What Are The Requirements Of Hazardous Waste Spill Reporting?

Picture this scenario.

You’re in your office, and you hear a large bang and yelling coming from your manufacturing facility. Immediately, you know something is wrong and you come out to investigate. 

As you enter the facility, you see that several drums of hazardous chemical waste that you use in your manufacturing process have toppled over.  They had been temporarily stored just outside of your storage area. The drums in question were clipped by a forklift working near your storage area and now chemicals are spilling out all over the floor. 

Workplace accidents like this can happen at any time, the question is: Do you know what to do next? The requirements of hazardous waste spill reporting are straightforward and not to be taken lightly. Here’s what you need to know if the scenario above unfolds at your facility.

Who You Must Notify

If your facility has an accident like the one above, you have a legal responsibility to report it to the appropriate governmental agencies. All significant releases of hazardous substances, or threatened releases of a hazardous material that could harm public health, including oil and radioactive materials, require emer­gency notification to government agencies.

In California, businesses must report hazardous waste spills to several authorities, depending on the size and severity of the spill:

1. California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): If the spill involves a reportable quantity of hazardous material, you must notify Cal OES immediately via their emergency hotline.
2. Local Emergency Response Agencies: Contact your local fire department, hazardous materials response team or local emergency planning committee for immediate assistance in containing the spill.
3. California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC): You may need to file a report with DTSC, especially if the spill involves hazardous waste regulated under California’s Hazardous Waste Control Law.
4. National Response Center (NRC): If the spill could affect navigable waters or the environment on a larger scale, you must also notify the NRC, which is the federal contact for reporting hazardous substance releases.

These notifications must generally be made immediately after the spill occurs to ensure timely response and mitigation.

When And Where To Notify

In the event of a significant spill or threatened release of hazardous materials, spill reporting requirements must be followed. Immediate notification to the proper authorities should be made immediately to ensure a timely response and containment of the hazard. Here’s a step-by-step guide on when and where to report:

• Immediately After the Spill or Release: As soon as a significant spill or release of hazardous material occurs, you must contact Cal OES via their emergency hotline. You’ll need to provide details about the nature of the spill, its location, and the potential impact on health, safety, and the environment.
• Notify Local Authorities: Contact your local fire department or hazardous materials response team to assist with containment and ensure public safety. They will coordinate emergency response efforts.
• Federal Reporting: If the spill has the potential to affect navigable waters or poses a broader environmental threat, notify the National Response Center (NRC) without delay. This is especially important for businesses located near waterways.
• Follow-Up Reporting: Some agencies, such as the California DTSC or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), may require follow-up reports detailing the cause of the incident, the cleanup process, and measures to prevent future spills.

What Information Is Required?

When reporting a hazardous waste spill, providing accurate and comprehensive information is crucial. Authorities will need the following details to assess the situation and coordinate an appropriate response:

1. Location of the Incident: Clearly specify the exact location of the spill, including the facility name, address and any nearby landmarks or affected areas. If the spill involves navigable waters, identify the waterway.
2. Time and Date of the Spill: Record the precise time and date the spill occurred, as this information is essential for evaluating the potential impact and organizing emergency response.
3. Material(s) Involved: Identify the type of hazardous material(s) released, including chemical names, quantities, and any relevant safety data from the material safety data sheet (MSDS). Specify whether the material is hazardous waste, oil, radioactive material, or another regulated substance.
4. Extent of the Release: Provide an estimate of the amount of material released and whether the spill is contained. If the material is still being released or spreading, indicate the current status of containment efforts.
5. Potential Threats: Describe any immediate threats to human health, safety, the environment, or property. Include potential exposure risks to employees, the public or emergency responders.
6. Cause of the Spill: Provide an explanation for the spill or release, including whether it was caused by equipment failure, human error or a natural disaster. This information will help determine if further investigation is needed.
7. Actions Taken: Summarize the steps already taken to control or mitigate the spill. This could include emergency shutdowns, containment measures or the evacuation of affected areas.
8. Contact Information: Supply the name, position and contact details of the person reporting the spill, as well as the contact for ongoing communication with regulatory authorities.

By ensuring you have this information ready when making your report, you can help streamline the response process and minimize the impact of the spill.

Who Else Can Help?

Hazardous waste disposal companies that offer emergency clean-up services can help once you’ve notified the appropriate authorities. 

These companies are equipped with specialized knowledge, tools and resources to handle hazardous materials safely and efficiently. Here's how they can assist:

Emergency Response Teams: Many hazardous waste disposal companies have trained emergency response teams that can be dispatched immediately to contain and clean up hazardous spills. These teams are skilled in managing a wide range of materials, from chemical waste to flammable liquids.

Proper Containment and Cleanup: These professionals ensure that the spill is contained quickly to minimize environmental damage and prevent it from spreading. They also manage the proper cleanup of hazardous materials, ensuring that all state and federal regulations are followed.

Transportation and Disposal: Once the spill is contained and cleaned up, the hazardous material must be transported and disposed of according to legal requirements. Hazardous waste disposal companies handle the safe transportation to approved facilities, ensuring that disposal methods comply with environmental regulations.

Documentation and Reporting: These companies can also assist with the required documentation, such as hazardous waste manifests and incident reports, which are often necessary for compliance with regulatory bodies. This helps businesses avoid potential fines or legal action.

Preventative Consulting: Beyond emergency cleanup, many hazardous waste companies offer consulting services to help businesses develop spill prevention plans, train employees and implement safety protocols to minimize the risk of future accidents.

By partnering with a reputable hazardous waste disposal company, businesses can ensure that spills are managed effectively and in compliance with environmental regulations.