Emergency Permit for Management of Hazardous Waste, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, California
Summary
SCH Number
2026050280
Public Agency
California Department of Toxic Substances Control
(DTSC)
Document Title
Emergency Permit for Management of Hazardous Waste, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, California
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/7/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), pursuant to authority granted under California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 20, Sec. 66270.61, has issued an Emergency Permit to Southern California University of Health Sciences (EPA ID# CAD983638354) to treat hazardous waste through a controlled reaction with a chemical solution. Specifically, one (1) 1-liter container of Diethyl Ether; one (1) 1-liter container of Tetrahydrofuran; one (1) 100-milliliter container of Acetaldehyde; one (1) 500-milliliter container of Dicyclopentadiene; one (1) 4-liter container of p-Cumene; one (1) 100-gram container of 2,4 Dinitrophenylhydrazine; one (1) 500-gram container and one (1) 50-gram container of Benzoyl Peroxide must be stabilized prior to transport to an authorized hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
These chemicals are currently being stored at Southern California University of Health Sciences located at 16200 Amber Valley Drive, Whittier, California 90604. DTSC has determined as a safety precaution to prevent an accident or severe injury, an Emergency Permit should be issued to chemically stabilize the hazardous waste prior to storage and eventual transportation off-site.
Background: The containers have peroxide formation present on either the inside, outside, or the bottom of the chemicals’ containers, as well as the thread container caps. The presence of peroxide formation may be unstable at relatively low concentrations, resulting in fire and/or explosion if improperly handled. Shock and/or temperature-sensitive materials can decompose or detonate with external energy when dry or concentrated. If the material is improperly handled, there is a potential for a reaction, which includes fire, deflagration, or detonation. Due to the presence of peroxide formation and shock and/or temperature-sensitive materials, DTSC considers these chemicals to be an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment. Chemical stabilization is recommended prior to transport to a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
Project Activities: The treatment of these hazardous wastes involves the addition of a solution to the containers in a controlled manner to reduce the reactive or ignitable characteristics of the chemical. Treatment will take place within a designated exclusion zone. Only technicians from Clean Harbors will be allowed in the exclusion zone. Movement, preparation, and treatment of the containers will be in accordance with established standards. Within 10 business days of the expiration of this permit, Southern California University of Health Sciences will submit a final report, signed in accordance with Title 22, CCR Sec. 66270.11(d). The report shall include certification that the treatment area has been cleared of all residual hazardous waste generated from this emergency treatment and all generated waste has been properly managed. The Emergency Permit is effective beginning May 8, 2026, and shall expire on July 7, 2026.
Contact Information
Name
Michelle Snapp
Agency Name
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Job Title
Hazardous Substances Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Joe Eggleston
Agency Name
Southern California University
Job Title
Executive Director of Auxiliary Operations & Physical Plant
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Whittier
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
16200 Amber Valley Drive, Whittier, California 90604
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
This action is necessary to prevent an emergency. Chemical stabilization of this chemical is necessary prior to transportation to an authorized hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility to prevent accidental fire and/or explosion during transport.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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