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Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations 31539
and employees, as well as violating
companies. EPA takes the position that
persons may not contract away their
responsibility or liability for violation of
these rules, i.e. a PCS user who
contracts for PCS disposal or storage
with a company that he knows or should
know has inadequate disposal or
storage facilities, may himself be the
subject of an enforcement action. This
policy applies to all remedies EPA may
seek for a violation.
EPA will be directing its resources to
the discovery of significant instances of
exposures of PCBs to the environment
and developing accurate information
depicting the flow of PCBs to proper
disposal. Using information developed
during inspections and using the records
required to be kept under § 761.45, EPA
will be able to focus its efforts upon
areas which show the greatest potential
for violation.
XIV. Relationship of PCB Disposal
Under TSCA to Hazardous Waste
Disposal Under RCRA
The disposal requirements of this rule
specify the actions that must be taken
when disposing of PCBs.
In addition, the rule contains Annexes
that delineate specifications for disposal
facilities that are to be used for the
disposal of PCBs. These facilities are
also addressed in the hazardous waste
disposal rules proposed under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA) on December 18,1978 (43
FR 58946). Several options for
integrating the PCB rule with the RCRA
rules are discussed in the preamble to
the RCRA rules at 43 FR 58993 and
comments were requested on the
alternatives. Prior to the promulgation of
the RCRA rules. EPA will resolve the
differences between these two rules.
Because of the special disposal
problems presented by PCBs, EPA could
choose to continue special provisions for
the disposal of PCBs. EPA's decision
will be announced when the rules under
RCRA are promulgated.
XV. Summary of Economic
Consequences
Section 6(e) of TSCA prohibits (1) the
use of PCBs in a non-totally enclosed
manner unless the use is authorized and
(2) ail manufacture, processing, and
distribution in commerce of PCBs unless
they are otherwise exempted by the
Administrator. These authorizations and
exemptions, however, are discretionary
and can be granted only upon a finding
that a particular PCB activity does not
pose an unreasonable risk to health or
the environment
The impacts of both the statute and
the regulation have been assessed and
are discussed below. Additional
information on these impacts is
contained in PCB Manufacturing.
Processing. Distribution IP Commerce.
and Use Ban Regulation: Economic
Impact Analysis (the Versar Report)
which can be obtained from the Industry
Assistance Office of the Office of Toxic
Substances upon request (see the
beginning of this preamble for the
address and telephone number).
A. Impact of the Statute
It was the clear intent of Congress, as
expressed in Section 6(e) and in the
pertinent legislative history, that the
manufacture of PCBs should cease.
Since no more PCBs will be made
(unless exemptions are granted), it
follows that there can be no future
manufacturing of PCB Transformers or
Capacitors. Consequently, the costs
attributed to the cessation of the
manufacture of PCB chemical substance,
PCB Transformers, and PCB Capacitors
are considered impacts of the statute,
not of the regulation.
These costs are attributable to the
statute and not to the regulation and
include $12-$30 million per year in
increased capacitor costs that will be
borne by utility and industrial users.
This results from an across-the-board
increase in capacitor prices of 10-20
percent due to the higher costs of PCB
substitutes. This cost will continue
indefinitely, unless the cost of these
substitutes falls. Purchasers of Non-PCB
Transformers will incur increased costs
of up to $10 million per year, depending
on the particular substitute dielectric
fluid selected. This cost will also
continue indefinitely. These increased
costs of transformers and capacitors
will be passed on through a minimal
increase in the cost of electricity to
consumer and industrial users.
8. Impact of the Rule
The total first year cost of this rule is
expected to range between $58 million
and S105 million. By 1985 the annual
costs will drop to between S30 million
and $37 million. Annual costs should
continue to diminish subsequent to 1985
as the use of PCBs is discontinued.
The largest annual economic impact
of this regulation may result from the
prohibition of the use of waste oil
containing any detectable amount of
PCB for dust control on roads. Since
most waste oil contains very low PCB
levels, as much as 300,000,000 gallons of
waste oil per year will be diverted from
this use. Highway departments and
private road owners will have to use
substitute products which could cost
them as much as $31.7 million per year
for the first several years of this rule.
Note that the manufacturers of
substitute products assert that use of
their products will substantially reduce
road maintenance costs when compared
to the use of waste oil for road oiling
and that such a reduction would directly
reduce the net cost of the rule. However,
EPA is not able to verify the potential
savings involved.
The ban on rebuilding transformers
which contain dielectric fluid with a 500
ppm or greater PCB concentration will
cost the owners of these transformers
approximately $12 million in the first
year of the rule. This annual cost will be
gradually reduced over a period of 30 to
40 years as the transformers are
replaced. Included in the $12 million
estimate is an estimated $2.4 million in
costs attributed to a projected increase
in down-time. In other words, when a
power delivery is interrupted by an
electrical failure of a PCB Transformer
the rule's effective requirement that the
failed PCB Transformer be replaced by a
new, rather than a rebuilt transformer,
will cause a longer than normal
interruption. About two thirds of these
transformers are owned by commercial
and industrial firms and the remainder
by utilities. The impact of this rule with
respect to transformers is expected to
have a negligible effect on the cost of
electricity, and no significant impact on
non-utility owners.
The cost of disposing of PCB-
contaminated mineral oil will be
significantly less than under the
proposed rule. The final rule modifies
the proposed requirement and allows
disposal in high efficiency boilers. It is
expected that the annual costs under the
changed disposal requirements will be
between $3.2 million and $17.0 million.
Included in both the low and the high
estimates is an estimated annual
disposal cost of $11.1 million which
could be incurred by disposers of
contaminated mineral oil who do not
own high efficiency boilers. In addition,
the owners of high efficiency boilers will
likely incur some capital costs in the
first year of the rule in order to take
advantage of the new provisions.
Seven railroad and transit companies
which are affected by this rule will incur
total additional operating costs of S12.2
million. These costs will be spread over
the next five years. The costs will be
incurred because of refilling of PCB-
Containing Transformers used on
locomotives and self-powered cars with
substitute non-PCB fluid, and in
periodically removing residual PCB
contamination from the new fluid. Since
-------
31540 Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations
oniy electrically-powered units are
involved, the costa will be borne solely
by railroad* and puboc transit
author, ties la the Northeast. These
companies are in finAnriat trouble;
however, funding may be available
through Federal subsidies.
Underground mining equipment will
be impacted because of an older design
electric motor which osed PC3s as a
cooianL The use of these motors will be
banned as of January 1,1382, and the
total cost to users of PGB mining
equipment will be 42Uyo SA2 million.
Since the ban is designed to allow a
phase-out of the use of the equipment
through conversion or obsolescence, it
ihould cause no interruption of coal
production. These costs are not
expected to cause ig"iRf'a"* problems
for the equipment owners.
Owners of hydraulic systems with
PCB-containing hydraulic fluid will have
to test, drain, and refill these systems
periodically. As many as 1.750 systems
including imrti^ die f"f*Mffl end foundry
equipment are believed to b* affected
by the rule and coats for the initial two
years are expected to total between
314.8 and $25 million; coats for
subsequent years should be '
Owners of beat transfer systems with
PCB-conUiittfig heat transfer Said will
also have to test, drain, and refill these
systems periodically. As many as 600
systems are believed to be affected by
the rule, and costs for the first three
years are expected to total between
$12.2 and $17A auQion; cost for
subsequent years should be
insignificant.
Threre are a number of commercial
chemical process** which produce PCBe
as an unintentional byproduct in
concentrations over 90 ppm. For
instance, the presence of PCBs (in
excess of 50 ppm) in phthalocyanine and
diarylide yellow pigments has been
detected. It is estimated that the pigment
industry can change its production
process within two years at a coat of
approximately SSJBt million so that
unintentional PCB production will no
longer be a problem. Little ta known
about the cost or feasibility of
eliminating PCB contamination from
other cfoamiratt production processes.
However, since all of these problem* at
PCs-contamination in the production of
pigments *""* other chemical products
will be dealt with on a case-by-case
basis in exemption mlf making*, the
Agency will be able to assist these
economic-impecU at that time. ,
Also, this regulation could potentially
have a very costly impact on sellers of
electrical equipment containing PCB
Capacitors if EPA does net provide
exemptions from the prohibition on
distribution m commerce of PCS
Equipment These costs will be carefully
considered in toe separate rulemakirig
concerning exemptions to ;he July 1,
1979. distribution in commerce ban.
Several other very minor impacts
which will be incurred only during 1973
have been identified. These impacts
include owners of natural gas pipeline
pump compressors who are expected to
spend $200.000 in 1979 to remove PCB
fluid from those compressors. The ban
on rebuilding the approximately 200
electromagnets containing PCBs is
expected to cost users 3100,000 annually
and have a total cost of less than $1
million.
Most of the coats discussed above
result from requirements that are part of
the authorizations to permit continued
use of mixtures, articles and equipment
containing PCBs in a manner protective
of health and the environment If these
authorizations were not promulgated.
the cost and economic impact on the
affected industries could be
considerably greater than the costs
discusted above. EPA has carefully
examined the coats of this rule and does
not expect any severe economic or
social impacts.
D°tMfc April 18. Mffa
Dougtea si. Caste,
Admnuttfotor.
kiag-PCS 3aa
Official Record of RuJa
Reyuiauaaa '
Section IflUKd) olTSCA defines the tens
"rutaaaking recced" lot purpoM* of judicial
review u fallows;
(A] The rule being reviewed under this
section;
(B) In the case of a rale under section 4(a>.
the flatting tcqaiied by men section, in the
case of rate inter MCOOB 5(bM4). the
Finding refpond by each section, in UM CSM
of a rule under urtina «(). Ihe finding
required by section 5(f] or 6(a), as the case
may be. in, the case of a rale under -section
8(a), the statement required by section d(c)(l).
and in the case of a mis under section 6(e).
the findings rwraired by paragraph 2»B1 or
j(B) of men section. M the com* may Oe:
(O Any transcript required to b« osc'e of
oral pnMBtaoiMS ntwifo in proceedings for
'he pronutejanoa of saca rote;
(u} Any written vlhriinptm of interested
parties rejecting the promulgation of such
rule: and
1 The official record of raiemaldng for the
PolyJiK>ii»rtm» Rptanrti McrMng and Dtoponi
Regulation <4aranSD.P«braiy 17. UTS) fcpiri of
the wort at thfc ntaauHf*. Th« official racomi oi
(E) Any other intormetion which the
AdminiAtfator considers to be relevant to
such rule and which the Administrator
identified, on or before the date of u*e
promulgation of such rule, in a notice
published in the Federal Raspsror.
In accordance with the 'wjuiremenrt oi
section 19(a^3KE) qnoted above. EPA to
publishing the tbDoiring list ol doaaneiffs
constituting She record of this mfnnaiasf .
Tlii« list does not indmie public conuaerux
the tmssaipt of tile ruiemaking hearing, or
submissions made at the mieaiaki&g hearing
or in connection with it These acxanaenU arr
exempt from Fadetal Register listing under
section 19faJ(3). A full list of these materials
wiQ be available on request from the Record
and Hearing Qeric.
Fadstai Hegistet Ntttices Pwttintet t» Thia
Rui»
43 PR 2MB. fane 7, 1978. USEPA.
PoiychhBuwUd Biphenyl. (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Pracessin(> DtetnbanoB is
Commerce, and Use Bans Proposed
Regulation."
42 FR32MS. fan* 27,1877. USEPA.
Polycblornmted Hpbenytei Opea Pukbc
Meeting; Solicitation of CoaHMals."
42 FR 81259, December 2, 1977. USEPA.
"fttKedmes for Rutaneking Under Sectfc* a
of the Toxic *T-*«f*"r"" Control Act"
42 FR 85264, December 30, 1877. USEPA.
Polyduanaatad BioUnyU: Policy for
impUaweUaoa of Swltea &(e)(2) of the Toxic
Substance* Control Act (TSCAV'
43 FR 38057, August 25. ISTH. USEPA.
'Polychlorinated BiphenyU: Manufacbiring.
Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and
Use Bans; Clarification,"
43 PR 43048. September 22, 1978. USEPA.
Potychlorinated Di|jtieiiyt«. MacafectnriBg,
Processuig, Oiteibatiaa in Commerce, and
Use Bans: attention of Reply Comments."
44 FR 10s, ^nuary 2. 1378. USEPA.
PolycokriuatMi Siptaryis: Poucy for
ImplemeatauoB and HnteeeBeat d Serttoas
6(eM2) and *eM3i of the Toxic SubMancea
Control Aet (TSCA)."
Support Docunoots
USEPA. OTS. "PCB Manufacturing.
Processing, Distribution in Conrmsrcf and
itstf-Ban Rcgaiation-PmpcyetfAeticm-Sapport
Document. "/Voluntary Orvft Brrwrronatmtal
Impact Statement, Snrironatental Protection
fyency (40 CFR fart 701). May 197«.
USEPA. OTS. Envircr.s&ntai Protection
Agency Support DocuTr.irt'.fVoiantarf
Environmental Impact Statement for
Paijchhrinated Biphenyis (PCB)
Manufacturing. Processing Distribution in
Commerce and Use San Regulation. March
1979.
USEPA, OPM. MicToeconomic Impacts of
f/te Proposed 'PCS Ban RegntotiODs'c Aftry,
1978. EPA S60/8-77-035. Versar. be Contract
No. 88-01-*771.
the official record for th* Adminntrator'i.
procmrft»*Jii of tedc poflcriaiN lAiMrt tlmterdi
for ~
Act (4i FI
Procetmag. Datribatioa in Cuuomca, atd
Us* Bam Aagufaamr Economic Impact
Anafytm. March 30. 1978. H?A-jau-U/7a-
008. Versar. Inc. Contract Ne. 6a-«l-0n.
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Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations 31541
Other Information
Other "Federal Register" Noticet
41 FR 7552. February 19.1976. "Velsicol
Chemical Company et al., Consolidated
Heptachlor/Chlordane Hearing."
41 FR 21402. May 25.1970. "Health Risk
and Economic Impact Assessments of
Suspected Carcinogens: Interim Procedures
and Guidelines."
