What is the RCRA hazardous waste leaching limit for lead?

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sets specific criteria for identifying hazardous waste, one of which involves leaching tests to assess the potential for contaminants, like lead, to leach from waste materials into the environment. The leachate is tested to determine the concentration of lead that can be released from waste when it comes into contact with water.

For lead, the leaching limit is established at 5 parts per million (ppm). This means that if the concentration of lead in the leachate exceeds this limit during testing, the waste would be classified as hazardous under RCRA regulations. This limit is crucial because it helps to protect soil and groundwater from contamination, ultimately safeguarding public health and the environment.

Understanding these leaching limits is important for waste management and remediation efforts, as they guide how material should be handled, treated, and disposed of.