PCB Mega Rule-Proposed

Operators of facilities that manage PCB materials should be aware that the current regulations under TSCA are under review, and substantial changes are being proposed. The proposed changes are summarized below. A more detailed discussion is available in the December 6, 1994 Federal Register, 59 FR 62788.

On December 6, 1994, EPA proposed amendments to its rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Changes are being proposed for the requirements for determining PCB concentration; marking, storage, and disposal; decontamination levels and procedures; and the reporting and recordkeeping requirements for PCBs, PCB Items, environmental media (e.g. soil and sediment) contaminated with PCBs or PCBs in association with radioactive materials. In addition, EPA has proposed to insert additional definitions and references, include new authorizations and exemptions, require the registration of certain electrical transformers, regulate combustion in industrial furnaces, regulate the disposal of liquids in landfills, and coordinate PCB disposal approvals with other federal and state programs, and revise the reportable quantity in the spill cleanup policy. EPA also proposed to coordinate strategies for the remediation of PCB spills and other disposal sites, including cleanup under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action provisions and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) remedial programs.

At the writing of this document, EPA is anticipating of final release of these regulations in December 1997.