Introduction
MassHighway has developed an Environmental Management System (EMS) to
assist the Department in conducting facility activities in a manner
that is consistent with environmental requirements and protective of
the environment. This Facility Environmental Handbook is a key component
of the EMS and serves as a reference tool for facility personnel in
maintaining environmental compliance at MassHighways facilities.
It provides basic information on how to conduct facility activities
in an environmentally sensitive manner and in keeping with applicable
environmental laws, regulations,
and policies.

MassHighways
Commitment To Compliance
MassHighway is committed to maintaining environmental compliance in
all phases of its operations and in all places where it conducts business.
The Facility Environmental Handbook provides for the integration of
environmental stewardship into our everyday activities by furnishing
the necessary guidance to ensure operations are carried out in an environmentally
responsible manner with assigned roles and responsibilities.
Why Must Masshighway Maintain Compliance?
Many routine activities that are conducted at MassHighway
Facilities and discussed in this handbook such as vehicle maintenance,
vehicle washing, storage of sand and salt are subject to environmental
regulations. It is the responsibility of all MassHighway facility personnel
to conduct operations in accordance with these laws and regulations.
How Can I Maintain Environmental Compliance At My
Facility?
Maintaining environmental compliance can be achieved through
these four simple tasks:

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Keep it neat
|
This is the easiest and most important
element of environmental compliance. Keep your work areas swept
up, put tools and equipment back in their place, and put materials
and wastes in their designated areas. Ensure that a proper amount
of time and personnel are allocated to continue good housekeeping
at the facility. |
|
Inspect it
|
For example, hazardous waste storage
areas must be inspected once per week. Your District HazMat Coordinator
(DHC) or District designee will also do a thorough inspection of
your facility on a regular basis. In addition, you should periodically
inspect your facility for environmental compliance issues. |
| Label it |
Hazardous waste, hazardous material, and solid waste
containers must be labeled with their contents. Certain materials
may require special labels, if they are hazardous. If you see
one of these containers without a label, it is your responsibility
to label it. Examples of labels are found on page 1-4 of this
handbook.
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| Report it |
When in doubt, call your CSIII, DHC, or District
Maintenance Engineer. They are your resource and can provide the
information you need to maintain environmental compliance at your
facility. Your DHC can provide labels, give instructions on what
to do in case of a spill, or arrange for a contractor to remove
wastes. The DHC is your guide in maintaining environmental compliance.
|
General Environmental
Roles & Responsibilities
In order to maintain environmental compliance at MassHighway facilities,
each facility employee and certain district District and Boston Headquarters
employees must play an active role. This includes being aware of the
environmental conditions at each facility, understanding which facility
activities may result in an environmental impact, understanding and
following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and establishing an
open line of communication. A description of the environmental roles
and responsibilities of key MassHighway personnel is presented in this
section.
Facility Personnel
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Maintain facilities in a neat and orderly
fashion as described in this handbook. |
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•
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Adhere to standard operating procedures. |
| • |
Notify the facility foreman in the event of a spill or other
environmental condition.
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Facility Foreman
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•
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Notify the appropriate contact person
within the District or Boston in the event of a spill or other environmental
condition. |
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Maintain certain environmental records. |
| • |
Monitor certain environmental conditions.
|
| • |
Allocate resources to ensure good housekeeping
practices. |
District Hazardous Materials Coordinator
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•
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Serve as the liaison between facility
personnel, the District Maintenance Engineer, and the Environmental
Section in Boston Headquarters. |
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•
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Ensure the completion of regular environmental
inspections at each facility. |
| • |
Arrange for certain waste disposals.
|
| • |
Notify the appropriate person that other
housekeeping or corrective actions are necessary. |
| • |
Maintain hazardous waste documentation. |
Maintenance Engineer and Operations Engineer (District
and Boston)
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•
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Maintain facility structures and equipment
to ensure environmental compliance. |
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•
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Obtain and ensure compliance with applicable
permits, environmental regulations and MassHighway Standard Operating
Procedures for structures and activities at facilities. |
| • |
Ensure that time is allocated to facility personnel to carry
out activities associated with environmental compliance.
|
| • |
Ensure that corrective actions identified
during regular facility inspections and audits are addressed within
the required time frame. |
District Environmental Engineer
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•
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Coordinate wetland resource area related
submittals either directly with the regulatory authorities or with
the Environmental Section. |
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Determine the applicability of wetland
resource-related regulations, such as the Massachusetts Environmental
Policy Act, and the Wetlands Protection Act for district projects. |
| • |
Determine when activities at a facility may have the potential
to impact wetlands.
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Safety Inspectors
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•
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Provide Right-to-Know training. |
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Supply Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
and safety equipment. |
| • |
Conduct regular facility safety inspections.
|
| • |
Coordinate and respond to spills that
may be discovered along roadways or at facilities. |
District Asbestos Coordinators
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Arranges Annual Asbestos Surveys and
Renovation/Demolition Surveys. |
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•
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Coordinates asbestos removal actions. |
| • |
Maintains records of filings, surveys, and abatement reports.
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Stock Room Manager
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Supply MSDSs with bulk deliveries of
hazardous materials to facilities. |
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Return empty drums to the supplier within
a month of receipt. |
Emergency Response Coordinator
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•
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The Emergency Response Coordinator is
the Environmental Divisions designee responsible for overall
coordination of spill response at MassHighway facilities. |
References
These roles and responsibilities and additional environmental
compliance tools are provided in the following documents.
Standard Operating Procedures
Appendix A
SOPs relating to facility activities are provided in Appendix
A of this handbook. Although most of the information contained in these
SOPs is presented in the first part of the handbook, the SOPs are the
primary guidance documents for the Department.
It is important that MassHighway
personnel read and understand these SOPs, and in particular understand
their responsibilities as outlined in the SOPs.
Emergency Response Spill Plan (Facility Spill Plan)
Appendix B
The Emergency Response Spill Plan outlines specific procedures
for handling all types of spills of oil or hazardous materials (OHM)
that may occur at facilities.
MassHighway Environmental Management System Manual
(EMS Manual)
The EMS Manual documents the components of MassHighways
EMS. Copies of the manual may be obtained on MassHighways Intranet
and at the District and Boston Offices.
Hazardous Waste
This section provides information on hazardous wasteand guidance for
the proper management of hazardous waste including identification, accumulation,
labeling, inspections, transport, and shipping hazardous wastes for
proper offsite disposal. This section also provides information on spill
prevention and response.
What Is Hazardous
Waste?
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•
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Any hazardous substance that has been
discarded, spilled, or is no longer usable and/or out of specification. |
Examples include:
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•
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waste oil |
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waste transmission fluid |
| • |
saturated absorbent
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| • |
waste kerosene/diesel fuel
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| • |
waste aerosol containers not
empty or out of date |
| • |
waste gasoline |
| • |
waste paint (other than roadway) |
| • |
waste solvent |
| • |
broken fluorescent bulbs (used
to clean asphalt-covered tools) |
What Do You Do With A Container
Of Hazardous Waste?
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•
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Make sure the container/drum
is in good condition (not rusted or damaged). |
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•
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Label it with a hazardous waste label.
Place the label where it can be seen and clearly mark the contents
(see page 14 for label examples). |
| • |
Keep the container closed. |
| • |
Store containers inside on
spill containment pallets. If pallets are not available, store containers
on a surface that is free of cracks and away from floor drains.
Any containers stored outside must be protected from the weather.
|
| • |
Place the containers in the
designated hazardous waste storage area. |
NOTE: Cracked automotive batteries
must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Intact used batteries from MassHighway
vehicles should be returned to the stockroom. All other batteries must
be properly stored for recycling.
Where Do You
Store Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste must be stored in a designated Hazardous
Waste Accumulation Area. The storage area in each facility must:
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•
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Be located indoors on a
surface free of cracks, away from floor drains |
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•
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Have clearly marked boundaries |
| • |
Be marked with a HAZARDOUS
WASTE sign (all capital letters, at least one inch high) |
| • |
Be neat |
| • |
Have adequate aisle space
between drums to allow for inspections of containers |

NOTE:
Only hazardous waste can be stored in the hazardous waste accumulation
area. Do not store equipment (other than spill response supplies) or
usable materials in the accumulation area.
If your facility is not equipped
with a hazardous waste accumulation area, any hazardous waste must be
self-transported the same day to a designated facility.
Hazardous Waste Accumulation Area
The boundaries are clearly marked and the drums are labeled and closed.
If your facility does not have enough pallets, store full drums on an
impervious surface and active drums on the pallet (as shown above).
What Is A Satellite
Accumulation Area?
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•
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A place to temporarily store
hazardous waste at the point of generation. |
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•
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Accumulation of up to 55
gallons is allowed. |
| • |
Only one
container can be used for each type of waste. |
| • |
The garage foreman is responsible
for managing the activity producing the waste (ex. changing oil)
and, must manage the satellite accumulation area. |
| • |
The container must be labeled
with the words Hazardous Waste,
the contents, and hazard. |
| • |
Waste must be moved to the
main accumulation area within 3 days
after the container is full. |
| • |
Satellite accumulation areas
must be inspected weekly. |

Satellite
Accumulation Only a few facilities operate satellite accumulation
areas. Turn to the Facility Profile in the front of this Handbook to
see if this section applies to your facility. Contact your DHC if you
are interested in setting one up.
How Do You Fill
Out A Hazardous Waste Label?
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•
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Fill in the name of the waste
(waste oil, waste paint, etc.). |
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Fill in the hazard type.
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Toxic
Poisonous
Examples: waste oil, paint, and kerosene |
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-
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Ignitable Easily
catches fire
Examples: gasoline and paint thinner
|
| - |
Corrosive Easily
corrodes materials or human tissue
Example: battery acid
|
| - |
Reactive
Violent change may result in heat or explosion
Example: chlorine bleach and ammonia is a reactive combination.
|
|
| • |
Fill in the date when accumulation
began only if your facility is a Small
Quantity Generator (SQG) of hazardous waste. (Refer to the
facility profile in the front of this handbook for the status of
your facility). |
NOTE: Any container used for temporary
storage or transporting of hazardous waste must be properly labeled.



Hazardous Waste Labels
Either the red or yellow label can be used for hazardous waste.
The name of the waste and the hazard must be filled in on the label.
For an SQG, also fill in the date accumulation began.
Temporary labels such as tape can be used if these labels
are not readily available.
What Are The
Differences Between A Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) And A Small
Quantity Generator (SQG) Of Hazardous Waste?
MassHighway facilities have been registered as either a VSQG or an SQG.
If you do not know if your facility is a VSQG or an SQG, ask the DHC
or refer to the facility profile in the front of this Handbook.
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•
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VSQG
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Can only store a maximum
of three 55-gallon drums of hazardous
waste (no limit on storage time) until 3 drums are full, at
which time all 3 must be disposed. |
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•
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SQG
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Can only store a maximum
of ten 55-gallon drums of hazardous
waste. |
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Hazardous waste can only be stored for a
maximum of
180 days from the date of accumulation of the first
25 gallons.
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Dual status (e.g., VSQG of
hazardous waste and SQG of waste oil)
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Can store up to the
maximum of each status. If VSQG of hazardous waste and SQG
of waste oil, can store up to 3 drums of hazardous waste AND
10 drums of waste oil. |
|
NOTE: If your facility is close
to the its accumulation limit, call the DHC.
Accumulation limit for a vsqg
three 55-gallon drums

Accumulation limit for an sqg ten 55-gallon drums

What Types Of
Inspections Are Required? 
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Weekly Hazardous
Waste Inspections
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Conducted
by designated facility personnel. |
| - |
Fill
out Weekly Inspection Form. |
| - |
Send
the form to the DHC. |
| - |
Correct
any problems that can be handled immediately. |
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Regular Facility Inspections
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Conducted by the DHC
or District representative. |
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Facility staff may be asked to correct identified
issues.
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How Do You Get Waste Oil
Removed From Your Facility?
The DHC monitors waste oil generation each month, but keep in touch
with your DHC if you have accumulated more than usual.
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If your facility is a VSQG:
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You may self-transport
the waste oil or it may be picked up on a regular schedule
that is coordinated by the DHC or DME. |
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If your facility is an
SQG:
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The DHC, or DME, or
facility foreman coordinates regularly scheduled waste
oil pick-ups. |
|
How Do You Get All Other Hazardous
Waste Removed
From Your Facility?
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•
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Regardless of your generator
status, contact the DHC to coordinate the removal of all other hazardous
waste. |
What Is Required
For Self-Transport?
| 1. |
A maximum of 55 gallons of
hazardous waste can be transported at a time in any size container. |
| 2. |
Contact receiving depot facility to confirm
that the waste being sent to them will not cause them to exceed
their accumulation limits. |
| 3. |
Make sure the container is
closed, labeled as Hazardous Waste, and secured to the truck. |
| 4. |
Bring a shovel and absorbent. |
| 5. |
Bring a copy of the VSQG or
SQG Generator Registration. |
| 6. |
Bring the Two-part Self-transport
Receipt. |
| 7. |
In the case of a spill: call
the Radio Room to initiate the emergency call down procures and
for further instruction. |
Note for Receiving Facility: Before
agreeing to accept wastes from a VSQG, confirm that the waste being
delivered will not exceed the allowable accumulation limit for waste
storage.

NOTE:
You do not need a special drivers license to self-transport 55
gallons or less of hazardous waste.
What Do You Do If You Have
A Small Spill At Your Facility?
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A small spill of oil is less
than 10 gallons and is easily controlled and contained. |
| • |
Use the absorbent
Spill Kit or contain it as best you can.
DO NOT RISK YOUR SAFETY. |
| • |
Use the Emergency
Response Plan (Facility Spill Plan). |
| • |
Use the Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC Plan) (Refer
to the Facility Profile to determine whether an SPCC Plan is applicable
to your facility). |
| • |
Call
the facilitys Primary Emergency Coordinator.
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Use the Call
Down Sheet and keep calling until you reach someone
who can respond. |
|
Note: Know the location and contents
of the above items before an emergency occurs.

