SOCMA pleased at definition of solid waste proposal
The Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) says it is pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule today on the Definition of Solid Waste (DSW). SOCMA has strongly advocated the changes in this regulation and is \'very encouraged by the favorable language on initial review\'.
The Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) says it is pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule today on the Definition of Solid Waste (DSW). SOCMA has strongly advocated the changes in this regulation and is 'very encouraged by the favorable language on initial review'.
The three exclusions provided by the rule are well-crafted, the organisation believes, taking a sensible approach that will actively encourage recycling. Specifically, the regulatory proposal provides tailored recycling relief for batch specialty chemical tolling operations.
SOCMA is encouraged that the unique recycling needs of the speciality batch tolling chemical manufacturers have been recognised. If finalized, these exclusions will allow SOCMA members to streamline operations in handling materials that can be recycled offsite. This should save manufacturers costs and time and improve the sector's environmental performance.
SOCMA also encourages the EPA to maintain the 60-day comment period it has initiated, warning the agency to ensure the proposed rule does not get sidetracked by groups advocating unworkable or watered-down substitutions. It also encourages state agencies to adapt these exclusions to their own regulatory programmes.
'This is a step in the right direction. We are very happy that the tolling scenario we proposed has been included in the rule,' said SOCMA president Joe Acker. 'SOCMA has been advocating these changes for years and is pleased to see they may become final.'
