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

To regulate the continued use and disposal of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), is charged with enforcing the regulations contained in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 761 (40 CFR 761). Particularly applicable are the requirements of Subpart G, PCG Cleanup Policy, which became effective on May 4, 1987. The PCB spill cleanup policy is reviewed. Methods of disposal available to owners are discussed. It is noted that some methods of legal disposal, allowed under the regulations, do not eliminate risks, but may actually increase them. The authors offer an alternative that eliminates the long-term exposure risks caused by disposal of PCB-containing equipment. In particular, they present a three-step solution to this problem that depends on specifying an appropriate method of disposal to completely destroy PCBs, utilizing vendors who are EPA approved and inspected, and reviewing thoroughly the control mechanisms and procedures used by vendors in order to prevent environmental exposures to PCBs and ensure that the customers´ long-term liabilities are completely eliminated.<>