Electronic Verification Questionnaire (eVQ) DTSC

What is the eVQ?

The Electronic Verification Questionnaire (eVQ), mandated by CA H&SC 25205.16, is an annual online reporting process to validate the accuracy of hazardous waste activities associated with a DTSC-issued EPA ID number over the prior fiscal year period of July 1 to June 30. It represents the cornerstone of California’s hazardous waste manifesting program and the online platform for verifying essential data.

Who must complete and submit the eVQ?

All generators, transporters, transfer facilities, recyclers, treaters, storers and disposers of federally-defined hazardous waste within California which have or utilize active EPA ID numbers assigned by DTSC. It applies widely to over 50,000 hazardous waste entities in CA. Even if no hazardous waste activity occurred in the timeframe, the No Activity declaration must still be made.

When is the eVQ due each year?

The due date for the Electronic Verification Questionnaire (eVQ) typically varies based on the individual company’s circumstances and regulatory requirements.

In general practice, regulatory agencies like the DTSC often send out notifications to companies with specific deadlines for submissions like the eVQ. It’s crucial for each company to monitor their communications from the DTSC to ensure they are aware of their specific due dates.

What reporting period does the eVQ cover?

Hazardous waste activities spanning from July 1st through June 30th. This corresponds with DTSC and CalEPA fiscal year conventions used across multiple hazardous waste reporting mandates.

What data must be reported on the eVQ?

Specifics like waste activity exemptions claimed, EPA ID status, total manifests by type, hazardous waste transportation companies used, receiving TSDFs.

What are the consequences for not submitting the eVQ?

Failure to comply risks EPA ID deactivation, civil & administrative fines up to $25,000 per violation-day, as well as disruption to ongoing hazardous waste management activities

How far back should manifest records be reviewed?

Back to at least July 1st for the applicable reporting fiscal year. All executed manifests over that span for waste generated, transported, treated, stored or disposed should inform eVQ submissions.

Can the eVQ be submitted by paper instead?

To streamline the Verification Questionnaire process and reduce our carbon footprint, DTSC no longer mails paper Verification Questionnaires. eVQ must be submitted online through DTSC website.

When are amendments needed for previously submitted eVQs?

Amendments must be made whenever material discrepancies, omissions, or other errors are identified which undermine the initial submission. This includes invalid transporter data, incorrect manifest counts, missed waste streams, and similar oversights.

How long must eVQ records be kept?

While only 3 years is technically required by regulation, retaining fiscal year hazardous waste manifests and other substantiating eVQ source data for a minimum of 5 years is strongly advised for respond to information requests.

Who enforces and oversees the EVQ requirement?

Primarily Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) state regulators and Inspector of Records associated with each issued EPA ID number. But Local Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs) are also authorized to request eVQ records as part of tiered enforcement.

Is eVQ training or certification needed for personnel submitting reports?

No formal training is set forth in regulation but accurately completing the detailed eVQ is mandatory. Designating consistent, competent staff familiar with reportable hazardous waste activities and data is highly recommended. Please Contact Us to get support or request a Electronic Verification Questionnaire (eVQ) submittal. Our skilled team of EH&S specialists with extensive experience would be pleased to help you.

What supporting info should be kept for eVQ substantiation?

At minimum this includes physical or digital copies of incoming hazardous waste manifests that align to the fiscal year period referenced. Manifest documentation provides outside verification of receipt by off-site TSD facilities.

Can the eVQ be done by a third party like an environmental consultant?

Yes absolutely. Delegating either support or entirely outsourcing certified EVQ submission to a qualified environmental consulting firm, waste broker, or hazardous materials manager is permissible. Please Contact Us to get support or request a Electronic Verification Questionnaire (eVQ) submittal. Our skilled team of EH&S specialists with extensive experience would be pleased to help you.

Do partial year waste activities need inclusion?

Without question. Even infrequent or intermittent hazardous waste generation, transportation, storage, recycling or disposal activities occurring over any part of the July to June fiscal year determine eVQ applicability and must be captured accurately.

What other reports are tied to the fiscal year eVQ period?

The Federal Hazardous Waste Report (aka Biennial Report) must also span this exact same timeframe per RCRA, as do annual Generator Fee submittals and payments. Consistent fiscal year data is imperative across multiple DTSC reports.

Where can I view instructional material on eVQ submission?

Available within in Cert Central itself and from the DTSC’s broader eVQ website section. The link to external guidance can be found underneath the report criteria.