Emergency Permit for Management of Hazardous Waste, Stanford University, Stanford, California

Project Description: 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 Stanford University, (EPA ID# CAD982049439) to treat hazardous wastes through a controlled reaction with chemical solution; transfer and storage of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste to a trailer that meets the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) flammable specifications and transport the hazardous waste to a final disposition facility. Specifically, two (2) 1-Liter containers of Ethyl Ether, one (1) 5-ml container of Acetaldehyde, two (2) 1-Liter containers of 2-Ethoxyethane, one (1) 500-ml container of Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, one (1) 100-gram container of 2,4 Dinitrophenol, two (2) 5-gram containers of 2,4 Dinitrophenol and one (1)80-ml container of Sodium Azide Solution (10 total items) must be stabilized prior to transport to an authorized hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility. These chemicals are currently being stored in Stanford University’s Room 307 of Building 300 located at 260 Panama Street, Stanford, California. DTSC has determined as a safety precaution to prevent an accident or severe injury, an Emergency Permit should be issued for treatment of chemicals to chemically stabilize the hazardous wastes prior to storage and eventual transportation off-site by Clean Harbors Environmental Services (CHES). Background: The peroxide-forming and polymerizable materials, like Ethyl Ether, Acetaldehyde, 2-Ethoxyethane or Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, may react with atmospheric oxygen to form highly shock-sensitive, explosive peroxides and polymers. Upon accumulation or expiration, these compounds can violently explode when exposed to heat, friction, or mechanical shock. The proper way to destruct a peroxide-containing chemical (in aqueous) requires a prior test for existing peroxide levels. If NO peroxide is detected, a small amount of inhibitors (like Hydroquinone) will be added to each 1 liter of peroxide forming liquid. If LOW (< 100 ppm peroxide) levels of peroxide are present, a small amount of Ferrous Ammonium Sulfate Solution will be added to each 1 liter of peroxide forming liquid. If HIGH levels of peroxide are present, H&S or Operations must be contacted to determine an alternative method of management. Shock-sensitive / temperature sensitive material, like 2,4 Dinitrophenol or Sodium Azide Solution, has potential for a reaction, which includes fire and/or deflagration, when material becomes dry or improperly handled. The proper way to destruct this kind of material is to dilute its concentration with adequate solvent (DI water) or to adjust its pH to a proper pH range to become less reactive. Ensure that all solids are saturated and all lumps are broken up with plastic stirrer. Be sure to wet cap and threads of the container. Maximum 1-gallon charge sizes, utilizing as many containers as needed. Due to the potential explosivity and the sensitivity to shock and friction, DTSC considers these chemicals to be an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment. Chemical stabilizations are recommended prior to transport to a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility.