Region 10 PCB Program
This page contains regional guidance for managing PCBs under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in EPA's Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington).
Contacts
- Michelle Mullin (mullin.michelle@epa.gov), PCB Coordinator, 206-553-1616.
- Dave Bartus (bartus.dave@epa.gov), Cleanup, PCB Radioactive Waste, 206-553-2804.
- Kim Ogle (ogle.kimberly@epa.gov), Section Chief, RCRA Corrective Action, Permits and PCB Section, 206-553-0955.
- Lisa McArthur (mcarthur.lisa@epa.gov), Branch Chief, RCRA and Tanks Branch, 206-553-1814.
PCB Cleanup Sites in Region 10
EPA is currently involved in cleaning up PCB contamination at the following sites:
- Boeing Plant 2 (Seattle)
- Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site (Seattle)
- Rainier Commons (Seattle)
Regional PCB Guidance
PCBs in Building Materials
- Is there a Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) or certified contractor program?
No, the RRP program only applies to lead-based paint hazards.
- Can I offset the cost of PCB removal in my building?
Removal and disposal of PCBs can often be integrated with energy efficiency projects, helping to achieve gains in environmental protection and long-term cost savings. States offer rebates for window, lighting and insulation (caulk) replacement. Additionally, replacing these items will lead to energy savings and reduced utility bills. Below are some financial incentive programs available by state:
- Alaska Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs (PDF)(1 pg, 185 K)
- Idaho Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs (PDF)(2 pp, 205 K)
- Oregon Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs (PDF)(3 pp, 226 K)
- Washington Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs (PDF)(4 pp, 209 K)
Additional rebate information:
- Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit (U.S. Department of Energy)
Many building upgrade projects can simultaneously remove chemical pollutants and improve energy efficiency- thereby improving occupant health while reducing operational costs. For more information, see EPA's Basic Steps to Using the Energy Savings Plus Health Guidelines.
Remediation Waste from PCB Cleanups
- Am I required to comply with greener cleanup practices for my cleanup site?
EPA encourages the compliance with greener cleanup practices for all cleanup projects, and includes adherence to the ASTM Standard Guide to Greener Cleanups as a condition of its cleanup approvals.
Greener cleanup is the practice of incorporating options that minimize the environmental impacts of cleanup actions in order to incorporate practices that maximize environmental and human benefit. Region’s 10 Clean & Green Policy supports greener cleanup by promoting sustainable technologies and practices in our cleanup programs in order to conserve energy and help our citizens save money.
PCBs in Used Oil
- How do I dispose of my used oil?
- Idaho: Used oil in Idaho (Idaho Department of Environmental Quality) Exit
- Oregon: Used oil in Oregon (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality) Exit
- Washington: Used oil in Washington (Washington Department of Ecology) Exit
If you are disposing of used oil from multiple or anonymous sources, you should ensure that the oil is not contaminated with PCBs prior to transporting for disposal. Laboratory analysis is the only way to know if the oil is contaminated with PCBs.
- What used oil is regulated by the TSCA PCB regulations?
Any used oil that contains quantifiable levels of PCBs.
- How do I test my used oil?
- Collect a sample of used oil, following collection instructions from a qualified laboratory.
- Samples must be analyzed for Total PCBs following EPA Method 8082 (PCBs by Gas Chromatography).
- PCB concentration in used oil must be determined in accordance with the testing procedures described in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) section 761.60(g) (2) (Testing procedures).
- Can I recycle my used oil with PCBs?
No. Used oil contaminated with PCBs must be disposed at an incinerator, a high efficiency boiler, a chemical waste landfill or alternate destruction method pursuant to 40 CFR section 761.60.
- What do I do if my oil is contaminated with PCBs?
If used oil is contaminated with PCBs at a concentration greater than or equal to 50 ppm at the point of generation, the used oil is regulated for disposal.
If any PCBs at a concentration of 50 ppm or greater have been added to the container or equipment, then the total container contents must be considered as having a PCB concentration of 50 ppm or greater for purposes of complying with the disposal requirements of this part.
