Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/670021
5 8 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | M a y - J u n e 2 016 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m KEEP IT CLEAN Creating a comprehensive hazardous waste disposal strategy requires detailed analysis of your property and facility as well as ongoing employee education. out a full-time environmental compli- ance officer. Ignorance is the most common stumbling block. "It's a complex issue. When you talk about hazardous materi- als, there are several areas of law that are relevant," says Michael Gelardi, an attorney with Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (Portland, Ore.), who's helped clients with compliance issues. "Though there n the process of crafting wine, vineyards and winery operations generate a varied and complex stream of hazardous wastes. Win- eries may not be aware they have to comply with hazardous waste regulations, say experts; however, all wineries must comply, regard- less of size. "We don't typically think of wineries as generating hazard- ous waste, but they very well may be doing so," says Leslie A. Romanchik, hazardous waste program manager for The Virginia Department of Environmen- tal Quality. H o w t h e s e w a s t e s should be handled can seem a complicated endeavor. It starts, say experts, with education. What constitutes a hazardous waste varies by state or province. Under- standing the varied regula- tions and what they mean is a good first step, especially for smaller operations with- BY LINDA DAILEY PAULSON are generally only a few hazard- ous materials in wineries, differ- ent rules can apply depending on how these materials are used and where the winery is located." Each area of an operation gener- ates some sort of hazardous waste. This includes the vineyard, win- ery, shop and laboratory as well as the tasting room and offices. The potential of any given item or com- pound to be hazardous may depend on how it's han- dled. For example, some items may not be hazard- ous until they're burned. Others may prove haz- ardous over time through exposure to the elements, which necessitates proper handling and storage. A full inventory of hazardous materials is essential. In addition to knowing what's onsite, you should also know the volume and how it's to be properly stored, handled, labeled and dis- posed of, says Gelardi. KEEP IT CLEAN Creating a comprehensive hazardous waste disposal strategy requires detailed analysis of your property and facility as well as ongoing employee education. + All wineries must comply with hazardous waste regulation. + Hazardous wastes can be found in the vine- yard, winery, office, lab and other locations. + Understanding your local, state and federal compliance rules is imperative. + Expert help can be crucial when crafting a comprehensive disposal plan. AT A GLANCE