Chemical Test Methods 

For Designating Dangerous Waste 

WAC 173-303-090 & -100

Revised June 2009 

Publication no. 97-407 
Publication and Contact Information 

This report is available on the Department of Ecology’s website at 

www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/97407.html 

For more information contact: 

Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program 

P.O. Box 47600 

Olympia, WA 98504-7600 

Phone: 360-407-6700 

Washington State Department of Ecology - www.ecy.wa.gov 

o Headquarters, Olympia 360-407-6000 

o Northwest Regional Office, Bellevue 425-649-7000 

o Southwest Regional Office, Olympia 360-407-6300 

o Central Regional Office, Yakima 509-575-2490 

o Eastern Regional Office, Spokane 509-329-3400 

To ask about the availability of this document in a format for the visually impaired, call the Hazardous 

Waste and Toxics Reduction Program at 360-407-6700. Persons with hearing loss can call 711 for 

Washington Relay Service. Persons with a speech disability can call 877-833-6341.
Chemical Test Methods 

For Designating Dangerous Waste 

WAC 173-303-090 & -100 

Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program 

Washington State Department of Ecology 

Olympia, Washington 
This page is purposely left blank
 Table of Contents 

CHAPTER 1: Regulatory Testing Requirements 

1.0. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 

1.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 1 

1.2 Dangerous Waste Characteristics and Criteria ................................................................ 2 

1.3 Retained Testing Requirements ...................................................................................... 2 

Chapter 1 Endnotes .................................................................................................................... 3 

CHAPTER 2: Dangerous Waste Designation 

2.1 Dangerous Waste Characteristics: WAC 173-303-090. .................................................... 5 

1.1. Ignitability ........................................................................................................................ 5 

1.1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 5 

1.1.2. Definition of Flash Point ....................................................................................... 5 

1.1.3 Oxidizers ............................................................................................................... 5 

1.1.4 Regulatory Definition; Ignitable Characteristic ...................................................... 5 

1.1.4.1 Ignitable Liquids ................................................................................................. 5 

1.1.4.2 Ignitable Solids ................................................................................................... 6 

1.1.4.3 Ignitable Compressed Gases ............................................................................. 6 

1.1.4.4 Oxidizers ............................................................................................................ 6 

1.2. Corrosivity ....................................................................................................................... 6 

1.2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 6 

1.2.2 Definition of pH ...................................................................................................... 6

1.2.3 Regulatory Definition; Corrosive Characteristic ..................................................... 7 

1.3. Reactivity ........................................................................................................................ 7 

1.3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 7 

1.3.2 Water Reactive Wastes ......................................................................................... 8 

1.3.3 Chemical Explosive Wastes .................................................................................. 8 

1.3.4 Regulatory Definition; Reactive Characteristic ...................................................... 8 

1.4. Toxicity Characteristic .................................................................................................... 8 

1.4.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 8 

1.4.2 Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) ............................................. 8 

1.4.3 Regulatory Definition; Toxicity Characteristic ........................................................ 9 
2.2. Dangerous Waste Criteria: WAC 173-303-100 .................................................................. 9 

2.1. Introduction to State Criteria Wastes .............................................................................. 9 

2.1.1 Background for Toxic Criteria Wastes ................................................................. 10 

2.1.2 Background for Persistent Criteria Wastes ......................................................... 10 

2.2. Acute Toxicity ............................................................................................................... 11 

2.2.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................... 11

2.3. Persistence (Chronic Toxicity) ...................................................................................... 11 

2.3.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................... 11

2.3.2 Definition of Persistence and Half-life ................................................................. 11 

2.3.3 Definition of Halogenated Organic Compounds (HOC) and Polymer ................. 12 

2.3.4 Definition of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) ......................................... 12 

2.3.5 Regulatory Definition; Criteria of Persistence ...................................................... 13 

Chapter 2 Endnotes ................................................................................................................. 13 

CHAPTER 3: Analytical Test Methods 

3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 15 

3.2 Methods for Determining Flashpoint ............................................................................ 16 

3.3 Methods for Determining Corrosivity Towards Steel .................................................... 17 

3.4 Methods for Determining pH ......................................................................................... 17 

3.5 Analysis for the Reactivity Characteristic .................................................................... 17 

3.6 Methods for Determining Toxicity ................................................................................ 18 

3.6.1. Separation Procedure ....................................................................................... 18 

3.6.2. Particle Size Reduction ..................................................................................... 18 

3.6.3. Extraction of Solid Material ................................................................................ 18 

3.6.4. Final Separation of the Extraction from the Remaining Solid ............................ 18 

3.6.5. Testing (Analysis)of TCLP Extract .................................................................... 18 

3.7 Methods to Determine State-only Toxic Waste ............................................................ 20 

3.8 Test Methods for Determining Halogenated Organic Compounds ............................... 20 

3.8.1. General Evaluation Methods for Determining HOCs ......................................... 21 

3.8.2. Halogenated Organic Compounds as Halogens ............................................... 21 

3.8.3. General Evaluation of Wastes for Halogenated Organic Compounds .............. 22 

3.8.4. General Evaluation Methods ............................................................................. 23 

3.8.5. Designation Flow Chart ..................................................................................... 24 

3.8.6. Determinative Methods for Halogenated Organic Compounds ......................... 26 

3.8.7. Examples of Wastes that Need Not Be Evaluated for State-only Persistence .. 26 
3.8.7.1. Compounds that are Not HOCs .......................................................... 26 

3.8.7.2. Polymers ............................................................................................. 27 

3.8.8. Examples of HOCs that Must Be Evaluated for State-only Persistence ........... 27 

3.8.8.1. Chlorinated Paraffins .......................................................................... 28 

3.8.8.2. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) ...................................................... 28 

3.8.8.3. Polymer Additives ............................................................................... 28 

3.9 Test Methods for Determining Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) .................. 28 

3.9.1. SW-846 Method 8100 ...................................................................................... 29 

3.9.2. SW-846 Method 8310 ...................................................................................... 29 

3.9.3. SW-846 Method 8270D .................................................................................... 29 

3.10 Optional Indicator Test Methods .................................................................................. 29 

3.10.1. SW-846 Method 1030 Ignitability of Solids ...................................................... 29 

3.10.2 SW-846 T Method 1050 Test Method to Determine Substances Likely to 

Spontaneously Combust .............................................................................................. 30 

3.10.3 SW-846 Method 1040 Test Methods for Oxidizing Solids ................................ 30 

Chapter 3 Endnotes .................................................................................................................. 31 

Appendices 

1. Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................................. 33 

2. Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations – 49 CFR ................................................. 37 

3. Chlorinated Paraffins ............................................................................................................. 39 

4. Withdrawal of Cyanide and Sulfide Reactivity Guidance ....................................................... 41 

5. 40 CFR Part 264, Appendix IX ............................................................................................... 49 

Tables 

Table 1.1: Sections of the Rule that have Regulatory Testing Requirements ............................ 1 

Table 2.1: Persistent Dangerous Waste ................................................................................... 13 

Table 3.6: Maximum Concentration of Contaminants for the Toxicity Characteristic ................. 19 

Table 3.8.3.: Designation Waste Concentrations and Resultant Dangerous Waste Codes ...... 22 

Table 3.8.4.: Alternative General Evaluation Methods for HOCs ............................................... 24 

Table 3.8.6.: Determining Methods for HOCs ............................................................................ 26 
 

Acknowledgements 

Prepared by Alex Stone (HQ), Leatta Dahlhoff (SWRO), and Samuel Iwenofu (SWRO). Other 

Ecology staff who participated in updating this document include: 

• Robert Carrell (Manchester Lab)xx 

• Damon Delistraty (ERO) 

• Dave Misko (NWRO) 

• Jerry Yokel (Kennewick) 

No statutory or regulatory requirements are in any way altered by any statement(s) 

contained herein. 

For more information, please contact Samuel Iwenofu at (360) 407-6346.

1 

Chapter 1 

Regulatory Testing Requirements 

1.0. Introduction 

This manual is intended to provide assistance for choosing chemical testing methods for suspected 

dangerous wastes. In Washington State, the Dangerous Waste Regulations, Chapter 173-303 WAC, 

require all generators to designate their waste to ensure proper management. "Dangerous wastes" are 

solid wastes designated in WAC 173-303-070 through 173-303-100 as dangerous, extremely 

hazardous, or mixed waste1. Generators may designate their waste based on process knowledge or by 

using methods accepted by the Department of Ecology (Ecology). 

Certain recycling activities have specific regulatory testing requirements. Examples include burning 

used oil for energy recovery, and evaluating dangerous waste specifically for land disposal. The 

Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR), allow a waste to be land disposed only if specific thresholds are 

not exceeded2. Table 1-1 identifies sections of the regulations that have specific testing requirements. 

Table 1-1: Sections of the Rule That Have Regulatory Testing Requirements 

WAC Section Section Title 

173-303-090 Dangerous waste characteristics 

173-303-100 Dangerous waste criteria 

173-303-120 Recycled, reclaimed, and recovered wastes 

173-303-140 Land disposal restrictions 

173-303-300 General waste analysis 

173-303-500 Recycling requirements for state-only dangerous waste 

173-303-515 Special requirements for used oil burned for energy recovery 

1.1 Purpose 

Within this document, Ecology addresses the testing requirements of: 

• Section WAC 173-303-090, Dangerous Waste Characteristics of the Dangerous Waste 

Regulations. 

• Section WAC 173-303-100, Dangerous Waste Criteria of the Dangerous Waste Regulations. 

• Testing requirements no longer required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) but retained by the State of Washington. 

• Other regulatory testing requirements may apply. 

If the generator manages a waste in such a way that regulatory requirements other than WAC 

173-303-090 and -100 apply, the generator must also comply with the testing requirements of 

those sections. 
2 

1.2 Dangerous Waste Characteristics and Criteria 

Dangerous waste characteristics are defined under four categories: 

1. Ignitability 

2. Corrosivity 

3. Reactivity 

4. Toxicity 

These four characteristics are based largely on federal requirements. Chapter 2 of this document will 

provide additional information on these characteristics. 

Dangerous waste criteria are defined as: 

1. Toxic dangerous wastes. 

2. Persistent dangerous wastes. 

Washington State developed these criteria in addition to the federal characteristics. The toxicity of a 

waste is determined by either using the methods in Biological Testing Methods, Ecology publication 

80-12 (most recent revision), or by conducting a book designation3

. A book designation can only be 

done when the generator has sufficient knowledge of the waste to identify its contents and amounts. 

Toxicity criteria and book designation are addressed in Chapter 3. There are two categories of 

Persistent dangerous wastes: halogenated organic compounds (HOC) and polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons (PAH). Persistence and HOCs are discussed in Chapter 3. 

This document will provide for all dangerous waste characteristics and criteria: (1) a description, (2) 

the regulatory definition, and (3) a link to EPA’s web site containing all the methods in SW-846 

(www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm). SW-846 is a collection of analytical methods 

provided by EPA, some of which are used to determine whether a waste is dangerous. 

1.3 Retained Testing Requirements 

In 2005, EPA published in the Federal Register notification that the Methods Innovation Rules (MIR) 

removes the requirement to use certain SW-846 test methods to designate dangerous waste as 

required by RCRA. However, EPA retained use of SW-846 methods in the final rule for test methods 

that measure “methods defined parameters.” Ecology reviewed the proposed changes and the public 

comments sent to EPA on this issue and decided to retain the requirement to use SW-846 

methodologies in Washington’s Dangerous Waste Regulations (Chapter 173-303 WAC). 

Delegated states like Washington are not required to adopt less stringent changes to RCRA but may 

retain existing requirements. All retained SW-846 Test Methods are discussed in Chapter 3. 

In addition, several other changes were reviewed, some of which were accepted and placed into the 

Dangerous Waste Regulations. Changes pertinent to this document, which were not accepted include 

changes to 40 CFR 264 Appendix IX requirements. Therefore, the original Appendix IX table is 

retained and is incorporated in Appendix 5 of this document. 
3 

Chapter 1 Endnotes 

1. As used in this manual, the words “dangerous waste” will refer to full universe of wastes 

regulated by Chapter 173-303 WAC. The abbreviation “DW” will refer only to that part of the 

regulated universe, which is not extremely hazardous waste (EHW). 

2. See 40 CFR 268.40. 

3. Book designation is only possible when a generator has sufficient knowledge of waste. The 

generator must understand the process that created the waste to identify the constituents of 

concern. More information on book designation can be found in WAC 173-303-100. 

5 

Chapter Two 

Dangerous Waste Designation 

2.1 Dangerous Waste Characteristics: WAC 173-303-090 

1.1 Ignitability 

1.1.1 Introduction 

The ignitability characteristic identifies wastes that either present a fire hazard during routine storage, 

disposal, and transportation or, once started, feed the fire. Most ignitable wastes are liquids. Solids, 

ignitable compressed gases, and oxidizers may also create ignitability hazards. 

Liquids and solids do not typically burn. They give off vapors that ignite only with air or another 

oxidizer. Some ignitable liquids give off insufficient vapor to burn at room temperature. The liquid 

must be heated before the vapor can ignite. The vapor will usually concentrate at or just above the 

surface of the liquid or solid. 

1.1.2 Definition of Flashpoint 

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) defines the flashpoint as, 

“The minimum temperature at which a substance gives off flammable vapors which, in 

contact with sparks or flame, will ignite.” 

In other words, the flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to 

ignite. A substance does not burn continuously at its flashpoint; the ignitable mixture only 

momentarily flashes. Flashpoints are determined using special equipment described in SW-846 

Methods 1010 and 1020A (See Chapter 3). These methods can be found on the Web at 

www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm. 

1.1.3 Oxidizers 

An oxidizer can also be an ignitable waste. Oxidizing agents are powerful chemicals. They readily 

react with a large group of other substances. See section 1.1.4.4 of this chapter for the regulatory 

definition, as defined by WAC 173-303-090 (5) (a) (iv). 

1.1.4 Regulatory Definition; Ignitable Characteristic 

The following definitions are from the Dangerous Waste Regulations (WAC 173-303-090). 

