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Waste and Toxics
EPA's Waste and Toxics program in the Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, Washington) and Alaska works with governments (federal, tribal, state, and local), industry and the public to protect, preserve, and improve the environment and health for all species in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. We accomplish this by reducing risks through the proper management of wastes and chemicals.
In our activities, we work towards preventing wastes before they are generated. Working with other partners, including States and the American Indian and Alaska Natives communities, is essential to ensure that the environment of all peoples are protected. Providing access to information is an important component of EPA's partnership with others. | | |
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Toxics
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Databases & Information Access
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Hotlines
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Statutes
Three main statutes authorize and focus our activities:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) establishes a system to manage wastes. Hazardous wastes are controlled from "cradle to grave" by permitting facilities, regulating treatment, storage and disposal, providing compliance assistance, and taking enforcement actions when necessary. Non-hazardous wastes, such as household waste, is primarily controlled at the local level, with EPA setting national standards to ensure sound disposal. The Agency encourages conservation of resources of all wastes through prevention and recycling.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) requires certain facilities to report on the releases of listed toxic chemicals annually. Facilities also report pollution prevention and recycling data. EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) provides information on toxics in your community so citizens, businesses, and governments can work together to protect the quality of the land, air and water.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), under TSCA, EPA has broad authority to regulate or ban the import, manufacture, use and disposal of almost all chemical substances in the United States. In EPA Region 10, our focus is assuring the safe use and proper management of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, chemicals in commerce (including import/export of chemicals), and lead.
Unit: Office of Waste and Chemicals Management
Davis Zhen
E-Mail: zhen.davis@epa.gov
206-553-7660
Phone Number: 206-553-7660
Last Updated (mm/dd/yy): 09/03/2008
OWCM
http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/OWCM.NSF/hide/homepage |