The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA) and its associated regulations, primarily found in the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management, establish a framework for the identification, management, and disposal of hazardous waste. A key aspect of this framework is the definition of hazardous waste itself. Under Georgia law, a solid waste is classified as hazardous if it exhibits one or more of the characteristics of hazardous waste: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, or if it is listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as hazardous waste. The toxicity characteristic is determined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). If a waste fails the TCLP for any of the specified constituents, it is considered a toxic hazardous waste. For example, if a waste sample, when subjected to the TCLP, leaches a concentration of lead exceeding the regulatory limit of 5.0 mg/L, it would be classified as a hazardous waste due to the toxicity characteristic. The GHWMA mandates cradle-to-grave management of hazardous waste, meaning generators, transporters, and treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) operators all have responsibilities. Generators are responsible for identifying their waste, obtaining an EPA identification number, managing waste in compliance with accumulation time limits, and ensuring proper manifesting for off-site shipment. Transporters must comply with manifesting requirements and safe handling practices. TSDFs must obtain permits and operate in accordance with stringent standards to protect human health and the environment. The Act also includes provisions for corrective action and enforcement.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically the regulations promulgated under it, defines hazardous waste based on characteristics and listings. Characteristic hazardous wastes are those that exhibit ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. Toxicity is determined through the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Listed hazardous wastes are specifically identified by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) as hazardous due to their origin or constituents. For a waste to be regulated as hazardous, it must meet one of these criteria. A waste that is generated from a non-hazardous process and does not exhibit any of the characteristic properties of hazardous waste, nor is it a listed hazardous waste, is considered non-hazardous. Therefore, if a waste is not ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic as per TCLP, and not on any of the Georgia EPD’s lists of hazardous wastes, it is not regulated under the Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the authority of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), mandates a comprehensive cradle-to-grave management system for hazardous waste. This system includes strict regulations for identification, generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal. When a facility generates hazardous waste, it must comply with specific requirements based on the quantity of waste produced per month. For a large quantity generator (LQG), this threshold is defined as generating 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,200 pounds) or more of hazardous waste in a calendar month, or generating more than 1 kilogram of acute hazardous waste in a calendar month. These LQGs face the most stringent regulatory requirements, including obtaining an EPA identification number, adhering to specific storage time limits, maintaining detailed manifests for all waste shipments, and submitting biennial reports to the EPD. Smaller quantity generators (SQGs) and conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQGs) have less stringent requirements, reflecting the reduced risk associated with lower volumes of hazardous waste. Understanding these quantity-based thresholds is fundamental to ensuring compliance with Georgia’s hazardous waste regulations.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA) establishes a framework for managing hazardous waste within the state, aligning with federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) principles. Specifically, it designates the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) as the primary regulatory body. The Act outlines generator requirements, including waste identification, manifesting, record-keeping, and reporting. For Transporters, it mandates compliance with manifest requirements and proper vehicle labeling. Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) face stringent permitting, operational standards, and closure requirements. The Act also addresses emergency preparedness and contingency planning for facilities that handle hazardous waste. The question probes the understanding of the regulatory authority responsible for enforcing these provisions in Georgia. The Georgia EPD is vested with the authority to implement and enforce the GHWMA, including issuing permits, conducting inspections, and imposing penalties for violations. Other state agencies might have overlapping responsibilities in specific environmental areas, but the EPD is the lead agency for hazardous waste management under this Act.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically as implemented through Chapter 391-3-4 of the Official Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, outlines stringent requirements for hazardous waste management. A key aspect is the definition of a hazardous waste generator and the corresponding management obligations. Generators are categorized based on the quantity of hazardous waste produced per month. Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) produce 100 kilograms (220 pounds) or less of hazardous waste per month, or 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) or less of acute hazardous waste per month. Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) produce between 100 and 1,000 kilograms (220 to 2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month, and do not exceed 1 kilogram of acute hazardous waste per month. Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) produce 1,000 kilograms or more of hazardous waste per month, or more than 1 kilogram of acute hazardous waste per month. The question asks about a facility that generates 150 kg of hazardous waste and 0.5 kg of acute hazardous waste in a month. Since the facility generates 150 kg of hazardous waste, which is more than 100 kg but less than 1,000 kg, and the amount of acute hazardous waste (0.5 kg) is less than the threshold for LQG status (1 kg), this facility falls under the Small Quantity Generator category. Therefore, it must comply with the regulations applicable to SQGs, which include obtaining an EPA identification number, managing waste in containers and tanks, and adhering to specific accumulation time limits and manifest requirements.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, as codified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 12-8-60 et seq., establishes a framework for the management of hazardous waste within the state. Specifically, O.C.G.A. § 12-8-67 mandates that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) develop and implement a comprehensive hazardous waste management program. This program is designed to protect public health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous waste. Key components include the identification, generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. The Act also outlines requirements for permitting facilities that handle hazardous waste, establishing manifest systems for tracking waste, and enforcing compliance. Generators of hazardous waste are subject to specific regulations regarding accumulation time limits, container management, and record-keeping. Transporters must comply with manifesting requirements and proper vehicle labeling. Treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) face stringent permitting processes, operational standards, and closure requirements. The Act grants the EPD the authority to conduct inspections, issue penalties for violations, and seek injunctive relief to prevent or abate pollution. The overarching goal is to ensure that hazardous waste is managed in a manner that minimizes risks throughout its lifecycle, aligning with federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) standards while addressing state-specific concerns.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA), codified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 12-8-60 et seq., establishes the framework for managing hazardous waste within the state. This act grants the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) broad authority to implement regulations that align with, and in some cases exceed, federal requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, the GHWMA mandates that the EPD develop and enforce standards for the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Generators are classified based on the quantity of hazardous waste they produce per month. A large quantity generator (LQG) is defined as a facility that generates 1,000 kilograms (kg) or more of hazardous waste in a calendar month, or more than 1 kg of acutely hazardous waste in a calendar month. A small quantity generator (SQG) is a facility that generates between 100 kg and 1,000 kg of hazardous waste in a calendar month, or less than or equal to 1 kg of acutely hazardous waste in a calendar month. Finally, a conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) generates 100 kg or less of hazardous waste per month and less than or equal to 1 kg of acutely hazardous waste per month. These classifications determine the specific regulatory requirements a facility must adhere to, including record-keeping, manifesting, personnel training, and contingency planning. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for compliance and avoiding penalties under Georgia law.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA) and its implementing regulations under the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) establish a framework for managing hazardous waste. Specifically, the regulations address the responsibilities of hazardous waste generators. Under Georgia law, a generator is classified based on the quantity of hazardous waste produced per calendar month. Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) are those who generate between 100 and 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month, or less than 1 kilogram of acutely hazardous waste per month. Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) generate 1,000 kilograms or more of hazardous waste per month, or more than 1 kilogram of acutely hazardous waste per month. Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) generate 100 kilograms or less of hazardous waste per month. The classification dictates the specific management standards, record-keeping requirements, and reporting obligations. For instance, LQGs face more stringent requirements regarding personnel training, contingency planning, and biennial reporting compared to SQGs or VSQGs. Understanding these thresholds is crucial for compliance, as misclassification can lead to significant penalties. The scenario presented involves a facility that consistently generates 950 kilograms of hazardous waste per month and 0.5 kilograms of acutely hazardous waste per month. Applying the definitions, the facility’s hazardous waste generation falls within the SQG category for non-acute hazardous waste (950 kg/month is between 100 and 1,000 kg) and also within the SQG category for acutely hazardous waste (0.5 kg/month is less than 1 kg). Therefore, the facility is classified as a Small Quantity Generator.