Transcript Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Toxic Substance Control Act Environmental Compliance Assistance Workshop

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Toxic Substance Control Act
Environmental Compliance Assistance
Workshop
September 13th, 2005
Raj Aiyar (404) 562-8993
EPA Region 4
TSCA Programs
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PCBs
New Chemicals (Core TSCA)
Asbestos in Schools
Lead Based Paint
PCBs
What are PCBs?
Cl
Cl
Cl
Cl
H
Cl
H
Cl
H
H
C12H(10-n)Cln
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PCBs are synthetic organic compounds
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209 Congeners (forms)
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Commercial PCBs are mixtures of congeners.
Produced under various tradenames, Aroclor
(Monsanto), Askeral (USA), Pyroclor (UK), Inerteen
(Japan), Solvol (Russia)
PCB Uses
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PCBs were commercially produced for 50 years
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PCBs commonly used as:
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Dielectric fluid in transformers and capacitors - 56%
Plasticizers (carbonless copy paper) - 30%
Hydraulic fluids and lubricants – 12%
Other uses:
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Flame retardant, paint and coatings, heat transfer fluid,
microscopy, adhesives, casting wax
PCB Attributes
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PCBs’ many useful physical and chemical
properties led to its widespread use. 1.4 billion
lbs were produced between 1930 and 1975.
Attributes include fire resistance, low electrical
conductivity, high resistance to thermal
breakdown, high degree of chemical stability
PCBs are nearly insoluble in water but dissolve
easily in fats
Effects on the Environment
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When released, PCBs tend to stick around
and easily cycle between environmental
media
PCBs are widely distributed in the
environment as a consequence of past
disposal practices and accidental releases
PCBs bio-accumulate/bio-magnify.
Bioaccumulation/Biomagnification
Bioaccumulation/Biomagnification
Bioaccumulation/Biomagnification
Has Increased
100 Million Times
PCB
Concentration
(parts per billion)
Herring Gull
Fish-eating Birds
3,530,000
Catfish
Small Fish
11,580
Protozoa, etc.
1,880
Plankton
Sediments
Sediments
Water
150
0.05
Health Effects
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PCBs are present in fatty tissues of exposed
animals and humans
Documented and suspected health impacts
include:
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Irritation of skin and eyes;
Liver and immune system disorders
Reproductive and developmental effects
Probable human carcinogen
Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA)
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TSCA enacted in October 1976
TSCA bans manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce and use of PCBs
TSCA allows totally enclosed uses, no
unreasonable risk exemptions
TSCA Section 6(e) directed EPA to regulate
PCBs
40 CFR Part 761
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Subpart A: General
Subpart B: Manufacturing
Processing, Distribution in
Commerce, and Use
Subpart C: Marking
Subpart D: Storage and
Disposal
Subpart E: Exemptions
Subpart F: Trans-boundary
Shipments for Disposal
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Subpart G: PCB Spill Cleanup
Policy
Subparts H-I: Reserved
Subpart J: General Records and
Reports
Subpart K: Disposal Records
and Reports
Subparts M-T: Sampling and
Testing
PCB Regulatory Classification
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There are three general concentration ranges
that are used to categorize PCB materials:
 < 50 ppm, minimally regulated
 50 – 499 ppm, moderately regulated
 > 500 ppm, maximally regulated
Use Prohibitions/Restrictions may extend to
“detectable levels”(e.g., 2 ppm for waste oil used
for energy recovery)
PCB Disposal
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Liquids > 50 ppm: Incineration; high efficiency
boiler; alternative technology;
PCB Articles: Incineration; TSCA landfill (drained
and flushed); alternative technology
PCB Contaminated Articles: Landfill (drained);
decontaminate/scrap;
Disposal facilities require USEPA approval
PCB Program: Inspections and
Enforcement
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Regional Offices’ compliance staff conduct site
inspections and prepare enforcement cases
Inspections targeted to:
 PCB equipment users;
 PCB storage/disposal facilities;
 Subjects of tips and complaints
Inspectors review records,survey facility. Look
for use violations, spills, disposal violations,
transformer registration documentation.
For More Information….
• Regional PCB
Coordinator :
(404) 562-8990
Region 4
Fax: (404) 562-8972
www.epa.gov/pcb
www.epa.gov/opptintr/
pbt