EPA Proposed Exclusion of WRB Refining LP Petroleum Refinery Sludge from Hazardous Waste List
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to grant a delisting petition submitted by WRB Refining LP, a petroleum refinery located in Borger, Texas. The petition requests that up to 700 cubic yards per year of F037-listed waste — specifically petroleum refinery sludge removed from stormwater storage tanks — be excluded from federal hazardous waste classification under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act). The F037 waste code applies to petroleum refinery primary oil/water/solids separation sludge. WRB Refining submitted waste-specific data to demonstrate that its particular sludge does not pose the hazards that triggered the original listing. EPA evaluated this information and is proposing that the petition merits approval on a continuous (ongoing) basis rather than as a one-time exclusion. If finalized, the delisted waste would no longer be subject to RCRA hazardous waste regulations and could instead be disposed of in a Subtitle D municipal solid waste or industrial landfill, which carries significantly lower regulatory burden and cost. This proposed rule is open for public comment before a final determination is made.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- EPA proposes to delist up to 700 cubic yards per year of F037-coded petroleum refinery sludge generated by WRB Refining LP in Borger, Texas
- Delisting would be continuous (ongoing), not a one-time exclusion, meaning all future qualifying volumes would also be exempt
- If approved, the waste would no longer be regulated under RCRA hazardous waste rules (Subtitle C)
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
WRB Refining LP must maintain waste-specific data demonstrating that its F037 petroleum refinery sludge does not pose the hazards that triggered the original listing classification
WRB Refining LP must limit delisted waste generation to no more than 700 cubic yards per year of F037-listed petroleum refinery sludge removed from stormwater storage tanks
WRB Refining LP must dispose of delisted F037 sludge only in Subtitle D municipal solid waste or industrial landfills, not in hazardous waste disposal facilities
EPA must evaluate waste-specific information provided by the Petitioner to determine whether delisting petition merits approval on a continuous basis
EPA must issue a final determination on WRB Refining LP's delisting petition following the public comment period