Revisions to Standards for the Open Burning/Open Detonation of Waste Explosives

This rulemaking will consider revisions to the regulations that allow for the open burning and detonation (OB/OD) of waste explosives. The allowance or “variance” to the prohibition on the open burning of hazardous waste was established at a time when there were no alternatives to the safe disposal of waste explosives. However, recent findings from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the EPA have determined that safe alternatives are now available for many energetic/explosive waste streams. Because there are safe alternatives in use today that capture and treat emissions prior to release, the EPA is considering revising regulations to promote the broader use of these alternatives, where applicable.