Department of Transportation (DOT) regulatory definitions associated with the ignitable 

characteristic can be found in Appendix 2. However, the dangerous waste regulatory definition must 

be used for waste designation purposes, not the DOT definition. 

1.1.4.1 Ignitable Liquids 

An ignitable liquid is a liquid, other than an aqueous solution containing less than 24 percent alcohol by 

volume, and has a flash point less than 60° C (140° F), as determined by a Pensky-Martens Closed Cup 

Tester, using the test method specified in ASTM Standard ((D-93-06 (superseded by 08 revision)) or a 
6 

Setaflash Closed Cup Tester, using the test method specified in ASTM Standard (D3278-96 (2004)e1 

as incorporated by reference at WAC 173-303-110 (3)(h)(v) and (vi). The test methods for determining 

flashpoint are addressed in Chapter 3. 

1.1.4.2 Ignitable Solids 

A solid waste is ignitable if: 

It is not a liquid and is capable, under standard temperature and pressure, of causing fire through 

friction, absorption of moisture or spontaneous chemical changes and, when ignited, burns so 

vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard (WAC 173-303-090 (5) (a) (ii)). 

Examples of ignitable solids include metallic magnesium, metallic sodium, and white phosphorous. 

1.1.4.3 Ignitable Compressed Gases 

An ignitable compressed gas is a compressed gas as defined in WAC 173-303-090(5) (a) (iii). It 

must be flammable using test methods described in that regulation. Appendix 2B contains additional 

definitions, including the US DOT definition. 

1.1.4.4 Oxidizers 

As defined by WAC 173-303-090 (5) (a) (iv), an oxidizer is a substance such as a chlorate, 

permanganate, inorganic peroxide, or a nitrate, that yields oxygen readily to stimulate the combustion 

of organic matter. An organic compound containing the bivalent –O-O- structure and which may be 

considered a derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or more of the hydrogen atoms have been 

replaced by organic radicals must be classed as an organic peroxide unless certain exceptions listed in 

the rule are met. Appendix 2C contains additional definitions including the DOT definition. 

1.2 Corrosivity 

1.2.1 Introduction 

Corrosion refers to a chemical process in which metals and minerals are converted into undesirable 

by-products. Corrosion is caused by substances that eat into or destroy either metals or minerals, 

such as acids and bases. Furthermore, corrosion is not limited to metals and minerals alone. 

Corrosion also refers to the effects such substances have on human, plant or animal tissue. 

Possible hazards associated with corrosive wastes include: 

1. The spread of toxic metals if discharged into a landfill environment. 

2. The destruction of handling, storage, transportation, and management equipment. 

3. The destruction of human, animal, or plant tissue in the event of contact. 

Chapter 173-303 WAC has identified two methods of determining whether or not a waste is 

corrosive. These methods1 are pH determination and corrosivity toward Type SAE 1020 steel. 

1.2.2 Definition of pH 

The pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Aqueous solutions having a pH of 7 are 

neutral. The value increases with greater alkalinity and decreases with greater acidity. The greater 

the alkalinity (values greater than 7), the stronger the base. The lower the acidity (values lower than 

7), the stronger the acid. Mathematically, pH is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion 

concentration in water. 
7 

1.2.3 Regulatory Definition; Corrosive Characteristic 

A solid waste is corrosive if a representative sample has any of the following properties: 

a. It is predominantly made of water and has a pH less than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 

12.5, as determined by a pH meter using Method 9040C2 in SW-846. 

b. It is a liquid and corrodes steel (SAE 1020) at a rate greater than 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) per year at 

55° C (130° F), as determined in Standard method TM-O1-69 from the National Association of 

Corrosion Engineers (NACE). 

c. It is solid or semi-solid with a pH less than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 12.5 using 

Method 9045D in SW-8463. 

A corrosive solid waste is assigned one of two waste codes: 

1. If a solid waste is corrosive using the methods ‘a’ or ‘b’ above, it is a dangerous waste (DW) and 

assigned the DW code of D002. 

2. If a solid waste is corrosive using the method ‘c’ above, it is a DW, and assigned the DW code of 

WSC2. 

1.3 Reactivity 

1.3.1 Introduction 

Wastes are reactive if they: 

1. Readily undergo a violent chemical change. 

2. React violently or form potentially explosive mixtures with water. 

3. When mixed with water, generate toxic fumes or, in the case of cyanide- or sulfide-containing 

wastes, generate toxic fumes when exposed to mildly acidic or basic conditions. 

4. Explode when subjected to a strong initiating force. 

5. Explode at normal temperatures and pressures. 

6. Fit within the Department of Transportation's forbidden explosives, Class 1 explosive; Division 

1.1, Division 1.2, Division 1.3, and Division 1.5 explosives classifications4

. 

These wastes require special handling because of their extreme instability and tendency to react 

violently or explode and because they pose a threat to human health and the environment at all stages 

of the waste management process. 

1.3.2 Water Reactive Wastes 

Water may react or interact with hazardous materials in a number of potentially dangerous ways. 

Water may react with a substance to form a product that is flammable, explosive, toxic, or corrosive. 

This process is called hydrolysis. Not all hydrolysis reactions result in products that have potentially 

dangerous properties. 

Water may cause or aggravate a potentially hazardous situation in other ways. For instance, some 

substances absorb atmospheric water vapor, and are called hygroscopic. Two examples of 

hygroscopic substances are sodium hydroxide and concentrated sulfuric acid. A full container of 

concentrated sulfuric acid will overflow its container when left to stand in humid air. 

 
8 

1.3.3 Chemical Explosive Wastes 

A chemical explosive is a substance that detonates spontaneously or as the result of friction, 

mechanical impact, or heat. Chemical explosives are distinguished from certain other substances, 

like gasoline or flammable gases, which may explode when confined in containers and ignited. They 

are also distinguished from nuclear explosives, which release energy from atomic reactions. 

1.3.4 Regulatory Definition; Reactive Characteristic 

A solid waste is reactive if a representative sample of the waste has any of the following properties: 

1. It is normally unstable and readily undergoes violent change without detonating. 

2. It reacts violently with water. 

3. It forms potentially explosive mixtures with water. 

4. When mixed with water, it generates toxic gases, vapors, or fumes which present a danger to 

human health or the environment. 

5. It is a cyanide- or sulfide-containing waste which, when exposed to pH conditions between 2 and 

12.5, can generate toxic gases, vapors, or fumes which present a danger to human health or the 

environment5

. 

6. It is capable of detonation or explosive reaction if it is subjected to a strong initiating source or if 

heated under confinement. 

7. It is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction at standard temperature 

and pressure6. 

8. It is a forbidden explosive, as defined in 49 CFR § 173.547

, or a Class 1 explosive, Division 1.1, 

Division 1.2, Division 1.3, and Division 1.5, as defined in 49 CFR § 173.50 

A reactive solid waste that meets any of the above conditions is a DW and assigned the code D003. 

1.4 Toxicity Characteristic

1.4.1 Introduction 

Toxicology is the study of adverse health effects caused by poisonous or toxic substances. Poisons or 

toxins generally cause or contribute to illness or death when administered to an organism in good 

health in relatively small amounts. The basic principles of toxicology are an important part of the 

study of hazardous materials. 

In Washington State, toxic wastes are addressed in two ways; under the toxicity characteristic as 

determined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) or as a toxic dangerous waste 

under the dangerous waste criteria. 

1.4.2 Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) 

TCLP was developed in an attempt to model the amount of dangerous waste compounds that would 

leach from a waste placed in a municipal solid waste landfill (dump). In a dump, the decomposing 

waste produces a slightly acidic leachate (pH 5.0). The acidic leachate extracts hazardous 

constituents from the waste, which then could migrate to ground water. Once in the ground water, 

the contaminants could migrate to an underground source of drinking water. 
9 

To establish limits for the toxicity characteristic, EPA's model assumed that the landfill leachate 

would be diluted by a factor of 100 before reaching a drinking water source. Therefore, toxicity 

characteristic (TC) concentration levels were established at 100 times drinking water standards. This 

is commonly referred to as the dilution attenuation factor, or DAR. 

During TCLP, a subsample of a waste is extracted with an acetic acid solution for approximately 18 

hours. This extract (the "TCLP extract") is then analyzed to determine if any of the waste thresholds 

have been exceeded8. Table 3.69 (Chapter 3) lists the regulatory thresholds for the 40 TCLP 

constituents and provides SW-846 methods for each constituent. Other methods may be equally 

reliable, but they must be approved by Ecology before they can be used to designate wastes. 

1.4.3 Regulatory Definition; Toxicity Characteristic 

A solid waste is toxic if, using the TCLP procedure, the extract from a representative sample of the 

waste contains any of the contaminants listed in the toxicity characteristic list in Table 3.6, at 

concentrations equal to or greater than the allowed limit. When the waste contains less than 0.5 

percent solids, no extraction is necessary and the waste itself, after filtering, is analyzed directly.

Different dangerous waste codes are assigned depending on which compound is found in the waste. 

The waste codes for each compound is found in Table 3.6. Any waste that contains contaminants 

concentrations at or above the regulatory threshold must be designated DW and assigned a unique 

waste code. 

2.2 Dangerous Waste Criteria: WAC 173-303-100 

2.1 Introduction to State Criteria Wastes 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates what is called hazardous waste (HW). EPA 

designates wastes as hazardous if they are found to be ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic or they 

are a listed waste (F, K, P, U). 

Washington State's environmental program, administered by Ecology, requires generators to evaluate 

their waste for additional requirements. Under Washington’s Dangerous Waste Regulations, waste 

can designate as dangerous waste (DW) or extremely hazardous waste (EHW). Ecology has 

generally incorporated EPA's requirements verbatim as the state's dangerous waste designation 

method. In addition, Ecology chose to designate wastes, which fail certain criteria for fish or oral rat 

acute toxicity and persistence as dangerous waste. These are often referred to as "state-only" criteria 

to distinguish them from the federal requirements. 

The state-only criteria depend on either analytical tests or knowledge about a waste and its contents. 

The generator is responsible for determining whether the waste does or does not meet the state-only 

criteria. EPA has no equivalent to these state-only criteria10. 

Generators may need to determine if a solid waste meets the state-only criteria. If a waste stream 

designates for any of the federal requirements, the generator, generally, does not need to evaluate 

state-only criteria. There are four circumstances11 when a generator would need to do additional 

designation of waste already determined to be DW: 
10 

1. When a generator qualifies as a small quantity generator, the generator must determine if their 

DW is also designated as toxic EHW. There are added restrictions on EHW waste. 

2. When a generator is discharging their DW waste to a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) 

operating under a permit-by-rule12 the generator must determine if the waste is also an EHW. 

EHW waste cannot be sent to a POTW. 

3. When the waste is used oil to be burned for energy recovery, the generator must determine if it 

also designates as a state-only DW. Used oil cannot be burned for energy recovery if it is EHW 

or contains PCBs above 2 ppm13. 

4. When the waste designates as a state-only DW and will be land disposed in Washington State, the 

generator must make sure the waste is not EHW and the state land disposal restrictions do not 

apply. EHW waste cannot be land disposed, except as provided by WAC 173-303-140, 

subsections (5), (6) and (7), and by provisions of RCW 70.105.050(2). 

2.1.1 Background for Toxic Criteria Wastes 

In 1978, during creation of the first dangerous waste regulations, Ecology included regulating 

dangerous waste toxic to mammals. Review of mammalian toxicity continues to be important to help 

prevent problems from waste not covered by the federal regulations. For mammalian toxicity, 

Ecology borrowed testing methods from the work used by the federal pesticide laws (Acute Oral Rat 

Toxicity Test). 

Ecology was also concerned about toxicity to other parts of the environment. As seen with PCBs 

(polychlorinated biphenyls), chemicals can sometimes have a devastating effect on the environment. 

To address toxicity to non-mammals, Ecology included fish toxicity. Fish toxicity reflects the 

biological impact from waste components that, for the most part, can be dissolved in water. Other 

non-soluble portions of the waste, such as oils and particulate matter, can also significantly affect the 

outcome of the fish toxicity analysis. The fish used in this analysis will have fasted prior to the test. 

They also tend to be surface feeders and will eat floating material. In this way, the fish toxicity test 

approximates what may happen to waste dumped into a stream or lake. 

Ecology developed the process to evaluate fish toxicity based on the work of the United Nations' 

Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) and EPA's hazardous material spill 

regulations. 

2.1.2 Background for Persistent Criteria Wastes 

Ecology continues to wrestle with the problem of how to develop a system which evaluates 

persistence. Initially, heavy metals, halogenated organic compounds, and aromatic hydrocarbons 

were designated as persistent compounds because of their possible genetic effects. To avoid 

regulating low concentrations and meet statutory requirements14, Ecology decided that wastes must 

contain a certain concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) or halogenated organic 

compounds (HOC) to be persistent wastes. 

For PAHs, the waste would designate as EHW if the total concentration of PAHs in the waste is 

greater than 1.0 percent (10,000 ppm). PAHs wastes only designate as EHW and are given a waste 

code of WP03. There is no level that would cause a waste containing PAHs to be DW. 
11 

HOC wastes with total concentration greater than 100 ppm (greater than 0.01 percent) would be DW 

waste and given a WP02 waste code. Wastes greater than 1.0 percent HOC content (10,000 ppm) 

would be EHW and given a WP01 waste code. 

2.2 Acute Toxicity 

2.2.1 Introduction 

Both fish and mammalian toxicity are an indication of negative biological impact. Although toxicity 

criteria are biological in nature, generators may also choose to use chemical testing for waste streams 

with known constituents. In this circumstance, chemical tests are valuable in determining the 

chemical concentration, which can be used in referencing levels of toxicity for book designation. See 

Chapter 3 (Section 3.6), “Methods to Determine State-only Waste.” 

2.3 Persistence 

2.3.1 Introduction 

Organic compounds, such as heating and motor fuels, cleaning solvents, paints, varnishes, and 

aerosols are very commonplace materials. From a safety perspective, the principal hazards of organic 

compounds are that they are frequently toxic, flammable, or may achieve explosive limits in the air. 

