unimpeded access) to a device, such as a telephone (immediately available at the scene of operation) or a hand-held two-way radio, that is capable of summoning external emergency assistance, unless a device is not required under subsection (b)(8)(B).
E) Required Aisle Space. The SQG must maintain aisle space that allows the unobstructed movement of personnel, fire protection equipment, spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment to any area of facility operation in an emergency, unless aisle space is not needed for any of these purposes.
F) Arrangements with Local Authorities
i) The SQG must attempt to make arrangements with the local police department, fire department, other emergency response teams, emergency response contractors, equipment suppliers, and local hospitals, taking into account the types and quantities of hazardous wastes handled at the facility. Arrangements may be made with the Local Emergency Planning Committee, if this is the appropriate organization with which to make arrangements. An SQG attempting to make arrangements with its local fire department must determine the potential need for the services of the local police department, other emergency response teams, emergency response contractors, equipment suppliers, and local hospitals. As part of this coordination, the SQG must attempt to make arrangements, as necessary, to familiarize the above organizations with the layout of the facility, the properties of hazardous waste handled at the facility and associated hazards, places where facility personnel would normally be working, entrances to roads inside the facility, and possible evacuation routes, as well as the types of injuries or illnesses that could result from fires, explosions, or releases at the facility. If more than one police or fire department might respond to an emergency, the SQG must attempt to make arrangements designating primary emergency authority to a specific fire or police department and with any others to provide support to the primary emergency authority.
BOARD NOTE: The State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) maintains an on-line listing of Local Emergency Planning Committees in Illinois by jurisdiction: www.illinois.gov/iema/Preparedness/SERC/Documents/LEPC_ReleaseReportingContactList.pdf.
ii) An SQG must maintain records documenting the arrangements with the local fire department as well as any other organization necessary to respond to an emergency. This documentation must include documentation in the operating record that either confirms these arrangements actively exist or, in cases where no arrangements exist, confirming that the SQG attempted to make these arrangements.
iii) A facility possessing 24-hour response capabilities may seek a waiver from the authority having jurisdiction over the fire code within Illinois or the facility's locality, as far as needing to make arrangements with the local fire department as well as any other organization necessary to respond to an emergency, provided that the SQG documents the waiver in the operating record.
9) Emergency Procedures. The SQG must comply with the following conditions for those areas of the generator facility where hazardous waste is generated and accumulated:
A) At all times, at least one employee must be either on the premises or on call (i.e., available to respond to an emergency by reaching the facility within a short period of time) with the responsibility for coordinating all emergency response measures specified in subsection (b)(9)(D). This employee is the emergency coordinator.
B) The SQG must post the following information next to telephones or in areas directly involved in the generation and accumulation of hazardous waste:
i) The name and emergency telephone number of the emergency coordinator;
ii) The location of fire extinguishers and spill control material, and, if present, fire alarm; and
iii) The telephone number of the fire department, unless the facility has a direct alarm.
C) The SQG must ensure that all employees are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures that are relevant to their responsibilities during normal facility operations and emergencies;
D) The emergency coordinator or its designee must respond to any emergencies that arise. The required responses are the following:
i) In the event of a fire, the emergency coordinator must call the fire department or attempt to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher;
ii) When a spill occurs, the SQG must contain the flow of hazardous waste to the extent possible and, as soon as is practicable, clean up the hazardous waste and any contaminated materials or soil. The SQG can either itself conduct this containment and cleanup or have a contractor perform the work on its behalf;
iii) When a fire, explosion, or other release occurs that could threaten human health outside the facility, or when the SQG has knowledge that a spill has reached surface water, the SQG must immediately notify the National Response Center (using the 24-hour toll free number, 800-424-8802). The report must include the name, address, and USEPA identification number of the SQG; the date, time, and type of incident (e.g., spill or fire); the quantity and type of hazardous waste involved in the incident; the extent of any injuries; and the estimated quantity and disposition of any recovered materials.
c) Transporting Waste More Than 200 Miles. An SQG that must transport its waste or offer its waste for transportation over a distance of 200 miles or more for off-site treatment, storage, or disposal may accumulate hazardous waste on site for 270 days or less without having a permit or interim status, provided that the SQG complies with the conditions of subsection (b).
d) Accumulation Time Limit Extension. An SQG that accumulates hazardous waste for more than 180 days (or for more than 270 days if the SQG must transport its waste or offer its waste for transportation over a distance of 200 miles or more for off-site treatment, storage, or disposal) is subject to the requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 702, 703, 724, 725, 727, and 728, unless the Agency has granted the SQG an extension to the 180-day (or 270-day if applicable) period. The Agency may grant an extension if hazardous wastes must remain on site for longer than 180 days (or 270 days if applicable) due to unforeseen, temporary, and uncontrollable circumstances. The Agency may grant an extension of up to 30 days on a case-by-case basis.
BOARD NOTE: The Agency may grant a provisional variance that extends the permissible accumulation period under sections 35(b) and 36(c) of the Act. This subsection provides the basis for granting and maximum duration of an extension.
e) Rejected Loads
1) An SQG may accumulate returned waste on site in compliance with subsections (a) through (d) under the following conditions:
A) The SQG sent the shipment of hazardous waste to a designated facility believing that the designated facility could accept and manage the waste; and
B) The generator later received that shipment back as a rejected load or residue in compliance with the manifest discrepancy provisions of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 724.172 or 725.172.
2) Upon receipt of the returned shipment, the SQG must do either of the following:
A) Sign Item 18c of the manifest, if the transporter returned the shipment using the original manifest; or
B) Sign Item 20 of the manifest, if the transporter returned the shipment using a new manifest.
f) An SQG experiencing an episodic event may accumulate hazardous waste in compliance with Subpart L instead of Section 722.117.
(Source: Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 16994, effective November 7, 2024)