United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
(OS-312)
EPA530-S-92-001
-January 1992
RCRA Hazardous Waste
Information Management
Executive Summary
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed with Soy/Canda Ink on paper that
contains at least 50% recycled fiber
-------
Did yOU kllOW. . . The numbers and types of handlers regulated
under RCRA Subtitle C.
4,300 A facility that treats, stores, or
Treatment, Storage, and disposes of hazardous waste.
Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) (Examples: incinerators, landfills)
15,350
Large Quantity Generators
A generator that generates 1,000
kilograms (or more) of hazardous
waste in a calendar month, or 1
kilogram (or more) of acutely
hazardous waste in a calendar
month. (Example: chemical
manufacturing plant)
210,900
Small Quantity Generators
A generator that generates less than
1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste
in a calendar month, or less than
1 kilogram of acutely hazardous
waste in a calendar month.
(Example: a dry cleaner)
19,700
Transporters
A person engaged in the off-site
transportation of hazardous waste
by air, rail, highway, or water.
Approximately 2,300 TSDFs also generate large quantities of hazardous waste.
Numbers valid as of June 1991.
-------
OSW Information Management Systems Purpose
The 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA), as amended by the 1984 Hazardous and
Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA), directs the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish
and administer a national program for the safe
management of solid and hazardous waste. The
goals of RCRA are:
to protect human health and the environment;
to conserve energy and natural resources; and,
to reduce or eliminate the generation of
hazardous waste as expeditiously as possible.
Subtitle C of RCRA establishes the regulatory frame-
work for managing the generation, transportation,
treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.
The EPA Office of Solid Waste (OSW) manages two
major national information systems to support the
RCRA Subtitle C program: the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Information System (RCRIS) and the
Biennial Reporting System (BRS).
OSW Information Management Systems Purpose
-------
Did you know
Software:
Platforms:
Implementer:
National Oversight:
Design:
RCRIS
FOCUSฎ
Personal Computer, Mainframe
EPA Mainframe
Comprised of six primary modules:
Handler Identification
Permitting/Closure/Post-Closure
Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement
Corrective Action
Program Management
Facility Management Planning
BRS
FOCUSฎ
Personal Computer, Mainframe
EPA Mainframe
Comprised of four primary modules:
Data Entry
Data Assessment
Reporting
Process Administration
FOCUS is a registered trademark of Information Builders, Inc.
-------
WKat asre RCRLS & BRS?
RCRIS
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Information
System (RCRIS) is a national program management
and inventory system of RCRA hazardous waste
handlers.
Handlers can be characterized as fitting one or more
of the following categories: treatment, storage, and
disposal facilities (TSDFs), large quantity generators
(LQG), small quantity generators (SQG), and
transporters.
RCRIS captures identification and location data for all
handlers and a wide range of information on TSDFs
regarding permit/closure status, compliance with
Federal and State regulations, and cleanup activities.
BRS
The Biennial Reporting System (BRS) is a national
system that collects data on the generation, manage-
ment, and minimization of hazardous waste. BRS
captures detailed data on the generation of hazardous
waste from large quantity generators and data on
waste management practices from treatment, storage,
and disposal facilities. These data are collected every
other year and provide the ability to perform trend
analyses.
What are RCRIS & BRS?
-------
States and EPA Regions
MA
-------
"Who are the Data Managers?.
RCRIS and BRS data management responsibilities are
shared between the States and EPA Regional Offices
and reflect the partnership that exists between the
States and EPA for the administration of the RCRA
program. States and Regions are responsible for:
Reviewing all forms submitted by the regulat-
ed community (e.g., Notification of Regulated
Waste Activity Form, Biennial Report's
Hazardous Waste Report Form) for accuracy
and completeness.
Assigning identification numbers that uniquely
identify handlers in both RCRIS and BRS.
Entering the information into RCRIS and BRS.
The information may then be combined to
provide a complete view of RCRA Subtitle C
activities.
Assuring data quality through a combination
of manual and automated validation proce-
dures.
In addition to processing information submitted by
hazardous waste handlers, the State and Regional
Offices are responsible for regularly updating RCRIS
to reflect the status of permitting, closure, post-clo-
sure, compliance, and corrective action activities.
EPA Headquarters provides oversight, guidance, and
system support. Furthermore, although Headquarters
does not directly enter data into the systems, it shares
data management responsibility for creating and
maintaining the integrity of the national RCRIS and
BRS databases.
The States, EPA Regions, and Headquarters jointly
share the responsibility for identifying and approving
enhancements to the RCRIS and BRS software.
Who are the Data Managers?
