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Chatham County HHW Operational Plan – Updated April 2015
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Operational Plan for Chatham County
Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
This plan describes the normal operating procedures for the Chatham County Permanent Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility. Additional procedures for emergency situations are contained in a
separate Contingency Plan.
The HHW facility is located at 39 County Services Road – at the Solid Waste & Recycling Division’s Main Facility.
The HHW facility was constructed within an area that has been set aside for various recycling operations,
including yard waste, tires, motor oil, batteries, electronics, and white goods.
User Eligibility
The HHW facility is primarily intended to serve the residents who live within Chatham County. The HHW facility
also accepts HHW from the residents of the other three counties (Wake, Chatham, and Durham) that joined
together in a Triangle‐wide effort to more effectively manage these wastes. This regional approach provides
maximum convenience for residents of the Triangle area and will help prevent improper disposal of HHW. Any
wastes brought to the HHW facility from households outside the four‐county area will be considered for
acceptance on a case‐by‐case basis. Records will be kept concerning any such wastes, and these records will
contain information on the types and quantities of wastes, their origin, and the decision regarding their
acceptance or rejection.
Only household wastes are accepted at the HHW facility. Businesses needing to dispose of hazardous wastes
are referred to vendors who offer “milk run” programs for picking up at business locations.
Each time the HHW facility is open, contractor personnel directs traffic, checks for proof of residency, and
provides educational materials as needed.
Screening and Collection of Wastes
Once eligibility has been established, the users will be directed to proceed to the waste removal area and form
a waiting line if needed. Contractor personnel will direct the flow of traffic to ensure safe and efficient
operations. The user at the front of the line will be directed to drive onto the concrete receiving apron and
under the canopy, where wastes can be safely removed from the vehicle. Contractor personnel will check the
wastes and remove them from the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle will be asked to remain inside the
vehicle unless it is necessary to unlock the trunk for removal of wastes.
Contractor personnel will maintain safe operations by immediately dealing with any leaking, damaged,
unlabeled, or potentially shock sensitive or explosive materials.
The public education effort will inform potential users that the HHW facility is designed to handle HHW from
the following general categories: 1) corrosive 2) reactive 3) toxic 4) ignitable products. Because of difficulties in
handling a few specific types of wastes, the education effort will actively discourage users from bringing
explosives, radioactive materials, biologically active wastes, and asbestos. However, in the event that a
misinformed citizen brings such wastes to the HHW facility, site personnel will consider taking the wastes
anyway to avoid improper disposal. The decision regarding these wastes will be based upon established
policies as well as the specific details of each case. As necessary, the transportation and disposal contractor
will help find specialized vendors to remove any such wastes for treatment or disposal.
Chatham County HHW Operational Plan – Updated April 2015
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Waste Identification and Packaging
As the wastes are received, contractor personnel will perform initial waste identification and segregation.
Onsite chemical analyses will be conducted in an attempt to identify any unknown wastes. If necessary,
additional analyses will be conducted at an offsite laboratory. Such offsite analyses will occur as soon as
possible. Contractor personnel will prepare the samples using appropriate chain of custody and will send them
to a laboratory for analysis. Meanwhile, the unknown waste material will remain onsite, isolated in a container
by itself. Once the analytical results are obtained, the material will be scheduled for pick up and appropriately
managed.
Contractor personnel will conduct the packaging and documentation of accepted waste. Contractor personnel
will provide transportation of the hazardous wastes collected at the HHW facility. The contractor will also
arrange the recycling, treatment, or disposal of these wastes. Many of the wastes will probably require lab
packing. Lab packing of materials may occur on the same day as collection activities, provided that time and
appropriate personnel are available and that adequate quantities of compatible materials are received.
Otherwise, materials will be safely stored until the next scheduled workday. Additionally, partially filled
(packed) containers may remain onsite until adequate amounts are collected and properly packaged for
transport.
If pumping, pouring, or bulking of wastes is required, grounding and explosion‐proof equipment will be used as
needed. For both lab pack and bulk packaging, all containers will be of the Department of Transportation (DOT)
specification, type, and size most appropriate for the specific waste type and planned treatment or disposal
method. Wastes will be packed in either fiber, plastic, or steel containers of open or closed‐head types, in sizes
ranging from 5‐gallon pails to 85‐gallon overpacks.
