Procedure for Handling Hazardous Substances in the Environment

Shreya Jain

Shreya Jain

Published on: Nov 3, 2025

Deepti Mudgal

Updated on: Nov 3, 2025

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Introduction

The management of hazardous substances poses significant challenges due to their potential threats to both environmental and human health. These challenges demand a robust regulatory framework, which India established through the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA). Enacted in the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the EPA serves as a cornerstone for environmental governance and hazard prevention.

In furtherance of the Environment Protection Act, the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 were introduced under Sections 6, 8, and 25 of the Act. These Rules provide a detailed procedural and regulatory framework for the Manufacture, Handling, Storage, Transportation and Disposal of hazardous substances. This article outlines the procedural requirements related to the Handling of Hazardous Substances, with particular emphasis on the management of Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs).

Applicable Provisions:

1. Section 8 of Environmental Protection Act, 1986.
2. Rule 4 and Rule 16 of Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.

Mandatory Requirements:

Effective waste management requires establishments to ensure safe, sustainable handling of waste through accountability, use of authorized handlers, compliant transportation, transparent communication with disposal facilities and strict safety and training measures for workers.

Procedure:

The management of Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) is crucial to the overall success of waste management systems. The following steps outline the responsibilities and regulatory requirements:

1. Site Identification: The initial step involves identifying a suitable location for setting up a Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs). The Occupier, Operator or Responsible Association shall assess factors such as:
   • Proximity to hazardous waste generation points
   • Environmental sensitivity of the area (e.g., groundwater vulnerability, biodiversity)
   • Community health and safety considerations.
   
   The site shall be selected based on scientific and regulatory criteria with public consultation where necessary.
2. Facility Design and Approval- Once the site is identified, the Operator shall:
   • Prepare a comprehensive facility design in accordance with CPCB guidelines, ensuring provisions for containment, leachate collection, monitoring systems, and emergency response.
   • Submit the design and obtain approval from the relevant State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) prior to construction.
   • Ensure all infrastructure is built to prevent contamination and manage potential risks.
3. Ongoing Monitoring: Throughout the establishment and operational phases:
   • The SPCB is responsible for conducting periodic inspections and monitoring compliance with environmental standards.
   • TSDF Operators shall conduct self-monitoring of emissions, effluents and soil/water quality around the site.
   • Reports of environmental monitoring shall be submitted to SPCB at prescribed intervals and any violations or incidents shall be promptly reported.
4. Operational Responsibility- TSDF (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities) operators and occupiers hold primary responsibility for:
   • Ensuring the facility operates in a safe, secure, and environmentally compliant manner throughout its lifecycle.
   • Maintaining comprehensive records of waste received, treated, and disposed.
   • Implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for normal and emergency conditions.
   • Managing proper closure of the facility at the end of its lifecycle, including:
     • Site decontamination,
     • Final capping of landfills,
     • Post-closure monitoring and maintenance, as per CPCB norms.