BACKGROUND:
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic chemicals that were
widely used in industrial applications due to their practical physical and chemical
properties. Historical uses of PCBs include dielectric fluids (used in utility
transformers, capacitors, etc.), hydraulic fluids, and other applications requiring
stable, fire-retardant materials. Due to findings that PCBs may cause adverse
health effects and due to their persistence and accumulation in the environment,
the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), enacted on October 11, 1976, banned
the manufacture of PCBs after 1978 [Section 6(e)]. The first PCB regulations, promulgated
at 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 761, were finalized on
February 17, 1978, and were most recently amended on June 29, 1998 [63 Federal
Register (FR) 35384]. These PCB regulations include requirements specifying
disposal methods and marking (i.e., labeling) procedures, and controlling
PCB use. The requirements outlined at 40 CFR Parts 761.40 through 761.45 specify
marking requirements for most PCB Items (i.e., any PCB Article, PCB Container,
PCB Article Container, or PCB Equipment that contains PCBs). Most PCB
Items require “PCB marks,” a descriptive name, instructions, cautions, or other
information applied to PCB Items or other objects subject to these regulations.
The marking regulations include requirements for PCB marks on PCB Items,
storage areas, and temporary storage areas.
To assist the Department of Energy (DOE) in its efforts to comply with the TSCA
statute and implementing regulations, the Office of Environmental Policy and
Guidance has prepared the document Guidance Booklet on the Storage and Disposal
of PCB Waste. This Information Brief supplements the PCB guidance document
by responding to common questions concerning marking requirements
for PCBs. It is one of a series of Information Briefs pertinent to PCB management
issues.
STATUTE: Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA)
REGULATION: 40 CFR Part 761
REFERENCES:
1. Guidance Booklet on the Storage and Disposal of PCB Waste, DOE Office of
Environmental Policy and Guidance, RCRA/CERCLA Division (EH-413),
DOE/EH-413-9914, November 1999.]
2. PCB Storage Requirements, EH-413 TSCA Information Brief,
EH-413-0006/0702, Office of Environmental Policy and Guidance,
RCRA/CERCLA Division, July 2002.
3. Disposal Requirements for PCB Waste, EH-413 TSCA Information Brief,
EH-231-056/1294, Office of Environmental Policy and Guidance, RCRA/
CERCLA Division, December 1994. |
