Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Legislation governing the proper management of waste. RCRA (42 USC 6901 et seq.) was enacted in 1976 and amended the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965. RCRA itself was amended by the Hazardous and Solid Wastes Amendment Act of 1984. The full suite of RCRA regulations promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is available at 40 CFR 239-282.

Regulations Applicable to Energy Development

RCRA includes three distinct programs relevant to energy development activities, including the solid waste, hazardous waste, and underground storage tank (UST) programs.

• RCRA Solid Waste Regulations (40 CFR 239-259)
  Regulations issued by the EPA under the authority of RCRA, addressing the generation, storage, treatment, and disposal of solid, nonhazardous wastes
• RCRA Hazardous Waste Regulations (40 CFR 260-279)
  Regulations issued by the EPA under the authority of RCRA, addressing the generation, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes
• RCRA Underground Storage Tank (UST) Regulations (40 CFR 280-282)
  Regulations issued by the EPA under the authority of RCRA, addressing the installation and operation of USTs

Relevant Web Site(s)

• EPA's RCRA Web Site
  Provides access to basic information regarding waste management requirements under RCRA, including pages specific to nonhazardous and hazardous wastes
• Online RCRA
  The EPA's RCRA Online Web site with links to information and publications concerning RCRA requirements

Specific Tribal Program(s)

• Waste Management in Indian Country
  The EPA's Tribal Solid Waste Management Program Web site
• Underground Storage Tanks Program in Indian Country
  The EPA's Tribal UST Program Web site