The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced it is adding or recommending new sites to its Superfund National Priorities List, which will help fast-track the cleanup of these hazardous areas.
The EPA has added the Afterthought Mine in Bella Vista in California to the Superfund National Priorities List, while proposed adding these other four sites to the list:
- Historic Potteries; Trenton, New Jersey.
- Carlisle Village Cleaners; Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- Exide Technologies – Vernon; Vernon, California.
- J.H. Baxter; Eugene, Oregon.
If you operate a business in or near one of these regions, now is the time to ensure your hazardous waste disposal practices meet federal and state regulations. Improper handling of hazardous waste can result in significant environmental damage and costly penalties.
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What Is The Superfund National Priorities List?
The Superfund National Priorities List, or NPL, is a list of known sites throughout the United States and its territories where hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants pose significant threats to human health and the environment. Funding comes from a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law $3.5 billion investment and the Inflation Reduction Act’s reinstatement of the Superfund “polluter pays” chemical excise taxes.
Federal funding goes toward cleaning up NPL sites so they can be returned to communities for use. Sites are included in the list once a Hazard Ranking System (HRS) screening is completed, as well as public solicitation of comments about the proposed site.
Identification of an NPL site guides the EPA in identifying which remedial actions are appropriate and notifying responsible parties that the organization may initiate remedial action.
The goal of the program is to reduce any risks to environmental and human health, including birth defects and blood-lead levels among children living near the sites.
Why Were New Sites Recommended For The NPL?
The five sites added or recommended for addition to the Superfund National Priorities List were due to significant contamination from past industrial activities, which pose ongoing risks to the local communities.
Past activities at the sites announced most recently by the EPA have included:
- Copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold mining
- Pottery manufacturing
- Dry cleaning
- Lead acid battery refining and recycling
- Wood treating
Contamination through these activities can come from a variety of hazardous sources, including:
- Lead, zinc and other heavy metals
- Chlorinated solvents
- Dioxins
- Arsenic
Hazardous chemicals and substances can affect surface water, groundwater, soil and subsurface soil (vapor intrusion).
How Can My Business Avoid A Similar Fate?
To avoid the costly cleanup and long-term environmental damage seen at these Superfund sites, it’s important for businesses handling hazardous materials to implement strong waste management protocols.
Proper hazardous waste disposal not only protects the environment but also shields your business from regulatory penalties and potential lawsuits.
When selecting a disposal company, consider these key factors:
- Certification and Compliance: Ensure the company is fully licensed and compliant with EPA, state and local regulations.
- Experience and Expertise: Choose a company with a proven track record in managing hazardous waste specific to your industry. Whether it’s dealing with industrial solvents, heavy metals or other contaminants, their expertise can ensure safe and effective disposal.
- Range of Services: A comprehensive disposal company should offer services like waste profiling, manifest preparation, transportation, treatment and disposal. They should also be equipped to handle both routine disposals and emergency response situations.
- Sustainability Practices: Look for companies committed to environmentally friendly solutions, such as recycling, solvent recovery and minimizing waste sent to landfills. Responsible disposal companies often provide eco-friendly alternatives to traditional hazardous waste treatment methods.
- Insurance and Liability Coverage: Verify that the disposal company carries sufficient liability insurance to cover any incidents that may occur during transportation or disposal. This can protect your business in case of accidental spills or violations.
- Free Quote: A reputable company will offer you a hazardous waste disposal free quote so that you can assess costs up front and ensure its services fit your budget without any hidden fees.
By partnering with a certified hazardous waste disposal provider, you can ensure that your business operates safely and responsibly, preventing contamination and reducing the risk of becoming part of future Superfund site designations.
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