There are many places across the country where hazardous wastes were improperly stored or disposed of and have contaminated the soil and groundwater. The EPA attempts to track down those responsible and require them to clean up the contamination. If no financially solvent responsible party can be found, the government pays for cleanup from a trust fund. Generators and transporters of hazardous wastes must comply with record-keeping, reporting, and labeling requirements. Those who treat, store, or dispose of hazardous wastes must have permits to operate.
Permits impose conditions to protect the public and the environment.
Permits Government agencies use permits to keep track of the amount and kinds of pollutants being discharged into the environment, and to impose operating conditions on permit holders. Concerned citizens generally are allowed to participate in the government decision-making process for issuing and renewing permits. By discovering and reporting violations themselves and receiving training in how to comply with regulations, companies can receive favorable treatment from the government agencies. Solid Waste Solid waste is many different kinds of waste, most of which ends up in landfills. States and local governments do most of the regulating of solid waste disposal.