PCB regulations and procedures for risk management including PCB cleanup policy and procedures

Abstract

To regulate the continued use and disposal of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) promulgated and is charged with enforcing the regulations contained in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations part 761 (40 CFR 761). There is considerable confusion in industry regarding which spills and leaks are covered, how the USEPA mandates that spills and contamination be cleaned, and how PCB equipment and materials need to be disposed of. The author reviews the PCB spill cleanup policy and then discusses methods for disposal available to owners. Some methods of legal disposal, allowed under the regulations, do not eliminate risks, but may actually increase them. An alternative that eliminates the long term exposure risks caused by disposal of PCB-containing equipment is proposed.<>