Section 722.117 Conditions for Exemption for a Large Quantity Generator That Accumulates Hazardous Waste

An LQG 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 and 724 through 727 or the notification requirements of section 3010 of RCRA (42 USC 6930) for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, if the LQG meets all of the following conditions for exemption:

a) Accumulation. The LQG may accumulate hazardous waste on site for no more than 90 days, unless in compliance with the accumulation time limit extension or F006 accumulation conditions for exemption in subsections (b) through (e). The following accumulation conditions also apply:

1) Accumulation of Hazardous Waste in Containers. If the hazardous waste is placed in containers, the LQG must comply with the following requirements:

A) Air Emission Standards. The LQG must comply with the applicable requirements of Subparts AA, BB, and CC of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725;

B) Condition of Containers. If a container holding hazardous waste is not in good condition, or if the container begins to leak, the LQG must immediately transfer the hazardous waste from the leaking container to a container that is in good condition or otherwise immediately manage the waste in some other way that complies with the conditions for exemption of this Section;

C) Compatibility of Waste with Container. The LQG must use a container made of or lined with materials that will not react with and are otherwise compatible with the hazardous waste to be stored, so that the ability of the container to contain the waste is not impaired;

D) Management of Containers

i) The LQG must always keep a container holding hazardous waste closed during accumulation, except when it is necessary to add or remove waste.

ii) The LQG must not open, handle, or store a container holding hazardous waste in a manner that may rupture the container or cause the container to leak.

E) Inspections. At least weekly, the LQG must inspect central accumulation areas. The LQG must look for leaking containers and for deterioration of containers caused by corrosion or other factors. See subsection (a)(1)(B) for remedial action required if the LQG detects deterioration or leaks.

F) Special Conditions for Accumulation of Ignitable and Reactive Wastes

i) The LQG must locate containers holding ignitable or reactive waste at least 15 meters (50 feet) from the facility's property line, unless the LQG obtains a written approval from the authority having jurisdiction over the local fire code that allows hazardous waste accumulation to occur within this restricted area. The LQG must maintain a record of the written approval as long as the LQG accumulates ignitable or reactive hazardous waste in this area.

ii) The LQG must take precautions to prevent accidental ignition or reaction of ignitable or reactive waste. The LQG must separate and protect this waste from sources of ignition or reaction, including the following: open flames, smoking, cutting and welding, hot surfaces, frictional heat, sparks (static, electrical, or mechanical), spontaneous ignition (e.g., from heat-producing chemical reactions), or radiant heat. While handling ignitable or reactive waste, the LQG must confine smoking and open flame to specially designated locations. The LQG must conspicuously place “No Smoking” signs wherever there is a hazard from ignitable or reactive waste.

G) Special Conditions for Accumulation of Incompatible Wastes

i) The LQG 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 container, unless the LQG complies with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.117(b).

ii) The LQG 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 LQG complies with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.117(b).

iii) The LQG must separate a container holding hazardous waste or otherwise protect it by means of a dike, berm, wall, or other device from any other incompatible waste or other materials accumulated or stored nearby in other containers, piles, open tanks, or surface impoundments.

2) Accumulation of Hazardous Waste in Tanks. If the LQG places the waste in tanks, the LQG must comply with the applicable requirements of Subpart J, except 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.297(c) (Closure and Post-Closure Care) and 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.300 (Waste Analysis and Trial Tests) and the applicable requirements of Subparts AA, BB, and CC of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.

3) Accumulation of Hazardous Waste on Drip Pads. If the LQG places hazardous waste on drip pads, the LQG must comply with the following:

A) Subpart W of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725;

B) The LQG must remove all wastes from the drip pad at least once every 90 days. Any hazardous wastes that the LQG removes from the drip pad are subject to the 90-day accumulation limit in subsection (a) and Section 722.115, if the LQG manages the hazardous wastes in satellite accumulation areas prior to moving them to a central accumulation area; and

C) The LQG must maintain on site at the facility the following records readily available for inspection:

i) A written description of procedures that the LQG follows to ensure that it removes all wastes 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 that the LQG removed from the drip pad and the sump or collection system and the date and time of removal.

4) Accumulation of Hazardous Waste in Containment Buildings. If the LQG places the waste in containment buildings, the LQG must comply with Subpart DD of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725. The LQG must label its containment building with the words "Hazardous Waste" in a conspicuous place easily visible to employees, visitors, emergency responders, waste handlers, or other persons on site. The LQG 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 LQG must also maintain both of 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 LQG'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 respecting the 90-day limit, and documentation that the LQG complies with the procedures

ii) Documentation that the LQG empties the unit at least once every 90 days.

iii) The LQG must maintain inventory logs or records with the above information on site and readily available for inspection.