Spill
Response The Spill Kit is meant for cleanup of minor or
controllable spills. If you cannot contain the spill, use the Call Down
Sheet.
NOTE: The Call Down Sheet is a list
of Emergency contacts that should be posted near the telephone at all
MassHighway facilities.
What Spills
Need To Be Reported?
Large Spills (typically 10 gallons or more) do always require reporting
to the DME.
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A large
spill is a spill to surface water, drains, unpaved areas,
or a large quantity of material that cannot be easily contained
by personnel and equipment in the immediate area. |
Small Spills do notmay require reporting to the DME, depending
on the circumstances of the spill. Refer to the Spill Plan in Appendix
B for instances where small spills (categorized as minor/controllable)
need to be reported.
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A small
spill (typically less than 10 gallons) is a spill that can
be and therefore is quickly contained and cleaned up by personnel
and equipment in the immediate area, and there is little chance
of the spill entering a drain, surface water, or an unpaved area. |
NOTE: For spill reporting, reference
the Emergency Response Plan (Facility Spill Plan) in
Appendix B.
What Do You
Do With The Used Clean-Up Materials?
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•
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If any
amount of oil or solvent can drip from the clean-up materials
when squeezed or rung out, they are considered saturated
and must be disposed of as hazardous waste
(put in a container and label with a hazardous waste label). |
| • |
If no
oil or solvent drips from the clean-up materials, they can
be disposed of as solid waste and can
be placed in the dumpster. |
Note: To properly contain and clean-up a minor spill of
oil, use the designated absorbent materials such
as MARCAL all purpose granular absorbents distributed by the stockroom;
and or spill pads and socks supplied by the HazMat Coordinator. Sand
or soil should only be used to contain spills in an emergency, when
absorbent material is not available.
Where Else Can I Find Information
On Hazardous Waste?
For the specifics on handling, storing, and disposing
of hazardous waste, refer to the following MassHighway Standard Operating
Procedures contained in Appendix A:
| 1. |
Hazardous Waste Management
Standard Operating Procedure |
| 2. |
Handling and Disposal of Used Oil, Used
Diesel and Used Gasoline Filters Standard Operating Procedure |
| 3. |
Decommissioned Equipment Standard
Operating Procedure |
| 4. |
Handling and Cleaning of Asphalt
Coated Hand Tools Standard Operating Procedure |
| 5. |
Maintenance of Wastewater
Holding Tanks and Proper Disposal of Accumulated Wastewater Standard
Operating Procedure |

Universal Waste
This section provides information on managing Universal Waste, including
identification, storing, labeling, and proper offsite disposal..
What Is Universal
Waste?
Universal wastes are wastes that the EPA and/or the State DEP have determined
need special management. Universal wastes that may be found at a MassHighway
Facility include:
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Batteries:
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Used rechargeable batteries |
| - |
Rechargeable alkaline
products |
| - |
Mercury-containing
batteries that have been banned from domestic sale |
| - |
Used consumer products
containing rechargeable batteries that can not be easily removed |
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Pesticides
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Pesticides that are
no longer being manufactured or have been recalled and are
not intended for use by MassHighway |
|
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Mercury
Containing Devices iIn Good Condition
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Thermostats |
| - |
Switches |
| - |
Thermometers |
| - |
Fluorescent light bulbs |
| - |
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) lights |
|
How Do You Temporarily
Store Universal Wastes?
Take precautions to ensure universal waste items remain in good condition
and unbroken while it is being stored. If breakage occurs, the universal
waste becomes a hazardous waste. See Chapter 1 of this handbook
for information on managing hazardous waste.
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•
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For Universal Waste Batteries:
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Store batteries indoors,
ion a container ment pallet suitable for containing leakswithin
a designated area . |
| - |
Label as Universal
Waste Batteries and the start
date for accumulation. |
|
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For
Universal Waste Mercury-Containing Devices (fluorescent bulbs and
thermostats):
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Store devices indoors
in a container suitable for containing possible breakage.
|
| - |
Label container
with Universal Waste Mercury Containing Lamps
and the start date for accumulation. |
| - |
Label all other universal
waste mercury-containing devices with Universal Waste
Mercury Containing Devices and the start
date for accumulation. |
|
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•
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For Universal Waste Pesticides:
|
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Place the the original
container in a secondary closed
container suitable for containing possible leakage. |
| - |
Label the secondary
container as Universal Waste Pesticide(s)
and the start date for accumulation. |
|
What Do You
Do If You Have A Small Spill Involving Universal Waste At Your Facility?
Do not attempt to clean-up spilled mercury from a broken
thermostat. Mercury is easily absorbed through the skin causing damage
to the central nervous system. Mercury vapors (as with a broken fluorescent
bulb) can be inhaled causing damage to the lungs. Spilled battery acid
can cause burns to the skin without special clean-up equipment. Use
the Call Down Sheet to report these types of spills and await instructions.
Use the absorbent Spill Kit to
contain the spill as best you can.
DO NOT RISK YOUR SAFETY.
|
•
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Use the Emergency
Response Plan (Facility Spill Plan). |
| • |
Call the Facilitys Primary
Emergency Coordinator. |
| • |
Use the Call
Down Sheet and keep calling until you reach someone who can
respond. |
How Do You Remove Universal Waste From Your Facility?
|
•
|
Universal Waste can be stored
for up to one year. |
| • |
Contact your DHC to arrange
for Universal Waste disposal. |
Where Can I
Find More Information On Universal Waste?
For the specifics on handling, storing, and disposing
of Universal Waste refer to the following MassHighway Standard Operating
Procedures contained in Appendix A:
| 1. |
Handling and Disposal of Universal
Waste Standard Operating Procedure |
Hazardous Materials
This section provides information on Hazardous Materials that are typically
used at MassHighway Facilities, including information on identification,
storing, labeling, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and disposal of
old materials.
What Are Hazardous
Materials?
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•
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Solid, liquid, gaseous substances,
and product containers that are potentially harmful to human health
and the environment |
|
•
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Some
common hazardous materials typically found at your facility:
|
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gasoline |
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paints |
| - |
diesel fuel |
- |
sand (silica) |
| - |
motor oil |
- |
salt |
| - |
lubricants |
- |
paint thinners |
| - |
heating oil |
- |
aerosol sprays |
| - |
propane |
- |
degreasing solvents |
|

This is an example of a hazardous material storage area
How Do You Store Hazardous Materials?
|
•
|
Label all
hazardous materials. |
| • |
Store in an authorized area
preferably in contained, indoor areas
(away from drains). |
| • |
Store
hazardous materials in a neat an organized manner. Centralize your
hazardous material storage location for safety and convenience. |
| • |
Outdoor salt piles must be
labeled, bermed and covered
when not in use. |
| • |
Outdoor salt-charged sand
piles must be lableled, bermed and covered when not in use. |
| • |
Keep all hazardous material
containers closed when not being used. |
| • |
Store flammable materials
inside a flammables storage cabinet. |
| • |
Keep compressed gas cylinders:
|
-
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labeled |
| - |
capped |
| - |
stored in a secured
cylinder storage rack or similar device |
|
| • |
When not in use, separate
oxygen and acetylene cylinders at least 20 feet apart or by a non-combustible
barrier at least 5 feet in height with a fire resistance rating
of at least
one-half hour. |


Storage Sheds are used to store
bulk quantities of hazardous
materials at facilities.
Hazardous Materials Storage

Outdoor Storage Keep sand and
salt piles in closed sheds whenever possible.

Container Storage Label containers
with the contents and keep closed when not in use. For safety and convenience,
keep containers in centralized locations.
What Labeling
Is Required For Hazardous Materials?
|
•
|
All hazardous material containers
must be labeled with the contents. Labeling can be done using a
grease pen or duct tape and a permanent marker. |
| • |
All containers used for temporary
storage or transporting hazardous materials must be labeled with
the contents. |
| • |
National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) labels are required for all hazardous materials
stored in containers of greater than 5 gallons and provide the following
information:
|
-
|
Identifies the hazards
of the material using four hazard classes Health, Fire,
Reactivity, Specific. |
| - |
If a container greater
than 5-gallons does not have an NFPA label, call your DHC
or look in Section 5 on the MSDS for the NFPA hazard ratings
of the material and put the NFPA label on. |
|

NFPA
Label The NFPA label is the diamond-shaped, four-colored emblem
in the middle. The ratings of each hazard class range from 0 to 4 (4
being the most hazardous).
What Is A Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
|
•
|
An information source for
all products containing hazardous ingredients |
| • |
Furnished by the manufacturer |
| • |
Provides information about
the hazards of the material |
| • |
Provides instructions on
how to respond to an emergency situation |
NOTE: You should become familiar
with the format of an MSDS so you can quickly find the information you
need in the event of an emergency.
What Information Is Provided On
An MSDS?
|
•
|
Section 3 hazards
identification |
| • |
Section 4 first aid
measures |
| • |
Section 5 fire fighting
measures (lists NFPA ratings) |
| • |
Section 6 accidental
release measures |
| • |
Section 7 handling
and storage |
| • |
Section 8 exposure
controls/personal protection |
Where Can You Find MSDSs ?
|
•
|
Each facility has an information
center (MSDS station) that consists of MSDS data sheets for every
product that contains a hazardous material at the facility. |
| • |
MSDSs are generally filed
either alphabetically by product name, or if preferred, by category
(e.g., paints, cleaners, fuels). |
| • |
The MSDSs must remain at the
designated MSDS station for easy accessibility. |
NOTE: If there is no MSDS for a
particular material, call the DHC or Safety Inspector.

MSDS
Station An MSDS will be provided by the stockroom
when a new product is delivered to a facility. It must be filed in the
MSDS binder.
How do you manage hazardous materials
that are no longer usable?
If you want to dispose of hazardous materials that are no longer used,
have expired, or are out-of-specification, refer to procedures for managing
hazardous wastes found in Section 1 and follow the quick instruction
below:
|
•
|
Call
the DHC or DME. |
| • |
Store these materials in the
Hazardous Waste Accumulation Area until they are removed from the
facility (make sure they are labeled). |
NOTE: Never dispose of hazardous
materials in the trash or dumpster. Never hide hazardous materials.

Removal
Generally, hazardous
materials must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
What Do You
Do If You Have A Spill At Your Facility?
click
here
What Spills
Need To Be Reported?
click
here
What Do You Do With The Used Clean-Up
Materials?
click
here


Spill Response
The Spill Kit is meant for cleanup of minor or controllable spills of
petroleum products such as oils, gasoline and/or diesel fuel. If you
cannot contain the spill, use the Call Down Sheet.
NOTE: The Call Down Sheet is a list
of Emergency contacts that should be posted near the telephone at all
MassHighway facilities.
Where Can I Find More Information
On Managing
Hazardous Materials?
For more information on handling, storing, and disposing
of hazardous materials refer to the following MassHighway Standard Operating
Procedures contained in Appendix A.
| 1. |
Hazardous Materials Management
Standard Operating Procedure |
| 2. |
Material Safety Data Sheet
Management Standard Operating Procedure |
| 3. |
Handling and Storage of Sand
and Deicing Chemicals Standard Operating Procedure |
| 4. |
Handling, Storage, and Disposal
of Compressed Gas Cylinders |

Hazardous Materials
Sand and salt are considered hazardous materials and must be
handled and stored in accordance with MassHighway Standard Operating
Procedures.
Asbestos Containing
Materials
This section provides information on Asbestos Containing Materials.
What Materials
May Contain Asbestos?
Asbestos containing materials (ACM) are materials that contain 1% by
weight of asbestos. ACMs that may be found at a MassHighway facility
include:
|
•
|
Plaster |
| • |
Floor tile and mastics: |
| • |
Insulation |
| • |
Roof tiles/shingles |
| • |
Other building materials |


Floor tile and mastic may contain
asbestos. Surveys are conducted annually to evaluate the condition
of ACM at all MassHighway facilities.
How Do I Know If ACMs Are Present At My Facility?
MassHighway conducts an annual survey of all facilities
for the presence and condition of building materials that may contain
asbestos. In addition, an Operation and Maintenance Program was developed
to assist in managing ACM identified at the facilities.

Note:
The locations of known ACM and potential ACM are posted at each
facility.
Generally, material in good condition will not release
asbestos fibers. THERE IS NO DANGER unless
fibers are released into the air and inhaled into the lungs. Therefore,
so long as the ACM is in good condition and left undisturbed, it poses
no harm.
What Is The Notification Procedure
For Renovation Or
Demolition Activities?
Prior to any renovation or demolition, facility personnel
and/or the District Asbestos Coordinator request a renovation/ demolition
asbestos survey. The District Asbestos Coordinator will coordinate the
conduct of a survey and any asbestos removal or material repair that
may be required.
A BWP AQ 06 form shall be sent to the MADEP by the District
Asbestos Coordinator 10 days prior to any demolition/renovation activity.
If asbestos abatement is necessary, an ANF-001 form must be filled out
by the abatement contractor and sent to the MADEP at least 10 days prior
to beginning the project. The ANF form shall be filled out by the abatement
contractor.
What If I Discover That ACM Has Been Damaged?
Contact your District Asbestos Coordinator who will coordinate
the removal and or repair of the ACM.
Where Can I
Find More Information On Asbestos?
For more information on asbestos containing materials
refer to the MassHighway Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Program
Guide available from your District Asbestos Coordinator and the
following Standard Operating Procedure contained in Appendix A:
| 1. |
Management of Asbestos Containing
Materials at MHD Facilities Standard
Operating Procedure |
Solid Waste
This section provides information on Solid Waste Management at MassHighway
Facilities including information on types of solid waste, accumulation
areas, prohibition on open burning of wood waste, and managing empty containers.
Note that accumulation of solid wastes at MassHighway facilities is for
internal use only. Contractors, other state agencies, and the general
public are not permitted to dispose of their solid waste at MassHighway
facilities. NOTE: Solid waste can be temporarily
stored in contained areas as long as it does not create a public nuisance.
What Is Solid
Waste?
Solid wastes are uselessunusable, unwanted, or discarded solid, liquid,
or contained gaseous material which has come into the possession of
MassHighway through Highway Operations (Union Areas) such as roadside
pick-ups, street sweeping and catch basin cleaning.
Solid Waste
Types And Storage Requirements
| Category |
Waste Types
|
Temporary Storage Requirements |
| ABC |
asphalt grindings, bricks, concrete |
segregate and store in designated accumulation
area |
| C&D |
wood, building materials |
segregate and store in designated accumulation
area |
| Wood Waste |
trees, stumps, wood chips, branches |
segregate and store in designated accumulation
area |
| Tires |
used tires |
segregate and store in designated accumulation
area |
Appliances /
White Goods |
refrigerators, water heaters, washers,
dryers |
segregate and store in designated accumulation
area |
| Street Sweeping Debris |
collections from street sweeping operations
|
when possible, berm and temporarily store
on pavement |
| Metal |
scrap metal |
segregate and store in designated accumulation
area |
| Treated Timbers |
wood treated with a preservative (i.e.,
creosote pressure treated lumber) |
segregate and store in designated accumulation
area |
| Trash |
litter, garbage |
dumpster |
Catch Basin
Sediment |
sand, silt, leaf and trash material removed
during catch basin / drainage structure cleaning and maintenance |
segregate and store in designated accumulation
area |
Televisions/
Computer Monitors |
electronic equipment containing cathode
ray tubes |
segregate and store indoors (avoid breakage) |
What Is A Designated Accumulation
Area?
|
•
|
It is used to segregate
and store solid waste. |
| • |
The area should be labeled
and have clearly marked boundaries. |
| • |
Areas can be separated with
jersey barriers or guardrails. |
| • |
Each accumulation area must
contain only one type of solid waste. |
| • |
Accumulation areas serve to
keep solid wastes consolidated, to avoid similar types of waste
from being scattered throughout the facility. |
| • |
Consult with your Area Supervisor,
DME, or DHC for emergency storage instructions if an accumulation
area is not available at your location. |

Solid Waste Accumulation Area Label and segregate all
solid waste.
How Do You Remove
Solid Waste From Your Facility?
|
•
|
Removals are coordinated
by the DME, who will coordinate with the DHC. |
| • |
You may have to transfer some
wastes to a designated storage facility in your district for proper
storage and removal. |
| • |
Refer to your facility plan
in Appendix B for the categories that your facility is designated
to accumulate. |

Designated Solid Waste Accumulation Area Solid waste White
Goods must be segregated and stored in designated areasrecycled.
Is Burning
an Approved Option for Disposal of Wood Waste at MassHighway Facilities?
No. Burning of any wood waste is
strictly prohibited at MassHighway Facilities. Whenever practical,
brush and forestry debris should be chipped and recycled.
What Do You Do With
An Empty Oil Or Chemical Drum That Was Provided By The District Stockroom?
NOTE: A container is considered empty if there
is no more than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of residue. Use as much of
the material as possible and transfer the remainder into a suitable
container
|
•
|
Label it empty.. |
| • |
Keep it protected from the
elements If at all possible, do not store keep itempty
drums outdoors. If outdoor storage is necessary due to space constraints,
place drums on their side and stack safely in a manner that prevents
drums from rolling or interfering with facility operations. |
| • |
Empty drums must be returned
to the District Stockroom or vendor. |
| • |
Empty metal drums or other
empty metal containers found during roadway cleaning activities
should be crushed and placed in the scrap metal pile. |

Storage
Properly label and store empty drums.
What Do You Do With An Empty Compressed
Gas Cylinder?
|
•
|
Refer
to the Standard Operating Procedure. |
| • |
Label it empty. |
| • |
Call the distributor to pick
up cylinder do not self-transport. |
| • |
Gas grill propane containers
found during roadway cleaning activities should be stored outside
at designated facilities for eventual offsite disposal. Contact
your DHC to arrange disposal. |
Where Can I Find More Information
On Solid Waste?
For more information on handling, storing, and disposing
of solid waste refer to the following MassHighway Standard Operating
Procedures contained in Appendix A:
| 1. |
Temporary Storage of Solid
Waste at MassHighway Facilities Standard Operating Procedure |
| 2. |
Handling and Disposal of Empty Oil/Chemical
Drums Standard Operating Procedure |
| 3. |
Handling, Storage, and Disposal
of Compressed Gas Cylinders Standard Operating Procedure |
| 4. |
Prohibition on Open Burning
of Wood Waste at MassHighway Facilities Standard Operating Procedure |
Roadside Issues
This section provides information and guidance on how to manage debris
that must be removed from the roadside, including information on management
of animal carcasses, unknown materials, and medical waste.
How Do You Handle
Animal Carcasses Found On The Roadway?
|
•
|
MassHighway is authorized
by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) to retrieve and
transport animals killed by collision with motor vehicles or otherwise
found dead on or adjacent to a public way. |
| • |
To minimize contact, disposable
gloves and shovels must be used to handle the carcass. |
| • |
If transport is warranted,
as required by the Division of Fish and Wildlife, place the carcass
in a plastic bag or wrap it in plastic. |
| • |
Avoid contact with body fluids. |
| • |
Hands must be washed after
handling the carcass. |
| • |
Any equipment that comes in contact with the carcass
must be washed after use.
|
How Do You Dispose Of Animal Carcasses
Found On The Roadway?
|
•
|
MassHighway
must handle animal carcasses in accordance with the permit issued
by the State Division of Fish and Wildlife and in accordance with
Massachusetts General Law for retrieval and transport of dead animals.
MassHighway personnel must also follow standard operating procedures
for Disposal of Animal Carcasses. |
| • |
Animal carcasses retrieved
by MassHighway personnel may either be buried on state property
within the state Highway layout/Rights of Way and preferably within
the vicinity of carcass discovery, or incinerated if a local incinerator
is available. A list of licensed incinerators is available from
the DEP at 617-292-5578. |
| • |
A record of roadside pickup
of animal carcasses must be maintained by the designated District
Maintenance personnel. |
| • |
If possible, identification
tags of pets should be retained. |
| • |
Special conditions apply
to certain animal carcasses:
|
-
|
Deer
The deer carcass may be kept by the driver that struck
the animal. Within 24 hours, the death must be reported to
the DFW at 1-800-632-8075. |
|
What is a Roadside
Unknown?
All unidentifiable wastes encountered on the roadside are considered
unknown until attempts to identify the waste or threat associated
with the waste have been conducted by a hazardous waste contractor.
All medical waste is to be considered infectious.
What is Medical Waste?
Medical Waste is any material of a biological nature such as:
|
•
|
Blood |
| • |
Body Fluids |
| • |
Sharps |
| • |
Body Parts |
| • |
Red Bag Waste |
What Do You Do With Medical Waste
Or Unknowns Found
On The Roadside?
|
•
|
All efforts will be made
by MassHighway personnel on scene to identify the owner and/or the
handler/responsible party for the waste (ambulance company, hospital,
waste hauler). |
| • |
Call the District Radio Room
to report the finding and request that notification be made to the
Safety office. |
| • |
The Safety Inspector will
examine the waste and coordinate disposal with the DHC. If the waste
cannot be identified by a visual inspection, or the inspector deems
the material unsafe, the DHC or Safety Inspector will coordinate
the removal of the material by a waste removal contractor. |
Where Can I
Find More Information On Roadside Issues?
For more information on responding to roadside wastes,
refer to the following MassHighway Standard Operating Procedure contained
in Appendix A:
| 1. |
Disposal Of Animal Carcasses
Standard Operating Procedure |
| 2. |
Roadside Unknown Waste Handling Standard
Operating Procedure |
Tanks
This section provides information on aboveground and underground storage
tanks and describes the basic operating systems for storage tanks and
tank inspection requirements.
What Types Of
Tanks Are Maintained At Facilities?
Aboveground and Underground tanks present at your facility are shown
on the Facility Plan at the front of this Handbook. Materials typically
stored in tanks at MassHighway facilities include:
|
•
|
Fuel
|
-
|
Gasoline |
| - |
Diesel |
| - |
Kerosene |
| - |
Heating Oil |
| - |
Liquid Propane |
|
| • |
De-icing Materials
|
How Are Underground
Storage Tanks For Gasoline And Diesel Fuel Monitored For Leaks?
Underground gasoline and diesel tanks are equipped with electronic leak
detection systems. These systems are monitored by the District Storekeeper
or other District/Operations representative.