For any necessary lab packing, wastes will first be segregated according to DOT hazard class, then by chemical
compatibility and by the acceptance criteria of specific waste recycling, treatment, or disposal facilities. An
absorbent material such as vermiculite will be used to surround inner containers, prevent breakage, absorb
any leaking materials, and prevent release from the outer (shipping) container. Each inner container will be
recorded on container content forms, providing a complete record of the contents of any drum.
Whether lab pack or bulk, the filled drums will be closed, labeled, and marked in accordance with DOT and
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shipping requirements, and the proper information will be recorded on
the manifest. The generator's notification and certification will also be prepared, as required under the land‐
ban regulations if applicable.
Accumulation Time
The storage building at the HHW facility is designed to accommodate temporary accumulation of several
classes of hazardous materials. Contractor personnel and local government representatives will be trained as
appropriate concerning proper waste segregation and safe storage procedures.
In accordance with state requirements for temporary storage, the date upon which each period of
accumulation begins will be clearly marked and visible on each container. Furthermore, while being stored
onsite, all containers with accumulating hazardous wastes will be labeled or marked clearly with the words,
"Household Hazardous Waste" unless the material is recyclable (e.g., used oil, latex paints, batteries) and is
separated from other hazardous waste.
Time in storage may vary according to the volume of waste received. Removal of wastes by the contractor will
be scheduled as necessary to minimize expense to the local government while still complying with applicable
regulations and safety considerations. Wastes will not be stored longer than 180 days without written
permission from the North Carolina DENR Division of Solid Waste Management.
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Storage Building Specifications
The HHW facility was designed and constructed to ensure safe and efficient operation. According to state
guidance concerning storage of ignitable and reactive wastes, the storage building is located at least 50 feet
from the property line. Furthermore, the storage building is separated from operational areas of the solid
waste facility in order to minimize damage in case of fire. The location of the HHW facility relative to other
operational areas is shown on the enclosed site map.
As required for proper safety and environmental protection, the storage building is: 1) designed to contain
leaks and spills; 2) covered to exclude rain water; 3) secured to control access; and 4) constructed in
accordance with all applicable National Fire Protection Association codes. The HHW facility consists of a single
storage building with an attached concrete receiving apron plus canopy.
Access Control and Security
Access to the HHW facility and chemical‐handling areas will be controlled to prevent unnecessary public
exposure to potentially harmful substances. Areas where chemicals are handled or stored are clearly marked
using caution signs. The signs contain appropriate warnings such as "No Smoking," and "Authorized Personnel
Only." In addition, during collection times, contractor personnel will be stationed in strategic locations and will
serve as checkpoint personnel to direct the flow of traffic and people.
The HHW storage building is secured against unauthorized access by locked doors and by a perimeter fence
with a locked gate. Furthermore, its location adjacent to other county buildings will provide an extra measure
of safety due to the presence of personnel at nearby areas during normal operating hours.
Hours of Operation
The HHW facility will be open for receipt of wastes nine months of the year on the third Saturday of the month
from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Currently the HHW facility is open March through November and closed from
December through February. If there is a need to add more days per month or extend these hours to meet
user demand, the NC DENR Division of Solid Waste Management will be notified in writing.
Personnel and Duties
The HHW facility will be staffed by well‐trained, qualified personnel under the leadership of the contractor’s
Project Supervisor.
The Project Supervisor will direct onsite operational efforts and is responsible for implementing the safety plan
during site operations. He or she has the authority to stop work for health and safety reasons and has primary
responsibility for:
• opening and closing the site according to established checklists and completing pre and post event
inspections;
• immediately reporting any unusual or unsafe conditions to contractor personnel and local government
representatives;
• assuring that all onsite contractor personnel have met the training requirements appropriate for their
duties;
• informing onsite contractor personnel of the proper procedure during an emergency as outlined in the
Contingency Plan;
• identifying any onsite contractor personnel having special medical problems;
• assuring that onsite contractor personnel are aware of the potential hazards associated with site
operations;
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• assuring that appropriate personal protective equipment is available and properly used;
• establishing guidelines for wearing and decontaminating (if necessary) personal protective equipment;
• monitoring the safety performance of onsite contractor personnel;
• correcting any work practices or conditions that may result in injury or exposure to hazardous
substances;
• observing onsite contractor personnel and local government representatives for signs of exposure or
stress;
• providing first aid if necessary;
• preparing any accident/incident reports; and
• ensuring that any necessary monitoring equipment is properly maintained and in good operating
order.
