The purpose of the program is to inspect all conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) facilities that generate ≤ 220 lbs (100 kg) of hazardous waste per month.

The inspection determines a facility’s generator status, allows the inspector to consult and advise the owner on proper methods of waste disposal, and encourages the owner to follow best management practices.

Each active facility within the program is inspected once a year; however, inspectors may return to a site for a follow up inspection within the same year. Follow-up inspections occur when business owner is tasked with property remediation (solvent spillage; solvent, chemical or waste oil run off into the storm drain; etc.) or providing documentation for the proper disposal of the waste generated on site.

The overall goal is to deter unlawful disposal of hazardous waste that contaminates our surface and our drinking water.

The most common types of businesses currently active within the Waste Management Assessment Program include:

• Auto, ATV, RV, motorcycle repair and body shops
• Dry cleaners
• Film and X-ray processing (silver recovery)
• Golf course maintenance shops
• Airline facilities
• Schools (auto shops and laboratories)
• Casinos/hotels
• Self-serve and automatic car washes
• Hospitals and medical centers (e.g. quick care clinics)
• Grocery stores
• Home improvement stores
• Dental offices (digital plates for X-Ray contain Barium)
• Retail stores (Wal-Mart, Sears, etc.)
• Tire stores
• Manufacturing and machine shops
• Processing plants (biodiesel, granite, concrete, fuels, etc.)

How Businesses Are Identified

The Waste Management Assessment Program currently regulates over 3,600 facilities within Clark County. The method of identifying potential qualifiers for the program is based upon referrals and inspector identification.

After receiving information from local municipalities about new businesses that may generate hazardous waste, health district inspectors visit potential sites to determine if the business qualifies for the Waste Management Assessment Program.

Inspectors also identify businesses within their assigned inspection districts that are open, but are not currently active within the Waste Assessment Program.

Why the Waste Management Assessment Program Was Needed

Prior to January 1, 2001, Clark County did not have a regulatory program to monitor the waste disposal activities of businesses generating ≤ 220 lbs (100 kg) of hazardous waste per month.

County regulatory agencies, such as the Las Vegas Valley Water District and code enforcement representatives raised concerns about how these businesses disposed of waste products.

The representatives provided copies of numerous complaints received of businesses disposing of waste oil and solvent out the back door of the business; dumping solvent, oily water and waste product onto the pavement then washing the waste into the storm drain and dumping waste product onto the ground where it is absorbed into the soil.

Other waste items being dumped included used motor oil, used antifreeze, brake cleaners, parts washer solvents and other products. The improper disposal of these waste products adversely affected our surface waters, recreational waters and drinking water supply.

Creation of the Waste Management Assessment Program

Recognizing the potential health effects of a contaminated drinking water supply, the health district worked with the water district, County and City code enforcement agencies, waste reclamation facilities, Nevada Department of Environmental Protection and the Bureau of Land Management to find a solution.

The solution was a program to inspect and regulate all businesses that generate ≤ 220 lbs (100 kg) of hazardous waste per month, which would be operated by the health district’s Solid Waste and Compliance office.

The proposed solution received support from all of the aforementioned agencies, Senator Dina Titus and the Sierra Club and it was approved on Oct. 26, 2000 by the Southern Nevada District Board of Health and began implementation on Jan. 1, 2001.

Revenue generated from the Waste Management Assessment Certificate Fees is returned to the program for operational costs, which include investigating complaints, submitted by residents, regulatory agencies, and elected officials, about illegal dumping activities by CESQG businesses.

A breakdown of operational costs includes: staff time, equipment, vehicles and associated travel expenses and office operations. The fee paid by the owner covers the physical facility inspection and any questions the owner may have at the time of the inspection or in the future.