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<br />'._-..._~ <br /> <br />...... <br />"'.1 <br />m <br />ou <br /> <br />materials increases and more open space is converted to urban land uses, <br />so may the likelihood of public exposure to these materials unless <br />preventive measures are taken. Colorado's industrial community requires <br />adequate disposal facilities, and citizens 'demand protection from the <br />potentially harmful effects of improper hazardous waste management. <br /> <br />Approximately 300 firms and institutions have notified the Environmental <br />Protection Agency that they are generators of hazardous wastes. The <br />principal hazardous waste-generating industries in Colorado are: chemical <br />manufacturers; metal refineries and producers; metal products fabrication <br />facilities; petroleum refining and related activities; rubber and plastic <br />products manufacturers; electronics and semi-conductor industries; and <br />mining/milling operations. One hundred and twenty firms have informed EPA <br />that they are transporting hazardous wastes. Fifty entities have <br />announced that they engage in on-site and off-site treatment, storage, and <br />disposal activities that may require permits. <br /> <br />It is necessary to control hazardous waste from sources of generation <br />through transport to final' treatment, storage, and disposal. The State <br />Legislature has authorized the Board of Health to promulgate regulations <br />to address these issues. The Colorado Board of Health has promulgated <br />regulations based on EPA's RCRA subtitle C and regulations for the siting <br />of hazardous waste facilities. These regulations will go into effect when <br />EPA authorizes the Colorado Hazardous Waste program to operate in lieu of <br />the RCRA program. Authorization of the RCRA Subtitle C Program from EPA <br />is expected in the fall of 1984. <br /> <br />After program delegation the Waste Management Division will be responsible <br />for the permitting of treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. In <br />addition, the Division will inspect and monitor these facilities, <br />transporters, and hazardous waste generators to ensure compliance with <br />state regulations. The Division also as part of the permit process <br />reviews proposed hazardous waste disposal sites, like the proposed BFI <br />site in Adams County, for siting decisions made by local government. <br /> <br />" <br /> <br />Many hazardous wastes are persistent and may remain a risk long after they <br />have been disposed. It is necessary to develop and implement closure and <br />post closure monitoring and surveillance progams to assure the integrity <br />of hazardous waste sites. <br /> <br />The Waste Management Division monitors hazardous wastes at the Rocky <br />Mountain Arsenal, Marshall Landfill, Woodbury Chemical, Lowry Landfill and <br />other sites. The Division is continuing to identify, prioritize and <br />develop response measures to prevent contamination from these and other <br />facilities. Several sites are being considered for clean-up under the <br />federal Superfund program. <br /> <br />There are numerous emergency spill incidents (about three a week) <br />involving hazardous materials. The Waste Management Division provides <br />technical assistance to local officials. This may include everything from <br />regulatory control at the scene to recommendations for treatment, storage, <br />and disposal of the hazardous wastes and contaminated residues. <br /> <br />-ll- <br /> <br />j ,.; <br />J~ _ '" '" _~~~i$j <br />