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 ------- |