EMERGENCY PERMIT FOR TREATMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES, GILEAD SCIENCES INC., FOSTER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Summary
SCH Number
2020100239
Public Agency
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Document Title
EMERGENCY PERMIT FOR TREATMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES, GILEAD SCIENCES INC., FOSTER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/13/2020
Present Land Use
Biopharmaceutical Research
Document Description
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (D T S C), pursuant to authority granted under California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 20, Section 66270.61, has issued an Emergency Permit to Gilead Sciences Inc (Gilead) (E P A I D# CAR000292847) to treat hazardous waste through a controlled reaction with a chemical solution. The hazardous waste to be treated consists of one 25-gram container of 5-Methyltetrazole.
The hazardous waste item is expired and is currently being stored on the Gilead located at 324 Lakeside Dr., Foster City, CA, CA 94404. DTSC has determined as a safety precaution to prevent an accident or severe injury, an Emergency Permit should be issued to chemically stabilize the hazardous wastes prior to transportation off-site by Clean Harbors Environmental Service (CHES).
5-Methyltetrazole produces shock sensitive compounds as it degrades (i.e. after the product’s expiration date). The shock sensitive compounds produced may be unstable at relatively low concentrations, resulting in fire and/or explosion if improperly handled. Static electricity or heating from sunlight may be enough to trigger some reactions, making transport of non-stabilized 5-Methyltetrazole hazardous. Chemical stabilization is recommended prior to transport to a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
The treatment of the hazardous wastes involves the addition of solution to the container in a controlled manner to reduce the reactive or ignitable characteristics of the chemical. Treatment will take place within a designated exclusion zone. Only technicians from CHES will be allowed in the exclusion zone. Movement, preparation, and treatment of the items will be in accordance with established standards.
Within 10 business days of the expiration of this permit, Gilead will submit a final report, signed in accordance with Title 22, California Code of Regulations section 66270.11(d). The report shall include certification that the treatment area has been cleared of all residual hazardous waste generated from this emergency treatment and all generated waste has been properly managed.
The Emergency Permit is effective beginning October 13, 2020 and shall expire on January 10, 2021.
Contact Information
Name
Hai- Yong Kang
Agency Name
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
Kevin Gripper, Manager, EHS, Gilead Sciences Inc.
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Cities
Foster City
Counties
San Mateo
Zip
94404
Other Location Info
324 Lakeside Dr., Foster City, CA, San Mateo County
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
This action is necessary to prevent an emergency. Chemical stabilization of the chemical is necessary prior to transportation to a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility to prevent accidental fire and/or explosion during transport.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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