Alternate PCB Extraction Methods and Amendments to PCB Cleanup and Disposal Regulations (Final Rule)

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) section 6(e), 15 USC 2605(e), directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the marking and disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Implementing regulations have been codified in Part 761 in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR part 761). Under this authority, EPA established specific methods that are allowable for extraction and analysis for PCBs under the TSCA regulations (also referred to as the “PCB regulations” throughout this document). EPA is expanding and updating the allowable methods. These changes will provide greater flexibility to entities characterizing and verifying the cleanup of PCB waste. The additional extraction and determinative methods are also expected to ease regulatory burden and costs on the regulated community, result in quicker and more efficient cleanups, and reduce the amount of solvent used in PCB extraction processes. EPA is also adding several other amendments to the PCB regulations. Specifically, the Agency is amending the performance-based disposal option for PCB remediation waste; removing the provision allowing PCB bulk product waste to be disposed as road bed material; adding more flexible provisions for cleanup and disposal of waste generated by spills that occur during emergency situations (e.g., hurricanes or floods); harmonizing the general disposal requirements for PCB remediation waste; and making other amendments to improve the implementation of the regulations, clarify ambiguity, and correct technical errors. The overall reporting and recordkeeping requirements for PCBs are reported in a separate ICR, OMB Control No. 2070-0112 (EPA ICR No. 1446.14). This ICR (EPA ICR No. 2688.02 (2050-0230)) will be rolled into the consolidated PCB ICR (EPA ICR No. 1446.15) in the next renewal cycle.

The latest form for Alternate PCB Extraction Methods and Amendments to PCB Cleanup and Disposal Regulations (Final Rule) expires 2027-02-28 and can be found here.