U.S. Department of
             Homeland Security
             United States
             Coast Guard
TXGDEM
TCEQ  FEMA
     Hurricane Ike Orphan Drum  Program

EPA and hazardous waste
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helps retrieve, and safely
dispose of, hazardous wastes that pose a threat to human health and the
environment. Among these threats are orphan drums.  Currently, EPA is picking
up orphan drums and containers displaced by Hurricane Ike.

What is an orphan drum?
Orphan drums - and tanks - are containers that may contain hazardous substances
such as propane, industrial chemicals, and unknown substances.

Where are orphan drums located?
Orphan drums can be found everywhere - including yards, fields and alongside
roadways.

Why are  orphan drums dangerous?
Orphan drums may contain hazardous substances that are harmful to human health
and the environment. Orphan drums may be leaking unknown substances and
contaminating local air, water and soil.

What should I do if I discover an orphan drum?
Above all, do not open, touch the contents or remove the orphan drum!  Report its
location to the EPA Hurricane Ike Orphan Container Hotline at 1-800-671-6022.

What happens to an orphan drum once the EPA retrieves it?
At the location, EPA personnel  will:
   • Assess the orphan drum container
   • Transfer it to another container if leaking
   • Ship to a hazardous waste facility for final disposal

Visit EPA's hurricane website: http://www.epa.gov/hurricanes
                                                        179 l-DR-TXOct 2008

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