42 FR 55028. October 12.1977. "TSCA
Interagency Testing Committee-Initial Report
to the Administrator. EPA."
43 FR 7150. February 17.1978.
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Disposal
& Marking Final Regulation."
43 FR 33918. August 2.1978. "Addendum to
Preamble and Corrections to Final Rule
(PCBs),"
USEPA-Non "Federal Register" Statements
Region IV. News release in reference to
fishing in Lake Hartwell and Twelve Mile
Creek in Pickins County. South Carolina.
Dated about September 10.1976.
Statement of Honorable Russell E. Train.
Administrator. EPA, before the Subcommittee
on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and
the Environment, Committee on Merchant
Marine and Fisheries, House of
Representatives. January 28, 1978.
Remarks by the Honorable Russell E.
Train. Administrator, EPA prepared for
delivery at the National Conference on PCBs.
Chicago. Illinois. Wednesday, November 19.
1975.10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Environmental Protection: fix for Public
Health.
Region I News Release: September 14 1976.
USEPA. OTS. CAD. Proposed PCS Baa
Rule Summary. Apnl 30,1978.
USEPA. Press Office. EPA Proposed Rule
To Ban Poivchlonnated Biphenyls (PCBs).
June 7. 1978.
Pre-Proposal Publicly Announced Meetings
USEPA. Transcript of Proceedings: Public
Meeting on the Ban of Polychlonnated
Biphenyls. Washington. D.C.. July 15,1977.
USEPA. Transcript of Proceedings in the
Special Meeting of U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region V-Chicago. ILL.
July 19. 1978.
Documents Suomitted at the fuly 19. 1977
Public Meeting
Statement on Retrofitting Made at Public
Meeting on the Implementation of the
Environmental Protection Agency s Proposed
PCB Ban. July 19. 1977. Dow Corning Corp.
Presentation to Environmental Protection
.\xencv. Public Meeting-July 19. 1977 |ov
Manufacturers.
Communications
These include, but'are not limited to.
mtragovernmental memoranda, letters, and.
memoranda of telephone conversations.
Reports
1. 'Alvares. Alvito P. "Alterations in Drug
Metabolism in Workers Exposed to
Polychlorinated Biphenyls." Clinical
Pharmacology and Therapeutics 22:2
(undated): 140-148.
2. 'Bahn. Anita K. Report on Paulsboro,
N.J. Mobil OilPlant Study. Philadelphia:
Department of Community Medicine.
University of Pa., School of Medicine. (April
27,1978).
3. 'Bertha, Richard, and Pramer. David.
"Pesticide Transformation to Aniline and Azo
Compounds in Soli" Science 156 (June 23.
1976): 1617-1618.
4. 'Berlin, Mathi Gage. John, and Holm.
Stina. "Distribution and Metabolism of
2,4,5,2',5-Pentachiorobiphenyl." Archives of
Environmental Health 30 (March 1975): 141-
147.
5. 'Bidleman. T. F.. and Olney, C. E.
"Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in the Sargasso
Sea Atmosphere and Surface Water."
Science 183 (October 1.1973): 516-418.
8. 'Blau. G. E.. and Neely, W. Brack.
"Mathematical Model Building with an
Application to Determine the Distribution of
Dursban Insecticide Added to a Simulated
Ecosystem." Adv. Ecology Res. 2 (1975): 133-
163.
7. -Bowes. G. W.. and /onkelv Charles J.
"Presence and Distribution of Polychlorinated
Biphenyls (PCB) in Arctic and Subarctic
Marine Food Chains."/. Fish. Res. 3d. Cem.
32:11 (1975): 2111-2123.
8. 'Canada. Environment Canada.
Background to the Regulation of
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) in Canada.
Ottawa: Task Force on PCB. Technical
Report 78:1 (April 1. 1978): 41-42.
9. 'Denbigh, Kenneth. The Principles of
Chemical Equilibrium with Applications in
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
(Cambridge: University P. ess, 1955), 268-272.
10. Dow Coming Corporation. A Material
Balance Study of Polychlorinated Biphenyls
in Lake Michigan. Midland. MI:
Environmental Sciences Research, by Neely,
W. Brock. The Science of the Total
Environment 7(1977): 117-129.
11. ~Dow Corning Corp. Removal of PCBs
from Dow Corning 561 Silicone Transformer
Liquid by Charcoal Filtration. Midland. MI:
Joint Protect of Dow Corning, Transformer
Consultants. DC Filter and Chemical. Inc..
(undated).
12. "EC&G. Fathead Minnow Egg and Fry
Study, Summary of. Wareham. MA:
Bionamics Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory,
(August 26. 1977).
13. "Environmental Defense Fund v.
Environmental Protect ion Agency, 510 F2d
1292. 1298 (DC Or. 1972).
14. 'Environmental Defense Fund v.
Environmental Protection Agency, 548 F2d
998, 1008 (DC Cir. 1976).
15. 'Environmental Defense Fund (EOF)
and New York Public Interest Research
Group, Inc. (PIRG). Troubled Waters: Toxic
Chemicals in the Hudson River IV (1977): 6-
11.
I5.a Flonda Power and Light Company.
Report on PCB Sampling Program for Florida
Power and Light Company. Miami: Edward E.
'Denotes documents cited in the Environmental
Protection Agency's PCB Manufacturing.
Processing. Distribution in Commerce and Use Ban
Regulation: Proposed RuleSupport Document/
Voluntary Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
'Denotes documents cited in 43 F.R. 24802. June 7.
1978, "EPA. Polychlonnated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing. Processing Distribution in
Commerce and Use Bans." Proposed Rule.
Clark. Engineers-Scientists. (August 4.1978).
Submitted to Jeffrey G. Miller,. USEPA. OAA
for Water Enforcement by Robert E. Uhrig,
VP, Advanced Systems and Technology,
September 25.1978.
16. *Furr. A. Keith: Lawerence, Alonzo W.;
Tong. Steven S. C, Gradolfo, Marian C;
Hofstader. Robert A.; Bache. Carl A^
Gutenmann. Walter Usk, Donald J.
"Multielement and Chlorinated Hydrocarbon
Analysis of Municipal Sewage Sludges of
American Cities." Environmental Science
and Technology. 10:7 (July 1976): 683-687.
17. General Electric Co. Perspectives on
PCB Substitutes For Power Capacitors.
Hudson Falls. NY: Capacitor Products Dept,
(October 17,1977). Submitted to Peter P.
Principe, USEPA, OTS by Ruth K. Amman.
Materials Science Lab.. March 9.1978.
18. "General Electric Co. Silicones in
Transformers Presented to the
Environmental Protection Agency.
Waterford. NY: Silicones Products Dept.
(September 6,1977).
19. 'Hamelink. Jerry L: Waybrant Ronald
C.; Ball. Robert C "A Proposal: Exchange
Equilibria Control the Degree Chlorinated
Hydrocarbons an Biologically Magnified in
Lentic Environments." Transactions of the
American Fisheries Society 100:2 (April
1971): 207-214.
20. 'Hague, Rizwanul; Schmedding, David
W.: and Freed. Virgil M. "Aqueous Solubility
Adsorption and Vapor Behavior by
Polychlorinated Biphenyl Aroclor 1254." Env.
Set. » Tech. 6-2 (February 1974): 139-141.
21. 'Harvey, George R.. and Steinhauer,
William G. "Atmospheric Transport of
Poiychlorobiphenyis to the North Atlantic."
Atmospheric Environment 8 (1974): 777-782.
22. 'Holden. A. V. "Source of
Polychlonnated Biphenyl Contamination in
the Marine Environment." Nature 228
(December 19.1970): 1220-1221.
23. Hutzmger. O.: Safe. S.: and Zitko. V.
"Polychlonnated Biphenyls." Anaiabs
Research Notes 12:2 (July 1972): 1-15.
24. 'Jansson. B.; Jensen. S.: Olsson, M.:
Sundstrom. G.: and Vaz. R. "Identification by
GC-MS of Phenolic Metabolites of PCB and
p.p'-DDE Isolated from Baltic Guillemot and
Seal." Ambio 4:2 (1975): 93-96.
funge. C. E. See Suffet. I. H.. gen. ed.
25. 'Lunde. Golbrand. 'Long-Range Aerial
Transmission of Organic Micropollutants."
Ambio 5-6 (1976): 207-208.
26. 'Mackay, Donald: Lemonen. Paul J.
"Rate of Evaporation Low-Solubility
Contaminants from Water Bodies to
Atmosphere." Environmental Science and
Technology 9 (December 1975): 1178-1180.
27. 'Maugh. Thomas H. II. "DDT: An
Unrecognized Source of Poiychlonnated
Biphenyls." Science 180 (May 1973): 578-579.
2a 'MetcaJf. Robert L; Sanborn. James: Po
Yung Lu: Nye. Donald. "Laboratory Model
Ecosystem Studies of the Degradation and
Fate of Radio labeled Tri-, Tetra-, and
Pentachlorobiphenyl Compared with DDE."
Archives of Environmental Contamination
and Toxicology 3:2 (1975): 151-165.
29. 'Monsanto Chemical Company. Aroclor
Plasticizers. St. Louis. MO: Organic
Chemicals Division. Technical Bulletin O/PL-
306A (Undated).
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31342 Federal Register. / VoL 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rales and Regulations
30. *Mon*anto Chemical Company.
Monsanto To Shut Dovm PCS Unit. But
Business by October 31. 1877. SL Louis, MOs
(October 5, 1977%
31. 'Murphy, Thomas J. PndnitatianiA
Significant Source of Phosphorus ondPQts
to Lake Michigan. Evanatoo. ID.: iota, ACS
Great Lake* Regional Meeting, (Jane 17,
1978).
32. * National Electric Mwiufacturers
Association. Report of Transformer
Dielectric fluid Study Cttoi&hg Croup.
Washington. OC^OcUkbu 18. IS77).
33. 'National Swedish Environmental
Protection Board. PCB Conference H
Stockholm: Pub. 1073: 4E. q?f ** 14.
19721.
34. 'Nebon. N. "PCB^&iviraHMatBi
Impact." Environmental Research & (1872):
273-287.
35. "New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation. Hudson, River
PCS Study Description and Detailed Work
Plan. Albany: Bureau of Water Research.
38. 'Nisbet. Ian C T. and Sarofia*. Ada* P.
"Rate* and Route* of Transport of PCBe in
the Environment." Environmental Health and
Perspectives (Apni 1972): 21-38.
37. 'GOofi*. P. C; Albright. L. fc Seat* S. Y.
and Law. f. 'Factors Affecting the Behavior
of Fire Chlorinated Hydrocarbon* in Two
Natwal Water* and Their Sediment*."
Journal Fisheries Research Board of Canada
SQrtl (1873): 1614-1823.
Mr. Bofaerta,
38. + TCBs spread by waste oil we?"
Chemical Week (January 25, ISTBfc 15.
39. + Peakafl, D. a TCBt and Their
Environmental Meets." CRC-Qitfca/
Reviews in Environmental Control &4
(September 1975): 489-508.
40. '"Report of a New Chemical Hazard.'*
.Vew Scientist (December 15. 1908): 81Z
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Schmidt, T. T.: de Lappe, B. W.; Cannon. C.
W. 'Transfer of Chlorinated JBiphenyia , to
Antarctica." Nature 284 (December 23/30,
19781: 738-739.
42. 'Sodergren. A. "Chlorinated
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43. Spagnoli. John { and Skinner,
Lawrence C. "PCBs in Rsh Prom Selected
Waters of New York State," Pesticides
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87.
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in the Air and Water Environments. New
York: ]ohn Wiley 4 Sons, 1977, Vol. & "Basic
Consideration about Trace«Constiruents in
the Atmosphere as Related to the Fate of
Global Pollutants." C. E. Junge. 7-25.
45. Tucker. E. S.; U tschgt W. J.; Mees. W.
M. "Migration of Polychlorinated Biphenyts
in Soil Induced by Percolating Water."
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination S-
Toxicology 111 (1975): 88-83.
46. -r University of Wisconsin Sea Grant
College Program. "ABCs of PCB*." Madison:
Public Information Report WIS SG 78-125.
(April 1976).
47. -r University of Wisconsin Sea Grant
College Program. "PCBs and the FDA. Parts I
and II." Madison: Earthwatch/Wisconsin.
-May 8 and May 13. 1977).
48. + USDHEW. Final Report of the
Subcommittee on the Health Effects of
Polychlorinated Bfpherryls and
Polybroaunated Biphenyls. Washington, (July
1978).
48. ** USDHEW. Center for Disease
Control. Exposure to Pa/ycAIatinated
Bipfienyls in Bloomington, Indiana. Atlanta:
Public Health Service. EPI-77-^JS-a. (May 28,
1978], Submitted by Request of EPA during
Reply Comment Period.
50. 'USDHEW, NIOSH. Criteria fora
Recommended SUmdard'b .
Expomtre to PoIycUarinated Bipheayls
fPCBs}. Wa»hingtoni [SepUanbar 1977)
SL 'USDHEW. NIOSH. The Toxic
Substances List-1973 Edition. RockviHe, MD:
(June 18731. 95.
52. ' USDHEW. PHS. NIH. NO. Bioaamay
ofArodor 1254 for Potsible Carcinogaaicity.
Washington: National Cancer Instituta, Tech,
Report Seriee No. 38. (Uff&\.
53. + USDOC, Mariame Adminutration.
Final £"*"'*"»*"">'**n^ imp"?* StotetnenL
rVf"j'-' Waata Incinerator
Ship Project. VoL 1 of 2 MA-OS 730a-78O4lF,
(July 2, 1978).
54. +USDOrT.TranaportaticmSyateiM
Center. Smtiuatum of SHicame fluid for
Replacement of PCS CoolantM in Railway
Industry. Waaomgtos Preaanted by
Wesdnghouse Electnc Corp, {j»ly 1977).
55. +USEPA. Pntrrmitiags In the Matter of
Toxic Pollutant Effluent Standard*. Docket
No. 1 rWPCAjyr). Arlington, V A. (May a.
1974).
56. + USEPA. Proceedings In the Matter of
Toxic Pollutant Sffhent Standards. Docket
No. 1 FWPCAJX7). Arlington, VA. (May 9,
1974).
57. 'USBPA. Proceedings tn the Matter- of
Toxic Pollutant Effluent Standards. Docket
No. 1 FWPCAO07L Arlinfton. VA. (May 2O.
1974).
5ft. 'USEPA, EBTironmental Reaearcfa
Center. Table of PCB* in Sewage Sludge.
Cincinnati. OH: OSWMP. Unpnbiianed
Report (Undated).
59, 'USEPA. Environmental Research
Laboratory. PorytMorobipaeayls in
Precipitation in the Late Michigan Basin-
Draft. Durum. Minn. Office of Research A
Development. (Undated).
00. 'USEPA. OAWM. EnvirorunentaJ
Assessment of PCS* in the Atmosphere.
Research Triangle Park. NC. Mitre
Corporation £PA 450/3-77-45, (November
1977).
61. ' USEPA. OSWMP. Municipal Sludge
Agricultural Utilization Practices: An
Environmental Assessment VI Table 49.
Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Concentrations in
Stablized Sludge. SCS Engineers, (Undated).
62. USEPA. OTS. Assessment of the
Environmental and Economic Impacts of the
Ban on Imports of PCBs. Versar. Inc. EPA
560/8-77-007. (July 1977).
63. ' USEPA, OTS. Destruction of PCBs in
Sewage Sludge Daring Incineration.
Springfield. VA, Verwr, inc. PB-25B-162.
(1976).
"Denote* document* cJtfd in the Environmental
Protection Agency'* Support Oocaaeat/Vofanuay
Environmental Impact Statmtnt far
Poiychlonnoted Bipa**jt* (PCB) Manufacturing
Processing. Distribution in Commerce and Use Ban
Regulation: March 3979
64. USEPA, OTS. Environmental
Assessment of PCBs Near New Bedford,
Mass. Municipal landfill Phml Draft.
Waahington. DC (May 187B).
65. 'VSBfr^«BiiM>, Caherex Dust
Retardant Agent. Bakenfieid, CA: Golden
Bear Division. (Undated).
74. 'World Almanac & Book of Fact*.
"Meteorological Monthly Temperature and
Precipitation." (1977): 794-795.
75. + WorW Health Organization.
Environmental Health Criteria 2. PCBs and
Terphenyls. Geneva. (1976): 43-46.
78. 'World Hearth Organization.
Environmental Health Criteria far PCBs-
Draft. EHE/EHC/WP. 75.2 Rev. 220
(November 1975): 29.4.
T7.*Wyndham. O; Devenish. {4 and Safe S
"The In Vitro Metabolism. MacroBoieeaiar
Binding and Bacteria Mutagenicity of 4
ChlorobiphenyL. A Modal PCB Substrata."
Research Communications in Chemical
^thokrgy and Pharmacology 15J (November
1976): 563-S7a
73. 'Yoshimura. Hidetoahi, and Yamomoto.
Hiroaki. "Metabolic Studies oa PCBs. L
Metabolic Fate of 3,4.3', 4'-
tetrachlorobiphenyl in Rats." Cfiem. Pharm.
Bulletin 21:5 (1973): 1168-116a
Part 761 is revised to read as followr
PART 761POLYCHLORINATED
BIPHENYLS (PCBa)
MANUFACTURING, PROCESSING,
DISTRIBUTION IN COMMERCE, AND
USE PROHIBITIONS
Sufapart'AGenerai
Sec
761.1 Applicability,
761.2 Definitions.
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Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday, May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations 31543
Subpart 8Disposal of PCBs and PCS
761.10 Disposal requirements.
Subpart CMarking of PCS* and PCS
781.20 Marking requirement
Subpart DManufacturing, Processing.
Distribution In Commerce, and Us* of PCBs
and PC8 Items
761.30 Prohibition*.
7S1.31 Authorizations.
761.32 [Reserved]
Subpart EUs* of AMWXM
Annex No. I
701.40 Incineration.
Annex No. H
781.41 Chemical waste landfills.
Annex No. Ill
781.42 Storage for disposal.
AnnaxNo.IV
781.43 Decontamination.
Annex No. V
761.44 Marking formats.
Annex No. VT
781.45 Records and Monitoring.
Authority: Section 6, a, and 12. Toxic
Substances Control Act. 15 U.S.C. 2605, 2607,
and 2611.
Subpart AGeneral
§ 761.1 AppHcabUKy.
(a) This part establishes prohibitions
of, and requirements for. the
manufacture, processing, distribution in
commerce, use, disposal storage, and
marking of PCBs and PCS Items.
fb) This part applies to all persons
who manufacture, process, distribute in
commerce, use, or dispose of PCBs or
PCS Items. Unless it is otherwise
specifically provided, the terms PCB and
PCBs are used in this rule to refer to any
chemical substance? and combinations
of substances that contain 50 ppm (on a
dry weight basis) or greater of PCBs. as
defined in § 761.2(s), including any
byproduct, intermediate, or impurity
manufactured at any point in a process.
Any chemical substances and
combinations of substances that contain
less than 50 ppm PCBs because of any
dilution, shall be included as PCB and
PCBs unless otherwise specifically
provided. Substances that are regulated
by this rule include, but are not limited
to, dielectric fluids, contaminated
solvents, oils, waste oils, heat transfer
fluids, hydraulic fluids, paints, sludges,
slurries, dredge spoils, soils, materials'
contaminated as a result of spills, and
other chemical substances or
combination cf substances, including
impurities and byproducts.
(c) Definitions of the terms used in
these regulations are in Subpart A. The
basic requirements applicable to
disposal and marking of PCBs and PCB
Items are set forth in Subpart B
Disposal of PCBs and PCB Items and in
Subpart CMarking of PCBs and PCB
Items. Prohibitions applicable to PCB
activities are set forth in Subpart D
Manufacture, Processing. Distribution in
Commerce, and Use of PCBs and PCB
Items. Subpart D also includes
authorizations from the prohibitions.
The Annexes in Subpart E set forth the
specific requirements for disposal and
marking of PCBs and PCB Items.
(d) Section 15 of the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) states that failure to
comply with these regulations is
unlawful. Section 16 imposes liability for
civil penalties upon any person who
violates these regulations, and the
Administrator can establish appropriate
remedies for any violations subject to
any limitations included in 5 16 of
TSCA. Section 16 also subjects a person
to criminal prosecution.for a violation
which is knowing or willful. In addition.
§ 17 authorizes Federal district courts to
enjoin activities prohibited by these
regulations, compel the taking of actions
required by these regulations, and issue
orders to seize PCBs and PCB Items
manufactured, processed or distributed
in violation of these regulations.
(ej These regulations do not preempt
other more stringent Federal statutes
and regulations.
§761.2 Definitions.
For the purpose of this part:
(a) "Administrator" means the
Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency, or any employee of
the Agency to whom the Administrator
may either herein or by order delegate
his authority to carry out his functions.
or any person who shall by operation of
law be authorized to carry out such
functions.
(b) "Agency" means the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
fc) "Byproduct" means a chemical
substance produced without separate
commercial intent during the
manufacturing or processing of another
chemical substance(s) or mixture(s).
(d) "Capacitor" means a device for
accumulating and holding a charge of
electricity and consisting of conducting
surfaces separated by a dielectric.
Types of capacitors are as follows:
(1) "Small Capacitor" means a
capacitor which contains less than 1.36
kg (3 Ibs.) of dielectric fluid.
(2) "Large High Voltage Capacitor"
means a capacitor which contains 1.36
kg (3 Ibs.] or more of dialectic fluid and
which operates at 2000 volts a.c. or
above.
(3) "Large Low Voltage Capacitor-
means a capacitor which contains 1.38
kg (3 Ibs.) or more of dielectric fluid and
which operates below 2000 volts a.c.
(e)(l) "Chemical Substance", except
as provided in subparagraph (2) of this
paragraph, means any organic or
inorganic substance of a particular
molecular identity, including:
(i) Any combination of such
substances occurring in whole or part as
a result of a chemical reaction or
occurring in nature, and
(ii) Any element or uncombined
radical.
(2) Such term does not include:
(i) Any mixture.
(ii) Any pesticide (as defined in the
Federal Insecticide. Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act) when manufactured.
processed, or distributed in commerce
for use as a pesticide,
(iii) Tobacco or any tobacco product.
(ivj Any source material special
nuclear material, or by product material
(as such terms are defined in the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 and regulations
issued under such Act).
(v) Any arctide the sale of which is
subject to the tax imposed by section
4181 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1954 (determined without regard to any
exemptions from such tax provided by
section 4182 or section 4221 or any
provisions of such Code), and
(vi) Any food, food additive, drug,
cosmetic, or device (as such terms are
defined in section 201 of the Federal
Food Drug, and Cosmetic Act) when
manufactured, processed, or distributed
in commerce for use as a food, food
additive, drug, cosmetic, or device.
(f) "Chemical Waste Landfill" means
a landfill at which protection against
risk of injury to health or the
environment from migration of PCBs to
land, water, or the atmosphere is
provided from PCBs and PCB Items
deposited therein by locating,
engineering, and operating the landfill
as specified in § 761.41.
(g) "Commerce" means trade, traffic.
transportation, or other commerce:
(1) Between a place in a State and any
place outside of such State, or
(2) Which affects trade, traffic,
transportation, or commerce described
in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph.
(h) "Disposal" means to intentionally
or accidentally discard, throw away, or
otherwise complete or terminate the
useful life of PCBs and PCB Items.
Disposal includes actions related to
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31544 Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulation!
containing, transporting, destroying,
degrading, decontaminating, or
confining PCBs and PCS Items.
(i) "Distribute in Commerce" and
"Distribution in Commerce" when used
to describe an action taken with respect
to a chemical substance, mixture, or
article containing a substance or
mixture means to sell, or the sale of. the
substance, mixture, or article in
commerce; to introduce or deliver for
introduction into commerce, or the
introduction or delivery for introduction
into commerce of the substance,
mixture, or article: or to hold or the
holding of, the substance, mixture, or
article after its introduction into
commerce.
(j) "Fluorescent Light Ballast" means a
device that electrically controls
fluorescent light fixtures and that
includes a capacitor containing 0.1 kg or
less of dialectic.
(k) "Impurity" means a chemical
substance which is unintentionally
present with another chemical
substance.
(1] "Incinerator" means an engineered
device using controlled flame
combustion to thermally degrade PCBs
and PCS Items. Examples of devices
used for incineration include rotary
kilns, liquid injection incinerators,
cement kilns, and high temperature
boilers.
(m) "Leak" or "leaking" means any
instance in which a PCS Article. PCS
Container, or PCS Equipment has any
PCBs on any portion of its external
surface.
(n) "Manufacture" means to produce,
manufacture, or import into the customs
territory of the United States.
(o) "Mark" means the descriptive
name, instructions, cautions, or other
information applied to PCBs and PCB
Hems, or other objects subject to these
regulations.
(p) "Marked" means the marking of
PCB Items and PCB storage areas and
transport vehicles by means of applying
a legible mark by painting, fixation of an
adhesive label, or by any other method
that meets the requirements of these
regulations.
(qj "Mixture" means any combination
of two or more chemical substances if
the combination does not occur in
nature and is not. in whole or in part,
the result of a chemical reaction; except
that such term does include any
combination which occurs, in whole or
in part, as a result of a chemical reaction
if none of the chemical substances
comprising the combination is a new
chemical substance and if the
combination could have been
manufactured for commercial purposes
without a chemical reaction at the time
*he chemical substances comprising the
combination were combined.
(r) "Municipal Solid Wastes" means
garbage, refuse, sludges, wastes, and
other discarded materials resulting from
residential and non-industrial
operations and activities, such as
household activities, office functions.
and commercial housekeeping wastes.
(s) "PCB" and "PCBs" means any
chemical~Bubstance that is limited to the
biphenyl molecule that has been
chlorinated to varying degrees or any
combination of substances which
contains such substance. (See 5 781.1(b)
Applicability for applicable
concentrations of PCBs). PCB and PCBs
as contained in PCB Items are defined in
§ 781.2(x).
(t) "PCB Article" means any
manufactured article, other than a PCB
Container that contains PCBs and
whose surface(s) has been in direct
contact with PCBs. "PCB Article"
includes capacitors, transformers,
electric motors, pumps, pipes and any
other manufactured item (1) which is
formed to a specific shape or design
during manufacture, (2) which has end
use function(s) dependent in whole or in
part upon its shape or design during end
use. and (3) which has either no change
of chemical composition during its end
use or only those changes of
composition which have no commercial
purpose separate from that of the PCB
Article.
(u) "PCB Article Container" means
any package, can. bottle, bag, barrel.
drum, tank or other device used to
contain PCB Articles or PCB Equipment.
and whose surface(s) has not been in
direct contact with PCBs.
(v) "PCB Container" means any
package, can. bottle, bag, barrel, drum,
tank, or other device that contains PCBs
or PCB Articles and whose surface(s)
has been in direct contact with PCBs.
(w) "PCB Equipment" means any
manufactured item, other than a PCB
Container or a PCB Article Container.
which contains a PCB Article or other
PCB Equipment and includes
microwave ovens, electronic equipment.
and fluorescent light ballasts and
fixtures.
(x) "PCB Item" is defined as any PCB
Article. PCB Article Container, PCB
Container, or PCB Equipment that
deliberately or unintentionally contains
or has as a part of it any PCB or PCBs at
a concentration of 50 ppm or greater.
(y) "PCB Transformer" means any
transformer that contains 500 ppm PCB
or greater.
(z) "PCB-Contaminated Transformer"
means any transformer that contains 50
ppm or greater of PCB but less than 500
ppm PCB (See S 761.31(a)(5) for
provisions permitting redassifying PCB
Transformers to PCB-Contaminated
Transformers).
(aa) "Person" means any natural or
judicial person including any individual,
corporation, partnership, or association:
any State or political subdivision
thereof; any interstate body, and any
department agency, or instrumentality
of the Federal Government
(bb) "Process" means the preparation
of a chemical substance or mixture, after
its manufacture, for distribution in
commerce:
(l) In the same form or physical state
as, or in a different form or physical
state from, that in which it was received
by the person so preparing such
substance or mixture, or
(2) As part of an article containing the
chemical substance or mixture.
