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Shaw now considered Small Quantity Generator of hazardous waste

  • Published
  • By Environmental Flight
  • 20th Civil Engineer Squadron
When it comes to hazardous waste, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, has historically been considered a Large Quantity Generator.

An LQG is defined as a facility that generates more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste or more than 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste, per month. A 1992 baseline study showed that Shaw produced more than 200,000 pounds of hazardous waste per year, which placed it in the LQG category.

Through substitution of less hazardous chemicals, sampling wastestreams, and decreasing hazardous material purchases, Shaw has worked to decrease the generation of hazardous waste - and in doing so, the 2015 goal of reducing the hazardous waste generation below 27,239 pounds was met, said Jenyfer Johnson, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron hazardous material and waste manager. Because of this, Shaw is now considered a Small Quantity Generator.

The benefits of falling into the SQG category are plentiful. As a SQG, hazardous waste is allowed to be collected and stored for up to 180 days, as opposed to the maximum 90 days allowed for LQGs.

Another benefit is that hazardous waste permit fees have been reduced from $1,000 to $500 annually, and inspections from the Department of Health and Environmental Control should decrease as well.

Taking steps to reduce the generation of hazardous waste is beneficial for both Shaw and the environment, which is why Team Shaw strives to remain dedicated stewards of the environment for years to come.