On May 22, 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to revise the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest regulations and the manifest form used to track hazardous waste from a generator's site to its site of ultimate disposition. EPA proposes three major revisions to the manifest system: First, EPA proposes to further standardize the content and appearance of the current manifest form (8700-22 and 22a), to make the form available from a greater number of sources. Second, EPA proposes manifest tracking procedures for the follow-up manifesting of TSDF-rejected RCRA hazardous waste shipment loads, and follow-on shipments of non-empty waste containers containing waste residues. Lastly, EPA proposes giving waste handlers required to use the form the option to complete, send, and store the manifest information electronically. For waste handlers choosing this option, the proposed rule would require the use of a standardized electronic data interchange (EDI) format that facilitates the exchange of data between waste handlers, the use of digital signature technology to sign the manifest, and the use of a standard set of computer security standards for the transmission and storage of manifest data.

EPA proposes these changes to reduce paperwork burden related to the hazardous waste manifest provisions, and in response to many requests for a streamlined and up-to-date hazardous waste tracking system. If finalized, EPA also expects these proposed changes to improve the "cradle-to-grave" hazardous waste tracking system and to ensure that waste reaches its destination without causing harm to human health or the environment. Written comments on this proposed rule must be submitted on or before August 20, 2001 (docket number F-2000-UWMP-FFFFF). For general information, contact the RCRA Hotline at (800) 424-9346 or TDD (800) 553-7672 (hearing impaired). In the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, call (703) 412-9810 or TDD (703) 412-3323. For more detailed information on specific aspects of this rulemaking, contact Richard Lashier (5304W), Office of Solid Waste, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460, (703) 308-8796, lashier.rich@epa.gov. The proposal can be downloaded from RCP's website HERE.

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