U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
What happened
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted U.S. Ecology Nevada Inc. (USE) a site-specific treatability variance from Land Disposal Restrictions for elemental mercury waste. Signed by Donald Trump, this action allows the elemental mercury generated from retorting high mercury waste to be treated and land disposed of at Bethlehem Apparatus's facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and USE's facility in Beatty, Nevada. The rule is effective July 27, 2026.
Why it matters
This policy addresses the problem of an oversupply of elemental mercury, which currently exceeds market demand. By allowing for land disposal instead of reuse, it aims to minimize potential hazards to human health and the environment from stockpiled mercury.
Who it affects
- ›U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. (USE)
- ›Bethlehem Apparatus's facility in Bethlehem, PA
- ›U.S. gold mining industry (high mercury waste generators)
- ›Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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