(cc) "Sale for Purposes Other than
Resale" means sale of PCBs for
purposes of disposal and for purposes of
use, except where use involves sale for
distribution in commerce. PCB
Equipment which is first leased for
purposes of use any time before July l,
1979, will be considered sold for
purposes other than resale.
(dd) "Significant Exposure" means
any exposure of human beings or the
environment to PCBs as measured or
detected by any scientifically
acceptable analytical method.
(ee) "Small Quantities for Research
and Development" means any quantity
of PCBs (1) that is originally packaged in
one or more hermetically sealed
containers of a volume of no more than
five (5.0) milliliters, and (2) that is used
only for purposes of scientific
experimentation or analysis, or chemical
research on, or analysis of. PCBs, but
not for research or analysis for the
development of a PCB product
(ff) "Storage for Disposal" means
temporary storage of PCBs that have
been designated for disposal.
(gg) 'Transport Vehicle" means a
motor vehicle or rail car used for the
transportation of cargo by any mode.
Each cargo-carrying body (e.g., trailer,
railroad freight car) is a separate
transport vehicle.
(hh) 'Totally Enclosed Manner"
means any manner that will ensure that
any exposure of human beings or the
environment to any concentration of
PCBs will be insignificant; that is, not
measurable or detectable by any
scientifically acceptable analytical
method.
(ii) "Waste Oil" means used products
primarily derived from petroleum, which
include, but are hot limited to, fuel oils.
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Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31, 1979 / Rules and Regulations
31545
motor oils, gear oils, cutting oils.
transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, and
dielectric fluids.
Subpart BDisposal of PCBs and PCS
Item*
Note.This Snbpart does not require
removal of PCBs and PCS Items from service
and dispose! earlier than would normal}? be
the case. However, when PCBs and PCB
Items are removed from service aad disposed
at disposal must be undertaken in
accordance with these regulations. PCBs
(including Mils and debris) and PCS Items
which have been placed in a disposal site are
considered to be "in service" for purposes of
the applicability of this Subpart. This Subpart
does not require PCBs and PCB Items
landfilled prior to February 17,1978 to be
removed for disposal However, if such PCBs
or PCB Items are removed from the disposal
site, they must be disposed of in accordance
with this Subpart Other Subperts are
directed to toe manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce, and «se of PCBs
and may result in some cases in disposal at
an earlier date than would otherwise occur.
$761.10 Dtepoee* requirements.
(a) PCBs. (1) Except as provided in
subparagraphs (2). (3), (4J. and (5) of this
paragraph. PCBs must be disposed of in
an incinerator which complies with
Annex L
(2) Mineral oA dielectric fluid from
PCB-Containinated Transformers
containing a PCB concentration of SO
ppm or greater, but less than 500 ppm.
must be disposed of in one of the
following:
(i) In an incinerator that complies with
Annex I § 761.40:
(ii) In a chemical waste landfill that
complies with Annex JJ } 781.41 if
information is provided to the owner or
operator of the chemical waste landfill
that shows that the mineral oil dielectric
fluid does not exceed 500 ppm PCB and
is not an igmtable waste as described in
$ 761.41 (b) (8) (iii) of Annex It
(iii) In a high efficiency boiler
provided that
(A) Tte boiler complies with the
following criteria:
(1} The boiler is rated at a minimum of
50 million BTU hours;
(2} If the boiler uses natural gas or oil
as the primary fuel, the carbon
concentration in the stack is
50 ppm or less and the excess oxygen is
at least three <3) percent when PCBs are
being burned:
(3) If the boiler uses coal as the
primary fuel, the carbon monoxide
concentratian hi the stack is 100 ppm or
lest and the excess oxygen is at least
»hwt (9) peccant when PCB* are being
burned:
(4\ The mineral oil dielectric fluid
does not comprise more than ten (10)
percent (on a volume basis] of the total
fuel feed rate:
[5} The mineral oil dielectric fluid is
not fed into the boiler unless the boiler
is operating at its normal operating
temperature (this prohibits feeding these
fluids during either start up or shut
down operations);
(8) The owner or operator of the
boiler
(/) Continuously monitors and records
the carbon monoxide concentration and
excess oxygen percentage in the stack
gas while burning mineral oil dielectric
Said; or
(if) If the boiler will bum less than
30.000 gallons of mineral oil dielectric
fluid per year, measures and records the
carbon monoxide concentration and
excess oxygen percentage in the stack
gas at regular intervals of no longer than
60 minutes while burning mineral oil
dielectric fluid.
(7) The primary fuel feed rates,
mineral oil dielectric fluid feed rates,
and total quantities of both primary fuel
and mineral oil dielectric fhrid fed to the
boiler are measured and recorded at
regular intervals of no longer than 15
minutes while burning mineral oil
dielectric fluid.
(0) The carbon monoxide
concentration and the excess oxygen
percentage are checked at least once
every hour that mineral oil dielectric
fluid is burned. If either measurement
falls below the levels specified in this
rule, the flow of mineral oil dielectric
fluid to the boiler shall be stopped
immediately.
(B] Thirty days before any person
burns mineral oil dielectric fluid in the
boiler, the person gives written notice to
the EPA Regional Administrator for the
EPA Region in which the boiler is
located and that the notice contains the
following information;
(1) The name and address of the
owner or operator of the boiler and the
address of the boiler
(2} The boiler rating in units of BTU/
hour.
(3} The carbon monoxide
concentration and the exces* oxygen
percentage in the stack of the boiler
when it is operated in a manner similar
to the manner in which it will be
operated when mineral oil dielectric
fluid is burned: and
(4\ The type of equipment, apparatus.
and procedures to be used to control the
feed of mineral oil dielectric fluid to the
boiler and to monitor and record the
carbon iu°noxMifr concentration an^
excess oxyger* percentage in the stack.
(C) When burning mineral oil
dielectric fluid, the boiler must operate
at a level of output no less than the
output at which the measurements
required under subparagraph (B)(J) were
taken.
(D) Any person burning mineral pil
dielectric fluid hi a boiler obtains the
following information and retains the
information for Sve yean at the boiler
location:
(1} The data required to be collected
under subparagrapha (A)(5) and (A)(7)
of this paragraph; and
[2] The quantity of mineral oil
dielectric fluid burned in the boiler each
month:
(iv) In a facility that is approved in
accordance with g 781.10{e). For the
purpose of burning mineral oil dielectric
fluid, an applicant under § 7B1.10(e)
must show that his combustion process
destroys PCBs as efficiently as does a
high efficiency boiler, as defined in
subparagraph (iii). or an Annex I
approved incinerator.
(3) Liquids, other than mineral oil
dielectric fluid, containing a PCB
concentration of 50 ppnvpr greater, out
less than 500 ppm. shall be disposed*1 of.
(i) In an incinerator which complies
with Annex I;
(ii) In a chemical waste landfill v^kich
complies with Annex n if information is
provided to the owner or operator of the
chemical waste landfill that shows that
the waste does not exceed 500. ppm PCB
and is not an ignitable waste as
described in J 78l.41(b)(8)'.iii)of Annex
H.
(iii) In a high efficiency boiler
provided that
(A) The boiler complies with the
following criteria:
(/) The boiler is rated at a mfniTmnn of
50 million BTU/houn
(2} S the boiler uses natural gas or oil
as the primary fuel, the carbon
monoxide concentration in the stack is
50 ppm or less and the excess oxygen is
at least three (3) percent when PCBs are
being burned;
[3] If the boiler uses coal as "the
primary fuel the carbon monoxide
concentration in the stack is 100 ppm or
less and the excess oxygen is at least
three (3) percent when PCBs are being
burned;
[4] The waste does not comprise more
than ten (10) percent (on a volume basis)
of the total fnel feed rate;
(5) The waste is not fed into the boiler
unless the boiler is operating at its
normal operating temperature (this
prohibits feeding these fluids during
either start up or shut dowtf operations);
(fl) The owner or operator of the boiler
must
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31546 Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations
(/) Continuously monitor and record
the carbon monoxide concentration and
excess oxygen percentage in the stack
gas while burning waste Quid; or
(if) If the boiler will burn less than
30.000 gallons of waste fluid per year,
measure and record the carbon
monoxide concentration and excess
oxygen percentage in the stack gas at
regular intervals of no longer than 60
minutes while burning waste fluid;
(7) The primary fuel feed rate, waste
fluid feed rate, and total quantities of
both primary fuel and waste fluid fed to
the boiler must be measured and
recorded at regular intervals of no
longer than 15 minutes while burning
waste fluid; and
{8} The carbon monoxide
concentration and the excess oxygen
percentage must be checked at least
once every hour that the waste is
burned. If either measurement falls
below the levels specified in this rule,
the flow-of waste to the boiler shall be
stopped immediately.
(B) Prior to any person burning these
liquids iu the boiler, approval must be
obtained from the EPA Regional
Administrator for the EPA Region in
which the boiler is located and any
persons seeking such approval must
submit to the EPA Regional
Administrator a request containing at
least the following information:
(1) The name and address of the
owner or operator of the boiler and the
address of the boiler
(2) The boiler rating in units of BTU/
hour,
(3) The carbon monoxide
concentration and the excess oxygen
percentage in the stack of the boiler
when it is operated in a manner similar
to the manner in which it will be
operated when low concentration PCB
liquid is burned;
(4) The type of equipment apparatus.
and procedures to be used to control the
feed of mineral oil dielectric fluid to the
boiler and to monitor and record the
carbon monoxide concentration and
excess oxygen percentage in the stack;
(5) The type of waste to be burned
(e.g., hydraulic fluid, contaminated fuel
oil, beat transfer Quid, etc.);
(6) The concentration of PCBs and of
any other chlorinated hydrocarbon in
the waste and the results of analyses
using the American Society of Testing
and Materials (ASTM) methods as
referenced below: carbon and hydrogen
content using ASTM D-3178, nitrogen
content using ASTM E-258, sulfur
content using ASTM D-2784, D-1288, or
D-129. chlorine content using ASTM D-
808. water and sediment content using
either ASTM D-2709 or D-1796, ash
content using D-482. calorific value
using ASTM D-240, carbon residue
using either ASTM D-2158 or D-524. and
flash point using ASTM D-93;
(7) The quantity of wastes estimated
to be burned in a thirty (30) day period;
(8) An explanation of the procedures
to be followed to insure that burning the
waste will not adversely affect the
operation of the boiler such that
combustion efficiency will decrease.
(C) On the basis of the information in
(B) above and any other available
information, the Regional Administrator
may, at his discretion, find that the
alternate disposal method will not
present an unreasonable risk of injury to
health or the environment and approve
the use of the boiler
(D) When burning PCB wastes, the
boiler must operate at a level of output
no less than the output at which the
measurements required under
subparagraph (B)(3) were taken; and
(E) Any person burning liquids in
boilers approved as provided in (C)
above, must obtain the following
information and retain the information
for five years at the boiler location:
(1) The data required to be collected
in subparagraphs (A)(0) and (A)[7] of
this paragraph:
(2) The quantity of low concentration
PCB liquid burned in the boiler each
month.
(3) The analysis of the waste required
by subparagraph (B)(6) of this paragraph
taken once a month for each month
during which low concentration PCB
liquid is burned in the boiler.
(iv) In a facility that is approved in
accordance with § 781.10(e^. For the
purpose of burning liquids, other than
mineral oil dielectric fluid, containing 50
ppm or greater PCB, but less than 500
ppm PCB. an applicant under § 761.10(e)
must show that his combustion process
destroys PCBs as efficiently as does a
high efficiency boiler, as defined in
§.761.10(a)(2)(iii), or an Annex I
incinerator.
(4) Any non-liquid PCBs in the form of
contaminated soil, rags, or other debris
shall be disposed of:
(i) In an incinerator which complies
with Annex I; or
(ii) In a chemical waste landfill which
complies with Annex II.
Note: Except as provided in
§ 761.41(b)(8)(ii), liquid PCBs shall not
be processed into non-liquid forms to
circumvent the high temperature
incineration requirements of i 761.10(a).
(5) All dredged materials and
municipal sewage treatment sludges that
contain PCBs shall be disposed of:
(i) In an incinerator which complies
with Annex I;
(ii) In a chemical waste landfill which
complies with Annex II: or
(iii) Upon application, using a dispose1
method to be approved by the Agency's
Regional Administrator in the EPA
Region in which the PCBs are located.
Applications for disposal in a manner
other than prescribed in (i) or (ii) above
must be made in writing to the Regional
Administrator. The application must
contain information that, based on
technical, environmental, and economic
considerations, indicates that disposal
in an incinerator or chemical waste
landfill is not reasonable and
appropriate, and that the alternate
disposal method will provide adequate
protection to health and the
environment. The Regional
Administrator may request other
information that he or she believes to be
necessary for evaluation of the alternate
disposal method. Any approval by the
Regional Administrator shall be in
writing and may contain any
appropriate limitations on the approved
alternate method for disposal, hi
addition to these regulations, the
Regional Administrator shall consider
other applicable Agency guidelines,
criteria, and regulations to ensure that
the discharges of dredged material and
sludges that contain PCBs and other
contaminants are adequately controlled
to protect the environment The person
to whom such approval is issued must
comply with all limitations contained in
the approval.
(6) When storage is desired prior to
disposal, PCBs shall be stored in a
facility which complies with Annex QL
(b) PCB Articles. (1) Transformers.
(i) PCB Transformers shall be
disposed of in accordance with either of
the following:
(A) In an incinerator that complies
with Annex I; or
(B) hi a chemical waste landfill which
complies with Annex II; provided that
the transformer is first drained of all
free flowing liquid, filled with solvent
allowed to stand for at least 18 hours,
and then drained thoroughly. PCB
liquids that are removed shall be
disposed of in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this section. Solvents
may include kerosene, xylene. toluene
and other solvents in which PCBs are
readily soluble. Precautionary measures
should be taken, however, that the
solvent flushing procedure is conducted
in accordance with applicable safety
and health standards .as required by
Federal or State regulations.
(ii) PCs-Contaminated Transformers
shall be disposed of by draining ail free
flowing liquid from the transformer and
disposing of the liquid in accordance
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Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rales and Regulations 31547
with paragraphs (a)(2) above. The-
disposal of the drained transformer is
not regulated by this rale.
(2) PCS Capacitors, (i) The disposal of
any capacitor normally used in
alternating current circuits shall comply
with all requirements of this snbpart'
unless it is known from label or
namepiate information, manufacturer's
literature, or chemical analysis that the
capacitor does not contain PCS*.
(ii) Any person may dispose of PCS
Small Capacitors as municipal solid
waste, unless that person is subject to
the requirements of subparagraph (iv).
(iii) Any PCB Large High or Low
Voltage Capacitor owned by any person
shall be disposed of in accordance with
either of the following:
(A) Disposal in an incinerator that
complies with Annex i or
(B) Until January 1.1960, disposal in a
chemical waste landfill that complies
with Annex IL
(iv) Any PCB Small Capacitor owned
by any person who manufactures or at
any time manufactured PCB Capacitors
or PCB Equipment <""i acquired *h^ PCB
Capacitors in the course of such
manufacturing shall be disposed of in
accordance with either of the following:
(A) Disposal in an incinerator which
complies with Annex I: or
(B) Until January 1.1980. disposal in a
chemical waste landfill which complies
with Annex IL
(3) PCB Hydraulic Machines* PCB
hydraulic machines soch as die casting
machines may be disposed of as
municipal solid waste or salvage
provided that the machines are drained
of all free-flowing liquid and the liquid is
disposed of in accordance with the
provisions of S 7B1.10(a). If the PCB
liquid contains 1000 ppm PCB or greater,
then th* hydraulic machine must be
flushed prior to disposal with a solvent
containing .less than SO ppm PCB (see
transformer solvents at
5 78L10(b)(lKiPH and the solvent
disposed of in accordance with
S 761.10(aJ.
(4) Other PCB Articles most be
disposed of:
(i) In an incinerator that complies with
Annex I; or
(ii) In a chemical waste landfill that
complies with Annex II, provided that
all free-flowing liquid PCBs have been
thoroughly drained from any articles
before, the articles «re placed in the
chemical waste landfill and that the
drained liquids are disposed of in an
tadnmtor that compoas with Annex I.
(5) Storage of PCB ArticlesExcept
for a PCB Article described in
aobpangranh\(b)(2XU) and hydraulic
i that comply with m*
municipal solid waste disposal
provisions described in subparagraph
(b}(3);. any PCB Article shall be stored in
accordance with Annex ni prior to
disposal
(c) PCB Containers. (1) Unless
decontaminated in compliance with
Annex IV or as provided in (2) below, a
PCB Container shall be disposed of:
(i) In an incinerator which complies
with Annex I. or
(ii) In a chemical waste landfill that
complies with Annex H provided that if
there an PCBs in a liquid state, the PCB
Container shall first be drained and the
PCB liquid disposed of in accordance
with paragraph (a) of this section,
(2) Any PCB Container used to
contain only PCBs at a concentration
less than 500 ppm shall be disposed of
as municipal solid wastes; provided that
if the PCBs are in a liquid state, the PCB
Container shall first be drained and the
PCB liquid shall be disposed of in
accordance with paragraph (a) of this
section.
(3) Prior to disposal, a PCB container
shall be stored in a facility which
complies with Annex OL
(d) Spills. (1) Spills and other
uncontrolled discharges of PCBs
constitute the disposal of PCBs.
(2) PCBs resulting from spill clean-up
and removal operations shall be stored
and disposed of in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this section. In order to
determine if a spill of PCBs has resulted
in a contamination level that is 50 ppm
of PCBs or greater in soil, gravel, sludge.
fill, rubble, or other land based
substances, the person who spills PCBs
should consult with die appropriate EPA
Regional Administrator to obtain
information on sampling methods and
analytical procedures for determining
the PCB contamination level associated
with the spiiT
(3) This paragraph does not exempt
any person from any actions or liability
under other statutory authorities.
including section 311 of the Clean Water
Act and the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act.
(e) Any person who is required to
incinerate any PCBs and PCB Items
under this subpart and who can
demonstrate that an alternative method
of destroying PCBs and PCB Items exists
and that this alternative method can
achieve a level of performance
equivalent to Annex I incinerators or
high efficiency boilers as provided in
S 7B1.10(aK2)(iv) and < 7B110(aK3KivJ.
may submit a written request to the
Regional Administrator for an
exemption from the incineration
requirements of Annex L The applicant
must show that his method of destroying
PCBs will not present an unreasonable
risk of injury to health or the
environment On the basis of such
information and any available
information, the Regional Administrator
may, in his discretion, approve the use
of the alternate if be finds that the
alternate disposal method provides PCB
destruction equivalent to disposal in an
Annex I incinerator and will not present
an unreasonable risk of injury to health
or the environment Any approval must
be stated in writing and may contain
such conditions and provisions as the
Regional Administrator deems
appropriate. The person to whom such
waiver is issued must comply with all
limitations contained in such
determination.
(f)(l) Each operator of a chemical
, incinerator, or alternative
to incineration approved under
paragraph (e) shall give the following
written notices to the state and local
governments within whose jurisdiction
the disposal facility is located:
(i) Notice at least thirty (30) days
before a facility is first used for disposal
of PCBs required by these regulations:
and
(ii) At the request of any state or local
government annual notice of the
quantities and general description of
PCBs disposed of during the year. This
annual notice shall be given no more
than .thirty (30) days after the end of the
year covered.
(2) Any person who disposes of PCBs
under a j761.10(aK5)(iu) incineration or
chemical waste laiwtfilling waiver shall
give written notice at least thirty (30)
days prior to conducting the disposal
activities to the state and local
governments within whose jurisdiction
the disposal is to take place.
(g) Testing Procedures.
(I) Owners or users of mineral oil
dielectric fluid transformers may use the
following procedures to determine the
concentration of PCBs in the dielectric
fluid:
(i) Dielectric fluid removed from
mineral oil dielectric fluid transformers
may be collected in a common
container, provided that no other
chemical substances or mixtures are
added to the container.
(ii) For purposes of complying with die
marking and dispesalTequirementa,
representative samples may be taken
from either the common containers or
the individual transformers to determine
the PCB concentration, except that if
any PCBs at a^oonosaitration of 500 ppm
or greater have been added to the
container then the total container
contents must be considered aa having a
PCB concentration of 500 ppm or greater
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31548 Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Ruk-& -nd Regulations
for purposes of complying with the
disposal requirements of this subpart.
For purposes of this subparagraph,
representative samples of mineral oil
dielectric fluid are either samples taken
in accordance with American Society of
Testing and Materials method D-923 or
samples taken from a container that has
been thoroughly mixed in a manner such
that any PCBs in the container are
uniformly distributed throughout the
liquid in the container.
(2) Owners or users of waste oil may
use the following procedures to
determine the PCB concentration of
waste oil:
(i) Waste oil from more than one
source may be collected in a common
container, provided that no other
chemical substances or mixtures, such
as non-waste oils, are added to the
container.
(ii) For purposes of complying with the
marking and disposal requirements,
representative samples may be taken
from either the common container or
individual containers to determine the
PCB concentration except that if any
PCBs at a concentration of 500 pm or
greater have been added to the
container then the total container
contents must be considered as having a
PCB concentration of 500 ppm or greater
for purposes of complying with the
disposal requirements of this subpart.
For purposes of this subparagraph.
representative samples of waste oil are
either samples taken in accordance with
American Society of Testing and
Materials- D-Q23 method or samples
taken from a container that has been
thoroughly mixed in a manner such that
any PCBs in the container are uniformly
distributed throughout the liquid in the
container.
(h) Requirements for export and
import of PCBs for purposes of disposal
and PCB Items for purposes of disposal
are found in 5 761.30.
Subpart CMarking of PCBa and PCB
Items
§ 761.20 Marking requirements.
(a) Each of the following items in
existence on or after July 1.1978 shall be
marked as illustrated in Figure 1 ip
Annex V§ 761.44(a): The mark
illustrated in Figure 1 is referred to as
ML throughout this subpart.
(1) PCB Containers;
(2) PCB Transformers at the time of
manufacture, at the time of distribution
in commerce if not already marked, and
at the time of removal from use if not
already marked [Marking of PCB
Contaminated Transformers is not
required];
(3) PCB Large High Voltage
Capacitors at the time of manufacture,
at the time of distribution in commerce if
not already marked, and at the time of
removal from use if not already marked;
(4) Equipment containing a PCB
Transformer or a PCB Large High
Voltage Capacitor at the time of
manufacture, at the time of distribution
in commerce if not already marked, and
at the time of removal of the equipment
from use if not already marked;
(5) PCB Large Low Voltage Capacitors
at the time of removal from use;
(6) Electric motors using PCB coolants
(See also § 761.20(e)).
(7) Hydraulic systems using PCB
hydraulic fluid (See also § 761.20(e));
(8) Heat transfer systems (other than
PCB Transformers) using PCBs (See also
5 7B1.20(e));
(9) PCB Article Containers containing
articles or equipment that must be
marked under provisions (1) through (8)
above;
(10) Each storage area used to store
PCBs and PCB Items for disposal.
(b) As of October 1.1978, each
transport vehicle shall be marked on
each end and side with ML as described
in Annex V§ 761.44(a) if it is loaded
with PCB Containers that contain more
than 45 kg (99.4 Ibs.) of PCBs in the
liquid phase or with one or more PCB
Transformers (See also i 781.20(e)).
(c) As of January 1,1979, the following
PCB Articles shall be marked with mark
ML as described in Annex V
§ 761.44(a):
(1) All PCB Transformers not marked
under paragraph (a) of this section
(Marking of PCB-Contaminated
Transformers is not required);
(2) All PCB Large High Voltage
Capacitors not marked under paragraph
(a) of this section
(i) Will be marked individually with
mark Mu or
(ii) If one or more PCB Large High
Voltage Capacitors are installed in a
protected location such as on a power
pole, or structure, or behind a fence; the
pole, structure, or fence shall be marked
with mark ML, and a record or
procedure identifying the PCB
Capacitors shall be maintained by the
owner or operator at the protected
location.
(d) As of January 1.1979, all PCB
Equipment containing a PCB Small
Capacitor shall be marked at the time of
manufacture with the statement "This
equipment contains PCB Capacitor(s)".
The mark shall be of the same size as
the mark ML.
(e) As of October 1,1979, applicable
PCB Items in paragraphs (a)(l), (6). (7),
and (8) containing PCBs in
concentrations of 50 to 500 ppm and
applicable transport vehicles in
paragraph (b) loaded with PCB
Containers that contain more than 45 kg
(99.4 Ibs.) of liquid PCBs in
concentrations of 50 ppm to 500 ppm
shall be marked with mark ML as
described in Annex V$ 761.44(a).
(f) Where mark ML is specified but the
PCB Article or PCB Equipment is too
small to accomodate the smallest
permissible size of mark ML, mark Ma as
described in Annex V§ 761.44(b). may
be used instead of mark ML.
(g) Each large low voltage capacitor,
each small capacitor normally used in
alternating current circuits, and each
fluorescent light ballast manufactured
("manufactured", for purposes of this
sentence, means built) between July 1,
1978 and July 1,1998 that do not contain
PCBs shall be marked by the
manufacturer at the time of manufacture
with the statement. "No PCBs". The
mark shall be of similar durability and
readability as other marking that
indicate electrical information, part
numbers, or the manufacturer's name.
For purposes of this subparagraph
marking requirement only is applicable
to items built domestically or abroad
after June 30,1978.
(h) All marks required by this subpart
must be placed in a position on the
exterior of the PCB Items or transport
vehicles so that the marks can be easily
read by any persons inspecting or
servicing the marked PCB Items or
transport vehicles.
(i) Any chemical substance or mixture
that is manufactured after the effective
date of this rule and that contains less
than 500 ppm PCB (0.05% on a dry
weight basis), including PCB that is a
byproduct or impurity, must be marked
in accordance with any requirements
contained in the exemption granted by
EPA to permit such manufacture and is
not subject to any other requirement in
this Subpart unless so specified in the
exemption. This paragraph applies only
to containers of chemical substances or
mixtures. PCB articles and equipment
into which the chemical substances or
mixtures are processed, are subject to
the marking requirements contained
elsewhere in this Subpart.
Subpart 0Manufacturing,
Processing, Distribution in Commerce,
and Use of PCBs and PCB Items
§761.30 Prohibition*.
Except as authorized in § 761.31. the
activities listed in paragraphs (a) and (d)
of this section are prohibited pursuant to
section 6(e)(2) of TSCA. The
requirements set forth in paragraphs (b)
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Fedarat RaflUter / Vgl. 44; No. 106 / Thursday. May' 31. 1979 / Jlules and Regulation* 31549
and (c) of thia section concerning expert
sad import of PCBt for purposes of
disposal and PCB Items Tor purposes of
disposal are established pursuant to
section 8(e)(l) of TSCA. Subject to any
sxemptions granted pursuant to section
6(ej(3}(B) of TSCA. the activities listed
in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section
are prohibited pursuant to section
3(a)(3KA) of TSCA. In addition, the
Administrator hereby finds, under the
authority of section 12(a)(2) of TSCA.
tliat the manufacture, processing, and
iistribution in commerce of PCBs and
PCB Items for export from the United
States presents an unreasonable risk of
injury to health within the United States.
This finding is based upon the well-
documented human health and
environmental hazard of PCB exposure:
the high probability of human and
environmental exposure to PCBs and
PCS Items from manufacturing,
processing, dr distribution activities; the
potential hazard of PCB exposure posed
by the transportation of PCBs or PCB
Items within the United States: and the
evidence that contamination of the
environment by PCBs is spread far
beyond the areas where they an used.