From an environmental perspective, the primary hazard of organic compounds is their ability to cause 

a range of detrimental chronic health effects. This hazard, combined with an organic compound's 

ability to persist in the environment has led to regulatory standards in Chapter 173-303 WAC. 

2.3.2 Definition of Persistence and Half-life 

In Washington State, a waste designates as a dangerous waste if it meets the definition of 

persistence15. Persistence has the following characteristics: 

Persistence is the ability of a chemical substance to remain in the environment in an 

unchanged form. The longer a chemical persists, the higher the potential for human or 

environmental exposure. The individual environmental media for which a chemical's 

persistence is usually measured or estimated are soil, sediment, and water16. 

For the purposes of this document, a compound is considered persistent if: 

• It meets Ecology’s definition of either a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) or 

halogenated organic compound (HOC). 

It meets the half life criterion of retaining more than half of its initial activity after one year (365 

days) in either a dark anaerobic or dark aerobic environment at ambient conditions. Definition of 

half-life: 

Half-life is the length of time it takes for the concentration of a substance to be reduced by 

one-half relative to its initial level, assuming first-order decay kinetics. 

Generators are not required to analyze a waste to determine whether it retains more than half 

of its initial activity after two months (60 days). Instead, generators are required to identify 

specific persistence compounds. Those persistence compounds are either PAHs or HOCs. 

Chapter 173-303 WAC identifies these two classes of persistent organic chemical compounds 

due to the fact that they present a long-term threat because of bioaccumulation or present a 

chronic threat to human health and the environment. 
12 

2.3.3 Definition of Halogenated Organic Compounds (HOC) and Polymer 

For the purpose of this document, an HOC is defined as any organic compound, which includes at 

least one atom of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine bonded directly to a carbon atom. 

The carbon-halogen bond is one of the primary organic structures that resist biodegradation in the 

environment. Some examples of chemicals not intended to be regulated as HOC are halide salts like 

the hydrochlorides, the sulfonyl chlorides, and other classes of compounds where the halide is not 

bound to a carbon atom. Examples of compounds that are and are not HOCs can be found in Section 

3.7.7. In addition, HOCs, which are polymerized or chemically bound in a solid matrix are not 

subject to regulation under WAC 173-303-100. 

For the purpose of this document, a polymer is defined as a long, repeating chain formed from 

organic molecules via the linkage of many smaller molecules called monomers. A key feature that 

distinguishes polymers from other large molecules is the repetition of smaller units (monomers) in 

their chain. The process of linking the smaller units (monomers) together is called polymerization. 

A polymer must meet the following criteria: 

• Consist of 100 or more repeating units (monomers) with at least one halogenated compound in 

the monomer combined together into a single chain; 

• Having a number average molecular weight of at least 5,000. 

Additives are often combined with polymers to produce specific properties and are not included in 

the definition of polymer. By additives, Ecology means chemicals which are mixed with the polymer 

to provide some specific characteristic. An example of an additive is flame retardants which are 

often added to polymers to slow burning. These flame retardants are often not chemically bonded to 

the polymer but are mixed with the polymer and formed into a product. Additives and polymers with 

additives must be evaluated for persistence. For more information, see Chapter 3, Section 3.7.8.3.

2.3.4 Definition of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) 

For the purpose of this document, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is defined as a class of 

compounds composed of two or more fused benzene rings. 

PAHs are defined in the regulations through a specific list of chemicals. There are twenty PAHs of 

concern under current Dangerous Waste Regulations: 

• Acenaphthene • Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene 

• Acenaphthylene • Dibenzo(a,e)pyrene 

• Anthracene • Dibenzo(a,h)pyrene 

• Benzo(a)anthracene • Diberizo(a,i)pyrene 

• B enzo(a)pyrene • Dibenzo(a,1)pyrene 

• Benzo(b)fluoranthene • Fluoranthene 

• Benzo(g,h,i)perylene • Fluorene 

• Benzo(k)fluoranthene • Indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene 

• Chrysene • Phenanthrene 

• Dibenzo(aj) acridine • Pyrene 
13 

2.3.5 Regulatory Definition; Criteria of Persistence 

Persistent constituents are chemical compounds which are either halogenated organic compounds 

(HOC), or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)17. A generator may determine the identity and 

concentration of persistent constituents by either applying knowledge of the waste or by testing the 

waste18. 

1. The waste is not designated for persistence if a generator only knows: 

• Some of the persistent constituents in the waste. 

• Some of the constituent concentrations. 

• If the waste is not designated for those known constituents or concentrations. 

2. When a waste contains HOCs for which the concentrations are known, the total HOC 

concentration must be determined by summing all HOC concentrations. Any waste that contains 

more than 100 ppm (0.01%) total HOCs is a state-only persistent DW and more than 10,000 ppm 

(1.0%) is a state-only persistent EHW (see table below). 

3. When a waste contains PAHs for which the concentrations are known, the total PAH 

concentration must be determined by summing all PAH concentrations. Any waste that contains 

more than 10,000 ppm total PAHs is a state-only persistent EHW (see table below). 

 

Table 2.1 Persistent Dangerous Waste 

If your waste 

contains 

At a total 

concentration 

level of 

Then your waste’s 

designation and waste 

number are 

Halogenated Organic 

Compounds (HOC) 

• 0.01 percent to 1.0 percent 

• Greater than 1.0 percent 

• DW, WP02 

• EHW, WP01 

Polycyclic Aromatic 

Hydrocarbons (PAH 

• Greater than 1.0 percent • EHW*, WP03 

*No DW concentration level for PAH 

 

Chapter 2 Endnotes 

1. These methods are addressed in Chapter 3.

2. Find SW-846 Method 9040C at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm. Ecology 

regional offices can also provide a copy.

3. Find SW-846 Method 9045D at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm. Ecology 

regional offices can also provide a copy. 

4. Find Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations - 49 CFR at:

www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/49cfr173_06.html

5. See Chapter 3.7 (Analysis for the Reactivity Characteristic).

6. With standard temperature being 20° C and standard pressure being 760 mm of Hg (1 atm).

7. 49 CFR is available at: www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/49cfr173_06.html.
14 

8. WAC 173-303-090 (8); www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm.

9. See Chapter 3.5 of this document for methods for determining toxicity.

10. As described in WAC 173-303-100 through WAC 173-303-104 (3).

11. Although EPA does not have a regulatory counterpart for criteria waste, EPA does use acute 

toxicity and persistence as the basis for listing a waste.

12. WAC 173-303-802. 

13. Any waste containing PCBs above 50 ppm are regulated under federal Toxic Substance 

Control Act (TSCA). 

14. RCW requirement of short-term effects (RCW 70.105.010 (a)). 

15. For regulatory definition, see WAC 173-303-040. 

16. WAC 173-303-040. 

17. AS defined under WAC 173-303-040. 

18. Except as provided for in WAC 173-303-070 (4) or (5). 
15 

Chapter Three 

Analytical Test Methods 

for Designating Dangerous Waste 

3.1 Introduction 

This chapter addresses procedures for required method-defined parameters, where the analytical 

result is only dependent on the process used to make the measurement. Changes to the specific 

methods may change the end result and incorrectly identify a waste as non-hazardous. 

Methods for determining the characteristics of ignitability for liquids, corrosivity for liquids, and 

toxicity are included in method-defined parameters. The complete procedures for the listed test 

methods in this chapter is on the Web at: www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/testmethods/index.htm. 

Not all test methods accepted by Ecology are included in this document. Some test methods are 

referenced due to copyright restrictions (e.g., ASTM) or length (e.g., EPA analytical methods). 

Therefore, to be uniform and consistent, this document uses primarily the EPA publication Test 

Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste -Physical/Chemical Methods; SW-846. EPA publishes the most 

current revision on the Web at: www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm. 

Washington State continues to require SW-846 methods for designation analyses in accordance with 

WAC 173-303-110 unless otherwise specified. You can obtain a copy of any method by either 

contacting your local regional office (see inside the front cover of this document) or visiting 

Ecology’s Web site (www.ecy.wa/ecyhome.html). 

Certain methods are specifically required by the regulations. For example, specific methods are 

required for characteristic wastes and to determine free liquid for LDR regulations. When methods 

are not specified, any approved method (see list below) may be used for hazardous waste testing. In 

these cases, the analytical method chosen by the generator must provide enough information to make 

the regulatory decision. In selecting a method, the generator must choose a method which: 

• Identifies all compounds of concern in the waste. 

• Is sensitive enough to meet the regulatory level. 

• Is appropriate for the sample matrix, i.e., solid, liquid, soil, waste, etc. 

• Provides sufficient accuracy and precision. 

Because a waste can be liquid, solid, or gaseous, several standardized methods are available other 

than SW-846. Ecology recognizes methods from the following sources for non-regulatory 

requirements that were not specified in WAC 173-303-1101a : 

1. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, most current edition. 

2. Methods for Organic Chemical Analysis of Municipal and Industrial Wastewater, EPA. 
16 

3. 600/4-79-020, EPA. 

4. National Association of Corrosion Engineers. 

5. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 

6. Air Pollution Training Institute (APTI), National Technical Information Service. 

Using these alternatives, a generator can choose a method that is matrix-specific and precise enough to 

provide the information necessary to make a decision. Therefore, the generator of the waste should 

consult with their analytical laboratory on which analysis best meets their needs. Ecology strongly 

recommends the use of accredited laboratories1b, which is an indicator of the quality of a lab's work. 

The generator should show caution when making these choices. If a waste is designated or disposed of 

incorrectly, the generator remains legally liable for any cleanup costs. 

Other methods may be equally reliable, but these methods must be approved by Ecology before they 

can be used to designate waste. 

3.2 Methods for Determining Flashpoint 

Methods 1010A and 1020B2 use a closed cup tester to measure flashpoint. The closed cup analyses 

are appropriate only for liquids. Do not use this method with solids. 

Although no specific definition for "liquid" exists, EPA has provided some guidance. SW-846 

Method 9095B, the paint filter liquids test, has traditionally been used to determine whether a waste 

contains liquids for other regulatory requirements3. Method 9095B is used to determine compliance 

with 40 CFR 264.314 and 265.314. If any liquid seeps through the filter, it is considered a liquid. 

Therefore, samples of some wastes, like sludge, might demonstrate the presence of free liquids in the 

paint filter test and should be tested for ignitability. 

EPA produced guidance to address this issue in January 13, 19954.

"The definitive procedure for determining if a waste contains a liquid for the 

purposes of the ignitability and corrosivity characteristics is the pressure filtration 

technique specified in Method 1311.” 

However, if one obtains liquids using Method 9095B, it should be assessed for ignitability or 

corrosivity using the pressure filtration technique in Method 1311. 

To determine ignitability, the test liquid is placed into a small closed container and an ignition source 

supplied. If the test liquid flashes (ignites), the waste is ignitable. Waste liquids are dangerous 

wastes if their flashpoint is less than 140° F using the methods specified in WAC 173-303-090 (5)5

 or 

in SW-846 (www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm.)

The regulations include a special exemption for wastes containing alcohol called the "alcohol 

exclusion." When an aqueous waste contains less than 24 percent alcohol but is still ignitable 

because of the alcohol content, a generator need not designate this waste as ignitable. "Alcohol" 

refers to any alcohol or combination of alcohols. The alcohol exclusion exempts alcoholic beverages 

and some types of latex paints, which exhibit low flashpoints due to the alcohol but do not flash 

because of the high water content. 
17 

While the concept of flashpoint is useful for describing the ignitability of liquids, the term does not 

ordinarily have meaning when applied to ignitable gases or solids. At room temperature, most 

ignitable gases do not need to be heated to ignite. Therefore, other wastes, in addition to liquids, 

must be designated as ignitable if they meet the definition. 

3.3 Methods for Determining Corrosivity towards Steel 

Chapter 173-303 WAC has identified two methods of determining whether or not a waste is 

corrosive. These methods are pH determination and corrosivity toward Type SAE 1020 steel. SW846 method 1110A measures the corrosivity towards steel of both aqueous and non-aqueous liquid 

waste. Find SW-846 Method 1110A at: www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm6

.

3.4 Methods for Determining pH 

A common method of determining pH is by using pH testing papers. The pH of a waste can be 

approximated with wide-range pH paper. Litmus is probably the most commonly used wide range pH 

paper. When moistened with an aqueous acid, litmus paper turns red; when moistened with a basic 

solution, it turns blue. More accurate pH determinations can be made using "narrow-range" pH paper 

whose accuracy has been determined (1) using a series of buffers, or (2) by comparison with a 

calibrated pH meter. 

Although narrow-range pH paper can be purchased with a distinct color change for every 0.5 pH unit, 

pH paper is not as accurate as pH meters. For this reason, pH paper cannot be used to designate 

definitively whether a waste is corrosive or non-corrosive. However, narrow pH paper can be used to 

confirm knowledge about a waste. In a chemical laboratory, the pH is typically determined using a pH 

meter. A pH meter is a voltage-measuring device attached to a pair of electrodes. When the tips of the 

electrodes are placed in a solution, the pH of the solution shows on the meter. The pH meter is 

calibrated using predetermined standards. 

pH readings are only applicable for aqueous solutions. Wastes with greater than 20 percent water 

should be tested using SW-846 Method 9040C7. Wastes with less than 20 percent water are considered 

solid or semi-solid wastes, and should be analyzed using SW-846 Method 9045D. 

SW-846 Method 9045D8 analyzes solid or semi-solid wastes for corrosivity9. Wastes with 20 percent 

or less water are mixed with an equal weight of water. After the solids have settled, the liquid portion 

will be tested using a pH meter. It is important to note that for these types of waste, the liquid portion is 

not decanted off and analyzed for pH. Testing for pH must be done by an approved SW-846 method if 

it is being used for waste designation purposes. 

3.5 Analysis for the Reactivity Characteristic 

See Chapter 2 for the regulatory definition of reactive characteristic. 

