Getting rid of hazardous waste: companies find niche keeping Alaska clean.

• Author: Orr, Vanessa
• Position: ENVIRONMENTAL

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Disposing of waste--particularly hazardous waste--has always been a challenge in the 49th state. Not only does the state lack disposal sites, but much of the waste is located in remote rural areas that create an even bigger issue when it comes to identification, remediation and removal of toxic material.

This, is in addition to the fact that in the past many Alaskans did not understand the importance of removing this waste, or the dangers that could result from leaving it in place. As education and enforcement activities have increased, so has the need for companies specializing in this field.

"Alaska is probably about seven to 10 years behind the times; up here, regulations are just beginning to catch up to those in the Lower 48," said Shaun Tucker, technical service representative and outside sales manager for Emerald Alaska Inc. "A big part of our business is educating our customers; a lot of people aren't aware of what is, or is not, hazardous waste. And we're definitely starting to see more enforcement, with smaller businesses getting their first unannounced visits from the EPA and facing potentially heavy fines."

"While regulations and enforcement do play a big part, in my opinion, the facilities and government in Alaska are already very responsible about managing waste," said Mike Holzschuh, North America territory manager, Waste Management Sustainability Services. "Alaska is a very fragile place, and it's important to protect its wildlife and fishing; over the years, I'd say there's been a 100 percent turnaround in how hazardous waste is managed."

TYPES OF HAZARDOUS WASTE

According to Holzschuh, the two primary waste streams hazardous waste collection companies in Alaska deal with are classified under TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) codes, which include PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and RCRA (Resource Conservation Recovery Act) codes. "We have a huge client base that includes waste products from the military, the State and federal governments, the private sector and oil companies, among others," he explained. "Approximately 60 percent of the waste we collect is nonhazardous; 40 percent is classified as hazardous."

Waste Management Sustainability Services handles remediation, transportation and disposal of waste, including logistics and project management. "We do everything from cradle to grave. From the customer site in Alaska to our landfill in Oregon, we do it all," Holzschuh said.

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