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA), codified in O.C.G.A. § 12-8-60 et seq., establishes the framework for managing hazardous waste within the state. This act grants the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) the authority to implement regulations consistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, O.C.G.A. § 12-8-65 outlines the powers and duties of the EPD, which include the promulgation of rules and regulations for the identification, generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. The Act also establishes requirements for permits and licenses for facilities that handle hazardous waste. The question probes the understanding of the foundational legal authority granted to the EPD by the state legislature to enact and enforce hazardous waste regulations, which is derived directly from the GHWMA. This legislative mandate is crucial for the EPD’s ability to develop specific rules, such as those found in the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management (Chapter 391-3-11), which detail the technical requirements for hazardous waste management, including manifesting procedures, land disposal restrictions, and generator standards. Without this underlying statutory authority, the EPD would lack the legal basis to implement these detailed regulatory programs.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under Chapter 4 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A. § 12-4-1 et seq.), establishes the framework for managing hazardous waste within the state. This act empowers the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to implement regulations that align with, and can be more stringent than, federal requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). When a facility generates hazardous waste, it must determine if it qualifies as a small quantity generator (SQG) or a large quantity generator (LQG) based on its monthly generation rates. These classifications dictate the specific regulatory requirements for storage, treatment, and disposal. For instance, SQGs have less stringent accumulation time limits and reporting requirements compared to LQGs. The act also mandates manifest system usage for tracking hazardous waste from generation to final disposal, ensuring accountability and preventing illegal dumping. Furthermore, Georgia law addresses emergency preparedness and response, requiring facilities to have plans in place to mitigate the impact of accidental releases. The EPD’s authority extends to permitting treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs), enforcing compliance through inspections and penalties. Understanding the generator status is a foundational step in complying with Georgia’s hazardous waste regulations, as it dictates the applicable operational standards and administrative burdens.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the authority of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), establishes requirements for the management of hazardous waste. When a generator determines that a waste exhibits a characteristic of hazardous waste (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity), they must manage it according to the regulations. For a waste to be classified as hazardous due to toxicity, it must fail the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The TCLP simulates the leaching that occurs when waste is disposed of in a landfill. If the concentration of any of the specific contaminants listed in 40 CFR Part 261, Subpart C, Appendix VIII, as determined by the TCLP, exceeds the regulatory limits, the waste is considered hazardous. For example, if a waste contains lead at a concentration of 5.5 mg/L as determined by the TCLP, it would be classified as hazardous because the regulatory limit for lead is 5.0 mg/L. The generator is then responsible for obtaining an EPA identification number, manifesting the waste for transport, and sending it to a permitted treatment, storage, or disposal facility (TSDF). Failure to properly classify and manage hazardous waste can result in significant penalties. The fundamental principle is that any waste exhibiting a hazardous characteristic, as defined by the regulations and confirmed through appropriate testing like TCLP, must be managed under the stringent framework of hazardous waste regulations in Georgia. This includes proper identification, labeling, storage, transportation, and ultimate disposal at a permitted facility.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the authority granted by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), mandates rigorous record-keeping and reporting for hazardous waste generators. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as implemented in Georgia requires that records, including manifests, test results, and inspection reports, be maintained for a minimum of three years from the date the waste is generated or sent for treatment, storage, or disposal. This “three-year rule” is a cornerstone of ensuring accountability and tracking hazardous waste from cradle to grave. Generators must be able to demonstrate compliance with all applicable regulations during this period. Failure to maintain these records can result in significant penalties, including fines and other enforcement actions by the EPD. The purpose of this extensive record-keeping is to provide a clear audit trail, facilitate regulatory oversight, and support emergency response efforts if a release occurs. This retention period applies to various documents, including shipping papers, biennial reports, and any correspondence related to hazardous waste management.