Used oil that contains PCBs with an original source concentration of 50 ppm or greater must be must be disposed at an incinerator, a high efficiency boiler, a chemical waste landfill, or alternate destruction method pursuant to 40 CFR section 761.60. See list of commercially permitted PCB disposal companies.
Manifest, storage, and record keeping must be followed for authorized disposal. You are responsible for ensuring full compliance with the regulations for Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use of PCBs and PCB Items (40 CFR section 761.20).
Disposal and Storage of PCB Waste
- How do I dispose of an x-ray machine?
X-ray equipment must be disposed of through a commercial x-ray company or recycler to ensure proper disposal. You should ensure that disposal follows all state rules regarding handling and disposal of radioactive material and radiation-producing equipment. Information by state can be found below:
- Alaska: Radiological Health in Alaska (Alaska Department of Health and Social Services) Exit
- Idaho: Idaho Radiation Control Rules (Idaho Administrative Procedures Act - IDAPA 16.02.27) (PDF)(12 pp, 455 K) Exit
- Oregon: Disposal of x-ray units in Oregon (Oregon Health Authority) Exit
- Washington: Disposal of x-ray equipment, film, and machines in Washington (Washington Department of Health) Exit
Old machines (pre 1978) may contain PCBs in the capacitors, wiring insulation, etc. If machines contain PCBs at concentrations 50 ppm or greater, the PCB Items must be disposed of at a TSCA authorized facility.
- I have PCB household waste - what are the rules?
PCB Household waste is waste that is composed of materials generated by consumers in their homes including unwanted or discarded non-commercial vehicles (prior to shredding), household items, and appliances or appliance parts.
Bulk or commingled liquid PCB wastes at concentrations of 50 parts per million (ppm) or greater, demolition and renovation wastes, and industrial or heavy duty equipment with PCBs are not household wastes. For a full definition, see 40 CFR section 761.3 Definitions.
Household waste can be disposed of in a state-permitted municipal landfill or non-hazardous waste landfill as described in 40 CFR section 761.63 (PCB household waste storage and disposal).
For additional questions regarding PCB household waste, please see page 107 of the PCB Question and Answer Manual.
- What are the guidelines for recycling concrete?
PCB contaminated concrete is considered PCB bulk remediation waste. Any person disposing of concrete on which PCBs have been spilled must do so in accordance with 40 CFR section 761.61 (PCB remediation waste).
Non-contaminated concrete may be recycled.
- Do I need an EPA identification number to transport or dispose of PCB waste?
All generators must have a TSCA ID. Generators can either use their assigned RCRA ID, or if a RCRA ID is not already assigned, request an ID from EPA for PCB activities. Following the mailing instructions, or email your completed form to ORCRPCBs@epa.gov.
In some circumstances generators may use the generic TSCA ID, "40 CFR PART 761" (see "Who may use the generic 40 CFR PART 761 ID number?" below).
Any generator, commercial storer, transporter, or disposer of PCB waste (other than generators exempt from notification regulation as described in 40 CFR section 761.25 (c)(1) (Prohibitions and exceptions) must notify EPA of PCB waste handling activities by using the notification procedures and form as described in 40 CFR section 761.205 (Notification of PCB waste activity).
EPA will confirm the EPA ID number of facilities and will only assign EPA ID number to facilities that do not have one. EPA ID numbers will be mailed by EPA Headquarters.
- Who may use the generic "40 CFR PART 761" ID number?
40 CFR section 761.205(c)(1) and (c)(2) explain that generators of PCB waste do not need to notify EPA and receive a unique EPA ID unless their PCB waste activities include:
- Using, owning, servicing or processing PCBs or PCB Items only if they own or operate a PCB storage facility subject to the storage requirements of 761.65 (b) or (c).
Generators exempted from notifying EPA under 761.206(c)(2) can use the generic ID "40 CFR PART 761" on manifests, records and reports, unless the generator elects to use an EPA ID previously assigned to them under RCRA by EPA or a state.