EPA currently has no required test methods for reactive waste as defined in 40 CFR 261.23 for any of the 

reactive characteristics. Therefore, generators must use waste knowledge to determine if their waste 

exhibits the characteristic of reactivity. The interim Guidance for Reactive Cyanide and Reactive Sulfide 

in Waste found in Appendix 3 of the draft 2007 Chemical Testing Methods for Designating Dangerous 

Waste (WAC 173-303-090 &100) has been withdrawn (See Appendix 4). 
18 

Until a revised guidance is developed by EPA, Ecology reiterates the regulatory language in 40 CFR 

261.23(a)(5), which specifies that human health and the environment must not be endangered by 

evolved toxic gases when these wastes are exposed to pH conditions between 2 and 12.5. Any waste 

causing a hazard, when in the pH range of <2 and >12.5, would be considered a characteristic 

hazardous waste. Where wastes with high concentration of soluble sulfides and cyanides are being 

managed, generators have relied on their knowledge of the waste to classify them as D003. 

ASTM D4978-95(2007)10 test methods are applicable to the screening of reactive sulfides in wastes, 

liquids, sludge’s, semisolids, and solids. These test methods are not applicable in determining the type 

and concentration of reactive sulfides. These test methods are designed and intended to complement 

quantitative analytical techniques that may be used to determine sulfide concentration. These test 

methods offer the user the ability to screen waste for potentially hazardous levels of reactive sulfide when 

the quantitative analytical techniques are not available and the total waste composition is unknown. 

3.6 Methods for Determining Toxicity 

The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) was established by EPA in 1990. SW-846 

Method 1311 evaluates the leachability of forty compounds in Table 3.6. The complete procedure is 

found on the Web at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm. The TCLP consists of five steps, 

which are summarized below. For complete details, please review the full method. 

3.6.1 Separation Procedure 

For liquid waste (those containing less than 0.5 percent dry solid material), the TCLP extract is the 

liquid portion of the waste after filtration. For wastes with greater than or equal to 0.5 percent solids, 

any liquid is separated from the solid phase and stored for later analysis. 

3.6.2 Particle Size Reduction 

Prior to extraction, the solid material must be reduced in size so it can pass through a 9.5-mm 

(0.375-in.) standard sieve, have a surface area equal to or greater than 3.1 cm2, or be smaller than 1 

cm in its narrowest dimension. If the waste does not meet these requirements, the solid portion is 

crushed, cut, or ground until these conditions are met. (Special precautions are necessary for organic 

volatiles extraction.) 

3.6.3 Extraction of Solid Material 

Once the size restrictions are met, the solid material is mixed with an amount of extraction fluid equal 

to 20 times the weight of the solid phase. The mixture is extracted for approximately 18 hours. A 

special extractor vessel is used when testing for volatile analytes. 

3.6.4 Final Separation of the Extraction from the Remaining Solid 

Following extraction, the liquid phase is separated from the solid phase by filtration. If compatible, 

any liquids separated before extractions are added and the two are analyzed together. If 

incompatible, the liquids are analyzed separately and the results are mathematically combined to 

yield an average concentration. 

3.6.5 Testing (Analysis) of TCLP Extract 

Inorganic and organic species are identified and quantified using methods in the 6000, 7000, and 

8000 series of SW-846 methods in this manual or by other appropriate or equivalent methods11.
19 

Different dangerous waste codes are assigned depending on which compound is found in the waste. 

The waste codes for each compound is found in Table 3.6. Any waste that contains contaminant 

concentrations at or above the regulatory threshold must be designated DW and assigned a unique 

waste code. 

Table 3.6: Maximum Concentration of Contaminants for the Toxicity Characteristic 

Dangerous Chemical Regulatory SW-846 

Waste Contaminant Abstracts DW Level Test Methods after 1311

Code Services # (mg/L) 

D004 Arsenic 7440-38-2 5.0 6000 or 7000 series 

D005 Barium 7440-39-3 100.0 6000 or 7000 series 

D018 Benzene 71-43-2 0.5 8021B, 8260B 

D006 Cadmium 7440-43-9 1.0 6000 or 7000 series 

D019 Carbon tetrachloride 56-23-5 0.5 8021B, 8260B 

D020 Chlordane 57-74-9 0.03 8081A 

D021 Chlorobenzene 108-90-7 100.0 8021B, 8260B 

D022 Chloroform 67-66-3 6.0 8021B, 8260B 

D007 Chromium 7440-47-3 5.0 6000 or 7000 series 

D023 o-Cresol 95-48-7 200.01 8270C 

D024 m-Cresol 108-39-4 200.01 8270D 

D025 p-Cresol 106-44-5 200.01 8270D 

D026 Cresol 200.01 8270D 

D016 2,4-D 94-75-7 10.0 8151A 

D027 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 106-46-7 7.5 8021B, 8260B 

D028 1,2-Dichloroethane 107-06-2 0.5 8021B, 8260B 

D029 1-1-Dichloroethylene 75-35-4 0.7 8021B, 8260B 

D030 2,4-Dinitrotoluene 121-14-2 0.13 8270C 

D012 Endrin 72-20-8 0.02 8081A 

D031 Heptachlor (and its epoxide) 76-44-8 0.008 8081A 

D032 Hexachlorobenzene 118-74-1 0.13 8081A, 8121, 8270C 

D033 Hexachloro-1,3-butadiene 87-68-3 0.5 8021B, 8260B 

D034 Hexachloroethane 67-72-1 3.0 8270CD 

D008 Lead 7439-92-1 5.0 6000 or 7000 series 

D013 Lindane 58-89-9 0.4 8081A 

D009 Mercury 7439-97-6 0.2 6000 or 7000 series 

D014 Methoxychlor 72-43-5 10.0 8270D, 8081A 

D035 Methyl ethyl ketone 78-93-3 200.0 8260B 

D036 Nitrobenzene 98-95-3 2.0 8270D 

D037 Pentachlorophenol 87-86-5 100.0 8270D 

D038 Pyridine 110-86-1 5.0 8270D 

D010 Selenium 7782-49-2 1.0 6000 or 7000 series 

D011 Silver 7440-22-4 5.0 6000 or 7000 series 

D039 Tetrachloroethylene 127-18-4 0.7 8021B, 8260B 

D015 Toxaphene 8001-35-2 0.5 8081A 

D040 Trichloroethylene 79-01-6 0.5 802113, 8260B 

D041 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol 95-95-4 400.0 8270D 

D042 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 88-06-2 2.0 8270D 

D017 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) 93-72-1 1.0 8151A 

D043 Vinyl chloride 75-01-4 0.2 8021B, 8260B 

1

 If o-, m-, and p-cresol concentrations cannot be differentiated, the total cresol (D026) concentration 

is used. 
20 

3.7 Methods to Determine State-only Toxic waste 

There are three methods generators can use to determine if their waste is a state-only toxic: 

1. Book designate using product information. 

2. Use chemical tests in conjunction with book designation. 

3. Biologically test the waste for toxicity. 

When a generator chooses to book designate waste, he/she must follow the book designation procedure 

as outlined in WAC 173-303-100 (5) (b). Book designation is a very common procedure for toxic 

wastes12. The generator applies existing knowledge of the various chemical constituents of the waste 

stream. This knowledge could be gained using a combination of tools such as: 

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). 

• An understanding of reaction, concentration, or dilution effects associated with the productionprocess, and supplemented (if necessary) with testing data. 

Ecology could require testing if there is reason to believe a waste has been improperly designated 

(WAC 173-303-070 (4)). 

The generator could choose to determine the actual concentration of the various chemicals in the 

waste stream using any of the approved test methods in the regulations (WAC 173-303-110). With 

this chemical information, the generator is required to determine the toxic category for each known 

constituent. The toxic category for each constituent may be determined by obtaining data from three 

sources: 

1. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Registry of Toxic Effects of 

Chemical Substances (RTECS), Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 

Washington, DC 20402. 

2. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Ecotoxicology database (ECOTOX), MidContinent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, MN 55804. 

3. The United States National Library of Medicine Toxicology Data Network, Hazardous Substance 

Database (HSDB), 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894. 

The generator may choose to test the waste according to Biological Testing Methods, Ecology 

publication #80-12, (the most current revision), instead of using the book designation procedure. 

Either of these procedures are accepted in Washington State. 

3.8 Test Methods for Determining Halogenated Organic Compounds 

When a waste contains one or more Halogenated Organic Compounds (HOC), the total HOC 

concentration must be determined by summing the concentration for all HOCs. If the total 

concentration of HOCs exceeds 100 parts per million (ppm), the waste would then designate as DW 

and be assigned a waste code of WP02. If the total concentration of HOC exceeds 10,000 ppm, the 

waste would designate as extremely hazardous waste (EHW) and be assigned a waste code of WP01. 
21 

It is very important for generators to understand that a wide range of halogenated organic compounds 

may cause a waste to designate as persistent waste. Unfortunately, there is no single analytical 

method that will clearly identify all potential HOCs regulated in Washington State. 

Generators should be aware that halogenated compounds are also found in other parts of the 

regulations. For example, the toxicity characteristics list contains twenty-three halogenated 

(chlorinated) compounds, over fifty percent of the forty substances to be determined under TCLP. In 

addition, spent halogenated solvents are identified in the “F” list and others are in the “U” and “P” 

lists of compounds. 

Also, when used oil is burned for energy recovery, it is presumed to be dangerous waste if it contains 

more than 1,000 ppm total halogens. However, under most circumstances, a waste that is not 

identified as dangerous waste under any of these characteristics, lists, or other criteria must still be 

evaluated for persistence, including used oil that is to be burned for energy recovery or sent for land 

disposal. 

Because of the wide scope of potentially halogenated waste streams produced by generators, Ecology 

recommends that the generator rely on their analytical laboratory for the appropriate analytical 

method to determine the HOC content in their specific waste stream. 

The following test methods are recommended for use in the determination of whether a waste 

would designate as persistent for HOCs. Please note that SW-846 contains many methods not 

mentioned in this document that could satisfy the requirements of this chapter. If a generator knows 

or suspects the constituents in their waste stream would not be identified by the methods specified 

below, they must consult their analytical laboratory for the appropriate SW-846 test method. 

3.8.1 General Evaluation Methods for Determining HOCs 

HOC concentration levels are based on the whole compound; both the organic base and the 

associated halogen portion. Halogens can be substituted on an organic base from 0.01 percent to 90 

percent. Ecology has determined a need for assistance on designating a waste using only the halogen 

portion of the HOC. 

3.8.2 HOCs as Halogens 

Ecology based its designation of state-only persistence criteria on the pattern of existing Ecology and 

EPA guidance, specifically the Special requirements for used oil burned for energy recovery rule. 

This rule was chosen as representative due to the type of waste streams that are currently being 

designated as persistent waste. They are: 

• halogenated solvent solids 

• grease 

• solids contaminated with grease 

• tar and heavy petroleum distillates 

• waste and used oils 

• used solvent 

• used oil contaminated with 1,1,1-trichloroethane 

• parts washer solvent 
22 

Most of these wastes are typical of the types of wastes that go for fuel blending. Therefore, the 

concentration levels for HOCs were matched with the concentration level that has been established 

for total halogens in waste oils. 

3.8.3 General Evaluation of Wastes for HOCs 

Ecology established general evaluation criteria, which can be used to determine if a waste designates 

as an HOC based on the total halogen content of the waste stream. If the total halide concentration of 

the waste exceeds 100 ppm (mg/L or mg/kg) regardless of the chemical composition of the waste, the 

waste designates as state-only persistent and must be assigned the appropriate waste code and 

disposed of as required to a permitted facility13. 

The general evaluation analysis strips any halogen from its source compound and determines only the 

total concentration of the halides in the waste stream. Based on analyses Ecology conducted in 

preparation of this change, it was possible to determine an approximate correlation factor of 10 between 

the halide concentration determined by the general evaluation method and the HOC concentration in 

the waste determined by the testing method. The general evaluation value was selected as 100 ppm, 10 

ppm for any individual compound or 100 pm for a total of all halogen compounds. 

The following criteria must be followed to determine waste properties properly under the general 

evaluation method: 

1. Determine the total concentration of halides in the waste stream. If the waste contains a total 

halide concentration at the following levels: 

Table 3.8.3: Designation Waste Concentrations and Resulting Dangerous Waste Codes 

For a concentration level of.... The waste designation numbers are.... 

100 to 10,000 ppm DW, WP02 

Greater than 10,000 ppm EHW, WP01 

2. Wastes containing halogens at the concentration levels specified are presumed to be a dangerous 

waste because those halogens are organic. If the waste is determined to be a persistent dangerous 

waste based on the general evaluation analysis, the generator can, if he chooses, conduct further 

analyses to prove the waste is not persistent. This proof can only be done by providing 

documented evidence that: 

a) A significant portion of the total halide concentration is due to inorganic halogens. As noted 

earlier, inorganic halogens are not HOCs and are not regulated as persistent compounds. The 

proof must be supported by clear evidence that the waste contains non-persistent components 

and that these components provide an overwhelming majority of the halogens identified in the 

general evaluation analysis. 

b) The generator performs chemical analytical methods, including but not limited to methods 

such as SW-846 Method 8260B, for volatile organics, and SW-846 Method 8270C, for 

semi-volatile organics, to determine the concentration of specific HOCs. Methods should be 

selected based on what HOCs are likely to be found in the waste. If this option is selected, the 

generator must demonstrate that both the concentration of individual HOCs are below 10 ppm 

and the total concentration of all HOCs is less than 100 ppm. 

Note: If the general evaluation analysis indicates the waste stream designates as EHW 

(halide concentration greater than 10,000 ppm), the generator may conduct further analyses to 
23 

prove the waste is not an EHW but is in fact a DW. As above, the generator must prove that 

both the concentration of individual HOCs of concern are below 100 ppm and the total 

concentration of HOCs are less than 10,000 ppm, to designate the waste as DW, instead of 

EHW for HOC. 

If the generator has knowledge of the specific HOCs present in the waste, they should be able to 

calculate the quantity of HOCs. 

3.8.4 General Evaluation Methods 

Ecology recommends that either SW-846 Method 9076 or Methods 5050 and 9056 be used in the 

determination of halide concentration in a waste stream. Although the title of Method 9076 implies 

only petroleum products are analyzed, the method has an optional sample introduction procedure, 

allowing soil and liquid samples to be analyzed as well. 