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically the regulations promulgated under it, outlines stringent requirements for the management of hazardous waste. When a facility generates hazardous waste that meets the definition of a “universal waste” under Georgia regulations, which often includes certain batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, and lamps, specific management standards apply. These standards are designed to streamline the management of these common hazardous wastes while still ensuring environmental protection. Instead of adhering to the full cradle-to-grave management requirements for hazardous waste under RCRA Subtitle C, universal wastes are subject to reduced, but still significant, management requirements. These include limitations on the accumulation time at the generator’s site, proper labeling, packaging, and shipping to authorized universal waste handlers or treatment facilities. The key distinction for a large quantity handler of universal waste is the requirement to manage these wastes according to the universal waste regulations, which are less burdensome than full hazardous waste management but still necessitate careful tracking and proper disposal pathways. The generation of hazardous waste that is not classified as universal waste would mandate adherence to the full hazardous waste generator requirements, including manifest system usage, stringent accumulation limits, and disposal at permitted Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs). Therefore, correctly identifying and managing universal waste streams is crucial for compliance.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulations, establishes a framework for the identification, management, and disposal of hazardous waste. A key aspect of this framework is the concept of “cradle-to-grave” responsibility, meaning that the generator of hazardous waste remains accountable for its management from its generation until its ultimate safe disposal. When a generator ships hazardous waste off-site to a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF), their responsibility does not simply end upon transfer. Instead, they must ensure that the TSDF is properly permitted and that the waste is managed in accordance with all applicable federal and state regulations. This includes obtaining confirmation that the waste was received and managed appropriately by the TSDF. The manifest system, a crucial component of the hazardous waste tracking process, serves as a record of this transfer and subsequent management. A generator must maintain copies of the manifest, and if they do not receive a signed copy back from the designated TSDF within a specified timeframe (typically 30 days in federal regulations, which Georgia generally aligns with), they are required to initiate an inquiry to locate the waste. Failure to do so, or failure to ensure proper disposal, can result in continued liability for the generator. Therefore, the generator’s obligation extends beyond the point of shipment to include verification of receipt and proper management by the TSDF.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA), specifically O.C.G.A. § 12-8-60 et seq., and its associated regulations, primarily found in the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Hazardous Waste Management, govern the management of hazardous waste within the state. One critical aspect is the definition and management of hazardous waste, particularly concerning materials that exhibit hazardous characteristics. Ignitability is one such characteristic, defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and adopted by Georgia. A waste is considered ignitable if it is a liquid that has a flash point of less than 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). For solids, it must be capable of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture, or spontaneous chemical changes and, when ignited, burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard. For ignitable compressed gases, they must be flammable under normal conditions of use. Oxidizers, which can cause or contribute to the combustion of other material, are also classified as hazardous due to their reactivity. Therefore, a waste exhibiting the characteristic of ignitability, whether as a flammable liquid with a low flash point, a readily combustible solid, or an oxidizer, is subject to the stringent management requirements of Georgia’s hazardous waste program. This includes proper identification, storage, transportation, and disposal in permitted facilities. The question probes the understanding of which waste characteristic, when present, mandates adherence to these strict regulations, emphasizing the regulatory definition of ignitability as it applies to various forms of waste.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically as implemented through the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management (Chapter 391-3-11), establishes stringent requirements for the management of hazardous waste. When a facility generates hazardous waste, it must first determine if it qualifies as a small quantity generator (SQG) or a large quantity generator (LQG) based on its monthly generation rate. For the purpose of this question, we consider a facility that generates 950 kilograms of hazardous waste per month. According to the regulations, a large quantity generator is defined as a facility that generates 1,000 kilograms or more of hazardous waste per month, or more than 1 kilogram of acute hazardous waste per month, or more than 100 kilograms of spill residue from acute hazardous waste per month. A small quantity generator is defined as a facility that generates between 100 and 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month. Since the facility generates 950 kilograms of hazardous waste per month, which falls between the 100 kg and 1,000 kg threshold for non-acute hazardous waste, it is classified as a small quantity generator. This classification dictates specific requirements regarding storage limits, personnel training, emergency preparedness, and record-keeping, which are less stringent than those for large quantity generators but more rigorous than those for conditionally exempt small quantity generators. The key differentiator for LQG status is exceeding the 1,000 kg monthly generation threshold.