Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Act, mirroring federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) principles, establishes a comprehensive framework for managing hazardous waste from generation to disposal. A key aspect of this framework involves the identification and management of characteristic hazardous wastes. These wastes exhibit one or more of four key characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity. The toxicity characteristic is determined through the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). If a waste leaches specific constituents above regulatory thresholds, it is classified as toxic hazardous waste. Wyoming Statute § 35-11-501 and associated regulations define these characteristics and the procedures for their determination. For a waste to be considered hazardous due to toxicity under Wyoming law, it must fail the TCLP for one or more of the listed constituents. For instance, if a waste sample, when subjected to the TCLP, produces a leachate containing lead at a concentration of 5.5 mg/L, it would be classified as a toxic hazardous waste because the regulatory limit for lead is 5.0 mg/L. This classification triggers stringent management, permitting, and disposal requirements for the generator and subsequent handlers of the waste. The correct option identifies the scenario where a waste fails the TCLP for lead, which is the defining criterion for toxicity characteristic hazardous waste when lead is the contaminant of concern.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) Hazardous Waste Program, under the authority of the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and its corresponding regulations, establishes requirements for the management of hazardous waste. One critical aspect is the identification and classification of hazardous waste. Wyoming’s regulations are largely based on the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) but can include state-specific nuances. When a generator initially determines if a solid waste is a hazardous waste, they must follow a specific process. This process involves checking if the waste is specifically listed as hazardous by the state or federal government. If it’s not listed, the generator must then determine if the waste exhibits any hazardous characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. The toxicity characteristic is determined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). If a waste fails any of these characteristic tests, it is considered a hazardous waste. For a generator to demonstrate that a solid waste derived from a listed hazardous waste is not itself a hazardous waste, they must apply for and receive a “delisting” from the WDEQ, which involves a rigorous petition process demonstrating that the specific waste stream no longer meets the criteria for being hazardous. Simply managing the waste in a certain way or knowing its source does not automatically exempt it from hazardous waste regulations if it meets the definitional criteria. The burden of proof for demonstrating that a waste is not hazardous lies with the generator.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) administers the state’s hazardous waste program, which is authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Wyoming’s regulations, found in the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and Chapter 1 of the Rules and Regulations of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Division, mirror federal requirements but may include specific state-level nuances. When a generator of hazardous waste, such as a manufacturing facility in Casper, Wyoming, determines that a waste stream is not hazardous according to the listed or characteristic criteria, they are not subject to hazardous waste generator regulations for that specific waste. This determination is crucial because it dictates the subsequent management requirements. If a waste is determined to be non-hazardous, it can be managed as a solid waste, subject to different state and local solid waste regulations. The generator bears the responsibility for making and documenting this determination. This involves understanding the waste’s origin, composition, and properties, and comparing them against the definitions of hazardous waste, including the four characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity, as well as the federal and state lists of hazardous wastes. A generator must maintain records of these determinations to demonstrate compliance if requested by regulatory authorities.

Wyoming Statutes Annotated (WSA) § 35-11-101 et seq., and its implementing regulations found in Chapter 1 of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Solid and Hazardous Waste Division’s Rules and Regulations, govern hazardous waste management within the state. Specifically, the definition of “hazardous waste” is crucial for determining regulatory applicability. A waste is considered hazardous if it is specifically listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) or if it exhibits one or more hazardous characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. The toxicity characteristic is determined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), as outlined in 40 CFR Part 261, Subpart C. If a waste fails the TCLP for any of the specified contaminants at or above regulatory levels, it is classified as hazardous. For instance, if a waste sample from a facility in Sheridan, Wyoming, is subjected to TCLP testing and the leachate concentration for lead is found to be 6.0 mg/L, this would exceed the regulatory limit of 5.0 mg/L for lead. Consequently, this waste would be classified as a toxic hazardous waste under Wyoming law due to its toxicity characteristic, triggering all applicable management, storage, treatment, and disposal requirements under both federal RCRA and Wyoming’s state-specific program, which is authorized to implement RCRA. The state’s program mirrors federal requirements but may have additional state-specific nuances or enforcement provisions. The critical element is the characteristic of toxicity as defined by the TCLP results, which dictates regulatory obligations.

Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Program, primarily governed by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under Chapter 1 of the Rules and Regulations, Series 1997, and referencing federal regulations like the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), establishes specific requirements for the management of hazardous waste. A key aspect of this program is the definition and management of “used oil.” While RCRA itself defines used oil, Wyoming’s regulations may have specific nuances regarding its management as a hazardous waste, particularly when it exhibits a characteristic of hazardous waste or is mixed with listed hazardous wastes. The question focuses on the management of used oil that has been blended with a listed hazardous waste. Wyoming’s regulations, like federal RCRA, treat a mixture of a solid waste and a hazardous waste as hazardous waste. Specifically, if a non-hazardous solid waste (like certain types of used oil that are not otherwise hazardous) is mixed with a listed hazardous waste (e.g., a waste from a specific industrial process that is listed in the regulations), the entire mixture is generally considered hazardous waste, unless it meets specific exemptions or management standards for used oil. Wyoming DEQ’s rules, aligning with federal interpretations, would require such a mixed waste to be managed according to the stringent requirements for hazardous waste, including manifesting, transportation by licensed haulers, and disposal at permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs). The key principle here is that the hazardous characteristic or listing of one component contaminates the entire mixture. Therefore, the used oil, when blended with a listed hazardous waste, becomes subject to the full scope of Wyoming’s hazardous waste regulations, not just the less stringent used oil management standards. This means it must be managed as a hazardous waste from “cradle to grave.”

The question pertains to the identification and management of hazardous waste under Wyoming’s regulatory framework, specifically focusing on the Generator Status and the implications for waste characterization and disposal. Wyoming follows the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as its primary hazardous waste management statute, with state-specific regulations that often mirror federal requirements but may include additional nuances or interpretations. Generators are classified based on the quantity of hazardous waste they produce per month. Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) produce between 100 and 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month, or less than 1 kilogram of acutely hazardous waste. Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) produce over 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month, or more than 1 kilogram of acutely hazardous waste. Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs) produce 100 kilograms or less of hazardous waste per month, or less than 1 kilogram of acutely hazardous waste. The scenario describes a facility that generates 950 kilograms of hazardous waste in a calendar month, with no acutely hazardous waste. This quantity falls squarely within the definition of a Small Quantity Generator (SQG) under both federal RCRA regulations and Wyoming’s adopted standards. Therefore, the facility must comply with the specific requirements for SQGs, which are less stringent than those for LQGs but more rigorous than those for CESQGs. These requirements typically include obtaining an EPA identification number, adhering to accumulation time limits (180 days, with a 60-day extension if needed for transportation over 200 miles), manifesting shipments, and meeting personnel training standards. The key is that the generator status dictates the applicable management standards, including storage, record-keeping, and reporting. In this instance, the 950 kg threshold clearly places the facility in the SQG category, dictating the set of regulatory obligations it must fulfill.

Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Act, mirroring the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), establishes a cradle-to-grave system for managing hazardous waste. A key aspect of this system involves the proper classification and manifesting of hazardous waste shipments. When a generator produces hazardous waste, they are responsible for identifying its characteristics and components. This identification is crucial for determining the appropriate management standards, including transportation and disposal. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees these activities to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The manifest document serves as a critical tracking tool, accompanying the waste from its point of generation to its final disposition. Failure to accurately classify and manifest hazardous waste can result in significant penalties and environmental risks. The question probes the generator’s responsibility in the initial phase of hazardous waste management, specifically concerning the information that must be provided to the transporter. This information directly informs the manifest and ensures that the transporter is aware of the hazards associated with the waste they are handling. The generator’s role is to provide a detailed description of the waste, including its proper shipping name, hazard class, and any special handling instructions, which are all essential components for the manifest.

Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Program, primarily governed by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) under Chapter 1 of the Rules and Regulations, Hazardous Waste Management, mirrors many aspects of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). A key distinction and area of focus for generators is the determination of whether a waste is considered hazardous. Wyoming adopts the federal definitions of hazardous waste, which include characteristic wastes (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic) and listed wastes. Generators are responsible for making this determination. If a generator is unsure whether a waste meets the criteria for a hazardous waste, they must conduct testing or use process knowledge to make that determination. For a generator to be exempt from certain stringent management standards for a specific waste stream, they must demonstrate that the waste does not meet the definition of hazardous waste. This often involves thorough characterization and documentation. The exemption is not automatic and requires the generator to actively prove the non-hazardous nature of the waste according to the established criteria, which are aligned with federal definitions. Failure to properly characterize a waste can lead to significant penalties and liabilities under both federal and state law. The regulatory framework emphasizes the generator’s responsibility in the initial waste management process.

Wyoming Statute § 35-11-101(a)(vi) defines a “hazardous waste” as any waste that exhibits one or more of the characteristics of hazardous waste, including ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, or is listed by the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Wyoming’s regulatory framework for hazardous waste management, primarily found in the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act, aligns with and often incorporates federal EPA regulations under RCRA. This means that waste materials meeting the federal criteria for hazardous waste are generally considered hazardous waste in Wyoming unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The key is the inherent properties of the waste or its listing by regulatory bodies, not merely its origin or the intent of the generator, although generator status is crucial for management requirements. Therefore, a waste stream generated from an industrial process that, upon testing, demonstrates a pH below 2 or above 12.5, or contains specific listed toxic constituents above regulatory thresholds, would be classified as hazardous waste under Wyoming law, irrespective of whether it was intended to be disposed of in a particular manner.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) oversees hazardous waste management under the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and its associated rules, specifically Chapter 1 of the Solid Waste Management Rules. A facility that generates, treats, stores, or disposes of hazardous waste is subject to these regulations. The question asks about the responsibility for ensuring compliance when a hazardous waste generator contracts with a transporter and a Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF). Under Wyoming’s hazardous waste program, which is authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the generator retains “cradle-to-grave” responsibility for the hazardous waste. This means the generator is ultimately accountable for the waste from its generation until its final disposition, even if it is handled by third parties. Therefore, the generator must ensure that the transporter is licensed and handles the waste properly, and that the TSDF is permitted to receive and manage the specific type of hazardous waste. Failure to do so can result in violations and penalties. The generator’s responsibility is not absolved by delegation to other parties; rather, it includes the duty to select qualified and permitted service providers and to verify their compliance.

Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Act, mirroring the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), establishes a framework for the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. A critical aspect of this framework involves the definition and management of hazardous waste. Wyoming Statute § 35-11-501 and related rules define what constitutes hazardous waste, often through listing specific waste streams or by characteristic (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity). For a waste to be regulated as hazardous under Wyoming law, it must meet these criteria. The question probes the understanding of when a waste stream, originating from a facility that also generates non-hazardous waste, becomes subject to the stringent requirements of hazardous waste management. This determination hinges on whether the waste exhibits a hazardous characteristic or is specifically listed. The scenario describes a facility in Wyoming that produces both types of waste. The key is to identify the trigger for regulatory oversight under the Hazardous Waste Management Act. The Act’s provisions are designed to manage risks associated with hazardous materials, meaning that even if a facility produces a mix of waste, any portion that meets the definition of hazardous waste must be managed according to specific protocols, including proper identification, manifesting, and disposal at permitted facilities. The presence of a hazardous waste component, even if mixed with non-hazardous waste, necessitates compliance with the Act for that specific hazardous component. The Act does not exempt mixed waste from regulation if any component qualifies as hazardous. Therefore, the facility must identify and manage the hazardous portion of its waste stream in accordance with Wyoming’s hazardous waste regulations.

Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Program, as established by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) under Chapter 1 of the Rules and Regulations, establishes specific requirements for facilities that generate, treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. A critical aspect of this program is the identification and management of “universal waste.” Universal wastes are a category of hazardous wastes that are widely generated by diverse sources and are easier to manage if certain regulations are relaxed. In Wyoming, as in many states that have adopted the federal universal waste rule, common examples include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, and lamps. Facilities that handle these specific waste streams are subject to streamlined management standards, which reduce the regulatory burden compared to fully regulated hazardous wastes. These streamlined standards include longer accumulation times, less stringent record-keeping, and fewer personnel training requirements. However, it is imperative for handlers to correctly identify which wastes qualify as universal waste under Wyoming’s specific regulations, as misclassification can lead to non-compliance. The definition and management of universal waste are intended to encourage proper recycling and disposal of these common hazardous materials.

Wyoming Statute § 35-11-501 and its associated regulations, under the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ), govern hazardous waste management within the state. The core principle is cradle-to-grave responsibility for hazardous waste. This means that the generator of the hazardous waste is responsible for its management from its generation until its ultimate disposal. This responsibility extends even if the waste is transferred to a transporter or a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF). The Wyoming Environmental Quality Act, particularly the provisions related to hazardous waste, aligns with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) but may include state-specific nuances or stricter requirements. When a generator ceases operations, the responsibility for managing any remaining hazardous waste does not disappear. Instead, the generator, or its successor, must ensure that the waste is managed in accordance with all applicable Wyoming hazardous waste laws. This includes proper identification, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties, including fines and other enforcement actions by the WDEQ. The concept of “abandonment” of hazardous waste is strictly prohibited and does not absolve the responsible party of their legal obligations. Therefore, even if a facility is no longer operational, the generator’s duty to manage the waste persists.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) utilizes the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as the foundation for its hazardous waste management program, as authorized by the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act. Specifically, Wyoming’s regulations concerning hazardous waste generators, transporters, and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) are found within Chapter 1 of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Solid and Hazardous Waste Rules. When a facility generates hazardous waste, it must determine its generator status based on the quantity of hazardous waste produced per month. This determination is crucial for understanding the applicable management standards. A conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) generates 100 kilograms or less of hazardous waste per month, or 1 kilogram or less of acutely hazardous waste per month, and does not accumulate more than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste at any time. Small quantity generators (SQGs) generate between 100 and 1,000 kilograms of 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. The scenario describes a facility in Wyoming that consistently generates 800 kilograms of hazardous waste per month, with no mention of acutely hazardous waste. This quantity falls within the threshold for a small quantity generator under Wyoming’s hazardous waste regulations, which are largely aligned with federal RCRA definitions. Therefore, the facility is classified as a small quantity generator.

Wyoming Statutes Annotated (W.S.A.) § 35-11-101 et seq., specifically Title 35, Chapter 11, governs environmental quality in Wyoming, including hazardous waste management. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the primary agency responsible for implementing and enforcing these regulations. When a facility generates hazardous waste, it must comply with specific requirements for identification, management, and disposal. A key aspect of this is understanding when a waste material transitions from being a potentially regulated hazardous waste to a non-hazardous solid waste, often through a delisting process or by meeting specific criteria that exempt it from hazardous waste classification under Wyoming law, which often mirrors federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) delisting procedures. The process requires demonstrating that the waste does not exhibit hazardous characteristics and does not contain constituents that pose a threat to human health or the environment. This demonstration typically involves rigorous analytical testing and submission of a petition to the DEQ. The DEQ then reviews this petition to determine if the waste meets the criteria for exclusion from hazardous waste regulations. This delisting is a formal process, not an automatic exemption, and requires approval from the state regulatory authority. The question tests the understanding of the regulatory pathway for a waste material that was initially presumed hazardous but is being evaluated for exclusion from hazardous waste management requirements within Wyoming.

Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Program, as established under the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act (W.S. 35-11-501 et seq.) and its associated rules and regulations (Chapter 7, Rules and Regulations Governing Hazardous Waste Management), requires generators of hazardous waste to properly manage their waste from “cradle to grave.” This includes identifying hazardous waste, obtaining an EPA identification number if they meet generator status thresholds, and ensuring proper storage, transportation, and disposal. The concept of “delisting” a waste stream is a critical aspect of this management. Delisting, or petitioning for exclusion, allows a hazardous waste to be removed from regulatory control if it can be demonstrated that the waste does not meet the criteria for being hazardous due to its specific characteristics or constituents. This process is governed by both federal EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 260 Subpart C) and is mirrored in Wyoming’s regulatory framework. A generator must submit a formal petition to the state environmental agency, which is the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), demonstrating that the waste does not pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when properly managed. This demonstration typically involves detailed chemical analysis of the waste, information on the process generating the waste, and proposed management practices. The DEQ then reviews the petition, which may involve public notice and comment, before making a determination. If approved, the specific waste stream from that specific generator is no longer subject to hazardous waste regulations. This is distinct from characteristic hazardous waste which is hazardous due to its properties like ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, and can be managed as non-hazardous if it no longer exhibits those characteristics through treatment.

Wyoming Statute § 35-11-501 and its associated regulations, particularly Chapter 1 of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Solid Waste Management Rules, establish the framework for hazardous waste management. The definition of a “hazardous waste” is crucial and is determined by specific characteristics or listing. Characteristic wastes are those that exhibit ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, as defined by specific criteria. Toxicity is often determined through the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Listed wastes are those specifically identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state as hazardous, such as those from specific industrial processes or discarded commercial chemical products. For a waste to be regulated as hazardous under Wyoming law, it must meet either the characteristic definition or be a listed waste. The scenario describes a waste exhibiting a specific characteristic, corrosivity, which is defined by a pH level. Wyoming DEQ rules align with federal RCRA definitions for these characteristics. Therefore, a waste exhibiting corrosivity, defined by a pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5, is considered a hazardous waste.

Wyoming Statute § 35-11-501(a)(ii) and its associated regulations, specifically the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Hazardous Waste Management Rules and Regulations, Chapter 1, define a “generator” of hazardous waste. A generator is any person, by site, whose act or process produces hazardous waste, or whose act first causes a waste to become subject to regulation under the state’s hazardous waste program. This definition is critical for determining regulatory obligations, including manifesting, record-keeping, and reporting. The key is the act of production or the first act that triggers regulation. If a facility simply stores waste generated by another entity without performing any process that creates or alters the waste, it is generally considered a storage facility, not a generator, unless that storage itself causes the waste to become regulated under specific circumstances not present here. The scenario describes a facility that receives waste from off-site and repackages it for shipment. Repackaging, in itself, does not constitute the generation of a new hazardous waste. The waste remains the waste of the original generator. Therefore, the facility in question is not a generator of the waste it handles, but rather a transporter or potentially a storage facility, depending on the duration and nature of the storage. The Wyoming Environmental Quality Act, under Title 35, Chapter 11, broadly covers environmental protection, and the specific rules for hazardous waste management implement federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) standards, as well as state-specific provisions. Understanding who is considered a generator is fundamental to applying the correct regulatory framework.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) mandates specific procedures for the management of hazardous waste. Under Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Program, which is authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), facilities generating, treating, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste must comply with stringent record-keeping and reporting requirements. These requirements are designed to track the movement of hazardous waste from its point of generation to its final disposition, ensuring accountability and environmental protection. A key aspect of this is the manifest system, which serves as a cradle-to-grave tracking document. When a generator ships hazardous waste, they must complete a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest. This manifest accompanies the waste shipment to the designated treatment, storage, or disposal facility (TSDF). Upon receipt, the TSDF signs the manifest to acknowledge custody. The TSDF then returns a copy of the signed manifest to the generator, confirming the waste’s arrival. Wyoming regulations, mirroring federal RCRA requirements, specify the retention period for these manifests. Generators are required to keep records of all hazardous waste shipments, including manifests, for a minimum of three years from the date the waste was last sent to an off-site TSDF. This three-year period allows for sufficient oversight and provides a historical record in case of any environmental incidents or compliance issues. Therefore, a generator who last shipped hazardous waste on January 15, 2021, would be required to retain the corresponding manifest until at least January 15, 2024.

