October 13, 2023

Alaska’s Hazardous Waste Program

The basic requirement for a state to obtain RCRA authorization is the state’s regulatory program must be equivalent to the federal RCRA program. State RCRA regulations may also be more stringent and broader in scope. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is working with EPA to gain approval of Alaska’s hazardous waste program. The new regulations will be incorporated into 18 AAC 62 of the Alaska Administrative Code. For the most part, the Alaskan RCRA program would match the federal regulations, though a few differences include:

Regulating electronic waste as universal waste,
Requiring yearly notification for SQGs and LQGs to both EPA and the state by March 1, and
Subpart H liability and financial assurance document submittals to both EPA and the state.

The Alaska hazardous waste regulations would also contain minor differences in corrective action, transporter, and administrative requirements compared to the federal program. The proposed regulation changes are available for review and comparison. Comments may be submitted through October 30, 2023 via the public comment form on DEC’s website, and updates can be received via email. Until this program is approved, hazardous waste management in Alaska will continue under the authority of EPA.

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Disclaimer

Considerable care has been exercised in preparing this document; however, McCoy and Associates, Inc. makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with the publication of this information. McCoy and Associates, Inc. expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any federal, state, or municipal law or regulation with which this information may conflict. McCoy and Associates, Inc. does not undertake any duty to ensure the continued accuracy of this information.

This document addresses issues of a general nature related to the federal environmental regulations. Persons evaluating specific circumstances dealing with the environmental regulations should review state and local laws and regulations, which may be more stringent than federal requirements. In addition, the assistance of a qualified professional should be enlisted to address any site-specific circumstances.