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Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) — A group of toxic, persistent chemicals used in electrical transformers and capacitors for insulating purposes, and in gas pipeline systems as a lubricant. The sale and new use of PCBs were banned by law in 1979.
PCB wastes are those PCBs and PCB items that are subject to the disposal requirements of subpart D of this part (see “PCB Disposal” section below).
A PCB waste generator is any person:
- Whose act or process produces PCBs that are regulated for disposal under 40 CFR 761.60 through 761.79, or
- Whose act first causes PCBs or PCB items to become subject to the disposal requirements of 761.60 through 761.79, or
- Who has physical control over PCBs when a decision is made that the use of the PCBs has been terminated and therefore is subject to the disposal requirements of 761.60 through 761.79.
Unless another provision of Part 761 specifically requires a site-specific meaning, “generator of PCB waste” includes all of the sites of PCB waste generation owned or operated by the person who generates PCB waste.
PCB disposal
Except as provided in 761.60(a)(2) through (a)(5), PCBs at concentrations of 50 ppm or greater must be disposed of in an incinerator which complies with 761.70. PCBs must be disposed of according to the following:
- PCB transformer - [761.60(b)(1)]
- PCB capacitor - [761.60(b)(2)]
- PCB hydraulic machine - [761.60(b)(3)]
- PCB-contaminated electrical equipment - [761.60(b)(4)]
- PCB articles with concentrations at 500 ppm or greater - [761.60(b)(5)]
- PCB containers - [761.60(c)]
Spills and other uncontrolled discharges of PCBs at concentrations of 50 ppm or greater constitute the disposal of PCBs.
If PCB waste generators intend to use an alternative method of destroying PCBs and PCB items other than incineration, they must get written approval from the Regional Administrator or the Director and give written notices to the state and local governments within whose jurisdiction the disposal facility is located.
Owners or users of mineral oil dielectric fluid electrical equipment may use the procedures in [761.60(g)] to determine the concentration of PCBs in the dielectric fluid. Requirements for the export and import of PCBs for disposal is found in [761.20].
Storage for disposal
Storage requirements for disposal of PCBs at concentrations of 50 ppm or greater and PCB items with PCB concentrations of 50 ppm or greater are found in [761.65].
Incinerators and chemical waste landfills
All incinerators and chemical waste landfills used for disposal of PCBs and PCB items must be approved by the EPA Regional Administrator and meet the requirements of 761.70 and 761.75, respectively.
PCB decontamination
[761.79]
Any PCB container to be decontaminated must be decontaminated by flushing the internal surfaces of the container three times with a solvent containing less than 50 ppm PCB. Movable equipment used in storage areas must be decontaminated by swabbing surfaces that have contacted PCBs with a solvent containing less than 50 ppm PCB.