Emergency Permit for Management of Hazardous Waste, Cepheid, Sunnyvale, California
Summary
SCH Number
2026080299
Public Agency
California Department of Toxic Substances Control
(DTSC)
Document Title
Emergency Permit for Management of Hazardous Waste, Cepheid, Sunnyvale, California
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/11/2026
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 Cepheid, (EPA ID# CAR000235697) to treat hazardous waste through a controlled reaction with chemical solutions. Specifically, one (1) 500-milliliter (mL) container and one (1) 100 mL container of Tetrahydrofuran; two (2) 1-liter containers of Diethylene Glycol Butyl Ether; one (1) 1-liter container of Dipropylene Glycol Butyl Ether; one (1) 1-liter container of Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acetate; and one (1) 25-mL container of Acrylonitrile must be stabilized prior to transport to an authorized hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
These chemicals are currently being stored at Cepheid located at 904 E. Caribbean Drive, Sunnyvale, California 94089. DTSC has determined as a safety precaution to prevent an accident or severe injury, an Emergency Permit should be issued for to chemically stabilize the hazardous waste by Clean Harbors Environmental Services 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. Due to the presence of peroxide formation, 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 this hazardous waste involves the addition of a solution 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 Environmental Services 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, Cepheid 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 August 13, 2026 and shall expire on October 12, 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
Manuel Lopez
Agency Name
Cepheid
Job Title
EHS Technician II
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Jason J. Widdows
Agency Name
Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.
Job Title
Operations Manager, High-Hazard Services
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Sunnyvale
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Zip
94089
Other Location Info
904 E. Caribbean Drive, Sunnyvale, California 94089
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 these chemicals 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
Santa Clara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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