Hazardous Waste


About the Program

Responsibilities established by law

Federal law Hazardous waste is considered any waste that can be dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. The Hazardous Waste program originated in 1965 with the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act. In 1976, the United States passed the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, commonly known as RCRA, which split Hazardous Waste and Solid Waste into two distinct areas. This law gave U.S. EPA greater ability to regulate hazardous waste from “cradle-to-grave.”

Local mandates In December 1998, Public Law 24-64 created the Hazardous Waste Management Program. This program was created to protect Guam’s environment from potentially dangerous and harmful chemicals. This includes liquids, storage facilities for hazardous waste and other areas. Many of the areas this program focuses on match federal mandates established for other states and territories, for example working with Underground Storage Tanks (UST)s or shipping hazardous materials.

In the field

This program does routine inspections of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) and inspections of other permitted facilities. The Hazardous Waste Program also responds to hazardous waste spills and other emergency situations.


Elements of the Program

Permitting

The Program is responsible for permitting hazardous waste collection and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. In addition, the Hazardous Waste Program is responsible for inspecting, monitoring compliance, enforcement and overseeing corrective action for all hazardous waste-related activities. This includes underground storage tanks, CERCLA, TSCA (specifically PCBs) and emergency response (Public Record Post Date: 07/7/2016).

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

Maintaining Underground Storage Tanks is a key component to protecting the environment from hazardous waste. This program publishes information about USTs located in Guam.

Compliance Measurement Summary

  • Facilities Inspected: 37
  • Inspection Periods: 04/01/15 – 03/31/16

Compliance Percentage: 95% [Release Prevention & Detection]

Tank, facility, and onsite inspection information is based on regulations under Subtitle I in 40 CFR 280.12 except for tanks identified in 40 CFR 280.10(b) and 280.10(c). USTs used for emergency power generation have been excluded from the compliance measurement summary table in this public record. Onsite inspections measure compliance with Federal SOC requirements.

UST Releases Summary

  • Number of Confirmed Releases: 0
  • Release Reporting Dates: 04/01/15 – 03/31/16

To obtain hard copies of this page please contact the Hazardous Waste Management Program at 671-300-4751/2.
This information is posted as required by the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. To review the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and related provisions, kindly visit “U.S. EPA Office of Underground Storage Tanks


Program Staff and Contact Information

Vincent J. Pereira EHS Supervisor 1.671.300.4757 vincent.pereira@epa.guam.gov
Michael O’Mallan EHS III 1.671.300.4767 michael.omallan@epa.guam.gov
Don Quinata EHS III 1.671.300.4768 don.quinata@epa.guam.gov
Mevany E. Hecita EHS II 1.671.300.4763 mevany.hecita@epa.guam.gov

External Links about Hazardous Waste