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 University of California, San Diego, (EPA ID# CAD020210407) to treat hazardous waste through a controlled reaction with chemical solutions. Specifically, two (2) 100-milliliter containers of Ethyl Diazoacetate Solution, one (1) 100-gram container of 2,4 Dinitrophenylhydrazine, one (1) 25-gram container of 1-Bromo-2-Nitrobenzene, and one (1) 25-gram container of Di-Tert-Butyl Azodicarboxylate must be stabilized prior to transport to an authorized hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
These chemicals are currently being stored at the University of California, San Diego located at 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, California 92093-0958. DTSC has determined as a safety precaution to prevent an accident or severe injury, an Emergency Permit should be issued for Clean Harbors Environmental Services (Clean Harbors) to chemically stabilize the hazardous waste prior to storage and eventual transportation off-site.
Background: Shock and/or temperature sensitive materials 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 temperature/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 a solution 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, University of California, San Diego 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 September 11, 2026, and shall expire on November 10, 2026.