What Is Stage
I Equipment?
Gasoline USTs are equipped with Stage I Vapor
Recovery Equipment designed to prevent gasoline vapors from escaping
into the air while tanks are being filled. The equipment consists of
an access port equipped with:
|
•
|
Spill containment bucket |
| • |
Valve and an access port with
vapor break or: |
| • |
Coaxial fill tube |
What Is Stage II Equipment?
Gasoline dispensers are equipped with Stage II
Vapor Recovery equipment to reduce gasoline vapors from escaping
during pumping. Gasoline dispensing nozzles are equipped with:
|
•
|
Vapor recovery boot |
| • |
Delivery/Recovery Hose: (designed
to dispense fuel through an inner hose and, recover vapors through
an outer hose and back to the UST) |
| • |
Breakaway valve |

What Types Of Inspections Are Required?
|
•
|
Weekly
Aboveground Storage Tank Inspections
|
-
|
Conducted by facility
personnel |
| - |
Visual inspection
for leaks or corrosion |
| - |
Monitor how much is
in the tank |
|
| • |
Weekly Stage I and II Vapor
Equipment inspections
|
-
|
Conducted by facility
personnel |
| - |
Ensure equipment is
functioning properly |
| - |
Fill out weekly inspection
form |
| - |
Report needed repairs
to the District Structures Maintenance Engineer |
|
| • |
All underground storage tanks
must have daily electronic inventory checks that will be monitored
by the District Storekeeper or other District/Operations representative.
|
-
|
In
the event that the electronic system is inoperable: |
| |
|
1.
|
In the event
that the electronic system is inoperable: |
| 2. |
Conduct daily
water level test; |
| 3. |
Submit records
to the District Storekeeper or other District/operations
Representative. |
|
|
What Types Of Records Do You Need To Keep
|
•
|
Weekly Stage I and II inspection
forms |
What Fuel Dispensing
Procedures Must I Follow?
|
•
|
Turn off engine. |
| • |
Do
not smoke. |
| • |
Fill carefully to avoid spillage
and to keep the vapor recovery system engaged. |
| • |
Do
not top off. |
| • |
Apply absorbent material
if spillage occurs. |
When Is Emergency Action Required?
|
•
|
If an alarm on the tank
is activated use the Emergency Call Down Sheet. |
| • |
If alarm activates after
hours notify the radio room immediately and await instructions. |
Where Can I Find More Information
On Tanks?
For more information on tank issues refer to the following
MassHighway Standard Operating Procedures contained in Appendix A:
|
1.
|
Fuel Dispensing at MassHighway
Facilities Standard Operating Procedure |
| 2. |
Inspection and Repair of
Stage I and Stage II Recovery Systems associated with Underground
Storage Tanks Standard Operating Procedure |
| 3. |
Site specific SPCC Plans
that may have been prepared for facilities storing 1,320 gallons
or more combined oil products in aboveground storage tanks, electrical
transformers, or drums |
Water Quality
This section provides information on how MassHighway manages wastewater
and stormwater at facilities including information on the types of wastewater,
discharge options, oil/water separators, holding tanks, septic systems,
floor drains, preventative measures for stormwater runoff, and vehicle
washing.
What Are The Different Types Of
Wastewater Generated At Masshighway Facilities?
|
•
|
Sanitary
wastewater-generated from restrooms |
| • |
Stormwater
-generated from precipitation, including snow melt |
| • |
Industrial
wastewater- generated by vehicle washing and traffic paint
equipment cleaning |
What Are The Requirements For The
Discharge Of Wastewater At Masshighway Facilities?
Sanitary wastewater from bathrooms is discharged
to either:
|
•
|
public sanitary sewer system
|
| • |
or an onsite septic system |
Industrial wastewater from vehicle washing is discharged
to:
|
•
|
an oil water separator and
then to either a holding tank or to a sanitary sewer system |
Industrial wastewater can be discharged to the sewer only
if the local sewer provider has approved this discharge (your DHC can
provide guidance on whether there are permit conditions and/or wastewater
discharge restrictions that apply to your facility).
Stormwater is discharged to
either:
|
•
|
to a stormwater catchbasin
or as sheet flow runoff |
Refer to the Facility Profile at the front of this Handbook
to determine the types of water discharges at your facility. Facility
Plans show the locations of wastewater structures at your facility.
What Inspections
Are Required For Oil/Water Separators?
|
•
|
Self-test the alarm system
on a weekly basis, if so equipped. |
| • |
Report any malfunctions to
your supervisor. |
| • |
Notify
the DHC if a High Oil or Pump Out Oil condition
is found. |
| • |
Specific OWS permits may
dictate other inspection requirements, such as maintaining a log,
or collecting effluent samples. |
What Inspections Are Required
For Holding Tanks?
|
•
|
The tank must be gauged
on a regular basis at a minimum
(underground tanks must be gauged weekly). |
| • |
Notify the DHC or the District
Structures Maintenance Engineer when the holding
tank is 75% full. |
| • |
Report any malfunctions to
your supervisor, including surface water entering the tank. |
What Are The Other Requirements
For Holding Tanks?
|
•
|
Label tank as Non-Hazardous
Industrial Wastewater. |
| • |
Keep tank closed when not
in use. |



