New EPA system electronically tracks hazardous waste

The e-manifest process is expected to save state and industry users about $90 million a year.    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched an electronic system to provide state regulators and industry more timely access to domestic hazardous waste shipment data.
    As of June 30, all hazmat shipment manifests, whether paper or electronic, must be submitted to EPA’s e-manifest system. There are several ways to make these submissions, from mailing conventional paper to full electronic delivery. Receiving facilities will pay a fee that varies based on how the manifest is submitted.
   The new system, which was authorized by the 2012 e-Manifest Act, allows for “electronic tracking of hazardous wastes and will serve as a national reporting hub and database for all hazardous waste manifests and shipment data,” the EPA said. 
   Once electronic practices are widely adopted, the agency estimates the electronic manifest system will reduce the burden related to preparing paper shipping manifests, saving state and industry users about $90 million a year. To assist with the implementation, the EPA will continue conducting outreach programs to states and industry.
    The EPA said it would allow hazmat receiving facilities additional time to submit paper manifests during the next several months for processing in the electronic system. Facilities that receive manifested waste between June 30 and Sept. 1 now will have until Sept. 30 to send those paper manifests to EPA for processing.