Wyoming Statute §35-11-103(a)(x) defines a “hazardous waste” as any discarded material that is listed by the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or exhibits any of the characteristics of hazardous waste as defined by the administrator. Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Act, under Wyoming Statute §35-11-501, grants the Environmental Quality Council the authority to adopt rules and regulations for the management of hazardous waste. This includes the authority to list or define specific wastes as hazardous. The question probes the understanding of how Wyoming law incorporates federal definitions and grants state-level regulatory authority for hazardous waste management, specifically focusing on the statutory basis for defining what constitutes hazardous waste within the state, which aligns with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) framework as adopted by Wyoming. The key is that Wyoming law adopts federal definitions by reference and empowers a state council to further define or list wastes, thereby establishing the legal basis for enforcement and management.

Wyoming Statute § 35-11-101(a)(xi) defines “hazardous waste” as any refuse or waste material that is designated as hazardous by the Environmental Quality Council (EQC) through rules and regulations promulgated under the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act. This definition is broad and relies on the EQC’s rulemaking authority. The EQC, in turn, adopts regulations that are often aligned with federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) definitions but can also include state-specific criteria. Therefore, a waste is considered hazardous in Wyoming if it meets the criteria established by the EQC through its official regulatory process, which includes considerations for ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity, or if it is specifically listed by the EQC. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the agency responsible for administering and enforcing these regulations.

Wyoming Statute § 35-11-101(a)(x) defines “hazardous waste” as any waste material that exhibits one or more of the characteristics of hazardous waste as defined by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, as amended, or that is designated as hazardous waste by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This definition is broad and encompasses wastes that are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. Additionally, Wyoming’s regulations, specifically Chapter 1 of the Rules and Regulations of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Solid Waste Management Program, further delineate these characteristics and may list specific wastes. For a waste to be considered hazardous under Wyoming law, it must either meet the characteristic criteria or be specifically listed. The scenario presented involves a waste stream from a chemical manufacturing process in Casper, Wyoming, that is being evaluated for its hazardous properties. The analysis reveals the presence of certain solvents and byproducts. To determine if this waste is hazardous under Wyoming law, one must consider if it exhibits any of the RCRA characteristics (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity) or if it is a listed hazardous waste. If the waste exhibits any of these properties, it is subject to the stringent management, storage, transportation, and disposal requirements mandated by both federal RCRA regulations and Wyoming’s specific hazardous waste program. The focus is on the inherent properties of the waste material itself and its potential to pose a threat to human health or the environment, rather than the volume generated or the specific end-user’s activities, although those factors influence management requirements.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) Hazardous Waste Program, as authorized under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), establishes specific requirements for the management of hazardous waste. Wyoming’s regulations, found within the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and Chapter 1 of the Rules and Regulations of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Part 7 (Hazardous Waste Management), mirror federal standards but may include state-specific nuances. A generator’s responsibility for a hazardous waste shipment continues until the waste is properly disposed of or treated at a permitted facility. This is known as “cradle-to-grave” management. If a shipment of hazardous waste generated in Wyoming is rejected by a treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) in another state, such as Montana, the generator remains legally responsible for that waste. The generator must then make arrangements for the return of the waste to Wyoming or to an alternate, permitted facility. The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest, a crucial document in this process, tracks the waste from generation to final disposition. When a manifest is returned unsigned by the designated TSDF, indicating rejection or non-delivery, the generator must notify the WDEQ within a specified timeframe, typically 30 days, and provide details of the rejection and subsequent management plans. This ensures accountability and prevents hazardous waste from becoming abandoned or mismanaged. Therefore, the generator’s obligation to ensure proper management of their hazardous waste does not cease upon departure from their site, especially when encountering issues with acceptance at a designated out-of-state facility.

Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Act, administered by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), establishes a framework for the safe management of hazardous waste. A key aspect of this framework is the concept of “cradle-to-grave” management, which means that the generator of the hazardous waste is responsible for its management from its creation until its final disposal. This responsibility extends even after the waste has left the generator’s site. Specifically, Wyoming regulations, mirroring federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) principles, require generators to identify hazardous waste, obtain an EPA identification number, properly manage waste on-site, use manifests for off-site transportation, and ensure that the waste is sent to a permitted treatment, storage, or disposal facility (TSDF). In the context of a generator who has ceased operations, the responsibility for managing any remaining hazardous waste does not disappear. Wyoming DEQ regulations, under Chapter 1 of the Rules and Regulations: Hazardous Waste Management, outline requirements for closure of hazardous waste management units and facilities. If a generator facility is closing, the generator must properly close all hazardous waste management units and manage any remaining hazardous waste in accordance with the regulations. This includes ensuring that any waste stored on-site is properly containerized, labeled, and either shipped off-site to a permitted facility or treated and disposed of in compliance with applicable standards before the site is permanently closed. The generator’s liability for proper management continues even if the business entity no longer exists, often falling to the owners or operators of the site at the time of closure or discovery of mismanagement. The intent is to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health by ensuring that all hazardous waste is accounted for and managed responsibly, regardless of the operational status of the generating facility.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) oversees the state’s hazardous waste management program, which is largely authorized under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Facilities that generate, treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste are subject to specific permitting and operational requirements. When a facility ceases to operate, it must undertake a closure process to ensure that remaining hazardous waste and contaminated materials are managed in a manner that protects human health and the environment. This closure process is detailed in WDEQ regulations, often mirroring federal RCRA closure requirements but potentially including state-specific nuances. A key aspect of closure is the demonstration that the site no longer poses a threat. This typically involves rigorous sampling and analysis to confirm that contamination levels are below established cleanup standards. The regulations specify the content of closure plans, the procedures for executing them, and the requirements for post-closure care if necessary. The objective is to achieve a state of clean closure or, if that is not feasible, to implement long-term management and monitoring. The WDEQ reviews and approves closure plans and certifies closure when all requirements have been met.

Wyoming Statute § 35-11-101(a)(xx) defines “hazardous waste” as any refuse or discarded material that is listed or characterized as hazardous by the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as amended, or that is otherwise determined by the director of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to be hazardous. This definition is broad and encompasses materials that exhibit characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, as well as specific listed wastes. Wyoming’s regulatory framework, primarily administered by the DEQ, often mirrors federal RCRA regulations but may include state-specific nuances or additional requirements. The core principle is to manage wastes that pose a substantial threat to human health or the environment. Understanding the DEQ’s authority to designate additional wastes as hazardous, beyond federal listings, is crucial for compliance. This authority allows Wyoming to address unique local environmental concerns or emerging waste streams that may not be explicitly covered by federal rules. Therefore, a generator must be aware of both federal RCRA classifications and any state-specific designations made by the Wyoming DEQ.

The question revolves around the definition of a hazardous waste generator under Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Program, which is largely based on the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, it tests the understanding of the quantity-based thresholds that determine generator status. A facility is classified as a large quantity generator (LQG) if it 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) generates between 100 kg and 1,000 kg of hazardous waste in a calendar month, or between 1 kg and 100 kg of acutely hazardous waste in a calendar month. Conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQGs), now often referred to as very small quantity generators (VSQGs) under recent federal revisions adopted by many states, generate 100 kg or less of hazardous waste in a calendar month, and not more than 1 kg of acutely hazardous waste in a calendar month. In the scenario provided, the facility, “Wyoming Rock Crushing,” generates 1,150 kg of hazardous waste in May and 950 kg in June. For May, the generation of 1,150 kg clearly exceeds the 1,000 kg threshold for a large quantity generator. For June, the generation of 950 kg falls below the 1,000 kg threshold for an LQG but exceeds the 100 kg threshold for an SQG. Therefore, for May, the facility is an LQG. For June, the facility is an SQG. The question asks about the status in May. The critical threshold for being classified as a large quantity generator is generating 1,000 kg or more of hazardous waste in any single calendar month. Since Wyoming Rock Crushing generated 1,150 kg in May, it meets the criteria for a large quantity generator for that month. The information about June is relevant for understanding the facility’s overall compliance but does not alter its classification for May.

Wyoming’s Hazardous Waste Management Act, enacted to protect public health and the environment, establishes a comprehensive framework for managing hazardous waste. A critical aspect of this framework involves the identification and classification of hazardous wastes. The Act, mirroring federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) provisions, defines hazardous waste through listing and characteristic criteria. Listed wastes are specifically identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and adopted by Wyoming, often based on their origin or specific chemical composition (e.g., spent solvents, discarded commercial chemical products). Characteristic wastes, on the other hand, are identified by exhibiting one or more hazardous properties: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. The toxicity characteristic is determined through the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), which simulates landfill conditions to assess whether specific contaminants will leach into groundwater at levels exceeding regulatory thresholds. For a generator to determine if a waste is hazardous, they must first review the EPA’s lists. If the waste is not listed, the generator must then assess it against the four hazardous characteristics. If it exhibits any of these characteristics, it is classified as hazardous waste. Wyoming’s regulations, found in Chapter 1 of the Wyoming Environmental Quality Rules, detail these procedures and criteria. For example, a waste exhibiting a pH less than or equal to 2.0 would be considered corrosive and thus hazardous, regardless of its source or any specific listing. Similarly, a waste that fails the TCLP for lead at a concentration of 5.0 mg/L or higher would also be classified as hazardous. The responsibility for accurate waste determination rests with the generator, who must maintain records of their waste characterization.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) Hazardous Waste Program, as authorized under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), establishes specific requirements for the management of hazardous waste. A key aspect of this program is the identification and classification of hazardous waste. Wyoming regulations mirror federal definitions, but may have state-specific nuances. For a waste to be considered hazardous, it must either be listed by the EPA or exhibit one or more hazardous characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. The toxicity characteristic is determined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), which simulates landfill conditions. If a waste leaches specific contaminants above regulatory thresholds, it is classified as toxic hazardous waste. For example, if a waste sample, when subjected to the TCLP test for lead, yields a leachate concentration of 5.5 mg/L, and the regulatory limit for lead under the toxicity characteristic is 5.0 mg/L, then the waste would be classified as hazardous due to toxicity. This classification triggers stringent management requirements, including proper storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal. Understanding these characteristic definitions and the testing procedures is fundamental for compliance with Wyoming’s hazardous waste management framework. The specific threshold for lead in the toxicity characteristic is 5.0 mg/L.

Wyoming Statute § 35-11-101(a)(xvii) defines a “hazardous waste” as a waste that exhibits one or more of the characteristics of hazardous waste, including ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, or is listed as hazardous by the administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) implements these regulations. A facility that generates, treats, stores, or disposes of hazardous waste must comply with specific permitting and operational requirements outlined in the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and its associated rules, particularly Chapter 1 of the Rules and Regulations of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Solid and Hazardous Waste Division. The key consideration for a generator is the quantity of hazardous waste produced per month, which dictates their generator status (e.g., conditionally exempt small quantity generator, small quantity generator, or large quantity generator), each with distinct regulatory obligations. This classification directly impacts reporting, storage, and disposal requirements under Wyoming law, mirroring federal RCRA classifications but with state-specific nuances. Understanding the specific waste streams and their characteristics, as well as the volume produced, is paramount for accurate compliance.