Define "decommissioning" in hazardous waste contexts.

Decommissioning in the context of hazardous waste refers specifically to the process of safely closing down a facility and properly managing and removing hazardous materials from that facility. This involves a sequence of tasks designed to ensure that any hazardous substances are handled in compliance with environmental regulations and are disposed of or stored safely to prevent any harm to human health and the environment.

During decommissioning, it is critical to assess the types and quantities of hazardous materials present, manage them in accordance with existing regulations, and ensure that any necessary remediation occurs to mitigate potential contamination. This process is essential to ensure that when a facility ceases operations, it does so in a way that minimizes risks, adheres to legal requirements, and protects surrounding communities and ecosystems.

In contrast, enhancing facility productivity, documenting waste management practices, and implementing monitoring technologies, while important in their own rights, do not specifically pertain to the act of decommissioning. These aspects focus more on operational efficiency, record-keeping, and monitoring processes rather than the comprehensive closure and hazardous material management that defines decommissioning.