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, as codified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 12-8-60 et seq., establishes the framework for managing hazardous waste within the state. Specifically, O.C.G.A. § 12-8-62 outlines the definitions and responsibilities related to hazardous waste. Generators of hazardous waste are primarily responsible for identifying, managing, and properly disposing of their waste in accordance with state and federal regulations. This includes obtaining necessary permits, adhering to storage and transportation requirements, and ensuring that waste is treated or disposed of at a permitted facility. The Act empowers the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to implement and enforce these regulations. Generators are classified based on the quantity of hazardous waste they produce, with different regulatory requirements applying to large quantity generators, small quantity generators, and conditionally exempt small quantity generators. Understanding these classifications is crucial for compliance. The Act also addresses manifest requirements for tracking hazardous waste from generation to final disposal, which is a key component of the cradle-to-grave management system. The correct response focuses on the fundamental responsibility of the generator to manage their waste according to the established legal framework in Georgia.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA) establishes a framework for the identification, management, and disposal of hazardous waste within the state. Under this act, specific requirements are placed upon generators of hazardous waste, including record-keeping and reporting obligations. Georgia’s hazardous waste regulations, primarily found in the Rules of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Chapter 391-3-4, mirror many of the federal requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). A key aspect of these regulations is the definition of a hazardous waste generator, which is determined by the quantity of hazardous waste produced per calendar month. Generators are categorized into three main types: large quantity generators (LQGs), small quantity generators (SQGs), and conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQGs). The classification dictates the specific management standards, including storage time limits, personnel training, contingency planning, and reporting requirements. For instance, LQGs are subject to the most stringent requirements, including biennial reporting. SQGs have less stringent requirements, and CESQGs have the least, often being exempt from many of the core RCRA provisions. The threshold for classification is based on the amount of hazardous waste generated monthly, not including hazardous waste that is treated, stored, or disposed of on-site in permitted units. The determination of generator status is crucial for compliance, as it dictates the applicable regulatory obligations and potential liabilities.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA) and its associated regulations, primarily found in the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Hazardous Waste Management, establish a framework for the identification, management, and disposal of hazardous waste within the state. A key aspect of this framework involves the responsibilities of hazardous waste generators. Under these regulations, generators are classified based on the quantity of hazardous waste they produce per month. This classification dictates the specific requirements they must adhere to, including manifesting, storage limits, and reporting. For instance, a very small quantity generator (VSQG) has different, less stringent requirements than a large quantity generator (LQG). The determination of generator status is crucial for compliance and involves accurately calculating the amount of hazardous waste generated each calendar month. The regulations specify that this calculation must consider all hazardous wastes generated, including those from laboratory analysis, process waste, and even waste that might be recycled or treated on-site, unless specific exemptions apply. Understanding these classification thresholds and the precise methods for calculating monthly generation is fundamental to ensuring adherence to Georgia’s hazardous waste laws, thereby preventing environmental contamination and legal penalties. The GHWMA aims to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that hazardous waste is managed from “cradle to grave” by authorized entities.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA), specifically as implemented through the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management, establishes a framework for the identification, management, and disposal of hazardous waste within the state. The Act defines hazardous waste broadly and grants the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) the authority to promulgate regulations to carry out its provisions. Generators of hazardous waste are subject to specific requirements regarding waste determination, storage, record-keeping, and transportation. For hazardous waste that is generated in quantities exceeding certain thresholds and is destined for disposal in a landfill, the Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR) program, as established under federal RCRA and adopted by Georgia, mandates that such wastes must meet specific treatment standards before land disposal. These treatment standards are technology-based and are designed to reduce the mobility and toxicity of hazardous constituents. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C provides the federal foundation for hazardous waste management, and Georgia’s program is authorized to operate in lieu of the federal program, meaning it must be at least as stringent as federal requirements. The question probes the understanding of the specific requirements for hazardous waste destined for land disposal in Georgia, which are directly linked to the LDR program’s treatment standards. Compliance necessitates ensuring that the waste meets these prescribed treatment levels or has undergone an approved alternative treatment technology. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulations, mandates that facilities generating hazardous waste must maintain records for a minimum of three years from the date the waste was last sent to a treatment, storage, or disposal facility (TSDF). This record-keeping requirement is crucial for tracking hazardous waste from generation to final disposition, ensuring compliance with cradle-to-grave management principles. The records typically include manifests, waste analysis reports, and biennial reports. The three-year period allows for adequate oversight and auditing by regulatory agencies. Extensions to this period may be granted or required under specific circumstances, such as ongoing investigations or enforcement actions, but the baseline requirement is three years. Understanding this fundamental record-keeping obligation is essential for any hazardous waste generator operating within Georgia to avoid potential penalties and ensure environmental protection. The purpose of these records is to provide a clear audit trail and demonstrate responsible management of hazardous materials.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the authority of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), establishes requirements for the management of hazardous waste. One critical aspect is the definition of a hazardous waste generator and the associated responsibilities. A generator is classified based on the quantity of hazardous waste produced per month. Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) in Georgia are defined as those who generate between 100 and 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month, or less than 1 kilogram of acutely hazardous waste per month. Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) produce 1,000 kilograms or more of hazardous waste per month, or more than 1 kilogram of acutely hazardous waste per month. Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs) generate 100 kilograms or less of hazardous waste per month, or less than 1 kilogram of acutely hazardous waste per month. The scenario describes a facility in Georgia that generates 800 kilograms of hazardous waste per month and 0.5 kilograms of acutely hazardous waste per month. Based on these quantities, the facility falls into the category of a Small Quantity Generator because its monthly hazardous waste generation is between 100 and 1,000 kilograms, and its acutely hazardous waste generation is less than 1 kilogram. This classification dictates specific regulatory requirements regarding storage, record-keeping, and emergency preparedness.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically O.C.G.A. § 12-8-60 et seq., and its implementing regulations found in the Rules of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Chapter 391-3-11, govern the management of hazardous waste. When a generator of hazardous waste ceases to operate and intends to close their facility, they must comply with specific closure requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure that any remaining hazardous waste is managed in a manner that protects human health and the environment. The regulations mandate the development and implementation of a detailed closure plan. This plan must address the proper management of all hazardous waste, including any residues, contaminated materials, and equipment. The ultimate goal is to achieve a condition that allows for the post-closure use of the site without posing a threat to public health or the environment. This involves thorough decontamination, proper disposal of all hazardous materials, and, in some cases, long-term monitoring. The generator bears the responsibility for ensuring that all closure activities meet or exceed the regulatory standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Division.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA), codified in O.C.G.A. Title 12, Chapter 8, Article 2, establishes the framework for managing hazardous waste within the state. This act grants the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources the authority to develop and implement regulations that are at least as stringent as federal regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, the GHWMA empowers the EPD to issue permits for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs). These permits are crucial for ensuring that facilities handling hazardous waste operate in a manner that protects human health and the environment. The permit process involves a rigorous review of the facility’s design, operational procedures, waste management practices, and contingency plans. The Act also mandates record-keeping, reporting, and emergency preparedness requirements for all hazardous waste handlers. Generators, transporters, and TSDFs are all subject to these regulations, with varying levels of responsibility depending on the quantity and type of hazardous waste they manage. The EPD’s oversight includes inspections and enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the GHWMA and its associated rules.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management, outlines the requirements for identifying and managing hazardous waste. A key aspect is the definition of hazardous waste, which includes wastes exhibiting certain characteristics or listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state of Georgia. Characteristic wastes are those that are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. The toxicity characteristic is determined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). If a waste fails the TCLP for any of the regulated constituents, it is classified as hazardous. For instance, if a waste sample, when subjected to the TCLP, yields a leachate concentration of lead exceeding the regulatory limit of 5.0 mg/L, that waste would be considered hazardous due to toxicity. This classification triggers specific management requirements, including manifesting, storage, treatment, and disposal at permitted facilities. The intent is to prevent the release of harmful substances into the environment, thereby protecting public health and natural resources in Georgia. Understanding the TCLP thresholds and the process for waste characterization is fundamental to compliance with Georgia’s hazardous waste regulations.