The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), pursuant to authority granted under California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 20, Sec. 66270.61, has issued an Emergency Permit to the EMD Millipore Sigma Company, (EPA ID# CAR000301093) to treat hazardous wastes through a controlled reaction with chemical solutions. Specifically, thirty eight (38) 1-liter containers, two (2) 100-milliliter containers, four (4) 4-liter containers, and three (3) 500-milliliter containers of Diethyl Ether; six (6) 100-milliliter containers of Cyclophenyl Methyl Ether; one (1) 500-milliliter container of Diisopropyl Ether; thirty four (34) 1-liter containers, one (1) 500-milliliter container, and twelve (12) 100-milliliter containers of Tetrahydrofuran; two (2) 1-liter containers and one (1) 4-liter container of 1,4 Dioxane; thirteen (13) 100-gram containers, one (1) 200-gram container, one (1) 1-liter container, and six (6) 500-milliliter containers of Acrylic Acid; one (1) 2-liter container of Styrene and two (2) 500-milliliter containers of Styrene; four (4) 2-liter containers of Methyl Methacrylate; and one (1) 500-gram container of Benzoyl Peroxide must be stabilized prior to transport to an authorized hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
These chemicals are currently being stored at EMD Millipore Sigma Company located at 8511 West Riggin Avenue, Visalia, California. DTSC has determined as a safety precaution to prevent an accident or severe injury, an Emergency Permit should be issued to chemically stabilize the hazardous wastes by Clean Harbors Environmental Services (Clean Harbors) prior to storage and eventual transportation off-site.
Background:
One hundred thirty-two (132) containers have peroxide formation present on either the inside, outside, or the bottom of the chemicals containers, as well as the thread container caps. The presence of peroxide formation may be unstable at relatively low concentrations, resulting in fire and/or explosion if improperly handled. One (1) container has shock and/or temperature sensitive materials that can decompose or detonate with external energy when dry or concentrated. If the material is improperly handled, there is a potential for a reaction, which includes fire, deflagration, or detonation. Due to the presence of peroxide formation/shock-sensitive materials, DTSC considers these chemicals to be an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment. Chemical stabilization is recommended prior to transport to a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
Project Activities:
The treatment of these hazardous wastes involves the addition of solutions to the containers in a controlled manner to reduce the reactive or ignitable characteristics of the chemicals. Treatment will take place within a designated exclusion zone. Only technicians from Clean Harbors will be allowed in the exclusion zone. Movement, preparation, and treatment of the containers will be in accordance with established standards.
Within 10 business days of the expiration of this permit, EMD Millipore Sigma Company will submit a final report, signed in accordance with Title 22, CCR Sec. 66270.11(d). The report shall include certification that the treatment area has been cleared of all residual hazardous waste generated from this emergency treatment and all generated waste has been properly managed. The Emergency Permit is effective beginning July 23, 2026 and shall expire on October 20, 2026.
