(1) Existing law requires facilities that generate, treat, or store hazardous waste to obtain a permit or other authorization from the Department of Toxic Substances Control or a unified program agency. The existing law specifies that a generator of hazardous waste that accumulates waste onsite is not a storage facility if, among other things, the generator accumulates a maximum specified amount of waste at an initial accumulation point that is at or near the points of generation, as provided, the generator accumulates the waste in containers other than tanks, and the generator labels the container holding the accumulated waste with certain information. A violation of specified provisions of law relating to hazardous waste is a crime.
This bill would additionally provide that a generator that accumulates hazardous waste onsite is not a storage facility if a maximum of 20 kilograms of hazardous waste is accumulated. The bill would authorize the consolidation of containers holding not more than 20 kilograms or 5 gallons of hazardous waste into a consolidation container. The bill would require a log containing certain information to be kept with the consolidation container. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Existing law provides that a facility with the onsite accumulation of hazardous waste for a specified period of time by a generator of less than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste in any calendar month is not a storage facility if, among other requirements, the generator is in compliance with certain federal regulations.
This bill would delete the above requirement regarding compliance with federal regulations.
Existing law specifies that a hazardous waste facilities permit or other grant of authorization is not required for the treatment of laboratory hazardous waste generated onsite if, among other things, the laboratory hazardous waste is treated in containers using specified procedures and quantities for treatment of laboratory waste, as provided.
This bill would specify the priority of those specified procedures. If those specified procedures do not exist, the bill would authorize the use of the manufacturer's written procedures if they are not in conflict with applicable rules or regulations.
Existing law requires generators of hazardous waste to provide various notifications and certifications regarding compliance to the department, and to other specified entities, in person, or by certified mail, as provided.
This bill would additionally authorize those notifications and certifications to be made into the statewide information management system.
(2) Existing law provides for the regulation of underground storage tanks by the State Water Resources Control Board and defines "underground storage tank" for those purposes. Existing law excludes certain tanks from the definition of "underground storage tank," including, but not limited to, a tank holding hydraulic fluid for a closed loop mechanical system that uses compressed air or hydraulic fluid to operate lifts, elevators, and other similar devices.
This bill would instead exclude from that definition a tank holding hydraulic fluid or dielectric fluid for a closed loop mechanical system that uses compressed air, hydraulic fluid, or dielectric fluid to operate lifts, to operate elevators, to act as an electric cooling or insulation system, and other similar devices.
(3) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Statutes affected:
AB 1459: 25123.3 HSC, 25200.3 HSC, 25200.3.1 HSC, 25201.5 HSC, 25281 HSC
02/21/25 - Introduced: 25123.3 HSC, 25200.3 HSC, 25200.3.1 HSC, 25201.5 HSC, 25281 HSC