In addition, the Administrator hereby
finds that any exposure of human beings
or the environment to PCBs as measured
or detected by any scientifically
acceptable analytical method is a
significant exposure, as defined in
3 781.2(dd). Section 781.2(hb) and TSCA
section 8(e)(2)(C) define the term totally
enclosed manner as "any manner which
will ensure that any exposure of human
beings or the environment to a
polychlohnated biphenyl will be
insignificant. . ." Since any exposure
to PCBs is found to be a significant
exposure, a totally enclosed manneris a
manner that results in no exposure of
humans or the environment to PCBs. The
following activities are considered
totally enclosed: distribution in'
commerce and use (except servicing) of
intact non-leaking PCB Transformers or
PCB-Contaminated Transformers
(except those used in railroad
locomotives or self-propelled cars);
distribution in commerce and use
(except servicing) of intact non-leaking
PCB electromagnets; distribution in
commerce and use of intact non-leaking
PCB Capacitors: and processing,
distribution in commerce, and use of
PCB Equipment containing an intact
non-leaking PCB Capacitor.
(a) No person may process, distribute
in commerce, or use any PCB or PCB
Item in any manner other than in a
totally enclosed manner within the
United States or export any such PCB or
PCB Item from the United States unless
authorized under 5 761.31 of this
Subpsrt. Seclio". r81.30(a) is superseded
by 5 781.30(c) for processing and
distriburfon In commerce of PCBs and
PCB Items on the dates when that
section become? effective.
(b) No person omy manufacture PCBs
for use within the United States or
manufacture PCS* for export from the
United States without an exemption
except that:
(1) PCBs or PCB Items may be
imported for purposes of disposal until
May 1,1980, provided that the disposal
is in accordance with $ 781.10: and
(2) PCBs or PCB Items may be
exported for disposal until May l, i960,
in accordance with the requirement* of
S 781.30(cK3).
(c).Effective July 1.1979, no person
may process or distribute in commerce
any PCB or PCB Item for use within the
United States or for export from the
United States without an exemption
except that
(1) PCBs or PCB Items sold before July
1.1979, for purposes other than resale
may be distributed in commerce only in
a totally enclosed manner after that
date;
(Z) PCBs or PCB Items may be
processed and distributed in commerce
in compliance with the requirements of
this Part for purposes of disposal in
accordance with the requirements of
5 781.10:
(3) PCBs or PCB Items may be
exported for disposal until May 1,1980,
if an export notice is submitted at least
thirty (30) days before the first shipment
in any calendar year leaves the customs
territory of the United States. Export
notices must be submitted to the
Document Control Officer (TS-793),
Office of Toxic Substances. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M
Street S.W.. Washington, D.C. 20460.
The generator of the PCB waste material
intended for disposal, or an agent acting
on his behalf, must certify to the best of
his knowledge and belief that the
information is complete and accurate.
Each notice should contain the following
information:
(i) Name, company name, address,
and telephone number of the owner of
the PCB waste material to be exported
and the name and address of any person
or agent acting on his behalf;
(ii) Estimated quantity of wastes to be
shipped during the calendar year and
the estimated number of shipments to be
made and the dates when such
shipments are expected to leave the
customs territory of the United States;
(Hi) Description of the PCBs or PCB
Items being exported;
(Iv) Country(s) of destination for the
shipments:
(v) Name and address of'facili*-';1!}
receiving the shipment and person^)
responsible for receiving the
shiprnfcnt(s}.
(vi) Mfithod(s) a: cLspcsal and
precautions taken to control release into
the environment.
fvii) No less than 3C days after the end
of each calendar quarter (March 31, June
30, September 30, and December 51}
during- which PCBs *rere exported for
disposal each person exporting the
PCBs must submit a report to the
Document Control Officer (TS-793),
Office of Toxic Substances. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M
Street S.W., Washington. D.C. 20460.
The report shall list the quantity of PCB
wastes in each shipment made during
the quarter and include the date when
each shipment left the customs territory
of the United States and the information
specified in subparagraphs (i) and (iii)
through -(vi) above. If the quantity of
wastes shipped during the calendar year
exceeds by 25 percent or more the
estimated quantities reported in (ii)
above, a special export notice must be
submitted to the Document Control
Officer (TS-793) at the address given in
paragraph (3) at least 30 days before any
additional shipments leave the customs
territory of the United States and the
notice shall include the information
specified-in subparagraphs (i) through
(vi) above.
(viii) Any person expecting to export
PCB wastes for disposal in calendar
year 1980 must submit an export notice
at least thirty (30) days before the first
shipment leaves the customs territory of
the United States to the Document
Control Officer (TS-793) at the address
given in paragraph (3), and the notice
shall contain the information listed in
subparagraphs [i] through (vi).
(d) The use of waste oil that contains
any detectable concentration of PCB as
a sealant, coating, or dust control agent
is prohibited. Prohibited uses include.
but are not limited to, road oiling,
general dust control, use as a pesticide
or herbicide earner, and use as a rust
preventative on pipes.
§ 761.31 Authorization*.
The following non-totaily enclosed
PCB activities are authorized pursuant
to§6(e)(2)(B)ofTSCA:
(a) Servicing Transformers (Other
Than Railroad Transformers). PCBs
may be processed, distributed in
commerce, and used for the purposes of
servicing including rebuilding
transformers (other than transformers
for railroad locomotives and self-
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31550 Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday, May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations
propelled railroad cars) in a manner
other than a totally enclosed manner
until July 1.1984, subject to the following
conditions:
(1) Regardless of its PCB
concentration, dielectric fluids
containing-less than 300 ppm PCB that
are mixed with fluids that contain 500
ppm or greater PCB must not be used as
dielectric fluid in any transformer.
Dielectric fluid from PCs-Contaminated
Transformers may be assumed to have
less than 500 ppm PCBs.
(2) PCB-Contaminated Transformers
(as defined in § 781.2(z)) may only be
serviced (including rebuilding) with
dielectric Quid containing less than 500
ppm PCB.
(3) Any servicing (including
rebuilding) of PCB Transformers (as
defined in § 781.2(y)) that requires the
removal of the transformer coil from the
transformer casing is prohibited. PCB
Transformers may be topped off with
PCB dielectric fluid
(4) PCBa removed during servicing of
a PCB Transformer or PCB-
Contaminated Transformer or during
rebuilding of a PCB-Contaminated
Transformer must be captured and
either reused as dielectric fluid or
disposed of in accordance with the
requirements of Subpart B. PCBs from
PCB Transformers must not be mixed
with or added to dielectric fluid from
PCX-Contaminated Transformers.
(5) A PCB Transformer may be
converted to a PCB-Contaminated
Transformer by draining, refilling, and
otherwise servicing the transformer with
non-PCB dielectric fluid so that after a
minimum of three months of in-service
use subsequent to the last servicing
conducted for the purpose of reducing
the PCB concentration in the
transformer, the transformer's dielectric
fluid contains less than 500 ppm PCB (on
a dry weight basis).
(6) Any PCB dielectric fluid that is on
hand to service a PCB Transformer or a
PCB-Contaminated Transformer must be
stored in accordance with the storage
for disposal requirements of Annex III
(§ 761.42).
(71 After July 1,1979, processing and
distribution in commerce of PCBs for
purposes of servicing transformers is
permitted only for persons who are
granted an exemption under TSCA
section 6(e)(3)(B).
(b) Use in and Servicing of Railroad
Transformers. PCBs may be used in
transformers in railroad locomotives or
railroad self-propelled cars ("railroad
transformers"! and may be processed
and distributed in commerce for
purposes of servicing these transformers
in a manner other than a totally
enclosed manner until July 1.1984.
subject to the following conditions:
(1) Use Restrictions:
(i) After January 1,1982. use of
railroad transformers that contain
dielectric fluids with a PCB
concentration greater than 60,000 ppm
(6.0% otf a dry weight basis) is
prohibited;
(ii) After January 1.1964. use of
railroad transformers which contain
dielectric fluids with a PCB
concentration greater than 1000 ppm
(0.10% on a dry weight basis) is
prohibited;
(Hi) The concentration of PCBs in the
dielectric fluid contained in railroad
transformers must be measured:
(A) Immediately upon completion of
any authorized servicing of a railroad
transformer conducted for the purpose
of reducing the PCB concentration in the
dielectric fluid in the transformer; and
(B) Between 12 and 24 months after
each servicing conducted in accordance
with subparagraph (A);
(C) The data obtained as a result of
aubparagraphs (A) and (B) above shall
be retained until January 1,1991.
(2) Servicing Restrictions:
(i) If the coil is removed from the
casing of a railroad transformer (e.g., the
transformer is rebuilt), after January 1.
1982, the railroad transformer may not
be refilled with dielectric fluid
containing a PCB concentration greater
than 50 ppm;
(ii) After January 1,1982, railroad
transformers may only be serviced with
dielectric fluid containing less than
60,000 ppm PCBs. except as provided in
(i) above:
(iii) After January 1,1984, railroad
transformers may only be serviced with
dielectric fluid containing less than 1000
ppm PCB, except as provided in (i)
above:
(iv) Dielectric fluid may be filtered
through activated carbon or otherwise
industrially processed for the purpose of
reducing the PCB concentration in the
fluid;
(v) Any PCB dielectric fluid that is
used to service PCB railroad
transformers must be stored in
accordance with the storage for disposal
requirements of Annex HI (5 761.42);
(vi) After July 1,1979. processing and
distribution in commerce of PCBs for
purposes of servicing railroad
transformers is permitted only for
persons who are granted an exemption
under TSCA section 8(e)(3)(B).
(c) Use in and Servicing of Mining
Equipment. PCBs may be used in mining
equipment and may be processed and
distributed hi commerce for purposes of
servicing mining equipment in a manner
other than a totally enclosed manner
until January 1, 1982, subject to the
following conditions:
(1) PCBs may be added to motors in
mining equipment in mines or mining
areas until January 1, 1982;
(2) PCS motors in loader-type mining
equipment must be rebuilt as air-cooled
or other non-PCB-containing motors
whenever the motor is returned to a
service shop for servicing;
(3) PCB motors in continuous miner-
type equipment may bej-ebuilt as PCB
motors until January 1, 1980;
(4) Any PCBs that are on hand to
service or repair mining equipment must
be stored in accordance with the storage
for disposal requirements of Annex IH
(§ 781.42);
(5) After July 1, 1979. processing and
distribution in commerce of PCBs foe.
purposes of servicing mining equipment
is permitted only for persons who are
granted an exemption under TSCA
section 6(e){3)(B).
(d) Use in Heat Transfer Systems.
PCBs may be used in heat transfer
systems in a manner other than a totally
enclosed manner until July 1. 1984,
subject to the following conditions:
(1) Each person who owns a heat
transfer system that ever contained
PCBs must test for the concentration of
PCBs in the heat transfer fluid of such a
system no later than November!. 1979,
and at least annually thereafter. All test
be performed at least
three months after the most recent fluid
refilling. When a test shows that the
PCB concentration is less than 50 ppm,
testing under this subparagraph is no
longer required;
(2) Within six (6) months of a test
performed under subparagraph (1) that
indicates that a system's fluid contains
50 ppm or greater PCS (0.005% en a dry
weight basis), the system must be
drained of the PCBs and refilled with
fluid containing less than 50 ppm PCB.
Toppingroff with non-PCB heat transfer
fluids to reduce PCB concentrations is
permitted;
(3) After November 1. 1979. no haat
transfer system that is used in the
manufacture or processing of any food.
drug, cosmetic, or device, as defined in
§ C01 of the Federal Food Drug, and
Cosmetic Act, may contain heat transfer
fluid with 50 ppm or greater PCB (0.005%
on a dry weight basis):
(4) Addition of PCBs to a heat transfer
system is prohibited
(5) Data obtained as a result of
subparagraph (1) must be retained for
five (5) years aifter the heat transfer
system reaches 50 ppm PCB;
(e) Use in Hydraulic Systems. PCBs
may be used hi hydraulic systems and
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Federal Ragistor / VoL 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations 31581
may be processed and distributed in
commerce for purposes of filtering,
distilling, or otherwise reducing the
utration of PCBs in hydraulic
fluids in a manner other than a totally
enclosed manner until July 1,1984.
subject to the following conditions:
(1) Each person who owns a hydraulic
system that ever contained PCBs must
test for the concentration of PCBs in the
hydraulic fluid of each such system no
later than November 1,1979, and at least
annually thereafter. All test sampling
must be performed at least three months
after the most recent fluid refilling.
When a test shows that the PCS
concentration is less than 50 ppm.
testing under this subparagraph is no
longer required:
(2) Within six (8) months of a test
uuder subparagraph (1) that indicates
ihat a system's fluid contains SO ppm or
greater PCS (0.005% on a dry weight
basis), the system must be drained of
the PCBs and refilled with fluid
containing less than 50 ppm PCS.
Topping-off with non-PCB hydraulic
fluids to reduce PCS concentrations is
permitted;
(3) Addition of PCBs to a hydraulic
system is prohibited:
(4) Hydraulic fluid may be drained
from a hydraulic system and filtered.
distilled, or otherwise serviced in order
to reduce the PCB concentration below
50 ppm;
(5) After July 1,1979, processing and
distribution in commerce of PCBs for
purposes of servicing hydraulic systems
is permitted only for persons who-are
granted an exemption under TSCA
section 8(e)(3)(B);
(6) Data obtained as a result of
subparagraph (1) above must be
retained for five years after the
hydraulic system reaches SO ppm.
(f) Use in Carbonless Copy Paper.
Carbonless copy paper containing PCBs
may be used in a manner other than a
totally enclosed manner Indefinitely.
]g) Pigments. Diarylide and
Phthalocyanin pigments that contain 50
ppm or greater PCB may be processed,
distributed in commerce, and used in a
manner other than a totally enclosed
manner until January 1,1982, except that
after July l, 1979, processing and
distribution in commerce of diarylide or
phthalocyanin pigments that contain 50
ppm or greater PCB is permitted only for
persons who are granted an exemption
under TSCAxsectron 6(e)(3)CB).
