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ECAR
Fact Sheet for Maryland
Waste Fuel
Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources
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The
following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each
ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable
state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the
review process here. Please
read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present
a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be
aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.
What You
Need to Know
Because waste
fuel (gasoline) is flammable, it is classified as a hazardous waste,
and you need to manage it according to the hazardous
waste rules. Diesel fuel, though combustable, is not considered
a hazardous waste. Diesel can be handled using the same management
procedures as used oil. See ECAR Used
Oil Fact Sheet. This fact sheet will outline the rules for you,
and will provide some suggestions for how to handle and store waste
fuel.
Regulations
Waste Classification.
Waste fuel is contaminated gasoline or diesel that cannot be used
in vehicles. Under most circumstances, waste fuel is a hazardous
waste because it is ignitable. Hazardous wastes must be managed
on-site and disposed of by following specific rules. See the ECAR
Hazardous Waste fact sheet for more details about handling hazardous
wastes.
If fuel is reusable,
it should be stored in appropriate containers and clearly labeled
"Reusable Gasoline" or "Reusable Diesel." Reusable
fuel may be used in facility or employee vehicles.
Storage of
Waste Fuel.
Waste fuel must be stored in containers meeting DOT specifications
performance criteria and must be in good condition. This means:
- No severe rusting;
- No bulging or major dents; and
- No visible leaks.
Waste fuel storage
containers must be located within your property limits, at least
50 feet from your property boundaries. Do not accumulate waste fuel
on-site for longer than 180 days.
Do not mix waste
fuel with any other waste streams, without written permission from
your waste hauler.
Labeling.
You must follow specific rules for labeling hazardous waste storage
containers. See the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet for labeling
instructions.
Spill Control.
If a spill occurs, you must perform the following cleanup steps:
- Stop the release;
- Contain the released waste fuel;
- Clean up and properly manage the released waste fuel
and other materials; and
- If necessary, repair or replace any leaking waste fuel
storage containers or tanks prior to returning them to service.
If you store
waste fuel outdoors, the storage area must be addressed in your
Spill Prevention and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan (see ECAR Fact
Sheet Spill Prevention and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan).
Record Keeping.
You must follow specific rules for keeping records of hazardous
waste accumulated on-site and shipped for disposal. See the ECAR
Hazardous Waste fact sheet for
record keeping instructions.
Links to
the Regulations. Use
the following links to view the regulations pertaining to waste
fuel storage and management.
Code
of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) - Identification and Listing of
Hazardous Waste
Federal
EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste
Self-Audit
Checklist
When an inspector
comes to your facility, there are certain things they check to see
if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes
good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch
and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there
are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit
Policy Page).
Use the following
list to audit your waste fuel storage areas and management procedures.
- Is used waste fuel stored in drums, tanks or
other containers that are in good condition? Open
containers, and rusting or leaking containers cannot be used for
waste fuel storage.
- Are waste fuel storage containers properly labeled?
Every
waste fuel storage container must be properly labeled according
to hazardous waste requirements.
- Is the area around the waste fuel storage containers
free of releases? Releases must be stopped and the released material
cleaned up and managed properly.
- Are waste fuel storage containers located on
your property and 50 feet from your property boundary?
All ignitable waste storage containers must be located on your
property and at least 50 feet from your property boundary.
- Are outdoor waste fuel storage areas addressed
in your Spill Prevention and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan?
Your SPCC must identify potential sources of stormwater pollution
and specify appropriate measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants.
- Is waste fuel mixed with used other wastes such
as used oil? Verify that there are separate, clearly labeled containers for
each type of material, and that waste fuel is not mixed with used
oil or other materials without the written consent of your waste
hauler.
- Is waste fuel transported by an approved transporter
to an approved disposal facility? Check your records and verify that all shipments of waste fuel
were removed from your property by a state certified transporter
and taken to a state approved disposal facility. You can check
on your transporter’s and disposal facility’s certification by
contacting the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Best
Management Practices (BMPs)
Most regulations
tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don’t
explain how to do it. That’s where "best management practices"
come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into
compliance and stay there.
- Remove fuel tanks as soon as possible after the vehicle enters
the facility and drain.
- Determine if the fuel is reusable or waste fuel.
- Reusable fuel can be used in employee vehicles. Store it
in closed leak-proof containers labeled, “Reusable Fuel.”
Use secondary containment.
- Waste fuel is fuel that can no longer be used because it
is old or contaminated with dirt, water or other wastes. Store it
in closed leak-proof containers labeled “Waste Fuel.”
- Always keep reusable or waste fuel containers closed with
funnels removed after use.
- Never mix reusable fuel or waste fuel with other wastes.
- Never store fuel tanks that contain fuel. They should always
be fully drained and vented.
- Drain excess fuel from filters into a proper
fuel container.
- Accumulate used uel filters in a separate, fireproof
container marked “Used Fuel Filters Only.”
Contacts
- For compliance information, contact the Maryland Department
of the Environment at 410-537-3442.
- For information on regulatory requirements associated
with hazardous waste, call the Hazardous Waste Program at 410-537-3345.
- To report a hazardous material spill, contact 1-866-633-4686 (Available 24 hours a day).
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
- Hazardous Wastes
Other
Relevant Resources
- MDE's Hazardous Waste Program Webpage
- Waste Diversion in Maryland
- Waste Permit Applications and Instructions
- MDE's Oil Control Program - Oil Pollution & Tank Management
- Maryland Recycling Market Directory
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