CHAPTER 10 – HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - sacog

Hazardous Waste Generation and Management
There are four general categories of waste management: source reduction, recycling, treatment,
and residuals disposal. All of these activities can occur on-site at the location where they are
generated. Recycling, treatment, and disposal can also occur off-site but require additional
intermediate support to store and transport waste.
The generation and handling of hazardous waste in the region is monitored by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control
Board; Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District; and the Environmental
Health and Hazardous Materials Control divisions of the six counties in the plan area.
Businesses that generate hazardous waste are either Large-Quantity Generators (e.g., heavy
industrial or commercial facilities) or Small-Quantity Generators (e.g., dry cleaners, automotive
repair shops, etc.); these businesses require an EPA identification number used to monitor and
track hazardous waste activities.
Certain land uses may also serve as an indication that there is a potential for generating
hazardous materials or waste, or existing hazardous materials or waste may be present.
Hazardous wastes can be generated during a transportation project’s construction activities.
Common examples include oil, transmission fluids, fuels, solvents, and adhesives. Unless
standard precautions are taken during construction, these wastes can be released into the
environment.
Transport of Hazardous Materials
The potential harm that hazardous waste can cause to people and the environment has warranted
concern by national, state, and local governments on the safe transport of hazardous materials.
Since hazardous materials are transported primarily on facilities shared by the public such as
highways, rail lines and local roads, there is greater public exposure to these materials.
The proposed MTP/SCS addresses the movement of goods and people throughout the region.
Within the context of the proposed MTP/SCS, the transportation of hazardous materials can take
place by motor vehicle, pipeline, rail, ship, and air. As with the movement of goods and people
in general, the movement of hazardous materials can be defined by trips and modes. Any given
“trip” from origin to destination can involve one or more “modes.” In other words, a shipment
may begin on a truck and be transferred to a train and then again to another truck to reach its
final destination. Table 10.1 describes a rough estimate of the volume of hazardous materials
shipped in the region and the mode of transportation used.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulates the transportation of hazardous
materials by truck and rail, and the California Health Services Department regulates the haulers
of hazardous waste.
A valid registration issued by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is
required, unless specifically exempted, to transport hazardous wastes. The California
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires all hazardous materials transporters to possess a
MTP/SCS 2035
Sacramento Area Council of Governments
Draft Environmental Impact Report Chapter 10 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials – Page 10-5