Training Plan and Qualifications of Trainers
The transportation and disposal contractor for this HHW facility will be responsible for training contractor
employees. The contractor training program is designed to enable appropriately trained personnel to receive
and handle wastes in a safe, environmentally sound manner and to work in compliance with the contractor's
methods and with applicable regulations. Contractor will assign one supervisory personnel to this project
with health and safety training in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
standard in 29 CFR 1910.120(e). By definition this Supervisor will have a minimum of 40 hours of classroom
training and three days of field experience under the direct supervision of a trained, experienced supervisor in
the proper management of hazardous waste including the response to cleanup of hazardous waste spills. This
supervisor will manage site operations at the HHW facility.
Other contractor supplied personnel will be fully trained in the proper handling of household hazardous waste
before being assigned to the HHW facility. As required, complete training records (along with job description,
job title, and other pertinent information) will be kept at the HHW facility. Contractor will provide the same
personnel where possible to allow for familiarity with specific requirements of the HHW facility and the
additional experience gained from working as a team member in partnership with Chatham County Solid
Waste & Recycling Division.
Provisions for Ignitable, Reactive, or Incompatible Wastes
Site personnel will use special precautions to protect ignitable or reactive wastes from sources of ignition or
reaction. These wastes will be separated from other wastes being stored in the HHW facility. Any ignitable or
reactive wastes will be protected from possible sources of ignition or reaction, including but not limited to:
open flames, hot surfaces, frictional or radiant heat, and spontaneous ignition (e.g. from heat‐producing
chemical reactions). Any tools used for equipment maintenance in areas containing ignitable wastes will be of
a non‐sparking type. Maintenance activities such as welding or cutting, which potentially could generate sparks
or open flame, will be allowed only by special permission of the facility manager or designee. This permission
will be granted only after the area has been inspected and tested for flammable vapors, and all ignitable or
reactive materials have been removed or protected. Policy will prohibit smoking or open flame within or near
the storage building. "No Smoking" signs will be placed at the entrance to unloading and storage areas and will
be conspicuously placed wherever there is a direct hazard from ignitable or reactive wastes. Areas in which
ignitable materials are stored will require the use of explosion‐proof equipment and lighting. Proper grounding
will be maintained in order to dissipate any accumulation of static charges generated by the movement of
hazardous liquids in pouring or bulking operations.
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Regarding incompatible wastes, the following special provisions apply:
(1) Incompatible wastes will not be placed in the same container;
(2) Hazardous wastes will only be placed in new, unused containers or in containers cleaned and
reconditioned by a licensed manufacturer (and labeled as such);
(3) A storage container holding a hazardous waste that is incompatible with any waste or other materials
stored in close proximity will be separated from them by containment structures such as built‐up curbs
or will have secondary containment such as drip pans constructed of steel or polyethylene.
As a general rule, the handling and storage of all hazardous wastes (especially any that are ignitable, reactive,
or incompatible) will be conducted so that it does not:
• generate extreme heat or pressure, fire or explosion, or violent reaction;
• produce uncontrolled toxic mists, fumes, dusts, or gases in sufficient quantities to threaten human
health;
• produce uncontrolled flammable fumes or gases in sufficient quantities to pose a risk of fire or
explosions;
• damage the structural integrity of the device or facility containing the wastes; or
• threaten human health or the environment.
The procedures to comply with these provisions depend upon: 1) proper identification of waste materials as
they are received, 2) segregated storage according to compatible hazard class, and 3) no commingling, bulking,
or combining of incompatible hazard classes.
Operational/Emergency Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
The HHW facility will contain the necessary equipment for protecting contractor personnel. The HHW facility
will also contain the equipment needed to implement the contingency plan. The HHW facility will be equipped
with an immediately available telephone from which emergency assistance could be summoned. Internal
communications will be carried out by voice as the most practical method given the restricted size of the HHW
facility. A hand‐held, pressurized air horn will also be available to signal an emergency situation.
Other equipment to be kept at the HHW facility will include portable ABC dry chemical and CO fire
extinguishers, spill control equipment including clay and/or inert absorbents, pads, booms, shovels, brooms,
containers, and various commercial decontamination solutions.
