Final answer:
Hazardous materials must be stored in areas that are acceptable to the EPA, which has set regulations to ensure safe storage and mitigate risks to health and the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hazardous materials must be stored in designated storage areas which are acceptable to various regulatory agencies, including the United States Department of Transportation and especially the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has established regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to ensure the safe management of hazardous waste throughout its lifecycle, commonly referred to as “cradle to grave.” This entails the creation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of such materials.
Acceptable storage areas are designed to prevent potential hazards such as spills, leaks, fires, and contamination of soil and drinking water. Focusing on the importance of safe storage, these areas must adhere to the stringent regulations set by the EPA to mitigate the risks associated with hazardous waste. These guidelines ensure that not only is resource conservation considered, but human health and the environment are protected as well.