Non-Hazardous Waste Audits for New York Power Authority

EA performed non-hazardous waste audits at seven New York Power Authority (NYPA) locations across New York State.  NYPA was required to develop a waste management plan in order to obtain a 10% reduction per year of non-hazardous waste generation at its facilities.  EA used a three-step approach to completing each audit:  (1) pre-audit, (2) onsite audit, and (3) post-audit.  Onsite audits were performed by one team of consisting of two professionals.  Each site was audited in 2 days.  The first day included conducting a brief opening meeting with each facility to review objectives of the audit followed by site inspections, records reviews, and interviews.  The audit focused on non-hazardous waste generation, management, and disposal.  Waste generation points inspected included office, cafeteria, storage, warehouse, and operating locations.  Special attention was paid to receptacle management, signage/training, and general waste disposal techniques.  A sample of non-hazardous waste was segregated; audit team sorted, weighed, and inspected waste and then extrapolated waste generation rates by comparing the observed generation and recycling volumes and disposal records (i.e., weight slips).  By reviewing disposal records and inspecting sampling of waste disposed, a determination of volume of each waste stream (e.g., white paper, cardboard, and general refuse) disposed and recycling rates was made.  EA developed facility-specific Waste Management Plan and 10% Reduction Strategy Report.  Each plan included NYPA policies and guidance; description of facility operations and activities; discussion of facility-level non-hazardous waste streams; permitting or monitoring, measurement, or recordkeeping requirements; organizational roles and responsibilities; and recommended strategies to support waste reduction.  The report defined goals, objectives, tactics, and targets for each facility to achieve the stated reduction goal.  A simple economic analysis was developed that included a return on investment, or payback period, to support recommendations.