How to Dispose of PCB Hazardous Waste in West Virginia
Polychlorinated bipenyls (PCBs), fire retardants used in several electrical and construction projects in the United States until they were outlawed in 1976, are considered highly toxic and have been found to produce reproductive and gastric disorders, skin lesions and cancerous tumors. In fact, PCBs are the only chemical specifically named in the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, as Congress considered that they posed a unique threat to the environment and public health. PCB disposal in West Virginia, therefore, as in all states, is subject to federal guidelines and oversight as directed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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Instructions
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Report the waste immediately to your regional EPA office.
Federal law requires that all PCB spills be reported within 24 hours to the EPA. In West Virginia, contact the EPA Region 3 Emergency Response Section at 215-814-3255 and the National Response Center at 800-424-8802. The EPA will instruct you on exactly how to proceed in your area and in your precise situation.
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Control the waste area by stopping any leak and sealing off the area. Federal law requires that cleanup be initiated within 48 hours of a spill and that PCB materials be safely isolated. PCBs can be stored on-site for up to 30 days with proper isolation or up to a year if your storage site complies with federal law governing safe PCB storage and your storage plan is approved by the EPA. Thereafter, PCB waste must be disposed of in compliance with federal regulations.
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Ship your PCB waste to a federally certified waste disposal or treatment facility. The regional office of the EPA will help you identify the best disposal strategy for waste in your area, taking into account the available facilities and the transportation options for shipping the waste.
Federal law allows for PCB hazardous waste to be shipped to either an incinerator certified to deal with PCBs, a chemical waste or hazardous waste landfill that meets criteria for PCB disposal or through an alternate decontamination or disposal plan approved by the EPA.
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Tips & Warnings
Disposal regulations are very complex and can vary depending on the concentration of PCBs in your waste and the exact nature of your situation. The best strategy is always to contact your regional EPA office and discuss a disposal plan that complies with federal regulations.
Any questions about PCB waste and disposal in the mid-Atlantic region can be directed to the EPA Region 3 Land and Chemicals Division. In West Virginia, call 304-231-0501.
PCBs are extremely toxic. Do not attempt to resolve a waste-disposal situation without contacting federal authorities and dealing with professional hazardous waste-disposal technicians.
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- Photo Credit Toxic hazard flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
