Emergency environmental response is a far-reaching endeavor, encompassing everything from oil spills to groundwater contamination. But hazardous waste operations are one of the more high-stakes elements of emergency response; thus, these operations are closely regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. Read on to find out more about hazardous waste operations and emergency response, both of which are key EWI service offerings.
When you picture hazardous waste, you might picture a cartoonish neon green river of sludge. While that visual might be a bit far-fetched, hazardous waste can be every bit as harmful as it sounds. According to the EPA, “hazardous waste” is classified as “a waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment.” This kind of waste is generated by many sources, including industrial manufacturing processes to battery production. The EPA manages a strict regulatory definition and process for identifying materials in the regulated hazardous waste universe. For example, in order for a material to be classified as hazardous waste, it must first be a solid waste. If your organization works with materials that could produce hazardous waste, the EPA is your best resource for material classification.
If your company generates hazardous waste, you are required to follow the EPA’s regulations to dispose of it properly. This requirement applies to a wide range of businesses, including dry cleaners, hospitals, and large-scale industrial facilities. With this in mind, hazardous waste should be considered when you, the business owner, develop your environmental management system (EMS). For example, your EMS should define any hazardous wastes produced on your property and assert the ways your team will proactively manage your organization’s environmental impact. Of course, you don’t have to create your EMS alone – that’s where organizations like EWI come in.
If you’ve identified hazardous waste at your place of business, EWI can help. First, our licensed, professional personnel manage hazardous waste transportation for some of the largest companies in the Midwest and beyond. Our experienced waste hauling teams can handle all of your needs, minimizing vendor management and reducing overall project costs with our complete approach. Additionally, our waste hauling experts are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to serve you.
Since 1992, EWI’s Emergency Response team has responded to a wide variety of environmental emergencies across the central states. We have drivers and equipment available at any time, including vacuum trucks, dump trucks, and excavation equipment. We can help with any of the following emergency response services outside of hazardous waste management:
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Hazardous waste management is a serious matter, but it doesn’t have to be an overly complicated one. Expert organizations like EWI can walk you through a waste management plan and support you during any unexpected hazardous waste emergencies.
Are you in need of further information on hazardous waste operations and emergency response? When you’re ready, you can contact EWI online or call 877-827-9500 for more information. We have in-house experts ready to help walk you through the specifics of your organization’s emergency preparation needs. Our team can also work with you to develop an ongoing plan for your business to ensure ongoing environmental responsibility and compliance, particularly as it pertains to hazardous waste. Finally, our emergency spill response teams are experienced in hazardous waste operations. We’re on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can respond at a moment’s notice, no matter the situation. We’re on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can respond at a moment’s notice, no matter the situation.
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