Method 9056, Determination of Inorganic Anions by Ion Chromatography works well for aqueous 

waste streams. (Note: Organics in your waste can seriously affect the functioning of an ion 

chromatograph. Check with your laboratory if your waste contains organics.) 

For solid waste samples, Method 9056 uses SW-846 Method 5050, Bomb Preparation Method for 

Solid Wastes. Method 5050 combusts the solid waste and converts the halogenated organics into 

carbon dioxide, water and fluoride, chloride, bromide or iodine inorganic species. These halogen 

inorganics are recovered and analyzed via Method 9056. 

Ecology recognizes the following limitations with Method 9076: 

• Method 9076 does not detect all halogens specified under the definition of HOC. This method 

only quantifies the chlorine, half of the bromine, half of the iodine, and none of the fluorine. 

• This method may experience positive interferences from inorganic halides. 

Ecology recognizes the following limitation with Method 5050:

• Samples with very high water content (>25%) may not combust efficiently and may require the 

addition of a mineral oil to facilitate combustion. 

Ecology recognizes the following limitation with Method 9056: 

• Method 9056 does not detect iodine but gives accurate results for chloride, bromide, and fluorine. 

Ecology supports the use of Methods 9076 and 5050/9056 for the general evaluation of a waste 

stream containing HOCs. The methods are available on the Web at: 

www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm. Ecology regional offices can also provide a copy of 

the method. See inside the front cover of this document for information on the closest regional office 

to you. 

The total concentrations of chloride, bromide, and fluoride are compared against the regulatory limits 

identified in Table 3.8.3, to determine if the waste designates as a state-only persistent waste. 

If the halide concentration obtained from the general evaluation methods exceeds the designation 

limits identified above, the generator retains the right to identify specific HOCs in the waste to prove 
24 

the waste is not persistent. Please see Section 3.7.6, “Determinative Methods for HOC” for more 

details on this process. 

Although Ecology supports the use of general evaluation methods based on SW-846 Methods 9076 

and 5050/9056 for the determination of HOCs as halogens, several halogen specific analyses exist 

that could satisfy the general evaluation criteria. Table 3.8.4: Methods for Determining Halogens, 

lists some of the analysis described in SW-846. 

Table 3.8.4: Alternative General Evaluation Methods for HOCs

Method No. Method Title 

Method 

9075 

Test Method for Total Chlorine in New and Used Petroleum Products b XRay Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) 

Method 

9077 

Test Methods for Total Chlorine in New and Used Petroleum Products (Field 

Test Kit Methods). 

Method 

9211 

Potentiometric Determination of Bromide in Aqueous Samples with IonSelective Electrode 

Method 

9212 

Potentiometric Determination of Chloride in Aqueous Samples with IonSelective Electrode 

Method 

9214 

Potentiometric Determination of Fluoride in Aqueous Samples with IonSelective Electrode 

Method 

9250 

Chloride (Colorimetric, Automated Ferricyanide AAI) 

Method 

9251 

Chloride (Colorimetric, Automated Ferricyanide AAII) 

Method 

9253 

Chloride (Titrimetric, Silver Nitrate) 

If alternative methods other than those recommended by Ecology are used, the generator needs to 

obtain concentrations for all halides, which are then compared against the designation limits. None 

of the individual methods identified above provide the necessary information on all halide species to 

be able to sum individual concentrations of HOCs. Therefore results from multiple methods will be 

needed. 

3.8.5 Designation Flow Chart 

To assist in the designation process, Ecology formulated a decision tree, which documents the steps 

needed to designate wastes for state-only persistence. The decision tree represents the general 

evaluation process using the methodology based on SW-846 Methods 9076 or Methods 5050 and 

9056 run in combination. 
25 

Have you

designated your waste

for everything except 

State Only

persistence?1

Assign waste 

codes. State Only 

persistence codes 

are optional.

Designation 

Complete!

Is your 

waste a 

dangerous 

waste?

Yes

Does 

your waste 

contain 

HOCs?

Designate your 

waste. See 

Ecology guidance

Do General Evaluation

Recommended: (SW-846 

9076 or 5050 & 9056)

Yes or 

Don’t Know

How do you know?

Do you have:

- an MSDS

- Technical Knowledge

- Chemical analyses?

- etc.....

No

Document 

information

Is total halogen 

concentration ≥ 100 

ppm?

Not State only 

persistent 

dangerous waste

State only 

persistent 

Dangerous Waste 

Assign waste 

code: WP02

State only persistent 

Extremely Hazardous 

Waste. Assign waste 

codes: WP01, EHW

Is

concentration from 

either or the total of 

both evaluations

≥ 10,000 ppm?1

Yes

Does your waste 

contain Fluorine?2

Yes

No

Decision Tree 

Persistence Designation

Is

total Flourine

concentration ≥

100 ppm?

Yes

No

How do you know?

Do you have:

- an MSDS

- Technical Knowledge

- Chemical analyses?

- etc.....

No

Do Fluorine 

Evaluation No

No Yes

Yes or Don’t Know

START

Continue

Legend:

EHW = Extremely Hazardous Waste

etc. = Etcetera

HOC = Halogenated organic compound

MSDS = Material Safety Data Sheet

ppm = parts per million

WP01 = Washington State-only persistent EHW

WP02 = Washington State-only persistent dangerous waste

>= = greater than or equal to

# = number

No

1

Additional designation requirements exist for Small Quantity Generators, used oil, etc. and are not in 

included in this flow chart. See text for additional information on these waste streams

2

Note: This evaluation is only needed if some other analysis is done other than the Methods 5050 and 

9056 recommended as a General Evaluation. Alternatives usually do not include fluorine concentration.

No

Yes

No

Is Fluorine &

total halogen

concentration ≥ 100 

ppm?

No Yes

Yes
26 

3.8.6 Determinative Methods for HOCs

Ecology recommends that the following criteria be followed to properly determine appropriate 

determinative methods for HOC waste properties: 

1. If the chemical constituents of the waste stream are unknown, the generator should test the waste 

using Method 8260B, for the volatile HOC portion of the waste, Method 8270C, for the 

semi-volatile HOC portion of the waste, and all other appropriate methods to determine HOCs, 

which comprise a portion of the waste stream. Ecology also recommends the use of tentatively 

identified compounds (TIC) where appropriate. TICs are peaks with a response greater than 10 

percent of the nearest internal standards response. The largest 20 TIC's for Methods 8260B and 

8270C are to be reported along with those constituents positively identified by these methods. 

The sum of the halogenated organic compounds detected from these methods can then be used to 

designate the waste. 

 Note that these methods give the widest range of analytes detected in the `8000 series'. Ecology 

acknowledges that not all HOCs will be captured by these methods and recommends working 

with Ecology and your laboratory to establish an appropriate list of alternate methods for your 

wastes. 

 2. If the chemical constituents of the waste stream are known, the generator must consult with their 

analytical laboratory to determine which test method will work best to determine the HOC 

content of their waste stream. Ecology recommends the use of the `8000 series' methods in 

SW-846. As with all of the 8000 series methods, e.g. 8021B and 8121, specific analytes are 

targeted. Although these methods have a limited target list associated with them, other 

compounds not listed may be able to be determined using these methods. 

Table 3.8.6: Determinative Methods for HOCs 

SW-846 Method No. Analytes Detected 

8021B Halogenated Volatiles 

8081A Organochlorine Pesticides 

8082 PCBs 

8111 Haloethers 

8121 Chlorinated Hydrocarbons 

8151A Chlorinated Herbicides 

8260B Volatile Organic Compounds 

8270C Semivolatile Organic Compounds 

3.8.7 Examples of Wastes That Need Not Be Evaluated for State-only Persistence 

The following are provided as examples and are intended solely to clarify the definitions presented in 

above sections. These examples are not all encompassing but are intended to provide examples of 

types of compounds. If a generator is unsure whether his waste meets any of the following criteria he 

should contact his local Ecology office identified in the beginning of this document. 

3.8.7.1 Compounds That Are Not HOCs

Ecology’s definition of persistence requires a halogen to be directly bonded to a carbon atom. There 

are numerous compounds that contain halides which do not meet this definition. Examples of 

compounds that are not considered HOCs are: 
27 

1. Sodium chloride (also known as table salt): This compound is the major constituent in sea water 

and appears in many mixtures. As the chlorine atom is not connected to a carbon atom, it does 

not meet the definition of an HOC. 

2. Ortho-Toluidine hydrochloride: This compound appears in EPA’s Appendix IX list and was 

initially included for consideration. However, the halogen is not directly bonded to a carbon but 

exists as a chloride ion in solution with the compound. Therefore, it does not meet the definition 

of an HOC. 

3. 4'-Nitro-biphenyl-4-sulfonyl chloride: This compound is an example of a sulfonyl chloride. In 

this compound, the chlorine atom is attached directly to the sulfur atom. Therefore, it does not 

meet the definition of an HOC (the chlorine atom is not connected to a carbon atom). 

3.8.7.2 Polymers 

As defined in section C.1.b, compounds that meet Ecology’s definition of a polymer are not 

considered state-only persistent wastes. Halogenated polymers are not evaluated for state-only 

persistence criteria because, although they persist for extended periods of time in the environment, 

they are resistant to decomposition and have little biological impact. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is an 

example of a halogenated polymer composed of many repetitions of the vinyl chloride monomer as in 

the following example: 

Many vinyl chloride monomers Î becomes polyvinyl chloride 

 H Cl H Cl H Cl H Cl H 

 | | | | | | | | | 

 C==C Î .....C—C—C—C—C—C—C..... 

 | | | | | | | | | 

 H H H H H H H H H 

Another polymer example would be neoprene, a substance used for oil resistant protective clothing. 

The monomer (2-chloro 1, 3-butadiene) combines into the neoprene polymer: 

Many butadiene monomers Î becomes neoprene 

 H Cl H H Cl H H Cl H 

 | | | | | | | | | 

 C==C—C==C Î .....C—C==C—C—C—C==C—C..... 

 | | | | | | | | | 

 H H H H H H H H H 

There are numerous other examples of halogenated polymers such as saran, which also do not need to 

be evaluated as a state-only persistent waste. 

3.8.8 Examples of HOCs, Which MUST Be Evaluated for State-only Persistence 

The following are provided as examples of compounds, which do not fall into the above categories and 

must be evaluated for state-only persistence designation. The following are intended solely to clarify 

the examples presented in above sections. They are not all encompassing but are intended to provide 

examples of types of compounds. If a generator is unsure whether his waste meets any of the 

exclusions in this document, they should contact their local Ecology office. 
28 

3.8.8.1 Chlorinated Paraffins 

Chlorinated paraffins are mixtures of polychlorinated n-alkanes produced by the reaction of chlorine 

with specific normal paraffin fractions from petroleum distillation. Carbon-carbon lengths of 

commercial products are generally between C10 and C30. The chlorine content is typically between 

40 and 70 percent. 

Chlorinated paraffins are used as plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride, as extreme-pressure additives in 

metal-machining fluids, as additives to paints, coatings, and sealants to improve their resistance to 

chemicals and to water, and as flame retardants for plastics, fabrics, paints, and coatings. 

Chlorinated paraffins are believed to persist in the environment and therefore must be evaluated to 

determine if they meet Ecology’s state-only persistence requirement. For more information on 

chlorinated paraffins, see Appendix 5. 

3.8.8.2 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) are regulated by other regulations such as the Toxic Substances 

Control Act (TSCA). Since PCBs meet the definition of HOCs, wastes containing PCBs must also be 

evaluated for state-only persistence. Even though the PCB concentration may fall below the regulated 

limit defined by such laws as TSCA, the total concentration of all HOCs must fall below the 

determined designation limit to not be considered state-only persistent waste. Therefore, some PCB 

wastes, which may not be regulated by laws such as TSCA, may still be identified as a state-only 

persistent waste depending on the total concentration of all HOC species present in the waste, including 

PCBs. 

 3.8.8.3 Polymer Additives 

Additives are often combined with polymers to produce specific properties and are not included in the 

definition of polymer. Additives are not excluded and polymers containing these additives must be 

evaluated for persistence. Additives include but are not limited to: 

• Fillers 

• Pigments 

• Plasticizers 

• Flow improvers 

• Stabilizers (usually added to prevent aging and degradation) 

• Catalysts 

• Fire retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers, tetrabromobisphenol A, and others) 

If you have any questions concerning the additives in your particular polymer, please contact your 

local Ecology office. 

3.9 Test Methods for Determining Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons 

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) are clearly defined by the regulations through a specific 

list of chemicals. As with HOC, the total concentration must be determined by summing the 

concentration of each of the PAHs quantified by one of the methods listed below. No single method 

can detect all 20 PAHs listed in Chapter 2, section 2.3.4., so generators should select the methods 

which either obtains the most PAHs possible or analyzes for those PAHs most likely to be found in 

the waste based on process knowledge. 

 
29 

If the total concentration of PAHs exceeds 10,000 ppm, the waste would then designate as an 

extremely hazardous waste (EHW). There is no DW concentration level for PAHs. 

3.9.1 SW-846 Method 8100 

Method 8100 is a test method for PAHs. Method 8100 is a packed column method, but capillary 

columns are allowed to be substituted. Although this test method will detect fifteen chemical 

compounds listed under the definition of PAHs, this method has a tendency to produce results biased 

high due to chromatographic interferences. 

Since this method employs FID (flame ionization detection) which is basically a "universal" detector, 

(e.g., responds to most organic compounds regardless of chemical structure or molecular elemental 

composition), any organic compound which exists from the column at the same time as the 

compounds of interest would be interpreted as the compound of interest. 

3.9.2 SW-846 Method 8310 

Method 8310 is a method for PAHs using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This 

method, also, has a tendency to produce false high results, but is able to better distinguish between 

PAH pairs that might go unresolved in Method 8100. As the list of PAHs is so specific, Method 

8310 is better at distinguishing 4-, 5-, and 6-ring compounds in the waste matrix. Ecology 

recommends Method 8310 over Method 8100. 