The HHW facility will be inspected weekly from March through November and monthly from December
through February and maintained as necessary to ensure its presence and proper operation in case of
emergency. Results of inspections will be recorded on a customized checklist that will include dates. Fire
protection equipment will be tested according to manufacturer specifications.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be used to protect contractor personnel and local government
representatives from spills, broken containers, and sharp objects. The level of PPE required for particular tasks
is described in the following examples:
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Persons removing wastes from vehicles ‐‐ Level D – modified*
• white tyvek coveralls;
• safety glasses with side shields;
• chemical‐resistant nitrile gloves with outer leather gloves (optional);
• safety shoes.
*Depending on the substances being handled, a higher level of PPE (including respirators and goggles, and
chemical resistant protective coveralls) might be required. In the event of this situation, the citizen may be
staged in an area to allow for suiting up to handle the special circumstances.
Persons Opening Containers and Bulking Waste ‐‐ Level C
• chemical‐resistant coveralls;
• full‐face respirator;
• polyurethane or other chemical‐resistant steel‐toed safety boots;
• organic vapor cartridges and high‐efficiency particulate air filter if necessary (as determined according
to the waste being handled);
• chemical‐resistant inner glove and outer puncture‐resistant glove.
Persons Sampling or Segregating Waste ‐‐ Level D ‐ modified
• safety glasses;
• white Tyvek with chemical resistant apron;
• chemical‐resistant steel‐toed safety shoes/boots;
• full face respirator (as required);
• chemical‐resistant inner glove and puncture‐resistant outer glove
Persons Lab Packing HHW ‐‐ Level D ‐ modified
• safety glasses;
• white Tyvek with chemical resistant apron;
• chemical‐resistant steel‐toed safety boot;
• full face respirator (as required);
• chemical‐resistant inner glove and puncture‐resistant outer glove.
[Note: Contractor personnel handling or moving drums require steel‐toed safety shoes. Regular safety shoes
may be substituted for chemical‐resistant safety shoes when no chemical exposure hazard exists.]
Use and Management of Containers
Appropriate containers fitting DOT specifications will always be used for storing wastes at the HHW facility.
Contractor personnel will only use containers that are compatible with the wastes to be stored in them, so that
containment ability is not impaired.
All containers holding accumulated HHW will be checked at least weekly to ensure that they haven't been
stored for longer than 180 days and also to ensure their integrity. These inspections will be used to detect any
leaks or deterioration caused by corrosion or other factors. Results of these inspections will be recorded. If a
container holding hazardous waste is found to be in poor condition or if it begins to leak, contractor personnel
will transfer the wastes from the defective container to one that is in good condition or will over pack the
container in a suitable storage drum.
Contractor personnel will also ensure that any containers holding hazardous waste will be kept closed during
storage, except when it is necessary to add or remove waste. Caution will be taken in the movement of all
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containers to prevent them from being tipped over or punctured. Furthermore, the containers will not be
opened, handled, or stored in a manner which may rupture them or cause them to leak.
Unobstructed aisle space will be maintained to allow movement of personnel, containers, and emergency
equipment within the storage building and apron at all times.
Recycling of Wastes
HHW collected at this facility will be reused, recycled or treated whenever economically practical, and
incineration or landfilling will be used as a last resort.
Transportation and Disposal
When the transportation and disposal contractor arrives at the HHW facility for a scheduled pickup, the
contractor will ensure that all containers are properly packaged, labeled, documented, and manifested.
Contractor personnel will then load the containers onto a contractor vehicle and will transport them to a
licensed facility for final treatment, recycling, or disposal.
Reporting and Documentation
Thorough and accurate records will be maintained to ensure the accurate tracking of hazardous materials from
the generator to final disposal sites. Container Contents Sheets will detail each drum's contents and waste
quantities. Additional records that will be generated to ensure accurate record keeping include the following:
• Drum Tracking Sheet (contractor's in‐house form);
• Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest;
• Contractor's Material Profile Sheet (for wastes in bulk, 5 gallons or more);
• Waste Certification/Notification (to meet requirements of land‐ban requirements if applicable);
• TC Rule Certification/Recertification (to meet the TCLP Rule requirements if applicable);
• Certificates of Disposal.
Maintenance and Operation of the Facility
The HHW facility will be maintained and operated to promote personnel safety and to minimize the possibility
of a fire, explosion, or any unplanned sudden or non‐sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste
constituents to air, soil, or surface water which could threaten human health or the environment. The
appropriate provisions and procedures necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations have been stated in
this plan.
Chatham County HHW Contingency Plan – Updated April 2015
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Contingency Plan for Chatham County
Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
Responsible Agency: Chatham County Solid Waste & Recycling Division
28 County Services Road
PO Box 1550
Pittsboro, NC 27312
(919) 542‐5516
Facility Address: Chatham County HHW Collection Facility
39 County Services Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Emergency Coordinators (listed in the order they should be contacted):
Chatham County
Primary: Dan LaMontagne, Public Works Director
Work: PO Box 1550, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Cell: (919) 548‐9043
Home: 204 Charlesfort Lane, Holly Springs, NC 27540 Home: (919) 577‐1925
Secondary: Sandy Skolochenko, Waste Reduction Coordinator
Work: PO Box 1550, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Cell: (919) 548‐0544
Home: 811 Hale Street, Durham, NC 27705 Home: (828) 413‐3358
Sonya Gilliland, Operations Manager
Work: PO Box 1550, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Cell: (919) 930‐7327
Home: 3415 Bonlee Carbonton Road, Goldston, NC 27312 Home: (919) 837‐8731
Contractor – Ecoflo
Primary: Kenn Webb, VP Field Services Cell: (336) 324‐6789
Secondary: Patty Pegg, Logistics Manager Cell: (336) 558‐8815
Juan Balbuena, Project Supervisor Cell: (919) 923‐8212
After Hours Emergency – Ecoflo Headquarters (336) 855‐7925
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Contingency Plan Purpose and Implementation
This plan is designed to minimize hazards to human health and the environment from fires, explosions, or any
unplanned, sudden or non‐sudden release of hazardous constituents to air, soil, or surface water. The
provisions of this plan will be carried out immediately whenever there is an emergency at the facility.
Contingency Plan Contents
This plan contains emergency procedures for four types of incidents: spills, fires, explosions, and non‐project‐
related disasters (as defined below).
A spill is an unintentional release of materials in a quantity that is sufficient to cause environmental or
personal harm.
A fire is the ignition or conflagration of either waste materials or paper and wood trash.
An explosion is a sudden detonation of waste materials.
Non‐project‐related disasters include unlikely events such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods or bomb threats.
Facility Staffing and Emergency Responsibilities
The Chatham County Permanent HHW Collection Facility will be operated as a cooperative effort of local
government representatives (from the responsible agency listed above) and personnel from the waste
transportation and disposal contractor. In the event of an emergency, all appropriately trained personnel who
are available (possibly including both contractor personnel and local government representatives) would
participate in the response as directed by the designated emergency coordinator. Accordingly, throughout the
remainder of this plan, the term “personnel” will be used to refer to appropriately trained representatives of
both groups.
Arrangements with Local Authorities
Facility representatives will make arrangements to familiarize local authorities with all pertinent aspects of the
facility and its operations. Local authorities include Chatham County Sheriff’s Department, Pittsboro Fire
Department, Chatham County Emergency Operations, Chatham County Fire Marshall, and First Health of
Chatham (EMS). As necessary, a primary emergency authority may be designated to one or more of these local
agencies, with other agencies in supporting roles. Hospital personnel in Siler City and Chapel Hill have also
been contacted and are aware of the properties of the wastes to be handled at the facility and the types of
illnesses or injuries that could result from fires, explosions, or accidental releases.
Contingency Plan Revisions
This contingency plan will be kept at the facility and will also be distributed to local authorities (as described
above). The contingency plan will immediately be revised whenever:
(1) The plan fails in an emergency;
(2) There are significant changes in facility design, construction, operation, or maintenance;
(3) The list of emergency contacts is changed; or
(4) The list of emergency equipment is changed.
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Emergency Response Materials and Equipment
A variety of emergency response materials and equipment will be kept at the facility. These materials will
include some or all of the following, as deemed necessary by the contractor’s Project Supervisor for this
facility:
• spill control equipment (described in a subsequent section);
• decontamination solutions;
• fire extinguishers;
• personal protective equipment;
• self‐contained breathing apparatus;
• emergency eyewash station; and
• first aid kit.
Designation of Emergency Coordinator
At all times, there will be at least one local government representative or the contractor’s Project Supervisor
either on the facility premises or on call with the responsibility for coordinating all emergency response
measures. During collection activities, the contractor’s Project Supervisor will assume the role of Emergency
Coordinator. This coordinator will be familiar with all aspects of the facility’s contingency plan, all operations
and activities at the facility, location and characteristics of wastes to be handled, location of all facility records,
and facility layout. In addition, this person will have the authority to commit the resources needed to
implement the contingency plan. The emergency coordinator will coordinate all emergency response with the
contractor’s Project Supervisor or designee and will supervise the implementation of emergency procedures
described in the following sections of this plan.
Spill Response Equipment and Procedures
Normal spill prevention techniques will be used at the facility, and standard spill control equipment will be
available. This equipment will include some or all of the following:
• bulk absorbents;
• overpack drums;
• absorbent boom or pillows;
• polyethylene liners;
• containers for contaminated absorbent;
• non‐sparking tools; and
• decontamination products.
In the event that a release occurs, the following procedures will be used:
(1) The individual who notices the spill will alert other personnel by voice or three blasts of an air horn;
(2) All personnel will stop work and secure their areas of responsibility;
(3) The emergency coordinator will direct all public participants to a safe area if necessary;
(4) The emergency coordinator will identify the character, exact source, amount and real extent of any
released materials. The coordinator will assess the possible hazards to human health and the
environment, considering both direct and indirect effects (e.g. the effects of any toxic, irritating or
asphyxiating gases that are generated, or the effects of any hazardous surface‐water runoff from
water or any chemical agents used). The emergency coordinator will also determine the proper
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protective equipment needed and will monitor for leaks, pressure buildup, gas generation, or ruptures
in equipment as appropriate.
(5) If the release is serious enough to affect human health or the environment outside of the facility, the
emergency coordinator will immediately contact local authorities and will also notify the National
Response Center or the government official designated as the on‐scene coordinator for the area. This
report will include: name and telephone number of the reporter, name, address, and telephone
number of the responsible agency; name, address, and telephone number of the facility; date and time
of the incident; type of incident; name and quantities of materials involved; extent of injuries; and
possible hazards to human health and the environment.
(6) Site personnel will be assigned to control the spill and prevent its spread or other complications. If
necessary, personnel can be assigned to isolate storm drains and sewers. Personnel will don their
protective equipment and take appropriate steps for cleaning up the spill. Any incompatible materials
located near the spill will be removed. A fire watch will be established and the local fire department
will be notified. Reasonable measures will be taken to ensure that the problem does not recur or
spread to other wastes.
(7) If the emergency coordinator determines that outside assistance is needed, then appropriate calls will
be made using the emergency phone list.
(8) Once the spill is contained and cleaned up, any response equipment used will be decontaminated,
inspected, and put back in service when returned to an acceptable condition;
(9) Immediately after an emergency, the emergency coordinator will provide for treating, storing, or
disposing of recovered waste, contaminated soil or surface water, or any other material that results
from a release, fire, or explosion at the facility.
(10) The responsible agency will make a report of the incident in the operating record and will also notify
the NC DENR’s Division of Solid Waste Management within 24 hours. A written report will be filed
with the Division within 15 days, and it should include all the information in item 5 above, plus the
estimated quantity and disposition of recovered material from the incident.
(11) The affected areas of the facility will not be placed in operation again until the responsible agency has
notified the appropriate authorities that the facility is once again functional.
Fire/Explosion Response Procedures
Emergency procedures to be used in the event of a fire or explosion are as follows:
(1) The individual who notices the fire or explosion will alert other personnel by voice or a long blast (at
least 10 seconds) from an air horn;
(2) All personnel will stop work and secure their areas of responsibility;
(3) The emergency coordinator will alert the local fire department and will move public participants to a
secure location;
(4) Site personnel will be assigned to contain and halt the fire unless an explosion is possible (in which
case the emergency coordinator will call for evacuation). If the fire is chemical in nature or spreads to
the chemical waste, personnel will don a positive pressure self‐contained breathing apparatus.
Personnel will fight the fire using fire extinguishers and/or soil and absorbents. Water will generally
not be used if the fire is due to the ignition of a flammable liquid, because the water spray could cause
spattering or allow the liquid to spread.
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(5) If the fire goes beyond the incipient stage and cannot be controlled with extinguishers, the emergency
coordinator will notify appropriate authorities and prepare to evacuate the work area. Personnel will
assist local responders when necessary. Such assistance may include: helping to evacuate local
residents; blocking off storm drains and berming water sources; removing all unnecessary personnel
and vehicles from the area; and removing waste material if possible.
(6) If the fire or explosion is serious enough to affect human health or the environment outside of the
facility, the emergency coordinator will immediately contact local authorities and will also notify the
National Response Center or the government official designated as the on‐scene coordinator for the
area. This report will include: name and telephone number of the reporter, name, address, and
telephone number of the responsible agency; name, address, and telephone number of the facility;
date and time of the incident; type of incident; name and quantities of materials involved; extent of
injuries; and possible hazards to human health and the environment.
(7) Once the fire has been extinguished, cleanup of the area will commence. During cleanup activities, the
emergency coordinator will monitor for leaks, pressure buildup, gas generation, or ruptures in
equipment as appropriate. If the fire was chemical in origin or spread to the waste area, all potentially
contaminated cleanup materials will be disposed of as waste.
(8) Immediately after an emergency, the emergency coordinator will provide for treating, storing, or
disposing of recovered waste, contaminated soil or surface water, or any other material that results
from a release, fire, or explosion at the facility.
(9) The responsible agency will make a report of the incident in the operating record and will also notify
the NC DENR’s Division of Solid Waste Management within 24 hours. A written report will be filed
with the Division within 15 days, and it should include all the information in item 6 above, plus the
estimated quantity and disposition of recovered material from the incident.
(10) The affected areas of the facility will not be placed in operation again until the responsible agency has
notified the appropriate authorities that the facility is once again functional.
Procedures for Non‐Project Related Disasters
In the unlikely event of disasters such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and bomb threats, the following
procedures will be used:
(1) The individual who notices the situation will alert other personnel by voice or a long blast of an air
horn;
(2) All personnel will stop work and secure their areas of responsibility;
(3) The emergency coordinator will alert the appropriate authorities and move personnel to a secure
location. The affected area will be secured to prevent access; and
(4) If necessary, further procedures will be determined and implemented as appropriate given the specific
nature of the emergency.
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Evacuation Plans
Whenever there is an emergency incident at the facility, the emergency coordinator will decide if evacuation is
necessary. In making this decision, the emergency coordinator will consider various factors, including the
following:
• potential for the fire and/or explosion to intensify or spread;
• potential for release of toxic fumes; and
• quantity of released material.
If evacuation of the facility is necessary, personnel will be immediately notified by voice or air horn. The
following procedures will then be implemented:
(1) All personnel will leave the facility as quickly as possible through the nearest exit and proceed directly
to a designated assembly area at a safe distance from the facility. All site personnel will be accounted
for. If any personnel are missing, attempts to find them will not involve endangering the lives of
others. No personnel or vehicles will be allowed to reenter the facility unless specifically authorized by
the emergency coordinator. Normally, the only persons allowed to reenter will be emergency
response personnel;
(2) After the emergency is over, reentry will not be allowed until the emergency coordinator has
determined that the facility is safe and has given appropriate notification to personnel; and
(3) Drills will periodically be held to practice these evacuation procedures and will be treated with the
same seriousness as an actual emergency.
Chatham County HHW Closure Plan – Updated April 2015
1
Closure Plan for Chatham County
Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
In the event of closure of the household hazardous waste collection facility located at 39 County
Services Road, Pittsboro, NC, the following activities will occur:
• The County will notify NC DENR Solid Waste Section 45 days before they expect to begin closure
activities.
• The County will begin closure activities within 30 days of final receipt of waste at the facility.
• Within 90 days of commencement of closure activities, all hazardous wastes received at the facility
will be properly disposed of by the County’s HHW contractor.
• Within 180 days of commencement of closure activities, all closure activities will be completed.
These final activities will include:
(1) Confirmation of removal of all wastes from the facility by County and HHW contractor staff.
(2) Cleaning of the inside of the HHW building by pressure washer. All wash water will be
contained in the facility sumps.
(3) Wash water will be removed from sumps and containerized for off‐site disposal.
(4) Sumps will be pressure washed and the wash water from this cleaning will also be
containerized.
(5) All contractor‐owned supplies and equipment will be removed from the facility and from
adjacent County owned property.
• Within 60 days of the completion of closure activities at the facility, the County will submit
notification that the facility was closed in accordance with the specifications in the approved Closure
Plan. The certification will be signed by the County and the HHW contractor. Included with the
certification will be a map of the location of the closed HHW facility.
Because all wastes will be removed from the facility upon closure, a Post‐Closure Plan is not necessary.