EPA Proposes Hazardous Waste Rules to Protect Water

EPA is proposing two new hazardous waste rules to strengthen environmental protection while reducing regulatory burden on businesses.  One of the proposed rules will protect waterways, including drinking and surface water, by preventing the flushing of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, and simplifying the requirements for healthcare workers.  The other rule will provide greater flexibility to industry, while requiring new safeguards to protect the public from mismanagement of hazardous wastes.  Both of these rule proposals address challenges raised by stakeholders for implementing and complying with hazardous waste regulations.  The Agency will publish the rules in the Federal Register in the next few weeks with a 60-day comment period.  For additional information on these proposed rules, visit the web sites for the:  Pharmaceuticals Rule and Generator Improvements Rule.