(h) Servicing Electromagnets. PCBs
may be processed, distributed in
commerce, and used for the purpose of
servicing electromagnets until July 1,
1984. in a manner other than a totally
enclosed manner subject to the
following requirements:
(1) PCBs removed during servicing
must be captured and either returned to
the electromagnet reused as a dielectric
fluid, or disposed of in accordance with
Subpart B (9 781.10);
(2) Servicing of PCB electromagnets
(including rebuilding) which requires the
removal of the coil from the casing is
prohibited.
(3) Any PCBs that are on hand io
service a PCB electromagnet must be
stored in accordance with the storage
for disposal requirements of Annex in
(i 781.42);
(4) After July 1.1979. processing and
distribution in commerce of PCBs for
purposes of servicing electromagnets is
permitted only for persons who are
granted an exemption under TSCA
section 6(e)(3)(B).
(i) Use in Natural Gas Pipeline
Compressors. PCBs may be used in
natural gas pipeline compressors until
May 1.1980, in a manner other than a
totally enclosed manner.
(j) Small Quantities for Research and
Development. PCBs may be processed,
distributed in commerce, and used in
small quantities^ for research and
development, as defined in § 760.2(ee).
in a manner other than -a totally
enclosed manner until July 1,1984.
except that after July 1.1979. processing
and distribution in commerce of PCBs in
small quantities for research and
development is permitted only for
persons who hav» been granted an
exemption under TSCA section
6(e)(3)(B).
(k) Microscopy Mounting Medium.
PCBs may be processed, distributed in
commerce, and used as a mounting
medium in microscopy in a manner
other than a totally enclosed manner
until July 1,1984, except that after July l,
1979. processing and distribution in
commerce of PCBs for purposes of use
as a mounting medium in microscopy
are permitted only for persons who are
granted an exemption under TSCA
section 6(e)(3j(B).
Subpart EUst of Annexes
Annex I
§761.40 Incineration.
(a) Liquid PCBs. An incinerator ffsed
for incinerating PCBs shall be approved
by the Agency Regional Administrator
pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section.
The incinerator shall meet all of the
requirements specified in subparagraph
(1) through 19) of this paragraph, unless
a waiver from these requirements is
obtained pursuant to paragraph (d)(5) of
this section. In addition, the incinerator
shall meet any other requirements which
may be prescribed pursuant to
paragraph (d)(4) of this section.
(1) Combustion criteria shall be either
of the following:
(i) Maintenance of the'introduced
liquids for a 2-second dwell time at
1200°C(±100*C] and 3 percent excess
oxygen in the stack gas; or
(ii) Maintenance of the introduced
liquids for a 1V4 second dwell time at
1600'C(±100'C) and 2 percent excess
oxygen in the stack gas.
(2) Combustion efficiency shall be at
least 99.9 percent computed as follows:
Combustion efficiency=Ccoj/Cco»+Ccox 100
where
Ccoi» Concentration of carbon dioxide.
Ceo=Concentration of carbon monoxide.
(3) The rate and quantity of PCBs
which are fed to the combustion system
shall be measured and recorded at
regular intervals of no longer than 15
minutes.
(4) The temperatures of the
incineration process shall be
continuously measured and recorded.
The combustion temperature of the
incineration process shall be based an
either direct (pyrometer) or indirect
(wall thermocouple-pyrometer
correlation) temperature readings.
(5) The flow of PCBs to the incinerator
shall stop automatically whenever the
combustion temperature drops below
die temperatures specified in
subparagraph (1) of this paragraph.
(6) Monitoring of stack emission
products shall be conducted:
(i) When ah incinerator is first used
for the disposal of PCBs under the
provisions of this regulation;
(ii) When an incinerator is first used
for the disposal of PCBs after the
incinerator has been modified in a
manner which may affect the
characteristics of the stack emission
products; and
(iii) At a minimum such monitoring
shall be conducted for the following
parameters: (a)O»r(b) CO: (c) COw (d)
Oxides of Nitrogen (NO,); (e)
Hydrochloric Acid (HC1); (f) Total
Chlorinated Organic Content (RC1); (g)
PCBs; and (h) Total Particulate Matter.
(7) At a minimum monitoring and
recording of combustion products and
incineration operations shall be
conducted for the following parameters
whenever the incinerator is incinerating
PCBs: (i) O,; (ii) CO: and (iii) CO,. The
monitoring for Of and CO shall be
continuous. The monitoring for COt
shall be periodic, at a frequency
specified by the Regional Administrator.
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31552 Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations
(8) The flow of PCBs to the incinerator
shall stop automatically when any one
or more of the following conditions
occur unless a contingency plan is
submitted by the incinerator owner or
operator and approved by the Regional
Administrator and the contingency plan
indicates what alternative measures the
incinerator owner or operator would
take if any of the following conditions
occur:
(i) Failure of monitoring operations
specified in subparagraph (7) of this
paragraph:
(ii) Failure of the PCB rate and
quantity measuring and recording
equipment specified in subparagraph (3)
of this paragraph; or
(iii) Excess oxygen falls below the
percentage specified in subparagraph (1)
of this paragraph.
(9) Water scrubbers shall be used for
HCl control during PCB incineration and
shall meet any performance
requirements specified by the
appropriate EPA Regional
Administrator. Scrubber effluent shall
be monitored and shall comply with
applicable effluent or pretreatment
standards, and any other State and
Federal laws and regulations. An
alternate method of HC1 control may be
used if the alternate method has been
approved by the Regional
Administrator. (The HC1 neutralizing
capability of cement kilns is considered
to be an alternate method.)
(b) Non-liquid PC3s. An incinerator
used for incinerating non-liquid PCBs.
PCB Articles. PCB Equipment or PCB
Containers shall be approved by the
Agency Regional Administrator
pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section.
The incinerator shall meet all of the
requirements specified in subparagraphs
(1) and (2) of this paragraph unless a
waiver from these requirements is
obtained pursuant to paragraph (d)(5) of
this section. In addition, the incinerator
shall meet any other requirements that
may be prescribed pursuant to
paragraph (d)(4) of this section.
(1) The mass air emissions from the
incinerator shall be no greater than
O.OOlg PCB/kg of the PCB introduced
into the incinerator.
(2) The incinerator shall comply with
the provisions of § 761.40(a)(2), (3), (4),
(6), (7), (8)(i) and (ii), and (9).
(c) Maintenance of data and records.
All data and records required by this
section shall be maintained hi
accordance with Annex VIf 781.45.
Records and Monitoring.
(d) AporovaJ of incinerators. Prior to
the incineration of PCBs and PCB Items
the owner or operator of an incinerator
shall receive the written approval of the
Agency Regional Administrator for the
Region in which the incinerator is
located. Such approval shall be obtained
in the following manner
(1) Initial Report The owner or
operator shall submit to the Regional
administrator an initial report which
contains:
(i) The location of the incinerator;
(ii) A detailed description of the
incinerator including general site plans
and design drawings of the incinerator
(iii) Engineering reports or other
information on the anticipated
performance of the incinerator:
(iv) Sampling and monitoring
equipment and faculties available;
(v) Waste volumes expected to be
incinerated;
(vi) Any local. State, or Federal
permits or approvals; and
(vii) Schedules and plans for
complying with the approval
requirements of this regulation.
(2) Trial bum. (i) Following receipt of
the report described in subparagraph (1)
of this paragraph, the Regional
Administrator shall determine if a trial
burn is required and notify the person
who submitted the report whether a trial
burn of PCBs and PCB Items must be
conducted The Regional Administrator
may require the submission of any other
information that the Regional
Administrator finds to be reasonably
necessary to determine the need for a
trial burn. Such other information shall
be restricted to the types of information
required in subparagraph (l)(i) through
(l)(vii) of this paragraph.
(ii) If the Regional Administrator
determines that a trial burn must be
held, the person who submitted the
report described in subparagraph (1) of
this paragraph shall submit to the
Regional Administrator a detailed plan
for conducting and monitoring the trial
burn. At a minimum, the plan must
include:
(A) Date trial bum is to be conducted;
(B) Quantity and type of PCBs and
PCB Items to be incinerated;
(C) Parameters to be monitored and
location of sampling points;
[D] Sampling frequency and methods
and schedules for sample analyses; and
(E) Name, address, and qualifications
of persons who will review analytical
results and other pertinent data, and
who will perform a technical evaluation
of the effectiveness of the trial burn.
(iii) Following receipt of the plan
described in subparagraph (2)(ii) of this
paragraph, the Regional Administrator
will approve the plan, require additions
or modifications to the plan, or
disapprove the plan. If the plan is
disapproved, the Regional Administrator
will notify the person who submitted the
plan of such disapproval together with
the reasons why it is disapproved. That
person may thereafter submit a new
plan in accordance with subparagraph
(2)(ii) of laid paragraph. If the plan is
approved (with any additions or
modifications which the Regional
Administrator may Prescribe), the
Regional Administrator will notify the
person who submitted the plan of the
approval. Thereafter the trial burn shall
take place at a date and time to be
agreed upon between the Regional
Administrator and the persons who
submitted the plan.
(3) Other information. In addition to
the information contained in the report
and plan described in subparagrapha (1)
and (2) of this paragraph, the Regional
Administrator may require the owner or
operator to submit any other
information that the Regional
Administrator finds to be reasonably
necessary to determine whether an
incinerator shall be approved.
Note/The Regional Administrator will
have available for review and Inspection an
Agency manual containing information on
sampling methods and analytical procedures
for the parameters required in i 781.40(a)(3),
(4), (B), and (7) plus any other parameters he
may determine to be appropriate. Owners or
operator* are encouraged to review thi»
manual prior to submitting any report
required in this Annex.
(4) Contents of Approval, (i) Except as
provided hi subparagraph (5) of this
paragraph, the Regional Administrator
may not approve an incinerator for the
disposal of PCB and PCB Items unless
he finds that the incinerator meets all of
the requirements of paragraphs (a) and/'
or (b) of this section.
(ii) In addition to the requirements of
paragraphs (a) and/or (b) of this section,
the Regional Administrator may include
in an approval any other requirements
that the Regional Administrator finds
are necessary to ensure that operation
of the incinerator does not present an
unreasonable risk of injury to health or
the environment from PCBs. Such
requirements may include a fixed period
of time for which the approval is valid.
(5) Waivers. An owner or operator of
the incinerator may submit evidence to
the Regional Administrator that
operation of the incinerator will not
present an unreasonable risk of injury to
health or the environment from PCBs,
when one or more of the requirements of
paragraphs (a) and/or (b) of this section
are not met. On the basis of such
evidence and any other available
information, the Regional Administrator
may in his discretion find that any
requirement of paragraph (a) and (b) is
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Federal Register / Vol 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations 31553
not necessary to protect against such a
risk, and may waive the requirements in
any approval for that incinerator. Any
finding and waiver under this
subparagraph must be stated in writing
and included as part of the approval
(6) Persona Approved. An approval
will designate the persona who own and
who are authorized to operate the
incinerator, and will apply only to such
persons, except as provided in
paragraph (8) below.
(7) Final Approval. Approval of an
incinerator will be in writing and signed
by the Regional Administrator. The
approval will state'all requirements
applicable to the approved incinerator.
(8) Transfer of Property. Any person
who owns or operates an approved
incinerator must notify EPA at least 30
days before transferring ownership in
the incinerator or the property it stands
upon, or transferring the right to operate
the incinerator. The transferor must also
submit to EPA. at least 30 days before
such transfer, a notarized affidavit
signed by the transferee which states
that the transferee will abide by the
transferor's EPA incinerator approval
Within 30 days of receiving such
notification and affidavit EPA will issue
an amended approval substituting the
transferee's name for the transferor's
name, or EPA may require the transferee
to apply for a new incinerator approval.
In the latter case, the transferee must
abide by the transferor's EPA approval
until EPA issues the new approval to the
transferee.
Annexn
5761.41 Chemical was*** lamMOs.
(a) General. A chemical waste landfill
used fer the disposal of PCBs and PCB
Items shall be approved by the Agency
Regional Administrator pursuant to
paragraph (c) of this section. The landfill
shah* meet all of the requirements
specified in paragraph (b) of this
section, unless a waiver from these
requirements is obtained pursuant to
paragraph (c)(4) of this section. In
addition, the landfill shall meet any
other requirements that may be
prescribed pursuant to paragraph (c)(3)
of this section.
(b) Technical Requirements.
Requirements for chemical waste
landfills used for the disposal of PCBs
and PCB-Items are as follow*:
(1) Soils. The landfill site shall be
located in thick, relatively impermeable
formations such as large-area day pans.
Where this is not possible, the soil shall
have a high clay and silt content with
the following parameters:
(i) In-place soil thickness, 4 feet or
compacted soil liner thickness, 3 feet;
(ii) Permeability (cm/sec), equal to or
less than 1X10"*
(iii) Percent soil passing No. 200 Sieve,
>30;
(iv) Liquid Limit >30; and
(v) Plasticity Index >15.
(2) Synthetic Membrane Linen.
Synthetic membrane liners shall be used
when, in the judgment of the Regional
Administrator, the hydrologic or
geologic conditions at the landfill
require such a liner in order to provide
at Least a permeability equivalent to the
soils in (1) above. Whenever a synthetic
liner is used at a landfill site, special
precautions shall be taken to insure that
its integrity is maintained and that it is
chemically compatible with PCBs.
Adequate soil underlining and soil cover
shall be provided to prevent excessive
stress on the liner and to prevent
rupture of the liner. The liner must have
u minimum thickness of 30 mils.
(3) Hydrologic Conditions. The bottom
of the landfill shall be above the
historical high groundwater table as
provided below. Floodpiains,
ahorelands, and groundwater recharge
areas shall be avoided. There shall be
no hydraulic connection between the
site and standing or flowing surface
water. The site shall have monitoring
wells and leachate collection. The
bottom of the landfill liner system or
natural ID-place soil barrier shall be at
least fifty feet from the historical high
water table.
(4) Flood Protection, (i) If the landfill
site is below the 100-year floodwater
elevation, the operator shall provide
surface water diversion dikes around
the perimeter of the landfill site with a
minimum height equal to two feet above
the 100-year floodwater elevation.
(ii) If the landfill site is above the 100-
year floodwater elevation, the operators
shall provide diversion structures
capable of diverting all of the surface
water runoff from a 24-hour. 25-year
storm.
