Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCBs Toxic Substance Control Act Environmental

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Toxic Substance Control Act Environmental Compliance Assistance Workshop September 13 th, 2005 Raj Aiyar (404) 562 -8993 EPA Region 4

TSCA Programs n n PCBs New Chemicals (Core TSCA) Asbestos in Schools Lead Based Paint

PCBs

What are PCBs? Cl Cl H H C 12 H(10 -n)Cln n PCBs are synthetic organic compounds n 209 Congeners (forms) n Commercial PCBs are mixtures of congeners. Produced under various tradenames, Aroclor (Monsanto), Askeral (USA), Pyroclor (UK), Inerteen (Japan), Solvol (Russia)

PCB Uses n PCBs were commercially produced for 50 years n PCBs commonly used as: n n Dielectric fluid in transformers and capacitors - 56% Plasticizers (carbonless copy paper) - 30% Hydraulic fluids and lubricants – 12% Other uses: n Flame retardant, paint and coatings, heat transfer fluid, microscopy, adhesives, casting wax

PCB Attributes n n n 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 n n n 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 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 Water 150 0. 05

Health Effects n n PCBs are present in fatty tissues of exposed animals and humans Documented and suspected health impacts include: n n Irritation of skin and eyes; Liver and immune system disorders Reproductive and developmental effects Probable human carcinogen

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) n n 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 n n n n 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 n n n 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 n n There are three general concentration ranges that are used to categorize PCB materials: n < 50 ppm, minimally regulated n 50 – 499 ppm, moderately regulated n > 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 n n 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 n n n Regional Offices’ compliance staff conduct site inspections and prepare enforcement cases Inspections targeted to: n PCB equipment users; n PCB storage/disposal facilities; n 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