3.9.3 SW-846 Method 8270D

Method 8270C is the test method for Semi-volatile Organic Compounds by GC/MS. This method 

will detect fifteen compounds and is the most accurate of the `8000 series' methods available to detect 

PAHs. The GC/MS techniques have the ability to "look through" the interferences and determine 

how much of the peak corresponds to the target compound. 

This method also has some limitations, particularly if there are interferences. Although Method 

8270C is the most expensive analysis of the three methods listed, Ecology strongly recommends the 

use of Method 8270D, over Methods 8100 and 8310. 

3.10 Optional Indicator Test Methods 

These test methods are not required under the Dangerous Waste Regulations (WAC 173-303). The 

following tests are optional indicator test methods for designating dangerous waste. 

 

3.10.1 SW-846 Method 1030 Ignitability of Solids 

This method is suitable for the determination of the ignitability of solids and is appropriate for pastes, 

granular materials, solids that can be cut into strips, and powdery substances. This method may be 

used to meet certain regulatory applications; with respect to the characteristic of ignitability in CFR § 

261.21, this method may be used, but is not required, to determine whether a solid waste “when 

ignited, burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard.” If it is impractical to perform 

the test because of the physical form of the sample, generator knowledge should be used to determine 

the ignitability hazard posed by the material. This method is available on the web at: 

www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/testmethods/sw846/pdfs/1030.pdf
30 

3.10.2 SW-846 Test Method 1050 to Determine Substances Likely to Spontaneously 

Combust 

This method provides test procedures, which may be used to evaluate and categorize liquid and solid 

wastes that are likely to spontaneously combust. The method is based on the DOT regulations for the 

transport of spontaneously combustible materials as provided in 49 CFR Part 173, Appendix E. 

These test procedures are intended to identify two types of wastes with spontaneous combustion 

properties: 

• Wastes (including mixtures and solutions, liquid or solid) which, even in small quantities, ignite 

within five minutes of coming in contact with air. These wastes are the most likely to 

spontaneously combust and are considered to have pyrophoric properties. 

• Other solid wastes which, in contact with air and without an energy supply, are susceptible to 

self-heating. These wastes will ignite only when in large amounts (kilograms) and after long 

periods of time (hours or days) and are considered having self-heating properties. 

This method is not required by the Federal regulations to determine if a waste passes or fails the 

characteristic of ignitability according to the RCRA regulatory definition at 40 CFR 261.21. To 

clarify, the test results of this method cannot be used to directly classify a waste as a D001 hazardous 

waste, nor can the results be used by themselves to definitively classify a waste as non-hazardous. 

No specific test for ignitable solids is required by the RCRA regulations, and only a waste meeting 

the narrative regulatory definition at 40 CFR 261.21(a) (2) is an ignitable hazardous waste because it 

is an ignitable solid. 

In addition, the test in this method for a liquid may be helpful in determining whether a liquid waste 

has hazardous properties; however, a liquid waste is only a D001 hazardous waste if it is an oxidizer, 

as defined at 40 CFR 261.21(a) (4), or based on its flash point, as defined at 40 CFR 261.21(a) (1). 

This test method was developed to specifically illustrate the ignitable properties of materials, 

including wastes and its results provide relevant and useful information that may be applied to 

knowledge of a waste in determining whether a waste meets the 40 CFR 261.21 criteria. This method 

is available on the web at: www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/testmethods/sw846/pdfs/1050.pdf.

3.10.3 SW-846 Method 1040 Test Methods for Oxidizing Solids

This test procedure is suitable for assessing the relative oxidizing hazard of solid substances, 

including solids, granular materials, and other materials that can be formed into a conical pile. This 

procedure is not appropriate for evaluating oxidizing liquids. 

This method is not required by the Federal regulations to determine if a waste passes or fails the 

characteristic of ignitability according to the RCRA regulatory definition at 40 CFR 261.21. To 

clarify, the test results of this method cannot be used to directly classify a waste as a D001 hazardous 

waste, nor can the results be used by themselves to definitively classify a waste as non-hazardous. 

No specific test for defining oxidizers is required by the RCRA regulations, and only a waste meeting 

the narrative regulatory definition at 40 CFR 261.21(a)(4) is an ignitable hazardous waste because of 

its oxidizer properties. However, this test method was developed to specifically illustrate the oxidizer 
31 

properties of materials, including wastes, and its results provide relevant and useful information that 

may be applied to knowledge of a waste in determining whether a waste meets the 40 CFR 

261.21(a)(4) criteria. This method is available on the web at: 

www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/testmethods/sw846/pdfs/1040.pdf.

Chapter 3 Endnotes 

1a . The lists of methods were not intended to be used for waste designation or to meet 

regulatory requirements. Methods not in WAC 173-303-110 can be approved to support 

facility operations as part of a permit process or other non-regulatory requirements. 

Ecology must approve method(s) that are not specified in WAC 173-303-110 before they 

can be used to designate waste.

1b. Washington State’s accreditation program for laboratories is described in Chapter 173-303 

WAC. Although using an accredited laboratory is not required to comply with WAC 173-

303, Ecology recommends using accredited laboratories. Washington State’s Laboratory 

accreditation program will, for a fee, provide certification for most methods. The 

certification is typically specific for a matrix like water, soil, etc. Before using an 

accredited laboratory, the generator should verify if the lab is accredited for both the 

analytical method and his sample matrix. A list of accredited labs is available on Ecology’s 

Web site at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/labs/lab-accreditation.html or by contacting an 

Ecology regional office. For more information about Ecology’s laboratory accreditation 

program, refer to publication #02-03-055, Procedural Manual for the Environmental 

Laboratory Accreditation Program, November 2002.

2. These methods can be found at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm. Ecology 

regional offices can also provide a copy. See inside the cover of this document for your 

nearest regional office. 

3. Specifically, for Land Disposal Restrictions or LDR. 

4. Federal Register: January 13, 1995, Vol. 60 page 3092. 

5. Available on Ecology’s Web site at www.ecy.wa.gov/ecology or can be obtained from any 

of Ecology’s regional offices. 

6. Ecology regional offices can also provide a copy of the test method. 

7. Find SW-846 Method 9040C at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm. Ecology 

regional offices can also provide a copy. See inside the front cover of this document’s for 

your nearest regional office. Aqueous content is based on testing limitations. SW-846 

defines a liquid as having greater than 20 percent aqueous content. A Solid has less than 20 

percent aqueous content. 

8. Find SW-846 Method 9045D at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm. Ecology 

regional offices can also provide a copy. 

9. WAC 173-303-090 (6) (a) (iii). 

10. ASTM Standard D4978-95(2007), “Standard Test Methods for Screening of Reactive 

Sulfides in Waste”, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA 2007, DOI: 

10.15201D4978-95R07. www.astm.org/Standards/D4978.htm. 
32 

11. Equivalent testing methods as described in WAC 173-303-110(5). “Any person may 

request the department to approve an equivalent testing method by submitting a petition, 

prepared in accordance with WAC 173-303-910(2), to the department”. 

12. Under the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), waste may be chemically tested to 

determine if MTCA cleanup levels have been met or to designate a waste. 

13. WAC 173-303. 
33 

Appendix 1 

Glossary of Terms 

Accuracy: The degree of agreement of an analytical result with the true value. The 

accuracy of a result is affected by both systematic and random errors. 

Analyte: Denotes `that which is to be analyzed for’ in chemical, but not physical 

or biological, determinations. 

Analytical method: Denotes a set of written instructions specifying an analytical procedure 

to be followed. The procedure provides an estimate of the concentration 

of an analyte. 

Chemical Abstract 

Services (CAS) 

Number: 

A unique identifying number given to chemical compounds and specialized 

mixtures of compounds. Regulated chemicals should be identified by their 

names and possible synonyms, which are many and varied, the unique 

CAS number for individual chemicals, and the CAS number of any 

regulated chemical contained in a specialized mixture. 

Completeness: A measure of the amount of useable data obtained from a project 

compared to the amount expected. 

Constituent: A chemically distinct component of a dangerous waste stream or 

mixture as per WAC 173-303-040. 

Dangerous waste 

constituent: 

Those constituents listed in WAC 173-303-9905 and any other 

constituents that have caused a waste to be a dangerous waste under 

Chapter 173-303 WAC. 

Dangerous wastes: Solid wastes identified as dangerous, or extremely hazardous or mixed 

waste. For the purposes of these regulations, the words "dangerous waste" 

will refer to all regulated wastes. The abbreviation "DW" will refer only to 

waste, which is not extremely hazardous waste (EHW). 

Designation: The process that determines whether a solid waste is a dangerous waste 

and, through the generator’s assignment of applicable federal and/or 

state waste codes, identifies the specific lists, characteristics or criteria 

that caused the solid waste to designate. Dangerous wastes are assigned 

federal and state waste codes. 

Disposal: The discharging, discarding, or abandoning of dangerous wastes or the 

treatment, decontamination, or recycling of such wastes once they have 

been discarded or abandoned. This includes the discharge of any 

dangerous wastes into or on any land, air, or water, as per WAC 

173-303-040. 
34 

Equivalent test 

method: 

A laboratory or field testing method used to determine a waste's 

characteristics or contents that has been approved by Ecology in lieu of 

a method required by the regulations. An equivalent test method can 

only be approved by submitting a petition and receiving approval from 

Ecology. 

Extremely hazardous 

waste: 

Those dangerous and mixed wastes identified as extremely hazardous. 

The abbreviation "EHW" will be used to refer to only those dangerous 

and mixed wastes, which are extremely hazardous. 

Generator: Any person who produces dangerous waste or who first causes a 

dangerous waste to become subject to regulation. 

Half-life: The length of time it takes for the concentration of a substance to be 

reduced by one-half relative to its initial level, assuming first-order 

decay kinetics. 

Halogenated organic 

compound: 

Any organic compound which includes one or more atoms of fluorine, 

chlorine, bromine, or iodine bonded directly to a carbon atom. 

Hazardous wastes: Those solid wastes regulated as hazardous and/or mixed waste by the 

United States EPA. 

Ignitable waste: A dangerous waste which flashes below 140° F. 

Leachate: Any liquid that has percolated through or drained from dangerous waste. 

This includes any components suspended in the liquid. 

NIOSH registry: The registry of toxic effects of chemical substances published by the 

National Institute for occupational Safety and Health. 

Organic/carbonaceous 

waste: 

A dangerous waste that contains greater than ten percent organic or 

carbon based constituents. These constituents contain carbon-hydrogen, 

carbon-halogen, or carbon-carbon bonds. 

Persistence: Compounds that retains more than half of their initial activity after 365 

days in either a dark anaerobic or dark aerobic environment at ambient 

conditions. These compounds are either a halogenated organic 

compound (HOC) or a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). 

Person: Any individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, federal agency, 

corporation (including a government corporation), partnership, 

association, state, municipality, commission, political subdivision of a 

state, or any interstate body whatsoever. 
35 

Pesticide: There are multiple meanings: 

1. Any substance or mixture intended to prevent, destroy, control, 

repel, or mitigate any organism normally considered to by a pest. 

This includes insects, rodents, nematodes, mollusks, fungi, weeds, 

and any other plant or animal life, or virus (except viruses on or in 

living man or other animal) The department of agriculture may 

declare an organism to be a pest. 

2. Any substance or mixture intended to be used as a plant regulator, 

defoliant, or desiccant. 

3. Any substance or mixture intended to be used as spray adjuvant. 

4. Any other substance named by the department of Agriculture. 

Ecology considers herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and 

rodenticides to be pesticides. 

Polymer: A long, repeating chain formed from organic molecules via the linkage 

of many smaller molecules called monomers. A key feature that 

distinguishes polymers from other large molecules is the repetition of 

smaller units (monomers) in their chain. The process of linking the 

smaller units (monomers) together is called polymerization. For the 

purpose of this document, a polymer is defined as: 

1. Long chains of repeating monomers with at least one halogen 

compound in the monomer attached to a carbon atom. 

2. 100 or more repeating units (monomers) combined together into a 

single chain. 

3. A compound having a number average molecular weight of at least 

5,000. Although polymers may be persistent, they often do not 

degrade in the environment and, therefore, have minimal biological 

impact. 

Polymer additives: Compounds combined with polymers to produce specific properties. 

These additives are not included in the definition of polymer and must be 

evaluated to determine if they cause waste to designate as a state-only 

persistent waste. Additives include but are not limited to 1) fillers, 2) 

pigments, 3) plasticizers, 4) flow improvers, 5) stabilizers (usually added 

to prevent aging and degredation), 6) catalysts, and fire retardants. 

Polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbons: 

Compounds composed of two or more fused benzene rings. The PAHs 

of concern are: Acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluorene, anthracene, 

fluoranthene, phenanthrene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, 

benzo(k)fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo(a)pyrene, 

dibenz(a,h)anthracene, indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, 

dibenzo[(a,e), (a,h), (a,i), and (a, l)]pyrenes, and dibenzo(a,j)acridine. 

Process knowledge: Knowledge the generator applies to a solid waste to determine if it is a 

dangerous waste in light of the materials or the process used. Such 

knowledge can be used when the generator demonstrates the 

information to be sufficient for determining whether a solid waste is 

designated properly, as per WAC 173-303-070(3)(c)(ii). 
36 

Reactive waste: A dangerous waste that exhibits the characteristic of reactivity described 

in WAC 173-303-090(7). 

Sludge: Any solid, semisolid, or liquid waste generated from a municipal, 

commercial, or industrial wastewater treatment plant, waste supply 

treatment plant, or air pollution control facility, as per 173-303-040. 

This term does not include the treated effluent from a wastewater 

treatment plant. 

Solid acid waste: A dangerous waste that exhibits the characteristic of low pH under the 

corrosivity tests of WAC 173-303-090(6)(a)(iii). 

Toxic: Having the properties to cause or to significantly contribute to death, 

injury, or illness of man or wildlife such as carcinogenicity, 

mutagenicity, or teratogenicity as per WAC 173-303-040. 