5) Labeling and Marking of Containers and Tanks

A) Containers. An LQG 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 LQG 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 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 90 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 90 days of first entering; and

iv) Keep inventory logs or records with the above information on site and readily available for inspection.

6) Emergency Procedures. The LQG must comply with the standards in Subpart M (Preparedness, Prevention and Emergency Procedures for Large Quantity Generators).

7) Personnel Training

A) Personnel Training Program

i) Facility personnel must successfully complete a program of classroom instruction, online training (e.g., computer-based or electronic) or on-the-job training that teaches them to perform their duties in a way that ensures compliance with this Part. The LQG must ensure that this program includes all the elements described in the document required under subsection (a)(7)(D)(iii).

ii) A person trained in hazardous waste management procedures must direct the program, and the program must include instruction that teaches facility personnel hazardous waste management procedures (including contingency plan implementation) relevant to the positions in which the LQG employs them.

iii) At a minimum, the design of the training program must ensure that facility personnel can respond effectively to emergencies by familiarizing them with emergency procedures, emergency equipment, and emergency systems, including, if applicable, procedures for using, inspecting, repairing, and replacing facility emergency and monitoring equipment; key parameters for automatic waste feed cut-off systems; communications or alarm systems; response to fires or explosions; response to ground-water contamination incidents; and shutdown of operations.

iv) For facility employees that receive emergency response training under 29 CFR 1910.120(p)(8) (Emergency response program) and 1910.120(q) (Emergency response to hazardous substance releases), incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111, the LQG is not required to provide separate emergency response training under this Section, if the overall facility training meets all the conditions of exemption in this Section.

B) Facility personnel must successfully complete the program required in subsection (a)(7)(A) within six months after the date of their employment, assignment to the facility, or assignment to a new position at the facility, whichever is later. An employee must not work in unsupervised positions until they have completed the training standards of subsection (a)(7)(A).

C) Facility personnel must take part in an annual review of the initial training required in subsection (a)(7)(A).

D) The LQG must maintain the following documents and records at the facility:

i) The job title for each position at the facility related to hazardous waste management and the name of the employee filling each job;

ii) A written job description for each position listed under subsection (a)(7)(D)(i). This description may be consistent in its degree of specificity with descriptions for other similar positions in the same company location or bargaining unit, but the description must include the requisite skill, education, other qualifications, and duties of facility personnel assigned to each position;

iii) A written description of the type and amount of both introductory and continuing training that the LQG will give to each person filling a position listed under subsection (a)(7)(D)(i);

iv) Records documenting that the LQG has given and facility personnel has completed the training or job experience required by subsections (a)(7)(A), (B), and (C).

E) The LQG must keep training records on current personnel until closure of the facility. The LQG must keep training records on former employees for at least three years from the date the employee last worked at the facility. Personnel training records may accompany personnel transferred within the same company.

8) Closure. An LQG accumulating hazardous wastes in containers, tanks, drip pads, and containment buildings, prior to closing the facility or a unit at the facility, must meet the following conditions:

A) Notification for Closure of a Waste Accumulation Unit. An LQG must perform one of the following when closing a waste accumulation unit but not undergoing final closure:

i) Place a notice in the operating record within 30 days after closure identifying the location of the unit within the facility; or

ii) Meet the closure performance standards of subsection (a)(8)(C) for container, tank, and containment building waste accumulation units or subsection (a)(8)(D) for drip pads and notify USEPA and the Agency following the procedures in subsection (a)(8)(B)(ii) for the waste accumulation unit. If the waste accumulation unit is subsequently reopened, the LQG may remove the notice from the operating record.

B) Notification for Closure of the Facility

i) Notify the Agency using Notification of RCRA Subtitle C Activities (Site Identification Form) (USEPA Form 8700-12) no later than 30 days prior to closing the facility.

ii) Notify the Agency using USEPA Form 8700-12 within 90 days after closing the facility that it has complied with the closure performance standards of subsection (a)(8)(C) or (a)(8)(D). If the facility cannot meet the closure performance standards of subsection (a)(8)(C) or (a)(8)(D), notify the Agency using USEPA Form 8700-12 that it will close as a landfill under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.410 in the case of a container, tank, or containment building units. If the facility cannot meet the closure performance standards of subsection (a)(8)(C) or (a)(8)(D), notify using USEPA Form 8700-12 that it will close under the standards of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.545(b) for a facility with drip pads.

iii) An LQG may request additional time to clean close, but it must notify the Agency using USEPA Form 8700-12 within 75 days after the date provided in subsection (a)(8)(B)(i) to request an extension and provide an explanation as to why the additional time is required.

