Section 173-303-174 - Satellite accumulation area regulations for medium quantity generators and large quantity generators(1) A generator may accumulate as much as fifty-five gallons of dangerous waste or either one quart of liquid acutely hazardous waste or 2.2 lbs. of solid acutely hazardous waste (as defined in WAC 173-303-040) in containers at or near any point of generation where waste initially accumulates (defined as a satellite accumulation area in WAC 173-303-040). The satellite accumulation area must be under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste or secured at all times to prevent improper additions of wastes to a satellite container. A generator may accumulate waste without a permit, or without complying with WAC 173-303-400, 173-303-600, 173-303-692, and 173-303-800, provided that all the conditions for exemption in this section are met. A generator may comply with the conditions for exemption in this section instead of complying with the conditions for exemption in WAC 173-303-172 and 173-303-200, except as required by (h) and (i) of this subsection. The conditions for exemption for satellite accumulation are: (a) Condition of containers. If a container holding dangerous waste is not in good condition (e.g., severe corroding or rusting or flaking or scaling, and/or apparent structural defects) or if it begins to leak, the generator must transfer the dangerous waste to a container that is in good condition and does not leak, or immediately transfer and manage the waste in a central accumulation area operated in compliance with WAC 173-303-172 or 173-303-200, as applicable. In addition, the generator must address leaks and spills in accordance with the applicable provisions of WAC 173-303-145, 173-303-172, and 173-303-201.(b) Compatibility of waste with containers. The generator must use a container made of or lined with materials which will not react with, and are otherwise compatible with, the dangerous waste to be stored, so that the ability of the container to contain the waste is not impaired.(c) Management of containers.(i) A container holding dangerous waste must be closed at all times, except: (A) When it is necessary to add or remove waste; or(B) When temporary venting of a container is necessary, such as: (I) For the proper operation of equipment; or(II) To prevent dangerous situations, such as build-up of extreme pressure.(ii) A container holding dangerous waste must not be opened, handled, or stored in a manner which may rupture the container or cause it to leak.(d) Special requirements for reactive waste. Containers holding reactive waste exhibiting a characteristic specified in WAC 173-303-090(7)(a)(vi) through (viii) must be stored in a manner equivalent to the separation distances for storage of explosives in the International Fire Code, 2015 edition, or the version adopted by the local fire district.(e) Special requirements for incompatible wastes.(i) Incompatible wastes, or incompatible wastes and materials must not be placed in the same container, unless WAC 173-303-395(1)(b) is complied with.(ii) Dangerous waste must not be placed in an unwashed container that previously held an incompatible waste or material.(iii) A storage container holding a dangerous waste that is incompatible with any waste or other materials 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. Containment systems for incompatible wastes must be separate.(f) Container labeling or marking. A generator must clearly label or mark each container of dangerous waste with the following: (i) The words "Dangerous Waste" or "Hazardous Waste." Except for containers one gallon (or four liters) and under, the lettering must be legible from a distance of twenty-five feet or the lettering size is a minimum of one-half inch in height.(ii) An indication of the hazards of the contents (examples include, but are not limited to, the applicable dangerous waste characteristic(s) and criteria of ignitable, corrosive, reactive and toxic and the applicable hazard(s) identified for listed dangerous wastes). The label or marking must be: (A) Legible and/or recognizable from a distance of twenty-five feet or the lettering size is a minimum of one-half inch in height; and(B) Include descriptive word(s) and/or pictogram(s) that identifies the hazards associated with the contents of the containers for the public, emergency response personnel, and employees; for containers one gallon (or four liters) and under the label, marking or lettering can be appropriate for the size of the container.(g) Accumulation limits. When the accumulation limits listed in this subsection are met: (i) The container(s) must be marked immediately with the accumulation start date; and(ii) Moved within three consecutive calendar days to a permitted on-site designated storage area or an on-site central accumulation area or to a permitted off-site designated facility; and(iii) During the three consecutive calendar day period the generator must continue to comply with all the conditions for exemption for satellite accumulation in this section.(h) All satellite accumulation areas operated by medium quantity generators must meet the preparedness and prevention regulations and the emergency procedures in WAC 173-303-172.(i) All satellite accumulation areas operated by large quantity generators must meet the preparedness, prevention and contingency regulations and emergency procedures in WAC 173-303-201.(2) On a case-by-case basis the department may require the satellite accumulation area to be managed in accordance with all or some of the requirements under WAC 173-303-172 or 173-303-200 and secondary containment requirements of WAC 173-303-630(7), if the nature of the wastes being accumulated, a history of spills or releases from accumulated containers, or other factors are determined by the department to be a threat or potential threat to human health or the environment.Wash. Admin. Code § 173-303-174
Adopted by WSR 19-04-038, Filed 1/28/2019, effective 4/28/2019Amended by WSR 20-20-045, Filed 9/30/2020, effective 10/31/2020