Contacts

Environmental Communication & Public Involvement
P.O. Box 1663
MS J591
Los Alamos, NM 87545
Phone: 505-667-0216
FAX: 505-665-1812
envoutreach@lanl.gov

Waste Permits

Overview

Waste Permits Overview

Permits and permit modifications are required to maintain operating status at all of the Laboratory's units that treat, store, and/or dispose of hazardous and mixed waste. LANL staff members work closely with state regulators to clearly define their needs, develop priorities, and set schedules for processing applications, as well as working with internal customers explaining permitting requirements and processes. The principal regulations serviced are the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), New Mexico Hazardous Waste Regulations, and the New Mexico Solid Waste Regulations.

There are approximately 60 mixed waste units operating under interim status (i.e., they were in existence when new regulations went into effect and can remain operating under interim status until the New Mexico Environment Department [NMED] either approves of or denies a permit). The Laboratory is operating under a hazardous waste permit issued by NMED in 1989 that covers storage and treatment units and a permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1990 under the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments to RCRA that covers corrective activities at old solid waste management units.