How solvent contaminated soil becomes hazardous under RCRA

Solvent contaminated soil can be hazardous under EPA’s RCRA rules. The classification depends on the release history and the lab results.

Listed hazardous (RCRA):
Use a listed hazardous classification when you have a known or documented release. Common sources include a leaking tank, leaking drums, or a confirmed surface spill. Totals (dry weight) testing must detect a listed hazardous compound at any concentration.

Characteristic hazardous (RCRA):
When the release source is unknown, TCLP results can still trigger hazardous classification. If the soil fails TCLP, it meets the criteria for characteristic hazardous waste.

Combination waste codes:
Some soils meet both rules. In that case, the soil can carry two waste codes. One example is F002/D039.