-------
RCRIS/BRS Sources of Information
Identification Information
Corrective Actions ^^^ , Generation and Management History
Compliance Record
Permitting Activities
Treatment,
Storage, and
Disposal
Faculties
Large
Quantity
Generators
Small
.Quantity
Generators
Transporters
Waste Minimization Activities
Management Processes
RCRIS
BRS
-------
What Information is Supplied?.
To achieve "cradle-to-grave" waste-tracking capability,
information is supplied by hazardous waste handlers
and RCRA permitting and compliance program
personnel.
Notification
All hazardous waste handlers are required to notify EPA
of their existence by submitting identification informa-
tion on the Federal Notification of Regulated Waste
Activity Form (EPA form 8700-12) or a State equivalent
form. This form provides the States and EPA with basic
information on handler identification (e.g., name,
address, owner), specific hazardous waste activities, and
wastes handled.
Permit Application
Treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) are
also required to complete and submit Part A (EPA form
8700-23) and Part B of the Hazardous Waste Permit
application. The Part A form summarizes the specific
types of treatment, storage, and/or disposal activities for
which the facility is seeking a permit. Part B of the
permit application provides the States and EPA with the
detailed information necessary to. ensure that the facility
has adequate plans for safe construction, operation, and
eventual closure. Part B includes items such as a design
plan, financial assurance information, and a closure
plan. Land disposal facilities must also include a plan
for post-closure care and groundwater monitoring.
Permitting Status
Permitting staff in the State and Regional Offices provide
data concerning the adequacy and status of a facility's
permit application. This information includes a deter-
mination on the completeness of the Part B information,
completion dates for the major milestones in the permit-
ting process (e.g., public notice), and the final approval
or denial of the permit.
Compliance Status
State and Regional compliance staff provide information
about the completion of inspections, the existence of
violations of RCRA or State regulations, and enforcement
activities that are being taken against hazardous waste
handlers to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Corrective Action Activities
Though RCRA historically has been a prevention
program, a corrective action program has evolved to
address the cleanup of hazardous waste releases at
RCRA-regulated sites. As part of the program, State and
EPA provide data on the requirements imposed to
address releases of hazardous waste. Facilities provide
States and EPA with data on their corrective actions
undertaken.
Hazardous Waste Report Form
TSDFs and Large Quantity Generators are further
required to submit information biennially on the quanti-
ty and types of wastes generated, waste management
practices, and waste minimization efforts. This informa-
tion is supplied on the Biennial Report's Hazardous
Waste Report Form (EPA form 8700-13A/B) or State
equivalent forms.
What Information is Supplied?
-------
Private Individuals Federal Agencies
Environmentai?^Misukants Law Firms
Foreign Countries\*f. Congress Newspaper
% JbSJSr ikf
Reporters Govermnente School
Systems Foreign Coffl^rfibifes *^ Trade
Associations! Special Ii
Petroleum ^General
ChemicafMaftli^cturing
Organizations
Other EPA Of flees Waste
Management Firms Publishers
-------
Who are the Information Users?
Government, the public, and industry all need and use
information from RCRIS and BRS. Only State environ-
mental offices and EPA have direct, on-line access to the
systems. However, others can and do receive informa-
tion from RCRIS and BRS.
Government
All levels of government utilize the information from
RCRIS and BRS. Government users include Federal
agencies, Congress, and State and local governments.
The following are examples of how the data are used by
government organizations.
EPA Headquarters and Regional RCRA program
offices use RCRIS and BRS information to monitor
and report on the progress of the RCRA program.
For example, the Permits and State Programs
Division uses RCRIS to report the number of RCRA
permits issued annually.
The Securities and Exchange Commission requests
RCRIS data on corrective action activities on a
quarterly basis to assess potential corporate liability.
Congress and EPA use the information contained in
RCRIS and BRS to monitor the effectiveness of the
RCRA Program. Similarly, State legislative bodies
use RCRIS and BRS data to review the effectiveness
of State hazardous waste programs.
The Public
The public generally receives information from RCRIS
and BRS through either the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) request process or by acquiring the information
from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS).
Examples of recent requests from the public follow.
An environmental interest group requested a report
on the permitting status of all hazardous waste
incinerators.
Law firms frequently request information on specific-
locations prior to the purchase or sale of a business.
A college student who needed help with a research
paper requested information on the permitting status
of hazardous waste landfills.
Industry
Industry also receives information through the FOIA
process or from NTIS. The following are examples of
some recent requests.
An industry that has developed an innovative
technology for treating the types of wastes generated
at boilers and industrial furnaces requested a list of
those facilities.
A magazine publisher trying to solicit subscriptions
to a specialized journal requested a list of all
hazardous waste generators and transporters.
A firm interested in performing research on methods
of treating and disposing of specific hazardous
wastes requested a report on the quantities of those
wastes generated in the country.
Who are the Information Users?
-------
Office of
Solid Waste
Mission Statement
The mission of the Office
contribute tqjthe Agency's
health and^the environmei
waste management progra
resources; prevent future
up problem? from past p
Ery out our miSsjori,
& i * *
*H" ~ - - ' >- -
^ establish national envir
;s, and regulafior
develop art effective pa
-States, and local govera
program;
encourage the partictoj
environmental gc^tf
"program ^t^^m
edu ""
To carry out our mission, we:
establish national environmental
goals, policies, and regulations;
develop an effective partnership
with the Regions, States, and local
governments to implement the
program;
encourage the participation of the
public, industry, environmental
groups, and government in all
program activities; and
educate all sectors of society in our
shared responsibilities for reducing
and managing wastes.
Our office is composed of an interdisciplinary team of
dedicated environmental profe&Monals who work together
to meet the challenges of carrying out this mission. As a
team we commit our&elves to creating a positive,
challenging, and healthy working environment, and to
promoting professional growth and self improvement.
-------
RCRIS & BRS Provide Program Support.
RCRIS and BRS are an integral part of OSWs manage-
ment of the RCRA program. The following are examples
of the programmatic, regulatory, analytical, monitoring,
and reporting functions supported by these two systems.
Program Management
RCRIS and BRS provide the information neces-
sary for effective program management at the
State, Regional, and National levels. RCRIS
I provides the managers with information that
allows them to review the progress that has been made
in the permitting, compliance, and
corrective action programs. For example, managers in
the permitting program are interested in tracking the
progress of facilities that enter the RCRA-regulated
community because of new regulations through the
facilities' interim status to the final permit issuance or
denial. BRS provides managers with information about
the progress being made on other RCRA initiatives such
as waste minimization.
Development of New Regulations
The RCRA program continues to change in
response to Congressional mandates and as
new information about hazardous wastes and
their impact on the environment is discovered.
A substantial body of regulations already govern the
generation, treatment, storage, disposal, and transporta-
tion of specific hazardous wastes. The analysis of
existing regulations and development of new ones
depends upon a solid understanding of the current and
prospective regulated communities. Regulation writers
need current information on amounts of waste by type
and characteristic waste management practices. RCRIS
provides information on regulated handlers by type of
activities (e.g., land disposal facilities, incinerators). BRS
provides key information on wastes generated, and can
offer information on trends in waste generation and
handling across Biennial Reporting cycles.
Environmental Indicators of Program Progress
Increasingly, EPA's programs are being asked
to look beyond the functions they perform to
the ultimate desired effect on the environment
(such as cleaner air and water). Consequently,
OSW is in the process of developing a set of environ-
mental messages and indicators for better assessing the
environmental impact of the RCRA program in the areas
of waste minimization, safe management, and corrective
action.
The data in RCRIS and BRS provide a baseline of pro-
gram management 3nd environmental data to support
measurement of progress on these primary environmen-
tal indicators. RCRIS and BRS data will be used to
analyze and report on threats to human health and the
environment posed by hazardous waste.
Resource Allocation
RCRA Program Managers use RCRIS to gauge
how well the program is doing relative to
program goals (e.g., annual targets), and can
obtain reports that depict the program's accom-
plishments on key measures of interest to the
Administrator and other audiences. This information in
turn supports determination of resource allocations to
the States and EPA Regions.
Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act
(SARA) Capacity Analyses
States are required to assure that there is
adequate capacity to properly handle the
hazardous wastes generated in their State. In
order to do this, States need information on
waste generation, waste imports, waste exports, and
waste management utilization and capacity, as well as
available capacity in other States. BRS has been
designed, in part, to assist States in this analysis.
RCRIS & BRS Provide Program Support?
-------
RCRIS and BRS:
A Broader Look at TSD's and LQG's
ID number
* Location
Handler
type
RCMS
Design capacity
Compliance history
Permit status
-------
System Integration Provides Quality Information.
RCRIS and BRS Comparison
RCRIS and BRS are complementary. Though RCRIS and
BRS contain information on all RCRA-regulated TSDFs
and LQGs, most of the data tracked in each of the
systems is different:
RCRIS primarily characterizes facility status,
regulated activities, and compliance histories.
BRS focuses on waste types, waste quantities
generated, wastes managed, wastes
minimized, and management processes.
