How US Ecology Romulus is regulated

This facility is subject to multiple environmental regulatory programs, carried out by multiple government agencies. Each agency issues separate permits or licenses under the authority they are assigned under the regulations. The permit or license issued by each agency identifies what US Ecology Romulus (USE ROM) must do to operate properly, to prevent the release of contaminants to the environment, and to limit any allowed discharge of contaminants to levels determined to be protective of human health and the environment. Each agency requires monitoring and performs independent oversight to ensure the facility is operated in a protective manner that meets the permits and license requirements. The agencies also share information to ensure compliance. 

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Materials Management Division (MMD) licenses and inspects USE ROM’s hazardous waste operations at least four times per year. These inspections are typically unannounced. The inspections are performed to verify the operations meet the license requirements. The MMD evaluates USE ROM’s hazardous waste storage, treatment, emergency planning, employee training, record keeping, and corrective action (clean-up) information.

EGLE, Air Quality Division (AQD), issues the permits for air emissions from the facility. The AQD inspects the facility to evaluate compliance with the air quality requirements and reviews the facility's monitoring data. 

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) issues the permit for the discharge of treated wastewater into GLWA’s sewer system. GLWA reviews monitoring data and performs inspections to ensure compliance with permit discharge limits.