Waste stream: Waste streams have an individual point of generation. Individual waste 

streams include: 

1. Wastes that are physically or chemically different from each other; 

2. Wastes that are generated from different types of processes; and 

3. Wastes that are the same type, but are generated at different points 

along the same process or at different process locations.
37 

Appendix 2 

Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations - 49 CFR 

 found at: www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/49cfr173_06.html

A. Ignitable Liquids 

 1. 49 CFR § 173.120 Class 3—Definitions found at: 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cf

r_2006/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.120.pdf

 

B. Ignitable Compressed Gases 

 1. 49 CFR § 173.115 Class 2, Divisions 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 Definitions found at: 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr20

06/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.115.pdf

 

C. Oxidizers 

 1. 49 CFR § 173.127 Class 5, Division 5.1--Definition and assignment of packing groups 

found at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/ 

edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2006/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.127.pdf

 

 2. 49 CFR § 173.128 Class 5, Division 5.2--Definitions and types found at: 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2

006/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.128.pdf

 

D. Explosives 

 1. 49 CFR § 173.50 Class 1 definitions found at: 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr20

06/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.50.pdf

 

 2. 49 CFR § 173.53 Provisions for using old classifications of explosives found at: 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr20

06/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.53.pdf

 

 3. 49 CFR § 173.54 Forbidden explosives found at: 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr20

06/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.54.pdf

 

 4. 49 CFR § 173.56 New explosives--definition and procedures for classification and 

approval found at: 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr20

06/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.56.pdf

 

 5. 49 CFR § 173.57 Acceptance criteria for new explosives found at: 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr20

06/octqtr/pdf/49cfr173.57.pdf
38 
39 

Appendix 3 

Chlorinated Paraffins

• Chlorinated paraffins are mixtures of polychlorinated n-alkanes produced by the reaction of 

chlorine with specific normal paraffin fractions from petroleum distillation. 

• Carbon-carbon lengths of commercial products are generally between C10 and C30. 

• www.eurochlor.org/chlorparaffins/generalinfo/info.htm

o Short chain 

 Based on C10-C13 paraffin 

o Medium chain 

 Based on C14-C17 paraffin 

o Long chain 

 Based on C18-C20 paraffin 

o Wax grades 

 Average carbon chain length approximately C25

• The chlorine content is typically between 40 and 70 percent. 

• Chlorinated paraffins are used as plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride, as extreme-pressure 

additives in metal-machining fluids, as additives to paints, coatings, and sealants to improve 

their resistance to chemicals and to water, and as flame retardants for plastics, fabrics, paints, 

and coatings. 

• Chlorinated paraffins have been detected in water and sediments, in tissues or marine animals, 

in human foods, and in human tissues post mortem. 

 

• Synonyms 

A 70 Derminolfett 

A 70 (wax) Derminolol 

Adekacizer E EDC-tar 

Alkanes, chlorinated Electrofine 

Arubren Enpara 

Cereclor Hordaflam 

Chlorcosane Hordaflex 

Chlorex Hordalub 

Chorinated alkanes Hulz 

Chlorinated hydrocarbon waxes KhP 

Chlorinated paraffin waxes Meflex 
40 

Chlorinated waxes Monocizer 

Chloroalkanes Paraffin waxes chlorinated 

Chlorocarbons Paraffin, chlorinated 

Chlorofin Paraffins, chloro 

Chloroflo Poliks 

Chloroparaffin waxes Polychlorinated alkanes 

Chlorowax Polychloro alkanes 

Chlorparaffin Tenekil 

Cloparin Toyoparax 

Cloparol Unichlor 

Clorafin CW 

• Persistence/Fate: Chlorinated paraffins may be released into the environment from 

improperly disposed metal-working fluids or polymers containing chlorinated paraffins. Loss 

of chlorinated paraffins by leaching from paints and coatings may also contribute to 

environmental contamination. Short chain chlorinated paraffins with less than 50 percent 

chlorine content seem to be degraded under aerobic conditions. The medium and long chain 

products are degraded more slowly. Chlorinated paraffins are bioaccumulated and both 

uptake and elimination are faster for the substances with low chlorine content. 

www.oztoxics.org/cmwg/chemicals/rbapts_chem/Paraffins.html

• http://archive.greenpeace.org/toxics/downtozero/POPS/ospar-list.html

• www.lgc.co.uk/docgallery/261.pdf

 analysis method 

• www.unece.org/env/documents/2003/eb/wg5/eb.air.wg.5.2003.3.e.pdf

o Page 9 contains specific persistence information. 
41 

Appendix 4 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 

A

Appendix IX of 40 CFR 264 Groundwater Monitoring List currently applicable in Washington State1

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

Acenaphthene 83-32-9 Acenaphthylene, 1,2-dihydro- 810

827

Acenaphthylene 208-96-8 Acenaphthylene 810

827

Acetone 67-64-1 2-Propanone 824Acetophenone 98-86-2 Ethanone, 1-phenyl- 827Acetonitrile; Methyl cyanide 75-05-8 Acetonitrile 8012-Acetylaminofluorene; 2-AAF 

53-96-3 Acetaminde, N-9H-fluoren-2-yl 827

Acrolein 107-02-8 2-Propenal 803

824

Acrylonitrile 107-13-1 2-Propenenitrile 803

824

Aldrin 309-00-2 1,4:5,8-Dimethanonaphthalene, 1,2,3,4,10,10-

hexachloro-1,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydro-(1α, 4α, 4aβ, 5α, 8α, 8aβ808

827

Allyl chloride 107-05-1 1-Propene, 3-chloro- 801

824

4-Aminobiphenyl 92-67-1 [1,1’-Biphenyl]- 4-amine 827Aniline 62-53-3 Benzenamine 827Anthracene 120-12-7 Anthracene 810

827

Antimony (Total) Antimony 601

704704
50 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

Aramite 140-57-8 Sulfurous acid, 2-chloroethyl 2-[4-(1,1-

dimethylethyl) phenoxy]-1-methylethyl ester 

827

Arsenic (Total) Arsenic 601

706706

Barium (Total) Barium 601

708

Benzene 71-43-2 Benzene 802

824

Benzo[a]anthracene; Benzanthracene 

56-55-3 Benz[a]anthracene 810

827

Benzo[b]fluoranthene 205-99-2 Benz[e]acephenanthrylene 810

827

Benzo[k]fluoranthene 207-08-9 Benzo[k]fluoranthene 810

827

Benzo[ghi]perylene 191-24-2 Benzo[ghi]perylene 810

827

Benzo[a]pyrene 50-32-8 Benzo[a]pyrene 810

827

Benzyl alcohol 100-51-6 Benzenemethanol 827Beryllium (Total) Beryllium 601

709709

alpha-BHC 319-84-6 Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-, (1α, 2α, 

3β, 4α, 5β, 6β)- 

808825

beta-BHC 319-85-7 Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-, (1α, 2β, 

3α, 4β, 5α, 6β)- 

808825

delta-BHC 319-86-8 Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-, (1α, 2α, 

3α, 4β, 5α, 6β)- 

808825

gamma-BHC; Lindane 58-89-9 Cyclohexane, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-, (1α, 2α, 

3β, 4α, 5α, 6β)- 

808825
51 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

Bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane 111-91-1 Ethane, 1,1’-[methylenebis(oxy)]bis [2-chloro- 827Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether 111-44-4 Ethane, 1,1’-oxybis[2-chloro- 827Bis(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) ether; 2,2’-Dichlorodiisopropyl ether 

108-60-1 Propane, 2,2’-oxybis[1-chloro 801

827

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate 117-81-7 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) 

ester 

806827

Bromodichloromethane 75-27-4 Methane, bromodichloro- 801

824

Bromoform; Tribromomethane 75-25-2 Methane, tribromo- 801

824

4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether 101-55-3 Benzene, 1-bromo-4-phenoxy- 827Butyl benzyl phthalate; Benzyl butyl phthalate 

85-68-7 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl 

phenylmethyl ester 

806827

Cadmium (Total) Cadmium 601

713713

Carbon disulfide 75-15-0 Carbon disulfide 824Carbon tetrachloride 56-23-5 Methane, tetrachloro- 801

824

Chlordane 57-74-9 4,7-Methano-1H-indene,1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8-

octachloro-2,3,3a,4,7,7a- hexahydro808

825

p-Chloroaniline 106-47-8 Benzenamine, 4-chloro- 827Chlorobenzene 108-90-7 Benzene, chloro- 801

802824

Chlorobenzilate 510-15-6 Benzene acetic acid, 4-chloro-α-(4-

chlorophenyl)- α-hydroxy-, ethyl ester, 

827
52 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

p-Chloro-m-cresol 59-50-7 Phenol, 4-chloro-3-methyl 804

827

Chloroethane; Ethyl chloride 75-00-3 Ethane, chloro- 801

824

Chloroform 67-66-3 Methane, trichloro 801

824

2-Chloronaphthalene 91-58-7 Naphthalene, 2-chloro- 812

827

2-Chlorophenol 95-57-8 Phenol, 2-chloro- 804

827

4-Chlorophenyl phenyl ether 7005-72-3 Benzene, 1-chlor-4-phenoxy- 827Chloroprene 126-99-8 1,3-Butadiene, 2-cloro- 801

824

Chromium (Total) Chromium 601

719719

Chrysene 218-01-9 Chrysene 810

827

Cobalt (Total) Cobalt 601

720720

Copper (Total) Copper 601

721

m-Cresol 108-39-4 Phenol, 3-methyl- 827o-Cresol 95-48-7 Phenol, 2-methyl- 827p-Cresol 106-44-5 Phenol, 4-methyl- 827Cyanide 57-12-5 Cyanide 9012,4-D; 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid 

94-75-7 Acetic acid, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)- 815

4,4 ‘-DDD 72-54-8 Benzene 1,1’-(2,2-dichloroethylidene) bis [4-

chloro808

827
53 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

4,4 ‘-DDE 72-55-9 Benzene 1,1’-(2,2-dichloroethenylidene) bis [4-

chloro808

827

4,4 ‘-DDT 50-29-3 Benzene 1,1’ -(2,2,2-trichloroethylidene) bis [4-

chloro808

827

Diallate 2303-16-4 Carbamothioic acid, bis(1-methylethyl)-, S-(2,3-

dichloro-2-propenyl) ester 

827

Dibenz[a,h] anthracene 53-70-3 Dibenz[a,h] anthracene 810

827

Dibenzofuran 132-64-9 Dibenzofuran 827Dibromochloromethane; Chlorodibromomethane 

124-48-1 Methane, dibromochloro- 801

824

1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane; DBCP 

96-12-8 Propane, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloro- 801

824827

1,2-Dibromoethane; Ethylene dibromide 

106-93-4 Ethane, 1,2-dibromo- 801

824

Di-n-butyl phthalate 84-74-2 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl ester 806

827

o-Dichlorobenzene 95-50-1 Benzene, 1,2-dichloro 801

802812827

m-Dichlorobenzene 541-73-1 Benzene, 1,3-dichloro 801

802812827

p-Dichlorobenzene 106-46-7 Benzene, 1,4-dichloro 801

802812827

3,3 ‘-Dichlorobenzidine 91-94-1 [1,1‘-Biphenyl]-4,4‘-diamine, 3,3‘-dichloro- 827
54 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

trans-1,4-Dichloro-2-butene 110-57-6 2-Butene, 1,4-dichloro-, (E)- 824Dichlorodifluoromethane 75-71-8 Methane, dichlorodifluoro- 801

824

1,1-Dichloroethane 75-34-3 Ethane, 1,1-dichloro- 801

824

1,2-Dichloroethane; Ethylene dichloride 

107-06-2 Ethane, 1,2-dichloro 801

824

1,1-Dichloroethylene; Vinylidene chloride 

75-35-4 Ethene, 1,1-dichloro- 801

824

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene 156-60-5 Ethene, 1,2-dichloro-, (E)- 801

824

2,4-Dichlorophenol 120-83-2 Phenol, 2,4-dichloro- 804

827

2,6-Dichlorophenol 87-65-0 Phenol, 2,6-dichloro- 8271,2-Dichloropropane 78-87-5 Propane, 1,2-dichloro- 801

824

cis-1,3-Dichloropropene 10061-01-5 1-Propene, 1,3-dichloro-, (Z)- 801

824

trans-1,3-Dichloropropene 10061-02-6 1-Propene, 1,3-dichloro-, (E)- 801

824

Dieldrin 60-57-1 2,7:3,6-Dimethanonaphth [2,3-b]oxirene, 

3,4,5,6,9,9- hexachloro- 1a,2,2a,3,6,6a,7,7a-octahydro-,(1aα,2β, 2aα,3β,6β,6aα,7β,7aα)- 

808827

Diethyl phthalate 84-66-2 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester 806

827

O,O-Diethyl O-2-pyrazinyl phosphorothioate; Thionazin 

297-97-2 Phosphorothioic acid, O,O-diethyl O-pyrazinyl 

ester 

827

Dimethoate 60-51-5 Phosphorodithioic acid, O,O-dimethyl S-[2-

(methylamino)-2-oxoethyl] ester 

827

p-(Dimethylamino)azobenzene 60-11-7 Benzenamine, N,N-dimethyl-4-(phenylazo)- 827
55 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene 

57-97-6 Benz[a]anthracene, 7,12-dimethyl- 827

3,3’-Dimethylbenzidine 119-93-7 [1,1’-Biphenyl]-4,4’-diamine, 3,3’-dimethyl- 827alpha, alphaDimethylphenethylamine 122-09-8 Benzeneethanamine,α,α-dimethyl- 8272,4-Dimethylphenol 105-67-9 Phenol, 2,4-dimethyl- 804

827

Dimethyl phthalate 131-11-3 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dimethyl ester 806

827

m-Dinitrobenzene 99-65-0 Benzene, 1,3-dinitro- 8274,6-Dinitro-o-cresol 534-52-1 Phenol, 2-methyl-4,6-dinitro- 804

827

2,4-Dinitrophenol 51-28-5 Phenol, 2,4-dinitro- 804

827

2,4-Dinitrotoluene 121-14-2 Benzene, 1-methyl-2,4-dinitro- 809

827

2,6-Dinitrotoluene 606-20-2 Benzene, 2-methyl-1,3-dinitro- 809

827

Dinoseb; DNBP; 2-sec-Butyl4,6-dinitrophenol 88-85-7 Phenol, 2-(1-methylpropyl)-4,6-dinitro- 815

