What is Hazardous Waste Management Authorization and How To Obtain it

C., & R. (2023, May 3). What is Hazardous Waste Management Authorization. What Is Hazardous Waste Management Authorization. https://www.remindersofhim.com/what-is-hazardous-waste-management-authorization-and-how-to-obtain-it/

Introduction

Proper hazardous waste management is critical for public health and the environment in India. Managing hazardous waste in India requires obtaining the Hazardous Waste Management Authorization (HWMA) document. The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) issues this document to ensure the safe handling and disposal of hazardous waste in compliance with regulations. In this article, we will discuss what is Hazardous Waste Management Authorization and the process for obtaining it.

What is Hazardous Waste Management Authorization?

The SPCB issues the Hazardous Waste Management Authorization document under the Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling, and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. The HWMA is a legal permit allowing environmentally sound handling of hazardous waste. The Hazardous Waste Management Registration is applicable to any person or organization that generates, stores, transports, or handles hazardous waste. Chemical and pharmaceutical industries must obtain Hazardous Waste Management Registration.

Who Needs Hazardous Waste Management Authorization?

In India, Hazardous Waste Management Registration is mandatory for anyone or any organization that generates, handles or disposes of hazardous waste. This includes industries such as chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, metal processing, and healthcare facilities, as well as common facilities for the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 make it mandatory for even small-scale industries generating small quantities of hazardous waste to obtain the Hazardous Waste Management Registration. This authorization is a legal requirement mandated by law to safeguard human health and the environment from the adverse impacts of hazardous waste.

How to Obtain Hazardous Waste Management Authorization

Firstly, the process for obtaining an HWMA is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and execution. Obtaining an HWMA involves the following steps:

1. Application: The first step in obtaining an HWMA is to submit an application to the State Pollution Control Board.

2. Site Visit: The site visit is an opportunity for the SPCB to assess the environmental impact of the proposed activity and to ensure that the facility is in compliance with environmental regulations.

3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): The SPCB will conduct an EIA to determine the potential environmental impact of the proposed activity.

4. Compliance Audit: After a site visit and EIA, SPCB conducts a compliance audit to verify environmental regulation compliance.

5. Issuance of Authorization: If the applicant has met all the requirements, the SPCB will issue the Hazardous Waste Management Authorization.

Documents Require for Hazardous Waste Management Authorization

To obtain Hazardous Waste Management Registration in India, there are certain documents that you must submit to the relevant authorities. These documents include:

1. Application form: You need to fill out the application form for Hazardous Waste Management Authorization. Obtain this form from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC) of the concerned state.

2. Proof of identity: You need to submit a copy of your identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.

3. Proof of ownership: The owner must provide a property deed or lease agreement to prove ownership of the facility where hazardous waste is generated.

4. Site plan and layout: Submit a detailed site plan and layout of the facility where hazardous waste is generated or stored. This should include the location of hazardous waste storage areas, treatment facilities, and other relevant information.

5. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report: Facilities that generate or store a large amount of hazardous waste must provide an EIA report. The report should evaluate the environmental impact of the proposed activity and the effectiveness of pollution control measures.

6. Hazardous waste inventory: You need to provide a detailed inventory of hazardous waste generated at the facility. This should include the type of waste, quantity, and storage methods.

7. Standard operating procedures (SOPs): You must provide SOPs for hazardous waste management.

8. Insurance certificate: You need to submit a liability insurance certificate for hazardous waste management.

9. Consent from local authorities: You need to obtain consent from the local authorities, such as the municipal corporation or village panchayat.

10. Other supporting documents: You may need to submit other documents as required by the SPCB or PCC.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Hazardous Waste Management Authorization is critical for managing hazardous waste in India. The process of obtaining an HWMA requires careful planning, site visits, environmental impact assessment, and compliance audit. Ensuring the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous waste is essential to protect public health and the environment.