§ 262.17 Conditions for exemption for a large quantity generator that accumulates hazardous waste.

A large quantity generator may accumulate hazardous waste on site without a permit or interim status, and without complying with the requirements of parts 124, 264 through 267, and 270 of this chapter, or the notification requirements of section 3010 of RCRA for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, provided that all of the following conditions for exemption are met:

(a) Accumulation. A large quantity generator accumulates 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 paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section. The following accumulation conditions also apply:

(1) Accumulation of hazardous waste in containers. If the hazardous waste is placed in containers, the large quantity generator must comply with the following:

(i) Air emission standards. The applicable requirements of subparts AA, BB, and CC of 40 CFR part 265;

(ii) Condition of containers. If a container holding hazardous waste is not in good condition, or if it begins to leak, the large quantity generator must immediately transfer the hazardous waste from this container to a container that is in good condition, or immediately manage the waste in some other way that complies with the conditions for exemption of this section;

(iii) Compatibility of waste with container. The large quantity generator 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;

(iv) Management of containers. (A) A container holding hazardous waste must always be closed during accumulation, except when it is necessary to add or remove waste.

(B) A container holding hazardous waste must not be opened, handled, or stored in a manner that may rupture the container or cause it to leak.

(v) Inspections. At least weekly, the large quantity generator must inspect central accumulation areas. The large quantity generator must look for leaking containers and for deterioration of containers caused by corrosion or other factors. See paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section for remedial action required if deterioration or leaks are detected.

(vi) Special conditions for accumulation of ignitable and reactive wastes. (A) Containers holding ignitable or reactive waste must be located at least 15 meters (50 feet) from the facility's property line unless a written approval is obtained from the authority having jurisdiction over the local fire code allowing hazardous waste accumulation to occur within this restricted area. A record of the written approval must be maintained as long as ignitable or reactive hazardous waste is accumulated in this area.

(B) The large quantity generator must take precautions to prevent accidental ignition or reaction of ignitable or reactive waste. This waste must be separated and protected from sources of ignition or reaction including but not limited to 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), and radiant heat. While ignitable or reactive waste is being handled, the large quantity generator must confine smoking and open flame to specially designated locations. “No Smoking” signs must be conspicuously placed wherever there is a hazard from ignitable or reactive waste.

(vii) Special conditions for accumulation of incompatible wastes. (A) Incompatible wastes, or incompatible wastes and materials, (see appendix V of part 265 for examples) must not be placed in the same container, unless § 265.17(b) of this chapter is complied with.

(B) Hazardous waste must not be placed in an unwashed container that previously held an incompatible waste or material (see appendix V of part 265 for examples), unless § 265.17(b) of this chapter is complied with.

(C) A container holding a hazardous waste that is incompatible with any waste or other materials accumulated or stored nearby in other containers, piles, open tanks, or surface impoundments must be separated from the other materials or protected from them by means of a dike, berm, wall, or other device.

(2) Accumulation of hazardous waste in tanks. If the waste is placed in tanks, the large quantity generator must comply with the applicable requirements of subpart J (except §§ 265.197(c) and 265.200 of this subchapter) as well as the applicable requirements of 40 CFR part 265, subparts AA through CC.

(3) Accumulation of hazardous waste on drip pads. If the hazardous waste is placed on drip pads, the large quantity generator must comply with the following:

(i) Subpart W of 40 CFR part 265;

(ii) The large quantity generator must remove all wastes from the drip pad at least once every 90 days. Any hazardous wastes that are removed from the drip pad are then subject to the 90-day accumulation limit in paragraph (a) of this section and § 262.15, if the hazardous wastes are being managed in satellite accumulation areas prior to being moved to a central accumulation area; and

(iii) The large quantity generator must maintain on site at the facility the following records readily available for inspection:

(A) A written description of procedures that are followed to ensure that all wastes are removed from the drip pad and associated collection system at least once every 90 days; and

(B) Documentation of each waste removal, including the quantity of waste removed from the drip pad and the sump or collection system and the date and time of removal.