Example
Holding Tank alarms
and access manholes are shown here.
What Are The
Management Requirements For A Septic System?
No material other than domestic sanitary wastewater and sewage may be
discharged to a septic system.
|
•
|
Record water meter readings
on a quarterly basis. |
| • |
Report quarterly water usage
to your DHC. |
| • |
Notify your supervisor of
any system malfunctions. |
| • |
Your supervisor will arrange
to have the system inspected. |
Signs of a malfunctioning
system include:
|
•
|
sewage back-ups |
| • |
sewage surfacing in drains/and
or leach fields |
| • |
slow draining toilets |
| • |
strong sewage odors |
| • |
excessive green growth over
the leach field |
What Can Affect
Water Quality?
|
•
|
Leaking equipment |
| • |
Outside storage of hazardous
materials that are not protected from rain water |
| • |
Improper handling and disposal
of vehicle wash water |
| • |
A spill to a floor drain
or stormwater catchbasin |
| • |
A spill to pavement that
ends up in a storm drain |
| • |
A spill to the ground |
Note: Storm drains receiving impacted water from facility
operations can be visually identified by presence of heavy silt loads
or oil sheens.


Floor Drains Indoor
spills
must be contained before they reach
the floor drains.
What Preventive
Measures Can You Take To Preserve Water Quality?
|
•
|
Inspect
vehicles and equipment for leaks. |
| • |
Store
decommissioned vehicles or equipment on paved surfaces, and immediately
have leaks repaired; otherwise, drain fluid reservoirs. |
| • |
Protect
outdoor hazardous materials storage from rain water. |
| • |
Protect
floor and storm drains from spills. |
| • |
Dispose
of wastes properly do not pour them down the drain. |

Outdoor
Storage Protect outdoor material storage from precipitation.
What Are The
Requirements For Storm Water Catchbasins?
|
•
|
Avoid rinsing equipment,
vehicles or stockpiling of sand near stormwater catch basins. |
| • |
Inspect stormwater catch
basins after each snow and ice season and, whenever possible, before
the spring rain season. |
| • |
Stormwater catch basins found
to contain accumulated sediments exceeding 50% of the capacity of
the sump shall be cleaned. |
| • |
Report damaged Stormwater
catch basins to your supervisor. |
| • |
Your supervisor will arrange
for needed repairs. |
What Do You Do If A Spill
Threatens The Water Quality?
click
here
What Does Vehicle
Washing Include?
|
•
|
Washing with heated water |
| • |
Power washing/Pressure washing
(no soap, no heat) |
| • |
Any type of physical agitation
(e.g., use of sponge, brush) |
| • |
Steam cleaning |
| • |
Washing using soap or detergent |
Where Can You Wash Vehicles And
Equipment?
|
•
|
All vehicle and equipment
washing must be conducted at a designated
facility. |
| • |
Refer to the Facility Profile
at the front of this Handbook to determine if your facility is a
designated washing facility. |
Vehicle washing Washing
must take place indoors at designated facilities.
NOTE: Contractors are not permitted
to wash or rinse their vehicles at MassHighway facilities.

What Is A Designated Vehicle Washing
Facility?
|
•
|
A facility equipped with
floor drains connected to either the municipal sewer (with the appropriate
permit) or a wash water recycling system. |
| |
or |
| • |
A facility equipped with
an approved holding tank. |
NOTE: Refer to the Facility Profile
at the front of this Handbook to determine if your facility is designated
for vehicle washing.

Vehicle Washing This facility
is designated for vehicle washing because the floor drains are connected
to a wash water recycling system.
What Do You Do If Your Facility
Is Not Designated For
Vehicle Washing?
Take your vehicle to the closest designated facility within your District
and refer to the Vehicle Washing Standard Operating Procedure.
Where Can You Rinse Vehicles And
Equipment?
|
•
|
Vehicles can be rinsed outdoors. |
| • |
Vehicles or equipment used
for transfer/storage of petroleum-based products can only be rinsed/washed
at a designated vehicle washing facility. |
Where Can I Find More Information
On Water Quality?
For the specifics on management of water quality issues,
refer to the following MassHighway Standard Operating Procedures contained
in Appendix A:
| 1. |
Outdoor Operations/Maintenance
Equipment Storage Standard Operating Procedure |
| 2. |
Decommissioned Equipment
Standard Operating Procedure |
| 3. |
Inspection and Maintenance
of Stormwater Catch Basins Standard Operating Procedure |
| 4. |
Vehicle Washing at MassHighway
Facilities Standard Operating Procedure |
| 5. |
Inspection and Maintenance
of Oil/Water Separators (OWS) Standard Operating Procedure |
|
6.
|
Maintenance of Wastewater
Holding Tanks and Proper Disposal of Accumulated Wastewater Standard
Operating Procedure |
| 7. |
Maintenance of Subsurface
Sewage Disposal Systems Standard Operating Procedure |
| 8. |
Maintenance
of Flow Meters for Sewage Disposal Systems Standard Operating Procedure |
Wetlands
This section provides information on wetlands and how they are protected
at MassHighway Facilities.
What Are Wetlands?
|
•
|
Areas of standing water
(ponds, pools) or flowing water (streams) |
| • |
Areas where soil is wet long
enough during the growing season to support a wetland plant community
(bogs, meadows, shrub or wooded swamps) |
| • |
Areas of seasonal flooding
or flow including: intermittent streams and manmade drainage ditches |
NOTE: For facilities that have wetland
areas, they are marked on the facility plans. The facility plan is located
in the front of this Handbook.

Wetlands Wetlands
are valuable because they provide habitats for plant and animal species,
flood control, and water quality enhancement.
Examples Of Wetlands

Wetlands Wetlands are present on many MassHighway facilities.

Wetlands Manmade
drainage systems or ditches are designated as wetlands because of the
presence of water and the types of vegetation that grow within them.
What Is A Buffer
Zone?
|
•
|
An area extending 100
feet beyond the boundary of a wetland |
| • |
A Buffer Zone can be determined
by measuring off a horizontal distance of 100 feet beyond the wetland
boundary. |
NOTE: Where applicable, Buffer Zones
are marked on the facility plans.

Buffer Zone The
purpose of the Buffer Zone is to provide additional protection for the
wetlands.
What Is A Riverfront
Area?
|
•
|
An area extending 200 feet
beyond the mean annual high water line of a perennial
river or stream. |
| • |
For designated urban areas
only: the Riverfront Area is reduced to 25 feet. |
NOTE: For facilities that have riverfront
areas, they are marked on the facility plans. The facility plan is located
in the front of this Handbook.