Integrating the unique data from each system allows a
more comprehensive view of TSDFs and LQGs than
would be available from either system alone.
System Integration
RCRIS and BRS are integrated systems. Data can be
readily retrieved and combined because both systems:
use a common facility identification number,
were developed with the same software, and
were designed to be compatible.
Consequently, program managers are able to
improve the data quality in each system and gain
greater utility from both.
Data Quality Improved
RCRIS and BRS data can be compared to help ensure
the quality of the data in both systems. For example,
a comparison report run on data from both systems
could be used to identify hazardous waste handlers
that have activity indicators (e.g., LQG, TSDF) that are
not consistent between the two databases. This
report could then be used to identify:
TSDFs or LQGs that failed to submit their
Biennial Reporting data. '
Handlers whose current activity status is not
accurately reflected in RCJRIS.
The reconciliation of discrepancies helps to ensure
consistent and accurate reporting on the number and
characteristics of TSDFs and LQGJs.
Enhanced Utility
RCRIS "and BRS data are combinqd to aid managers in
achieving program goals. For example, a combined
report can be run to identify and! prioritize hazardous
waste generators for inspection. ;Generators selected
by inspection date in RCRIS are sorted by waste
characteristic and quantity data in BRS to provide a
targeted inspection listing. ;
Quality Information and RCRA Program Success
RCRIS and BRS provide the Stated and EPA with an
effective tool for managing the djay-to-day program
activities carried out at RCRA-regtdated hazardous
waste sites and the overall RCRAj Subtitle C program.
Accurate data, effectively utilized, provide the quality
information that is essential to the RCRA program.
RCRIS and BRS work together to j contribute quality
information necessary to the success of RCRA
program monitoring and evaluation.
System Integration Provides Quality Information?
-------
For more information ...
To obtain additional information about the topics covered in this document you can contact:
RCRIS User Support
1-800-767-7274
The RCRIS Helpline supports RCRIS appligajjcg^users with system operations including data entry,[data transfer, and system
enhancements. .i^W^i^kf-i %>%* '
Jtif'& : :" '>' ^ *&&&&'&
1-800-876-0352
BRS User Support /A?'T^SM^'-^"* *sM
rr '?#*?'?,*?, ;Sr-1xt^^%; ^\,^|* ^.w-'
The BRS Helpline supports BRS app^Mtiojf-p^|;^f|ffi;isyiSteซr'6]pbrations including data entry, data assessment and
reporting functions. *%$i^M^i&*
reporting
BRS Forms Support g" ^($ JV- i-800-283-
The BRS Forms Helpline provides assistarfcl'&iecomrjletiSri of the Bieinial Report's Hazardous |Waste Report Form
(EPA Form 8700-13A/B). *
Questions regarding RCRA regulations and policy are hanq^^.l^Rfi^Mlimerfund Hotline. The Hotline also serves as
RCRA/Superfund Hotline
Questions regarding RCRA i
a referral point for document availability.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office
The EPA FOIA office is the clearinghouse for all public requests of information plftaining to EPA programs, including RCRA.
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
1-703-487-4650
NTIS offers IBM-compatible magnetic tapes of the RCRIS National Database and copies of the Nati6nal Biennial RCRA
Hazardous Waste Reports. >
The following are the NTIS order numbers:
RCRIS Extract Tape
1985 National Biennial Report
1987 National Biennial Report
PB 91 592 001
Volume I: National Summary PB 89 187 645
Volume IL State Detail Data PB 89 187 652
PB 91 220 293
-------
RCRIS
RCRIS User Support 1-800-767-7274
RCRA/Superfund Hotline ....1-800-424-9346
FOIA office (phone) 1-202-260-4048
(fax) 1-202-260-0295
NTIS 1-703-487-4650
r
BRS User Support
BRS Forms Support
RCRA/Superfund Hotline .
FOIA office (phone)
(fax)
NTIS
BRS ^
U.l-800-876-0352
...1-800-283-8489
...1-800-424-9346
...1-202-260-4048
1-202-260 0295
1-703-487-4650
-------
The following is a list of selected RCRIS and BRS documents
RCRIS Documentation
RCRIS Reports Library
RCRIS User Guide (data entry)
RCRIS Merged Database Administrator Guide
RCRIS Quick Reference Guide
RCRIS Data Element Dictionary
RCRIS Technical Guide
RCRIS Structure Charts
BRS Documentation
BRS Reports Library
BRS User Guide
BRS Architecture
BRS Data Element Dictionary
BRS Electronic Reporting Guide
BRS Translator Guide
BRS Structure Chart
------- |