A new publication is available that reviews the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA is the principal Federal law governing the handling, recycling, labeling, testing and identification of solid and hazardous waste. RCRA was enacted in 1976 and has gone through many changes as a result of judicial interpretation, legislative activity and agency implementation. Generally RCRA is referred to as a “Cradle to Grave” program that attempts to track hazardous waste from the original point of generation to its ultimate points of disposal. As that program has evolved, it is now described as a “Cradle to Cradle” program with an emphasis on managing waste from its inception to its reuse or recycling, and de-emphasizes waste disposal as a preferred waste management tool.
RCRA is an extraordinarily complex environmental law, its primary goal is to protect human health and the environment from the potential hazards associated with waste disposal and chemical exposures. The RCRA program also supports the capturing of energy, by permitting the use of waste as an energy source and recycling of waste, in an environmentally sound manner.
Approximately two years ago the American Bar Association’s section on Environment, Energy and Resources selected environmental attorneys from around the country to be contributing authors for this comprehensive manual on RCRA. I had the opportunity to author a chapter in the Manual on the “Management of Containers, Tanks, Incinerators, Boilers and Furnaces.” The Manual was published and released three weeks ago. This is the third edition of this publication and it covers all statutory provisions. The Manual addresses the issues associated with RCRA implementation by the EPA, managing the risks of civil and criminal liability, the relationship of RCRA to other environmental laws, and the role of federal and state partnerships in managing hazardous waste.
In my unbiased opinion, the comprehensive nature of this book makes it a “must have” for anyone practicing in this field or anyone managing a company that generates hazardous waste. The RCRA Practice Manual can be purchased through the American Bar Association by clicking HERE or through other online book sellers such as Amazon. I am sure you will find The RCRA Practice Manual to be a worthwhile addition to your library that will enhance your knowledge in this difficult regulatory field.
