Hazardous Waste Code Altered, but Only for Vehicle Manufacturers
EPA has amended the list of hazardous wastes by modifying the scope of the EPA Hazardous Waste No. F019. The code applies to wastewater treatment sludges from the chemical conversion coating of aluminum. EPA is amending the F019 listing to facilitate the use of aluminum in automobiles, light trucks, and utility vehicles.
The amendment of the F019 listing exempts wastewater treatment sludges from zinc phosphating, when such phosphating is used in the motor vehicle manufacturing process, provided that the wastes are not placed outside on the land prior to shipment to a landfill for disposal, and are placed in landfill units that are subject to or meet the specified landfill design criteria.
This final action on the F019 listing does not affect any other wastewater treatment sludges either from the chemical conversion coating of aluminum, or from other industrial sources.
Since the 1970s, the motor vehicle industry has incorporated aluminum into vehicle parts and bodies. Using aluminum parts produces lighter vehicles capable of increased gas mileage and decreased exhaust air emissions, including a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases. During the chemical conversion coating step of this process, however, F019, a listed hazardous waste, is created and therefore regulated by EPA.
Additionally, this rule amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) list of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities so that the F019 listing description is consistent with the amendment to F019 under regulations for hazardous wastes from non-specific sources. Prior to this change, hazardous waste code F019 applied to wastewater treatment sludges from the chemical conversion coating of aluminum except from zirconium phosphating in aluminum can washing when such phosphating is an exclusive conversion coating process.
This final rule is effective on July 7, 2008.