Temporary Emergency Permit to Store and Treat Hazardous Waste by Dilution, Northrop Grumman Space Technology
Summary
SCH Number
2008088190
Public Agency
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Document Title
Temporary Emergency Permit to Store and Treat Hazardous Waste by Dilution, Northrop Grumman Space Technology
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/18/2008
Document Description
A temporary emergency Hazardous Waste Permit has been granted to Northrop Grumman Space Technology (NGST) to store hazardous waste for up to 90 days and then to treat the hazardous waste by dilution in order to transport it offsite for disposal. The hazardous waste to be stored and treated is approximately 2 gallons of a reactive mixture, consisting of 20% hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate (HEHN), 70% water, and 10% organic solvents. The hazardous waste was generated from research activities. The waste was inaccurately classified as a flammable liquid rather than an explosive hazard, delaying shipment of the waste to a disposal site. The 90-day limit for storage of a hazardous waste will expire before permission is secured from Department of Transportation to ship the hazardous waste. Before shipment, the mixture will be treated by further dilution with water from approximately 20% HEHN to 1% to 2% HEHN. The final volume of hazardous waste will be approximately 40 gallons. As NGST does not hold a facility hazardous waste management permit for the location where the storage and treatment would take place, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has determined that an emergency permit should be issued. The permit is effective from August 15, 2008 to November 12, 2008.
Contact Information
Name
Beverly Rikala
Agency Name
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Redondo Beach
Counties
Los Angeles
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec21080(b)(4);Sec15269b/c
Reasons for Exemption
Based on authority granted to DTSC, pursuant to Title 22, California Code of Regulations Section 66270.61, DTSC finds there to be imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment. This permit is not transferable to any other party and may not be used in any other capacity by NGST. This permit is not transferable to any other party and may not be used in any other capacity by NGST. This permit may be revoked by DTSC at any time without process if it is determined that termination is appropriate to protect human health and the environment.
This action is necessary to assure the protection of the public and the environment. Transporting the waste to an off-site facility in its present condition would increase the potential for public exposure to reactive hazardous waste.
The proposed storage and treatment will be performed in a manner that protects the environment by implementing the following controls:
Storage will take place in an existing locked explosive magazine with secondary containment to prevent releases of hazardous waste.
The storage and treatment will take place in an industrial area. Treatment is to minimize any potential for the reformation of explosive HEHN. The treatment will take place on a paved surface. There is little potential for release of hazardous waste to the environment.
The closest residential areas are more than 500 yards from the storage location. There are no threatened or endangered species in the vicinity. There are no storm drains within 100 feet that may be impacted by the activity.
A follow up report will be submitted to DTSC. The report shall also include certification that the treatment area has been cleared of all residual hazardous waste and that any generated waste has been properly disposed.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.