BOARD NOTE: USEPA Form 8700-12 is available from the Agency, Bureau of Land (217-782-6762). It is also available on-line for download in PDF file format: www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/instructions-and-form-hazardous-waste-generators-transporters-and-treatment-storage-and.

C) Closure Performance Standards for Container, Tank Systems, and Containment Building Waste Accumulation Units

i) At closure, the LQG must close the waste accumulation unit or facility in a manner that minimizes the need for further maintenance by controlling, minimizing, or eliminating the post-closure escape of hazardous waste, hazardous constituents, leachate, contaminated run-off, or hazardous waste decomposition products to the ground or surface waters or to the atmosphere to the extent necessary to protect human health and the environment.

ii) The LQG must remove or decontaminate all contaminated equipment, structures, soil, and any remaining hazardous waste residues from waste accumulation units, including containment system components (pads, liners, etc.), contaminated soils and subsoils, bases, and structures and equipment contaminated with waste, unless 35 Ill. Adm. Code 721.103(d) applies.

iii) The LQG must manage any hazardous waste generated in the process of closing the LQG's facility or units accumulating hazardous waste in compliance with all applicable standards of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 722, 723, 725, and 728, including removing any hazardous waste contained in these units within 90 days of generating the waste and managing these wastes in a permitted or interim status hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility.

iv) If the LQG demonstrates that it cannot practicably remove or decontaminate any contaminated soils and wastes, as required in subsection (a)(8)(C)(ii), then the waste accumulation unit is considered a landfill, and the LQG must close the waste accumulation unit and perform post-closure care in compliance with the closure and post-closure care requirements that apply to landfills (35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.410). In addition, the LQG must meet all requirements for landfills specified in Subparts G and H of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725 for closure, post-closure, and financial responsibility, for a waste accumulation unit that is a landfill.

D) Closure Performance Standards for Drip Pad Waste Accumulation Units. At closure, the LQG must comply with the closure requirements of subsections (a)(8)(B) and (a)(8)(C)(i), and (a)(8)(C)(iii) and 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.545(a) and (b).

E) The closure requirements of this subsection (a)(8) do not apply to satellite accumulation areas.

9) Land Disposal Restrictions. The LQG must comply with all applicable requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 728.

b) Accumulation Time Limit Extension. An LQG that accumulates hazardous waste for more than 90 days is subject to the requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 702, 703, and 724 through 728 and the notification requirements of section 3010 of RCRA (42 USC 6930) for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, unless the Agency granted the LQG an extension to the 90-day period. The Agency may grant an extension if hazardous wastes must remain on site for longer than 90 days 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.

c) Accumulation of F006 Waste. An LQG also generating wastewater treatment sludges from electroplating operations that meet the listing description for USEPA hazardous waste number F006, may accumulate F006 waste on site for more than 90 days but not more than 180 days without being subject to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 702, 703, and 724 through 727 and the notification requirements of section 3010 of RCRA (42 USC 6930) for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, provided that the LQG complies with all of the following additional conditions for exemption:

1) The LQG has implemented pollution prevention practices that reduce the amount of any hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants entering F006 waste or otherwise being released to the environment prior to recycling of the waste;

2) The F006 waste is legitimately recycled through metals recovery;

3) The LQG accumulates no more than 20,000 kg of F006 waste on site at any one time; and

4) The LQG manages the F006 waste in compliance with the following requirements:

A) Requirements for Managing F006 Waste

i) If the LQG places the F006 waste in containers, the LQG must comply with the applicable conditions for exemption in subsection (a)(1).

ii) If the LQG places the F006 waste in tanks, the LQG must comply with the applicable conditions for exemption in subsection (a)(2).

iii) If the LQG places the F006 waste in containment buildings, the LQG must comply with Subpart DD of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725. Prior to operation of the unit, the LQG must place in the operating record of the facility the certification of a professional engineer that the containment building complies with the design standards specified in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725.1101. The LQG must also place in the operating record either documentation that the LQG empties the unit is at least once every 180 days or all three of the following items: a written description of procedures to ensure that the F006 waste remains in the unit for no more than 180 days, a written description of the facility waste generation and management practices showing that the practices are consistent with the 180-day limit, and documentation that the LQG is complying with the procedures.

B) The LQG is exempt from all requirements of Subparts G and H of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 725, except for those referenced in subsection (a)(8).

C) The LQG must clearly mark the date upon which each period of accumulation begins, and the date must be clearly visible for inspection on each container.