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management (Rules), categorizes hazardous waste generators based on the quantity of hazardous waste produced per month. A Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) is defined as a facility that generates 100 kilograms (approximately 220 pounds) or less of hazardous waste per month, or less than 1 kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds) of acute hazardous waste per month. This classification dictates the regulatory requirements for storage, management, and disposal. Understanding these thresholds is crucial for compliance, as exceeding them can reclassify a facility into a Small Quantity Generator (SQG) or a Large Quantity Generator (LQG), each with more stringent obligations. The distinction is not based on the total volume of waste ever generated, but rather the monthly generation rate. Therefore, a facility consistently generating 110 kilograms of non-acute hazardous waste in a month would not qualify as a VSQG.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA) grants the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) broad authority to regulate hazardous waste. Specifically, under the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management, Chapter 391-3-4, the EPD can issue permits, enforce compliance, and impose penalties for violations. When a facility fails to comply with permit conditions or the regulations, the EPD may pursue enforcement actions. These actions can include administrative orders, civil penalties, and, in severe cases, criminal prosecution. The GHWMA emphasizes the “cradle-to-grave” management of hazardous waste, meaning responsibility extends from generation to final disposal. A key aspect of enforcement is the EPD’s ability to assess penalties that reflect the severity of the violation, the economic benefit gained from non-compliance, and the diligence of the violator in attempting to correct the problem. The law also provides for public participation in the permitting and enforcement process, ensuring transparency. The specific penalty amounts and assessment criteria are detailed within the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management, often referencing federal guidelines established under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which Georgia’s program is authorized to implement. The EPD’s enforcement powers are designed to deter future violations and protect human health and the environment in Georgia.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the authority of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), outlines the requirements for managing hazardous waste. For a facility that generates hazardous waste, the determination of its generator status is crucial as it dictates the specific regulatory requirements it must follow. This status is primarily determined by the amount of hazardous waste generated per calendar month. The three main categories are conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQGs), small quantity generators (SQGs), and large quantity generators (LQGs). A CESQG generates 100 kilograms (kg) or less of hazardous waste per month, or 1 kilogram (kg) or less of acute hazardous waste per month, or never exceeds 1 metric ton (1000 kg) of hazardous waste per month in any single month. An SQG generates more than 100 kg but less than 1,000 kg of hazardous waste per month, or more than 1 kg but less than 100 kg of acute hazardous waste per month. An LQG generates 1,000 kg or more of hazardous waste per month, or 100 kg or more of acute hazardous waste per month. In this scenario, the facility generated 150 kg of hazardous waste in January and 120 kg in February. Since the generation rate exceeds 100 kg but remains below 1,000 kg in both months, the facility qualifies as a small quantity generator. The question asks for the most appropriate classification based on these monthly generation rates.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, specifically under the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management (GRHW), outlines the responsibilities for hazardous waste generators. For a large quantity generator (LQG), the accumulation time limit for hazardous waste on-site is 90 days. This period begins when the first container of hazardous waste is placed in a designated accumulation area. During this accumulation period, LQGs must comply with specific management standards, including proper container management, labeling, and emergency preparedness. Failure to manage waste within these parameters can result in regulatory violations and potential penalties. The key is that the 90-day clock starts from the initial accumulation of waste, not from the date of generation of the last waste stream. Therefore, if a facility accumulates waste for 95 days, it is in violation of the regulations for large quantity generators.

The Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, as codified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 12-8-60 et seq., establishes the framework for hazardous waste management within the state. This act grants the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) the authority to promulgate rules and regulations for the identification, generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Specifically, O.C.G.A. § 12-8-66 outlines the powers and duties of the EPD, which include adopting and enforcing rules and regulations consistent with federal laws and regulations, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Furthermore, O.C.G.A. § 12-8-70 addresses penalties for violations, indicating that any person who violates any provision of the Act or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for each violation. Each day a violation continues may be considered a separate violation. Therefore, for a facility found to be in violation of specific hazardous waste management requirements, the EPD can impose penalties on a per-violation, per-day basis, up to the statutory maximum. This comprehensive approach ensures accountability and promotes compliance with environmental protection standards in Georgia.