EPA Considers Letting Texas Refinery Trash Hazardous Sludge Normally
Published Date: 3/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is thinking about letting WRB Refining in Texas stop treating some of its petroleum sludge as hazardous waste, which means it could be thrown away in regular landfills instead of special ones. This change affects WRB Refining and could save them money and hassle if approved. People have until April 27, 2026, to share their thoughts before the EPA makes a final decision.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
WRB Allowed to Dispose F037 as Non‑Hazardous
EPA is proposing to grant WRB Refining LP a continuous delisting to exclude up to 700 cubic yards per year of F037 (petroleum refinery/stormwater tank solids) at its Borger, Texas facility. If finalized, WRB could dispose those solids in a Subtitle D (nonhazardous) landfill instead of managing them as hazardous waste under RCRA.
Testing, Reporting, and Recordkeeping Requirements
If the delisting is approved, WRB must sample and test each stormwater tank cleanout, ensure leachate and constituent levels meet the delisting parameters, submit verification data to EPA Region 6 within 30 days of lab results, keep records on-site for at least five years, and report increasing constituent trends. The approval limits annual cleanouts to 700 cubic yards and requires notification to states and other actions spelled out in the exclusion conditions.
State Authorization May Limit Federal Exclusion
EPA notes that this federal delisting may not be effective in states that have their own delisting authorization or that impose stricter rules; WRB must contact state regulators and obtain any required state delisting authorization before managing the waste as nonhazardous in those states. WRB must provide 60 days' written notification to any State Regulatory Agency to which it will transport the delisted waste.
EPA Risk Finding on Human Health and Environment
EPA evaluated WRB's stormwater tank solids using site-specific sampling and modeling (Delisting Risk Assessment Software) and proposes to conclude the petitioned waste does not meet the hazardous listing criteria and would not pose a threat to human health and the environment under the modeled landfill disposal scenario. EPA based the proposed decision on analytical data (eight samples), DRAS modeling, and other listed factors.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06275 — Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes
The EPA just set new rules for renewable fuels in 2026 and 2027, including how much biofuel must be used. They’re also easing the 2025 cellulosic biofuel goals because production fell short and dropping renewable electricity as a qualifying fuel. These changes affect fuel producers and sellers, kick in mostly by mid-2026, and aim to keep America’s fuel cleaner and greener without breaking the bank.
2026-05167 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review Reconsideration
The EPA is proposing changes to rules for sterilization facilities that use ethylene oxide, a chemical that can be harmful if not controlled. They want to remove some strict risk-based limits, fix technical mistakes, and update how facilities prove they’re following the rules. If you run or work with these facilities, get ready for new deadlines and clearer standards by mid-2026, which could affect how you manage emissions and compliance costs.
2026-04646 — Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and Five-Year Review
The EPA is updating pollution rules for big trash-burning plants to cut harmful emissions like lead, mercury, and dioxins. These changes affect both new and existing facilities, tighten limits, remove some loopholes, and improve reporting, all starting May 11, 2026. This update will help clean the air by reducing over 3,200 tons of pollution each year, making communities healthier and safer.
2025-21788 — Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review: Extension of Deadlines in Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources
The EPA is giving oil and natural gas companies more time to meet new pollution control rules and report their emissions. Deadlines for fixing leaks, monitoring equipment, and submitting state plans are pushed back to help everyone get ready without rushing. These changes keep the climate goals on track while easing the financial and timing pressure on the industry.
2025-20402 — Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
2025-19882 — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation
The EPA is updating rules for companies that make or import PFAS chemicals, asking them to report certain info about these substances from 2011-2022. The changes add some smart exceptions to ease reporting on things companies probably don’t know, saving time and hassle. Comments on the proposal are open until late December 2025, so affected businesses should get ready to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05875 — Air Plan Approval; Iowa; Revisions to Iowa Air Quality Regulations
The EPA is updating Iowa’s air quality rules to make them clearer and simpler without weakening pollution protections. These changes affect businesses and regulators by removing outdated programs, fixing errors, and combining rules for easier use. You’ve got until April 27, 2026, to share your thoughts—no extra costs or delays expected!
Next: 2026-05896 — Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) User Fee Update; Hearing
If you prepare tax returns, the IRS is planning to lower the fee for getting or renewing your Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from $11 to $10. A public hearing about this change will happen on April 24, 2026, but only if people send in their topics by April 2. This small fee drop saves money and keeps things simple for tax pros.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in