Episodic generation of dangerous waste
Unplanned events require immediate action!
Email or fax us within 72 hours of an unplanned event. You must also report a spill if the unplanned event involves any amount of dangerous waste or hazardous substances.
The episodic generation rules allow small and medium quantity generators to maintain their current generator category, even when larger-than-normal waste amounts are generated from qualifying episodic events. Using this rule is optional.
An episodic event is an activity, either planned or unplanned, that:
- Does not normally occur during generator operations.
- Results in an increase of dangerous waste that exceeds your generator category's monthly quantity exclusion limits (QEL).
You must also report a spill if:
- Any unplanned event involves spills of dangerous waste or hazardous substances.
- A spill poses a threat to human health or the environment, regardless of size.
Federal vs. state terms
Federal and state regulations use different terms to identify generator categories. Keep this in mind when reading through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) guidance and rules.
| EPA (federal) | Ecology (Washington State) |
|---|---|
| LQG: Large quantity generator | LQG: Large quantity generator |
| SQG: Small quantity generator | MQG: Medium quantity generator |
| VSQG: Very small quantity generator | SQG: Small quantity generator |
Planned vs. unplanned episodic events
- Planned events are episodic events you planned and prepared for, such as tank cleanouts, short-term projects, or removal of excess chemical inventory.
- Unplanned events are unexpected episodic events, such as a production process upset, product recall, accidental spill, or "act of nature," such as a tornado, earthquake, flood, or wildfire.
You can manage waste from one planned or unplanned episodic event per calendar year under this rule provided you notify us correctly. Follow the instructions below.
How to notify Ecology of an episodic event
To manage your dangerous waste under the episodic generation rules:
- Get an EPA/State Identification Number (if you don’t already have one).
- Follow the requirements for your type of episodic event.
Planned episodic events
Step 1: Notify us through RCRAInfo
Submit a notification through RCRAInfo at least 30 days before your planned event, but we recommend 60 days to ensure the entire review process can be completed in time.
NOTE: If we receive your form less than 30 days before the proposed start date, we will change your start date to meet the minimum 30-calendar day requirement and end date.
Step 2: Wait for approval
DO NOT proceed with a planned episodic event until you receive an email approval:
- Once we've reviewed your request, you will receive an email from RCRAInfo notifying you we have approved or denied your request.
- Take note of the beginning and end dates as these may be different from your original request.
Unplanned episodic events
Step 1: Contact us within 72 hours
- Email or fax your regional Ecology contact within 72 hours of your event.
- Report a spill as soon as possible (if necessary).
Step 2: Submit a notification within 30 days
Submit a notification through RCRAInfo within 30 days of the date you contacted us for step 1. Follow the instructions in the RCRAInfo reporting guide (Item 13, Episodic Generation).
Step 3: We will respond to you
Once we review, you will receive an email from RCRAInfo confirming your paperwork has been accepted. We may reach out if additional information is needed.
How to manage waste from an episodic event
Frequently asked questions
Related links
Contact information
For unplanned events, email or fax your region within 72 hours.
What is your region?
Find out what regional office serves your county.
Southwest region
Stephanie Heiges
stephanie.heiges@ecy.wa.gov
Ph: 360-522-0532
Fax: 360-407-6989
Northwest region
Susan Dier
susan.dier@ecy.wa.gov
Ph: 425-466-5572
Fax: 206-366-7810
Eastern region
Alex Bergh
alexandra.bergh@ecy.wa.gov
Ph: 509-385-5539
Fax: 509-329-3572
Central region
Katherine Gauthier
katherine.gauthier@ecy.wa.gov
Ph: 509-406-6851
Fax: 509-575-2809
Mail forms to:
HWTR Reporting Team
P.O. Box 47658
Olympia, WA 98504