EPA's Disposal of Superfund Wastes

In response to a congressional request, GAO discussed the extent to which: (1) hazardous wastes removed from Superfund sites are being sent to commercial hazardous waste landfills which are not in compliance with applicable regulations; and (2) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policies and other guidance prohibit sending Superfund wastes to landfills that do not comply with applicable requirements. GAO found that over half of the 28 commercial hazardous waste landfills operating as of November 1984 and receiving Superfund wastes had significant violations of EPA regulations. Five landfills were leaking contaminants into the ground water. In addition, GAO found that EPA staff did not determine the compliance status of two landfills which had significant violations. This was contrary to EPA policy; however, current EPA policy provides only general direction and leaves implementation decisions to regional offices. In 1984, Congress enacted legislation which requires that: (1) landfill owners or operators certify compliance with ground water and financial requirements; and (2) landfills not certified as in compliance by November 1985 are to be closed. EPA has proposed new policy concerning the disposal of Superfund wastes to ensure that the program meets these legislative requirements.