Alabama's hazardous waste generator regulations, implemented by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), classify generators into which three categories based on monthly generation quantity?
A. Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG), Small Quantity Generator (SQG), and Large Quantity Generator (LQG)
B. Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 Generators
C. Class A, Class B, and Class C Generators
D. Household, Commercial, and Industrial Generators
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: A. Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG), Small Quantity Generator (SQG), and Large Quantity Generator (LQG)
Correct. ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-14-3-.01, consistent with 40 CFR Part 262, classifies generators as VSQG, SQG, or LQG based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per calendar month.
- B: Incorrect - RCRA generator regulations do not use a "Tier 1/2/3" naming scheme; the actual categories are VSQG, SQG, and LQG.
- C: Incorrect - this is not the terminology used in the federal or Alabama hazardous waste generator regulations.
- D: Incorrect - generator category is based on waste quantity generated per month, not on whether the generator is a household, commercial, or industrial entity.
Source: ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-14-3-.01
A facility in Alabama generates no more than 220 pounds of hazardous waste and no more than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste in a calendar month. Under ADEM's regulations, this facility is classified as which type of generator?
A. Large Quantity Generator (LQG)
B. Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)
C. Small Quantity Generator (SQG)
D. Conditionally Permitted Generator
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: B. Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)
Correct. Generating no more than 220 pounds of hazardous waste and no more than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste per calendar month places the facility in the VSQG category under ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-14-3-.01(2).
- A: Incorrect - LQG status applies at 2,200 pounds or more of hazardous waste per month, far above this facility's generation rate.
- C: Incorrect - SQG status begins above 220 pounds per month, so a facility generating no more than 220 pounds falls below the SQG threshold.
- D: Incorrect - "Conditionally Permitted Generator" is not a category used in the ADEM/RCRA generator classification scheme.
Source: ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-14-3-.01(2)
How much hazardous waste can a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) accumulate on-site at any time under Alabama's regulations?
A. No more than 13,200 pounds
B. No accumulation limit applies to VSQGs
C. No more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste (and no more than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste)
D. No more than 55 gallons total, regardless of weight
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: C. No more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste (and no more than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste)
Correct. A VSQG may not accumulate more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste (or more than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste) on-site at any time.
- A: Incorrect - 13,200 pounds is the SQG on-site accumulation limit, not the VSQG limit.
- B: Incorrect - VSQGs are subject to a specific accumulation cap; the category is not exempt from all quantity limits.
- D: Incorrect - the regulatory accumulation limits for generator categories are expressed in weight (pounds), not a fixed gallon volume.
Source: ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-14-3-.01(2)
A facility generates 800 pounds of hazardous waste in a calendar month and no acute hazardous waste. Under ADEM's generator classification, this facility is a:
A. Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)
B. Large Quantity Generator (LQG)
C. Exempt generator with no regulatory obligations
D. Small Quantity Generator (SQG)
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: D. Small Quantity Generator (SQG)
Correct. Generating more than 220 pounds but less than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste per month places the facility in the SQG category.
- A: Incorrect - VSQG status caps out at 220 pounds per month; 800 pounds exceeds that threshold.
- B: Incorrect - LQG status begins at 2,200 pounds per month or more; 800 pounds is below that threshold.
- C: Incorrect - SQGs have specific regulatory obligations (accumulation limits, labeling, manifesting, basic training) and are not exempt from RCRA requirements.
Source: ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-14-3-.01(2)
What is the maximum quantity of hazardous waste an SQG may accumulate on-site at any time under ADEM's regulations?
A. 13,200 pounds
B. 2,200 pounds
C. 6,000 pounds
D. There is no cap for SQGs
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: A. 13,200 pounds
Correct. An SQG may not accumulate more than 13,200 pounds of hazardous waste on-site at any time (with a separate 2.2-pound cap for acute hazardous waste).
- B: Incorrect - 2,200 pounds is the VSQG accumulation limit, not the SQG limit.
- C: Incorrect - this is not the regulatory figure used for SQG accumulation limits.
- D: Incorrect - SQGs are subject to a specific accumulation cap of 13,200 pounds; the category is not unlimited.
Source: ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-14-3-.01(2)