827

Di-n-octyl phthalate 117-84-0 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dioctyl ester 806

827

1,4-Dioxane 123-91-1 1,4-Dioxane 801Diphenylamine 122-39-4 Benzenamine, N-phenyl- 827Disulfoton 298-04-4 Phosphorodithioic acid, O,O-diethyl S-[2-

(ethylthio)ethyl]ester 

814827

Endosulfan I 959-98-8 6,9-Methano-2,4,3-

benzodioxathiepin,6,7,8,9,10,10-hexachloro1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-, 3-oxide, (3α,5aβ,6α,9α,9aβ)- 

808825
56 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

Endosulfan II 33213-65-9 6,9-Methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin, 

6,7,8,9,10,10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9ahexahydro-,3-oxide, (3α,5aα,6β,9β,9aα)- 

808

Endosulfan sulfate 1031-07-8 6,9-Methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin, 

6,7,8,9,10,10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9ahexahydro-, 3, 3-dioxide 

808827

Endrin 72-20-8 2,7:3,6-Dimethanonaphth[2,3-b]oxirene, 

3,4,5,6,9,9- hexachloro-1a,2,2a,3,6,6a,7,7a-octahydro-,(1aα, 

2β,2aβ),3α,6α,6aβ,7β,7aα)- 

808825

Endrin aldehyde 7421-93-4 1,2,4-Methenocyclopenta[cd]pentalene-5-

carboxaldehyde, 2,2a,3,3,4,7-hexachlorodecahydro-, (1α,2β,2aβ,4β,4aβ,5β,6aβ,6bβ,7R*)- 

808827

Ethylbenzene 100-41-4 Benzene, ethyl- 802

824

Ethyl methacrylate 97-63-2 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester 801

824827

Ethyl methanesulfonate 62-50-0 Methanesulfonic acid, ethyl ester 827Famphur 52-85-7 Phosphorothioic acid, O-[4-

[(dimethylamino)sulfonyl] phenyl]-O, Odimethyl ester 

827

Fluoranthene 206-44-0 Fluoranthene 810

827

Fluorene 86-73-7 9H-Fluorene 810

827

Heptachlor 76-44-8 4,7-Methano-1H-indene,1,4,5,6,7,8,8-

heptachloro3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro808

827
57 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

Heptachlor epoxide 1024-57-3 2,5-Methano-2H-indeno[1,2-b]oxirene, 

2,3,4,5,6,7,7- Heptachloro-1a,1b,5,5a,6,6a,-hexahydro-, (1aα,1bβ,2α,5α,5aβ,6β,6aα) 

808827

Hexachlorobenzene 118-74-1 Benzene, hexachloro- 812

827

Hexachlorobutadiene 87-68-3 1,3-Butadiene, 1,1,2,3,4,4-hexachloro- 812

827

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 77-47-4 1,3-Cyclopentadiene, 1,2,3,4,5,5- hexachloro- 812

827

Hexachloroethane 67-72-1 Ethane, hexachloro- 812

827

Hexachlorophene 70-30-4 Phenol, 2,2’- methylenebis[3,4,6-trichloro- 827Hexachloropropene 1888-71-7 1-Propene, 1,1,2,3,3,3- hexachloro- 8272-Hexanone 591-78-6 2-Hexanone 824Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 193-39-5 Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene 810

827

Isobutyl alcohol 78-83-1 1-Propanol, 2-methyl- 801Isodrin 465-73-6 1,4,5,8- Dimethanonaphthalene,1,2,3,4,10,10- 

hexachloro-1,4,4a,5,8,8a hexahydro-(1α,4α,4aβ,5β,8β,8aβ)- 

827

Isophorone 78-59-1 2-Cyclohexen-1-one, 3,5,5- trimethyl- 809

827

Isosafrole 120-58-1 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-(1-propenyl)- 827Kepone 143-50-0 1,3,4-Metheno-2H-cyclobuta-[cd]pentalen-2-one, 

1,1a,3,3a,4,5,5,5a,5b,6-decachlorooctahydro827

Lead (Total) Lead 601

742742

Mercury (Total) Mercury 747
58 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

Methacrylonitrile 126-98-7 2-Propenenitrile, 2-methyl- 801

284

Methapyrilene 91-80-5 1,2,Ethanediamine, N,N-dimethyl-N’-2-

pyridinyl-N’ (2-thienylmethyl)- 

827

Methoxychlor 72-43-5 Benzene, 1,1’-(2,2,2,trichloroethylidene)bis[4-

methoxy808

827

Methyl bromide; Bromomethane 

74-83-9 Methane, bromo- 801

824

Methyl chloride; Chloromethane 

74-87-3 Methane, chloro- 801

824

3-Methylcholanthrene 56-49-5 Benz[j]aceanthrylene, 1,2-dihydro-3-methyl- 827Methylene bromide; Dibromomethane 

74-95-3 Methane, dibromo- 801

824

Methylene chloride; Dichloromethane 

75-09-2 Methane, dichloro- 801

824

Methyl ethyl ketone; MEK 78-93-3 2-Butanone 801

824

Methyl iodide; Iodomethane 74-88-4 Methane, iodo- 801

824

Methyl methacrylate 80-62-6 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester 801

824

Methyl methanesulfonate 66-27-3 Methanesulfonic acid, methyl ester 8272-Methylnaphthalene 91-57-6 Naphthalene, 2-methyl- 827Methyl parathion; Parathion methyl 

298-00-0 Phosphorothioic acid, O,O-dimethyl O-(4-

nitrophenyl) ester 

814827

4-Methyl-2-pentanone; Methyl isobutyl ketone 

108-10-1 2-Pentanone, 4-methyl- 801

824

Naphthalene 91-20-3 Naphthalene 810

827
59 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

1,4-Naphthoquinone 130-15-4 1,4-Naphthalenedione 8271-Naphthylamine 134-32-7 1-Naphthalenamine 8272-Naphthylamine 91-59-8 2-Naphthalenamine 827Nickel (Total) Nickel 601

752

o-Nitroaniline 88-74-4 Benzenamine, 2-nitro- 827m-Nitroaniline 99-09-2 Benzenamine, 3-nitro- 827p-Nitroaniline 100-01-6 Benzenamine, 4-nitro- 827Nitrobenzene 98-95-3 Benzene, nitro- 809

827

o-Nitrophenol 88-75-5 Phenol, 2-nitro- 804

827

p-Nitrophenol 100-02-7 Phenol, 4-nitro- 804

827

4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide 56-57-5 Quinoline, 4-nitro-, 1-oxide 827N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine 924-16-3 1-Butanamine, N-butyl-N-nitroso- 827N-Nitrosodiethylamine 55-18-5 Ethanamine, N-ethyl-N-nitroso- 827N-Nitrosodimethylamine 62-75-9 Methanamine, N-methyl-N-nitroso- 827N-Nitrosodiphenylamine 86-30-6 Benzenamine, N-nitroso-N-phenyl- 827N-Nitrosodipropylamine; Di-npropylnitrosamine 621-64-7 1-Propanamine, N-nitroso-N-propyl- 827N-Nitrosomethylethylamine 10595-95-6 Ethanamine, N-methyl-N-nitroso- 827N-Nitrosomorpholine 59-89-2 Morpholine, 4-nitroso- 827N-Nitrosopiperidine 100-75-4 Piperidine, 1-nitroso- 827N-Nitrosopyrrolidine 930-55-2 Pyrrolidine, 1-nitroso- 8275-Nitro-o-toluidine 99-55-8 Benzenamine, 2-methyl-5-nitro- 827Parathion 56-38-2 Phosphorothioic acid,O,O-diethyl-O-(4-

nitrophenyl) ester 

827

Polychlorinated biphenyls; PCBs 

See Note 7 1,1’-Biphenyl, chloro derivatives 808

825
60 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

Polychlorinated dibenzo-pdioxins;PCDDs See Note 8 Dibenzo[b,e] [1,4]dioxin, chloro derivatives 828Polychlorinated dibenzofurans; PCDFs 

See Note 9 Dibenzofuran, chloro derivatives 828

Pentachlorobenzene 608-93-5 Benzene, pentachloro- 827Pentachloroethane 76-01-7 Ethane, pentachloro- 824

827

Pentachloronitrobenzene 82-68-8 Benzene, pentachloronitro- 827Pentachlorophenol 87-86-5 Phenol, pentachloro- 804

827

Phenacetin 62-44-2 Acetamide, N-(4-ethoxyphenyl) 827Phenanthrene 85-01-8 Phenanthrene 810

827

Phenol 108-95-2 Phenol 804

827

p-Phenylenediamine 106-50-3 1,4-Benzenediamine 827Phorate 298-02-2 Phosphorodithioic acid,O,O-diethyl S-

[(ethylthio)methyl] ester 

814827

2-Picoline 109-06-8 Pyridine, 2-methyl- 824

827

Pronamide 23950-58-5 Benzamide, 3,5-dichloro-N-(1,1-dimethyl-2-

propynyl)- 

827

Propionitrile; Ethyl cyanide 107-12-0 Propanenitrile 801

824

Pyrene 129-00-0 Pyrene 810

827

Pyridine 110-86-1 Pyridine 824

827

Safrole 94-59-7 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-(2-propenyl)- 827
61 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

Selenium (Total) Selenium 601

774774

Silver (Total) Silver 601

776

Silvex; 2,4,5-TP 93-72-1 Propanoic acid, 2-(2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxy)- 815Styrene 100-42-5 Benzene, ethenyl- 802

824

Sulfide 18496-25-8 Sulfide 9032,4,5-T; 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid 

93-76-5 Acetic acid, (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)- 815

2,3,7,8-TCDD; 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin 

1746-01-6 Dibenzo[b,e] [1,4]dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro- 828

1,2,4,5-Tetrachlorobenzene 95-94-3 Benzene, 1,2,4,5-tetrachloro 8271,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane 630-20-6 Ethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrachloro- 801

824

1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 79-34-5 Ethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloro- 801

824

Tetrachloroethylene; Perchloroethylene; Tetrachloroethene 

127-18-4 Ethene, tetrachloro- 801

824

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol 58-90-2 Phenol, 2,3,4,6-tetrachloro- 827Tetraethyl dithiopyrophosphate; Sulfotepp 

3689-24-5 Thiodiphosphoric acid ([(HO)2P(S)]2O), 

tetraethyl ester 

827

Thallium (Total) Thallium 601

784784

Tin (Total) Tin 787Toluene 108-88-3 Benzene, methyl- 802

824

o-Toluidine 95-53-4 Benzenamine, 2-methyl- 827
62 

Common Name2 CAS RN3 Chemical abstracts service index name4 Sugge

metho

Toxaphene 8001-35-2 Toxaphene 808

825

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 120-82-1 Benzene, 1,2,4-trichloro- 8271,1,1-Trichloroethane; Methylchloroform 

71-55-6 Ethane, 1,1,1-trichloro- 824

1,1,2-Trichloroethane 79-00-5 Ethane, 1,1,2-trichloro- 801

824

Trichloroethylene; Trichloroethene 

79-01-6 Ethene, trichloro- 801

824

Trichlorofluoromethane 75-69-4 Methane, trichlorofluoro- 801

824

2,4,5-Trichloropehenol 95-95-4 Phenol, 2,4,5-trichloro 8272,4,6-Trichlorophenol 88-06-2 Phenol, 2,4,6-trichloro- 804

827

1,2,3-Trichloropropane 96-18-4 Propane, 1,2,3-trichloro- 801

824

O,O,OTriethylphosphorothioate 126-68-1 Phosphorothioic acid, O,O,O-triethyl ester 827sym-Trinitrobenzene 99-35-4 Benzene, 1,3,5-trinitro- 827Vanadium (Total) Vanadium 601

791791

Vinyl acetate 108-05-4 Acetic acid, ethenyl ester 824Vinyl chloride 75-01-4 Ethene, chloro- 801

824

Xylene (total) 1330-20-7 Benzene, dimethyl- 802

824

Zinc (Total) Zinc 601

795
63 

Appendix 5 Endnotes 

1. The regulatory requirements pertain only to the list of substances; the right hand columns (Methods and PQL) 

purposes only. See also footnotes 5 & 6. 

2. Common names are those widely used in government regulations, scientific publications, and commerce; syno

chemicals. 

3. Chemical Abstracts Service registry number. Where “Total” is entered, all species in the ground water that co

included. 

4. CAS index names are those used in the 9th Cumulative Index. 

5. Suggested methods refer to analytical procedure numbers used in the EPA publication, SW-846, “Test Method

Waste”, Third Edition. Analytical details can be found in SW-846 and in documentation on file at the Agencychromatography methods 8010, 8020, 8030, 8040, 8060, 8080, 8090, 8110, 8120, 8140, 8150, 8240, and 8250 methods through Update IIB of SW-846 and, as of Update III, the Agency has replaced these methods with “cmethods,” as the suggested methods. 

6. Practical Quantitation Limits (PQLs) are the lowest concentrations of analytes in ground waters that can be rel

specified limits of precision and accuracy by the indicated methods under routine laboratory operating conditio

generally stated to one significant figure. CAUTION: The PQL values in many cases are based only on a gen

method and not on a determination for individual compounds; PQLs are not a part of the regulation. 

7. Polychlorinated biphenyls (CAS RN 1336-36-3); this category contains congener chemicals, including constitu

(CAS RN 12674-11-2), Aroclor-1221 (CAS RN 11104-28-2), Aroclor-1232 (CAS RN 11141-16-5), Aroclor-

9), Aroclor-1248 (CAS RN 12672-29-6), Aroclor-1254 (CAS RN 11097-69-1), and Aroclor-1260 (CAS RN 1shown is an average value for PCB congeners. 

8. This category contains congener chemicals, including tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (see also 2,3.7,8-TCDD), p

dioxins and hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins. The PQL shown is an average value for PCDD congeners. 

9. This category contains congener chemicals, including tetrachlordibenzofurans, petnachlorodibenzofurans, and 

The PQL shown is an average value for PCDF congeners.