Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PBCs) Regulatory Changes Ahead
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of man-made organic materials that are desirable because of the following characteristics: non-flammable, chemically stable, have a high boiling point and electrical insulation properties. Unfortunately the same characteristics cause them to persist and bioaccumulate in the environment. In addition, PCBs have been implicated as cancer causing and in a number of other effects on the immune, reproductive, endocrine and nervous systems. Polychlorinated biphenyls can no longer be legally manufactured in the US since a ban 1979 ban, however this class of chemicals can still be found most commonly in transformers and fluorescent light bulb ballasts. Regulations require companies engaged in any of the following five (5) PCB activities to register with EPA:
- Generation with on site storage
- Commercial storage
- Research & development
- Transportation
- Disposition
- Operation of a scrap metal recovery oven.
In addition, PCB containing transformers must be registered with EPA. This information is made available publically through EPA’s Transformer Registration and PCB Activity Databases. As of late 2011, there were over 3500 registrations of PCB Transformers; indicating that PCB issue is far from over although the ban has been in place for over 30 years.
On September 6 of this year, EPA proposed changes to the PCB manifest requirements; these changes are open for public comment until November 5, 2012. The focus of the proposal is to align the PCB manifest requirements found in 40 CFR 761 with the RCRA requirements found in parts 262, 263 and 264.
Need more information on PCBs, registration, or disposal requirements? Visit EPA’s PCB website which has a wealth of information on the subject.
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