EPA Okays Stacking Toxic Waste If It Stays Put
Published Date: 12/31/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing to let Clean Harbors in Utah temporarily store certain treated hazardous wastes in special piles at their landfill, as long as the waste doesn’t leak harmful stuff. This change helps Clean Harbors manage up to 250 temporary disposal units while they check the waste meets safety rules. People have until January 30, 2026, to share their thoughts before the rule is final.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA proposes temporary staging for hazardous waste
The EPA is proposing to let Clean Harbors' Grassy Mountain facility temporarily store treated hazardous wastes in up to 250 "put piles" at any one time inside its Subtitle C landfill cell (Cell 8). If the variance is granted, the NMV term cannot be longer than the term of the facility's RCRA Subtitle C permit (the permit was last renewed on October 4, 2023 for a 10-year term).
Time limits and sampling rules for staged waste
Each put pile is about 35 cubic yards and may be staged temporarily for up to six (6) months; when a pile "passes" LDR verification it is generally moved to the working face within 45 days. If initial verification failures exceed 5% in a calendar month, Clean Harbors must do a root cause analysis and change its treatment protocol.
Containment, cover, monitoring and reporting duties
The proposal requires specific engineered controls and monitoring: a 20-mil minimum polyethylene liner under each pile with at least 12 inches visible around the pile, a Posi-Shell cover of at least 3/8-inch (or 20-mil polyethylene sheeting in inclement weather), run-on/run-off controls sized for a 24-hour, 100-year storm, semi-annual groundwater monitoring, daily pile inspections, repair of deficiencies within one week, and written notice to EPA Region 8 within 10 days if migration or a significant unexpected condition is discovered.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-24026, Modification of Class E Airspace; Denver International Airport, Denver, CO
Denver International Airport’s airspace rules are getting a makeover! The FAA wants to change the controlled airspace starting 700 feet above the ground and remove some airspace starting at 1,200 feet to keep flights safer and smoother. Pilots and airlines flying IFR (instrument flight rules) will feel the difference, and everyone can share their thoughts by February 13, 2026—no cost changes involved.
Next: 2025-24140, Air Plan Approval; CO; Revisions to Colorado Procedural Rules and Common Provisions Regulation
The EPA is proposing to approve some cleanup changes to Colorado’s air quality rules that make them easier to read and follow. These updates don’t change any big rules but help keep things clear and organized for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. If no one objects by February 2, 2026, these improvements will go into effect without delay, with no extra costs involved.