Riverfront Areas The purpose
of the Riverfront Area is to protect plant and animal species and to
provide flood and erosion control.
What Work Can
You Do In A Wetland/Riverfront Area?
|
•
|
Nothing without a permit |
| • |
You need a permit to do any
work in a wetland such as removing, filling, dredging, or altering. |
| • |
Do
not store anything within a wetland/riverfront area. |
| • |
Other
maintenance activities that could impact a wetland/riverfront include
vegetation removal and grading. |
| • |
Do
not discharge any wastewater to a wetland or riverfront area. |
NOTE: Do not fill ANY land including
wetlands and buffer zones with street sweepings or yard waste.
What Work Can You Do In A Buffer
Zone Or Riverfront Area?
|
•
|
Stay out of the buffer zone,
if possible. |
| • |
Work proposed within a buffer
zone must not impact or alter adjacent wetland resource areas. |
| • |
If you have to store equipment,
useable materials, or solid waste in a buffer zone:
|
-
|
Store in the outer limits
of the buffer zone (as far away from the wetlands as possible). |
| - |
Consolidate and store
neatly. |
| - |
Make sure sand and
salt piles are bermed and covered. |
| - |
Make sure sand and
salt sheds are closed when not in use. |
| - |
You can perform normal
maintenance activities, but keep it neat. |
| - |
Transfer
equipment to another facility, if possible. |
|
| • |
Check with the District Environmental
Engineer to determine if proposed activity beyond those mentioned
above will require a permit. |
Where Can I
Find More Information On Wetlands?
For more information on wetlands issues refer to the following
MassHighway Standard Operating Procedure contained in Appendix A:
|
1.
|
Protection of Wetland Resource
Areas Standard Operating Procedure |
Record Keeping
This section summarizes record keeping requirements for environmental
management at MassHighway facilities. For more information on what records
need to be maintained by your facility, refer to the preceding sections
of this handbook.

What Documentation Needs
To Be Maintained?
|
•
|
Weekly Hazardous Waste Inspection
Checklist, if applicable |
| • |
Weekly Stage I and II Vapor
Recovery Equipment Inspections, if applicable |
| • |
MSDSs |
| • |
Self-transport receipts
for VSQGs that self-transport their wastes |
| • |
Tank permits (Fire Department
permits) which must be posted |
| • |
Call Down List (Make sure
the list is accurate and up-to-date) |
| • |
Generator registration number
(VSQG, SQG) |
| • |
Asbestos Containing Material
postings |
| • |
Renovation/demolition Asbestos
Survey Request Forms |
| • |
ermits of a routine nature
such as drainage ditch cleaning |
| • |
Oil/water separator, holding
tank, or septic tank pump-out or maintenance records |
| • |
Construction & Installation
records for Industrial Wastewater Holding Tanks and operator records
for shipments of wastewater |
Where Are These
Records Kept, And For How Long?
|
•
|
Weekly Hazardous Waste Inspection
Checklist sent to DHC weekly |
| • |
Stage I and II Vapor Recovery
Equipment Forms sent to Structures Maintenance
Personnel weekly |
| • |
MSDSs maintained at
the facility at all times |
| • |
Self-transport receipts
one part goes to the receiving facility during shipment and the
other part is maintained at the facility that transported the waste |
| • |
Tank permits posted
at the facility in a conspicuous location |
| • |
Call Down List posted
at the facility in a conspicuous location near a phone |
| • |
Generator registration number
maintained at the facility at all times |
| • |
Asbestos Containing Material
postings - maintained at the facility at all times |
| • |
Renovation/demolition Asbestos
Surveys maintained by District Asbestos Coordinator |
| • |
Oil/water separator, holding
tank, and septic tank pump-out and maintenance records - maintained
by the District Structures and Facilities Engineer |
| • |
Construction & Installation
records for Industrial Wastewater Holding Tanks and
operator records for shipments of wastewater maintained by
the District Structures and Facilities Engineer |
Inspections
Facility personnel should expect inspections to occur on a regular basis.
These inspections may be announced or unannounced.
What Inspections
Should You Expect?
|
•
|
EPA inspections |
| • |
DEP inspections |
| • |
MassHighway Self Audits |
| • |
MassHighway Regular Inspections |
What Will The Inspector Want To
Look At?
|
•
|
Hazardous waste accumulation
areas |
| • |
Hazardous material storage
areas |
| • |
Solid waste accumulation
areas |
| • |
Tank monitoring records and
permits |
| • |
Hazardous waste self-transport
receipts |
| • |
Spill Plan/Facility Handbook
Sign-off Sheet |
What Can You Do To Be Prepared
For An Inspection?
|
•
|
Always maintain files and
documents in a neat and orderly manner. |
| • |
Post permits and emergency
response contacts in a central location. |
| • |
Implement Good Housekeeping
Practices On a Continuous Basis! |
| • |
Keep materials and waste
labeled. |
| • |
Complete regular inspections. |
| • |
Familiarize yourself with
the facility foreman, other District personnel, and all the topics
in this handbook that relate to your particular facility. Review
the information presented on the facility plan. |
What Will The Inspector Be Interested
In?
|
•
|
How you are storing hazardous
waste |
| • |
How you are storing hazardous
materials |
| • |
How you are storing solid
waste |
| • |
Whether you are aware of
sensitive receptors at the facility, such as wetlands |
| • |
Whether you are familiar
with the Facility Spill Plan and know whom to contact in the event
of a spill |
| • |
Whether the facility appears
organized and neat |
What Should You Do When A DEP Or EPA Inspector Arrives
At The Facility?
|
•
|
Be polite |
| • |
Things to politely ask the
Inspector:
|
-
|
The Inspectors
name |
| - |
What agency they represent |
| - |
What they would like
to see as part of the inspection |
| - |
What files or records
they will need to see as part of the inspection |
|
Whom Should
You Contact When A DEP Or EPA Inspector Arrives?

MassHighway
has delegated responsibility for facility environmental compliance to
facility foremen, District, and Boston staff. For this reason, you should
contact the following individuals if an inspector arrives at the facility.
|
•
|
Your Immediate Supervisor |
| • |
Your DME |
| • |
Your DHC |
How Should You Conduct Yourself During The Inspection?
| • |
Be honest.
|
-
|
Provide brief, but
honest answers. Do not mislead the Inspector |
| - |
If you do not know
the answer to a question, say so. Do not guess or give your
opinion. |
| - |
Present files and information
upon request. |
|
| • |
Be observant.
|
-
|
Take notes during the
inspection. |
| - |
Document comments made
by the Inspector. |
| - |
Always stay with the
Inspector during the inspection. |
| - |
Request a post-inspection
discussion with the Inspector. |
| - |
Provide a summary of
the inspection to your supervisor. |
|
| • |
Be responsive.
|
-
|
Address simple issues
raised by the Inspector, such as labeling and general housekeeping. |
| - |
Present files, permits,
and manuals requested by the Inspector |
|
What Should Be Done At The Conclusion Of The Inspection?
|
•
|
Request a copy of the Inspectors
notes and field report. |
| • |
Provide
the Inspectors notes and your notes to the DME or DHC. |
Standard operating Procedure
(SOP) LIST: