Hazardous Waste Manifested in Rhode Island

 

Trends in RI Manifested Hazardous Waste
Source: Rhode Island DEM

RI HAZARDOUS WASTE MANIFEST DATA

The Rhode Island Hazardous Waste Manifest Data provide insight into hazardous waste generation and site remediation projects over the past decade. There are numerous reasons for the rise and eventual decline in generation totals. From 1987-1990 there is a steady increase in manifested waste. As explained below, data for 1991-1996 are not graphed because annual totals have not yet been tabulated. The upward trend continues through 1997, and waste totals begin to decline significantly in 1999. This seems contradictory based on BRS data, increasing process efficiency, loss of heavy manufacturing, and industrial sector shifts the state was experiencing during this time period.

There are numerous factors that play into the waste generation trends. First, manifested hazardous waste captures generation data for all hazardous waste generated in-state versus only large quantity generators (as is the case with the BRS). Second, the BRS does not account for the most significant factor - site remediation projects and RI Superfund sites. In the early to mid-1980s, numerous industrial sites were placed on the National Priorities List (NPL). By the late 1980s, and through the mid-1990s, clean-up on these Superfund sites began. Huge amounts of hazardous waste were manifested in the state as a result of these remediations. The clean-ups were not technically considered "waste generation" because of the one-time generation characteristics, as such the waste is manifested, but not always reported and reflected in the BRS.

In 1997, there was an even larger increase in manifested waste - over 37 million pounds. This was also due to a site remediation project. In fact, the project was the largest single remediation in the state, greater than many of its predecessors combined. Before 1997, many of the top 10 generators (based on SIC Codes) of hazardous waste were a result of remediation projects including petroleum companies on the Port of Providence and national security operations in Newport. After 1997, the state began to see a drop-off in the large remediation projects that began in the early 1990's. By 1999, the top three waste generators were no longer associated with site remediation projects, rather the waste quantities generated were due to the nature of the industry.

RI Department of Environmental Management's Office of Waste Management is just beginning to compile manifest data in electronic form. The following list details the amount of manifest data entered to arrive at the points for the above graph:

Manifest data are important because they encompass all hazardous waste generation, treatment, and disposal in the state. This is different from the hazardous waste generation trends based on Biennial Waste Reports, which only track Large Quantity Generators. Manifests are required for any hazardous waste generated in the state, regardless of quantity or generator type. Manifesting tracks waste from "cradle-to-grave," or generation to final disposal or treatment.

Back to Hazardous Waste / Waste and Toxics Home / RI Environmental Indicators Home