Managing the Risks Posed by Contaminants of Concern Associated with Hazardous Waste Management

Contaminants of emerging concern can pose significant risks to human health and the environment, even at relatively low concentrations in some cases. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency needed support for assessing and managing the risks of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants (e.g., lithium) associated with hazardous waste management activities at Resource Conservation and Recovery Act sites. EPA turned to ERG for this support.

ERG’s scientists, engineers, and regulatory experts developed several documents to help EPA better understand and manage the risks of contaminants of concern associated with RCRA waste management. For example, we conducted a literature review and prepared a white paper to assess the growing impacts of lithium-ion battery use and management. The white paper focused on the byproducts of lithium-ion battery combustion, including their toxicity. Because these byproducts are associated with battery-related fires at landfills, recycling facilities, and some waste management practices, we evaluated the presence of PFAS in lithium-ion batteries and releases during such fires. We also developed a white paper and fact sheet focused exclusively on PFAS that describes the types of waste that contain PFAS, management of PFAS-containing waste, and regulations relevant to PFAS management. To further EPA’s understanding of PFAS waste management options, ERG conducted literature reviews and developed a “PFAS Destruction and Disposal Guidance” document that evaluates all multimedia impacts of PFAS management. We also developed a companion plain language guide to help communities interpret the “PFAS Destruction and Disposal Guidance” document.