Mineral County hosts hazardous waste training sessions

Unless you are in the emergency preparedness line of work, HAZWOPER could be a Burger King special, but it’s a level of hazmat training that is at another level.

“I have an instructor scheduled to provide a 40-hour HAZWOPER training June 5-9. The class is being paid for through our EPA Institutional Controls program grant. The class can hold up to 30 participants and I will be accepting students on a first come first serve basis,” said Andy Short at the last Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting.

HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. Every year, the U.S. produces over 400 million tons of hazardous waste that is toxic, corrosive, flammable or explosive.

Superior isn’t creating any waste material like this, but they are still cleaning it up from the mining in Flat Creek as far back as 1909.

Short is the Mineral County Environmental Health and Planning Coordinator with a staff of two. According to him, there are still a few parcels of land that may have contamination, or where it's uncertain if they do, but they are all being treated equally.

To address this issue, a map has been created with highlighted areas, allowing contractors to refer to it in case of soil disturbance during foundation digging or other activities. The map indicates if contamination is suspected or if the area has been previously cleaned up.

“This training is essential, especially given the intentional use of mine tailings, which were believed to be an excellent construction material and could be present around foundations or used in driveway construction,” Short explained.

The class that Short has arranged is being taught by Tony Olson, who is an industrial hygienist from Butte, and owner of Safety and Health Services.

“The class covers many topics such as hazard communication, chemicals effects on the body, chemical properties, site specific hazards, EPA regulations, respiratory protection, removal of hazardous waste and personal protective clothing,” he explained. “The course is also useful for everyday work and home safety. Students will leave the course with a much better perspective the hazards and control measured required for safe cleanup operations.”

Short said, “A lot of the guys who have been working up there have already had this training, but we have new contractors and first responders that this is intended for.”

First responders are encouraged to attend the training due to the potential for exposure from train derailments or truck wrecks, as a result of the area's proximity to the railway network and the interstate.

The class is free of charge, however it is a full week. For more information or to register, contact Andy Short at ashort@co.mineral.mt.us