D) While accumulating waste on site, the LQG must clearly labeled or mark each container and tank is with the following:

i) The words "Hazardous Waste"; and

ii) 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; a hazard statement or pictogram consistent with 29 CFR 1910.1200; or a chemical hazard label consistent with NFPA 704, each incorporated by reference in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.111.

E) The LQG must comply with the requirements in subsections (a)(6) and (a)(7).

d) F006 Waste Transported over 200 Miles. An LQG also generating wastewater treatment sludges from electroplating operations that meet the listing description for the USEPA hazardous waste number F006, may accumulate F006 waste on site for more than 90 days but not more than 270 days without being subject to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 702, 703, and 724 through 727 and the notification requirements of section 3010 of RCRA (42 USC 6930) for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, if the LQG must transport this waste or offer this waste for transportation over a distance of 200 miles or more for off-site metals recovery and the LQG complies with all of the conditions for exemption of subsections (c)(1) through (c)(4).

e) F006 Waste Accumulation Time Extension. An LQG accumulating F006 waste in compliance with subsections (c) and (d) that either accumulates F006 waste on site for more than 180 days (or for more than 270 days if the LQG must transport this waste or offer this waste for transportation over a distance of 200 miles or more) or accumulates more than 20,000 kg (44,000 lbs) of F006 waste on site is an operator of a storage facility and is subject to the requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 702, 703, 724, 725, 727 and the notification requirements of section 3010 of RCRA (42 USC 6930) for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, unless the Agency has granted the LQG an extension to the 180-day period (or 270-day period, if applicable) or an exception to the 20,000 kg (44,000 lb) accumulation limit. The Agency may grant an extension of the accumulation period or an exception to the accumulation limit if F006 waste must remain on site for longer than 180 days (or 270 days, if applicable) or if more than 20,000 kg (44,000 lbs) of F006 waste must remain on site due to unforeseen, temporary, and uncontrollable circumstances. The Agency may grant an extension of up to 30 days or an exception to the accumulation limit on a case-by-case basis.

BOARD NOTE: The Agency may grant a provisional variance that extends the permissible accumulation period or accumulation amount limit under sections 35(b) and 36(c) of the Act. This subsection provides the basis for granting and maximum duration of an extension.

f) Consolidation of Hazardous Waste Received from VSQGs. An LQG may accumulate on site hazardous waste received from a VSQG under control of the same person (as defined in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 720.110), without a storage facility permit or interim status and without complying with the requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 702, 703, and 724 through 728 and the notification requirements of section 3010 of RCRA (42 USC 6930) for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, provided that the LQG complies with the following conditions. "Control", for this Section, means the power to direct the policies of the LQG and VSQG, whether by the ownership of stock, voting rights, or otherwise, except that a contractor that operates a LQG or VSQG facility on behalf of a different person is not be considered to "control" the LQG or VSQG.

1) The LQG must notify the Agency at least 30 days prior to receiving the first shipment from a VSQG using Notification of RCRA Subtitle C Activities (Site Identification Form) (USEPA Form 8700-12); and

A) The LQG must identify on the form the names and site addresses for the VSQG as well as the name and business telephone number for a contact person for the VSQG; and

B) The LQG must submit an updated USEPA Form 8700-12 within 30 days after a change in the name or site address for the VSQG.

2) The LQG maintains records of shipments for three years from the date the LQG receives the hazardous waste from the VSQG. These records must identify the name, site address, and contact information for the VSQG and include a description of the hazardous waste received, including the quantity and the date the LQG received the waste.

3) The LQG must comply with the independent requirements identified in Section 722.110(a)(1)(C) and the conditions for exemption in this Section for all hazardous waste received from a VSQG. For the labeling and marking regulations in subsection (a)(5), the LQG must label the container or unit with the date accumulation started (i.e., the date the LQG received the hazardous waste from the VSQG). If the LQG is consolidating incoming hazardous waste from a VSQG with either its own hazardous waste or with hazardous waste from other VSQGs, the LQG must label each container or unit with the earliest date when the VSQG first accumulated on site any hazardous waste in the container.

g) Rejected Load. An LQG may accumulate the returned waste on site in compliance with subsections (a) and (b) if the LQG sent the shipment of hazardous waste to a designated facility believing that the designated facility can accept and manage the waste and 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. Upon receipt of the returned shipment, the LQG must do either of the following:

1) Sign Item 18c of the manifest, if the transporter returned the shipment using the original manifest; or

2) Sign Item 20 of the manifest, if the transporter returned the shipment using a new manifest.

(Source: Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 16994, effective November 7, 2024)