Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management

• Definition of hazardous waste: listed wastes and characteristic wastes.

• Generator categories: conditionally exempt small quantity, small quantity, large quantity.

• Regulatory framework: RCRA, Basel Convention, and national regulations.

• Exercise: Classifying various industrial wastes as hazardous or non-hazardous.

Module 2: Hazardous Waste Identification and Characterization

• Characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity.

• Testing methods: TCLP, flash point, pH determination.

• Waste sampling and analysis plans.

• Workshop: Interpreting lab results to determine hazardous waste characteristics.

Module 3: Hazardous Waste Accumulation and Storage

• Satellite accumulation area and central accumulation area requirements.

• Container management: labeling, dating, inspection, and compatibility.

• Tank systems and containment building requirements.

• Case Study: Identifying compliance issues in a storage area inspection.

Module 4: Hazardous Waste Transportation

• Manifest system: completion, tracking, and recordkeeping.

• DOT hazardous materials transportation requirements.

• Pre-transport requirements: packaging, labeling, and placarding.

• Exercise: Completing a hazardous waste manifest form.

Module 5: Hazardous Waste Treatment Technologies - Physical/Chemical

• Neutralization, precipitation, oxidation/reduction, and solidification/stabilization.

• Separation technologies: filtration, evaporation, and distillation.

• Workshop: Designing a treatment system for a metal-containing waste stream.

Module 6: Hazardous Waste Treatment Technologies - Thermal and Biological

• Incineration: rotary kiln, liquid injection, and fixed hearth incinerators.

• Bioremediation of hazardous wastes: principles and applications.

• Case Study: Evaluating treatment options for a solvent-contaminated waste.

Module 7: Hazardous Waste Disposal Options

• Landfill disposal: design requirements for hazardous waste landfills.

• Deep-well injection: geology, mechanics, and monitoring.

• Exercise: Comparing the cost and environmental impact of different disposal options.

Module 8: Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimization

• Conducting waste minimization assessments.

• Source reduction, recycling, and reuse of hazardous materials.

• Workshop: Identifying waste minimization opportunities in an industrial process.

Module 9: Site Remediation and Contingency Planning

• Investigation and cleanup of contaminated hazardous waste sites.

• Developing contingency plans and emergency procedures.

• Spill prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC) plans.

Module 10: Compliance Auditing and Recordkeeping

• Conducting hazardous waste compliance audits.

• Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

• Final Project: Developing a comprehensive hazardous waste management plan for a facility, including identification, storage, transportation, and disposal procedures.