HomeMy WebLinkAboutUNCChapelHill_AltTreatMethodApproval_20190924
September 24, 2019
Eric Lewis, Ph.D.
Biosafety Specialist
Department of Environment, Health and Safety
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Re. Chemical Treatment of Liquid Waste Containing Fusobacterium nucleatum using 10%
Bleach - Alternative Treatment Method Approval Request
Mr. Lewis,
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Waste Management – Solid
Waste Section has reviewed the documentation submitted to our office, received September 23,
2019. This letter is in response to your request for approval for the use of the medical waste
treatment method specified above.
The Medical Waste Management rules 15A NCAC 13B .1200 through .1207, specifically
Section .1207(4)(b), references the parameters applicable to the request for the use of 10 percent
bleach as a regulated medical waste treatment type. The documentation submitted explains the
effectiveness of the treatment type on retroviruses and considers the other factors as stated in the
Section. The alternative treatment method approval request appears to meet the required
parameters and is approved.
It is the responsibility of the healthcare facility to ensure that treated regulated medical waste is
non-infectious prior to disposal. Documentation describing the treatment process shall be
maintained.
The Medical Waste Management rules are scheduled to be updated. It is expected that the proposed
Rules will become effective January 2020. Section .1204(e) is specific to chemical treatment. The
healthcare facility is encouraged to meet the requirements as stated in the proposed rule.
Section .1204(h) is specific to alternative treatment but would likely not be applicable if the
parameters of Section .1204(e) are met.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 919-707-8210 or John Patrone at
336-776-9673.
Sincerely,
Adam Ulishney, Branch Head
Environmental Compliance Branch
NCDEQ, DWM-Solid Waste Section
ec: John Patrone-Solid Waste Section
Ed Mussler-Solid Waste Section