(5) Topography. The landfill site shall
be located in an area of low to moderate
relief to minimise erosion and to help
prevent landslides or slumping.
(6) Monitoring Systems, (i) Water
Sampling. (A) For ail sites receiving
PCBs. the ground and surface water
from the disposal site area shall be
sampled prior to commencing operations
under an approval provided in
{ 761.41(c) for use aa baseline data.
(B) Any surface watercourse
designated by the Regional
Administrator using the authority
provided in 5 781.41(c)f3)(ii) shall be
sampled at least monthly when the
landfill is being used for disposal
operations.
(C] Any surface watercourse
designated by the Regional
Administrator using the authority
provided in $ 781.41(c)(3)(ii) shall be
sampled for a time period specified by
the Regional Administrator on a
frequency of no less than once every six
months after final closure of the
disposal area.
(ii) Groundwater Monitor Wells. (A) If
underlying earth materials are
homogenous, impermeable, and
uniformly sloping in one direction, only
three sampling points shall be
necessary. These three points shall be
equally spaced.on a line through the
center of the disposal area and
extending from the area of highest water
table elevation to the area of the lowest
water table elevation on the property.
(B) All monitor wells shall be cased
and the annular space between the
monitor zone (zone of saturation) and
the surface shall be completely
backfilled with Portland cement or an
equivalent material and plugged with
Portland cement to effectively prevent
percolation of surface water into the
well bora. The well opening at the
surface shall have a removable cap to
provide access and to prevent entrance
of rainfall or stormwater runoff. The
well shall be pumped to remove the
volume of liquid initially contained in
the well before obtaining a sample for
analysis. The discharge shall be treated
to meet applicable State or Federal
discharge standards or recycled to the
chemical waste landfill
(iii) Water Analysis, As a minimum
all samples shall be analyzed for the
following parameters, and all data and
records of the sampling and analysis
shall be maintained aa required in
Annex .VI$ 781.45(d)(l). Sampling
methods and analytical procedures for
these parameters shall comply with
those specified in 40 CFR Part 138 as
amended in 41FR S2779 on December 1.
1978.
(A) PCBs.
(B)pH.
(C) Specific Conductance.
(D)'Chlorinated Organics.
(7) Leachate Collection. A leachate
collection monitoring system shall be
installed above the chemical waste
landfill Leachate collection systems
shall be monitored monthly for quantity
and physicochemical characteristics of
leachate produced. The leachate should
be either treated to acceptable limits for
discharge in accordance with a State or
Federal permit or disposed of by another
State or Federally approved method.
Water analysis shall be conducted aa
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31554 Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations
provided in subparagraph (6) (iii) of this
paragraph. Acceptable leachate
monitoring/collection systems shall be
any of the following designs, unless a
waiver is obtained pursuant to
paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
(i) Simple Leachate Collection. This
system consists of a gravity flow
drainfield installed above the waste
disposal facility liner. This design is
recommended for use when semi-solid
or leachable solid wastes are placed in a
lined pit excavated into a relatively
thick, unsaturated. homogenous layer of
low permeability soil.
(iij Compound Leachate Collection.
This system consists of a gravity flow
drainfield installed above the waste
disposal facility liner and above a
secondary installed liner. This design is
recommended for use when semi-liquid
or leachable solid wastes are placed in a
lined pit excavated into relatively
permeable soil.
(ii) Suction Lysimeters. This system
consists of a network of porous ceramic
cups connected by hoses/tubing to a
vacuum pump. The porous ceramic cups
or suction lysimeters are installed along
the sides and under the bottom of the
waste disposal facility liner. This type of
system works best when installed in a
relatively permeable unsaturated soil
immediately adjacent to the bottom
and/or sides of the disposal facility.
(8) Chemical Waste Landfill
Operations, (i) PCBs and PCS Items
shall be placed in a landfill in a manner
that will prevent damage to containers
or articles. Other wastes placed in the
landfill that are not chemically
compatible with PCBs and PCS Items
including organic solvents shall be
segregated from the PCBs throughout the
waste handling and disposal process.
(ii) An operation plan shall be
developed and submitted to the
Regional Administrator for approval as
required in paragraph (c) of this section.
This plan shall include detailed
explanations of the procedures to be
used for recordkeeping, surface water
handling procedures, excavation and
backfilling, waste segregation burial
coordinates, vehicle and equipment
movement, use of roadways, leachate
collection systems, sampling and
monitoring procedures, monitoring
wells, environmental emergency
contingency plans, and security
measures to protect against vandalism
and unauthorized waste placements.
EPA guidelines entitled "Thermal
Processing and Land Disposal of Solid
Waste" (39 FR 29337, August 14,1974)
are a useful reference in preparation of
this plan; If the facility is to be used to
dispose of liquid wastes captaining
between 50 ppm and 500 ppm PCS, the
operations plan must include procedures
to determine that liquid PCBs to be
disposed of at the landfill do not exceed
500 ppm PCS and meaures to prevent
the migration of PCBs from the landfill.
Bulk liquids not exceeding 500 ppm
PCBs may be disposed of provided such
waste is pretreated and/or stabilized
(e.g., chemically fixed, evaporated,
mixed-with dry inert absorbent) to
reduce its liquid content or increase its
solid content so that a non-flowing
consistency is achieved to eliminate the
presence of free liquids prior to final
disposal in a landfill. PCS Container of
liquid PCBs with a concentration
between 50 and 500 ppm PCS may be
disposed of if each container is
surrounded by an amount of inert
sorbant material capable of absorbing
all of the liquid contents of the
container.
(iii) Ignitable wastes shall not be
disposed of in chemical waste landfills.
Liquid ignitable wastes are wastes that
have a flash point less than 60 degrees C
(140 degrees F) as determined by the
following method or an equivalent
method: Flash point of liquids shall be
determined by a Pensky-Martens Closed
Cup Tester, using the protocol specified
in ASTM Standard D-93, or the
Setaflash Closed Tester using the
protocol specified in ASTM Standard D-
3278.
(iv) Records shall be maintained for
all PCS disposal operations and shall
include information on the PCS
concentration in liquid wastes and the
three dimensional burial coordinates for
PCBs and PCB Items. Additional records
shall be developed and maintained as
required in Annex VI.
(9) Supporting Facilities, (i) A six foot
woven mesh fence, wall, or similar
device shall be placed around the site to
prevent unauthorized persons and
animals from entering.
(ii) Roads shall be maintained to and
within the site which are adequate to
support the operation and maintenance
of the site without causing safety or
nuisance problems or hazardous
conditions.
(iii) The site shall be operated and
maintained in a manner to prevent
safety problems or hazardous conditions
resulting from spilled liquids and
windblown materials.
(c) Approval of Chemical Waste
Landfills. Prior to the disposal of any
PCBs and PCB Items in a chemical
waste landfill the owner or operator of
the landfill shall receive written
approval of the Agency Regional
Administrator for. the Region in which
the landfill is located The approval
shall be obtained in the following
manner.
(1) Initial Report. The owner or
operator shall submit to the Regional
Administrator an initial report which
contains:
(i) The location of the landfill:
(ii) A detailed description of the
landfill including general site plans and
design drawings;
(iii) An engineering report describing
the manner is which the landfill
complies with the requirements for
chemical waste landfills specified in
paragraph (b) of this section:
(iv) Sampling and monitoring
equipment and facilities available;
(v) Expected waste volumes of PCBs:
(vi) General description of waste
materials other than PCBs that are
expected to be disposed of in the
landfill;
(vii) Landfill operations plan as
required in paragraph (b) of this section;
(viii) Any local. State, or Federal
permits or approvals; and
(ix) Any schedules or plans for
complying with the approval
requirements of these regulations.
(2) Other Information. In addition to
the information contained in the report
described in subparagraph (1) of this
paragraph, the Regional Administrator
may require the owner or operator to
submit any other information that the
Regional Administrator finds to be
reasonably necessary to determine
whether a chemical waste landfill
should be approved. Such other
information shall be restricted to the
types of information required in
subparagraphs (l)(i) through (l)(ix) of
this paragraph.
(3) Contents of Approval, (i) Except as
provided in subparagraph (4) of this
paragraph the Regional Administrator
may not approve a chemical waste
landfill for the disposal of PCBs and PCB
Items, unless he finds that the landfill
meets all of the requirements of
paragraph (b) of this Annex.
(ii) In addition to the requirements of
paragraph (b) of this section, the
Regional Administrator may include in
an approval any other requirements or
provisions that the Regional
Administrator finds are necessary to
ensure that operation of the chemical
waste landfill does not present an
unreasonable risk of injury to health or
the environment from PCBs. Such
provisions may include a fixed period of
time for which the approval is valid.
The approval may also include a
stipulation that the operator of the
chemical waste landfill report to the
Regional Administrator any instance
when PCBs are detectable durinp
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Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations 31555
monitoring activities conducted
pursuant to paragraph (b)(6) of this
section.
(4) Waivers. An owner or operator of
a chemical waste landfill may submit
evidence to the Regional Administrator
that operation of the landfill will not
present an unreasonable risk of injury to
health or the environment from PCBs
when one or more of the requirements of
paragraph (b) of this section are not met.
On the basis of such evidence and any
other available information, the
Regional Administrator may in his
discretion find that one or more of the
requirements of § 781.41 (b) is not
necessary to protect against such a risk
and may waive the requirements in any
approval for that landfill. Any finding
and waiver under this paragraph will be
stated in writing and included as part of
the approval.
(5) Persons Approved. Any approval
will designate the persons who own and
who are authorized to operate the
chemical waste landfill, and will apply
only to such persons, except as provided
by paragraph (7) below.
(6) Final Approval. Approval of a
chemical waste landfill will be in
writing and will be signed by the
Regional Administrator. The approval
will state all requirements applicable to
the approved landfill.
(7) Transfer of Property. Any person
who owns or operates an approved
chemical waste landfill must notify EPA
at least 30 days before transferring
ownership in the property or
transferring the right to conduct the
chemical waste landfill operation. The
transferor must also submit to EPA, at
least 30 days before such transfer, a
notarized affidavit signed by the
transferee which states that the
transferee will abide by the transferor's
EPA chemical waste landfill approval.
Within 30 days of receiving such
notification and affidavit EPA will issue
an amended approval substituting the
transferee's name for the transferor's
name, or EPA may require the transferee
to apply for a new chemical waste
landfill approval. In the latter case, the
transferee must abide by the transferor's
EPA approval until EPA issues the new
approval to the transferee.
Annexm
§761.42 Storage for dlspoMi.
(a) Any PCB Article or PCB Container
stored for disposal before January 1,
1983, shall be removed from storage and
disposed of as required by this Part
before January 1.1984. Any PCB Article
or PCB Container stored for disposal
after January 1,1983, shall be removed
from storage and disposed of as
required by Subpart B within one year
from the date when it was first placed
into storage.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph
(c) of this section, after July 1,1978,
owners or operators of any facilities
used for the storage of PCBs and PCB
Items designated for disposal shall
comply with the following requirements:
(1) The facilities shall meet the
following criteria:
(i) Adequate roof and walls to prevent
rain water from reaching the stored
PCBs and PCB Items;
(ii) An adequate floor which has
continuous curbing with a minimum six
inch high curb. The floor and curbing
must provide a containment volume
equal to at least two times the internal
volume of the largest PCB Article or PCB
Container stored therein or 25 percent of
the total internal volume of all PCB
Articles or PCB Containers stored
therein, whichever is greater
(iii) No drain valves, floor drains.
expansion joints, sewer lines, or other
openings that would permit liquids to
flow from the curbed area:
(iv) Floors and curbing constructed of
continuous smooth and impervious
materials, such as Portland cement
concrete or steel, to prevent or minimize
penetration of PCBs; and
(v) Not located at a site that is below
the 100-year flood water elevation.
(c)(l) The following PCB Items may be
stored temporarily in an area that does
not comply with the requirements of
paragraph (b) for up to thirty days from
the date of their removal from service,
provided that a notation is attached to
the PCB Item or a PCB Container
(containing the item) indicating the date
the item was removed from service:
(i) Non-leaking PCB Articles and PCB
Equipment'
(ii) Leaking PCB Articles and PCB
Equipment if the PCB Items are placed
in a non-leaking PCB Container that
contains sufficient sorbent materials to
absorb any liquid PCBs remaining in the
PCB Items:
(iii) PCB Containers containing non-
liquid PCBs such as contaminated soil.
rags, and debris: and
(iv) PCB Containers containing liquid
PCBs at a concentration between 50 and
500 ppm. provided a Spill Prevention.
Control and Countermeasure Plan has
been prepared for the temporary storage
area in accordance with 40 CFR112. In
addition, each container must bear a
notation that indicates that the liquids in
the drum do not exceed 500 ppm PCB.
(2) Non-leaking and structurally
undamaged PCB Large High Voltage
Capacitors and PCB-Contaminated
Transformers that have not been
drained of free flowing dielectric fluid
may be stored on pallets next to a
storage facility that meets the
requirements of paragraph (b) until
January 1,1983. PCB-Contaminated
Transformers that have been drained of
free flowing dielectric fluid are not
subject to die storage provisions of
Annex 01. Storage under this
subparagraph will be permitted only
when the storage facility has
immediately available unfilled storage
space equal to 10 percent of the volume
of capacitors and transformers stored
outside the facility. The capacitors and
transformers temporarily stored outside
the facility shall be checked for leaks
weekly.
(3) Any storage area subject to the
requirements of paragraph (b) or
subparagraph (c)(l) of this section shall
be marked as required in Subpart C
§ 781.20(a)(10).
(4) No item of movable equipment that
is used for handling PCBs and PCB Items
in the storage facilities and that comes
in direct contact with PCBs shall be
removed from the storage facility area
unless it has been decontaminated as
specified in Annex IV, § 761.43.
(5) All PCB Article* and PCB
Containers in storage shall be checked
for leaks at least once every 30 days.
Any leaking PCB Articles and PCB
Containers and their contents shall be
transferred immediately to properly
marked non-leaking containers. Any
spilled or leaked materials shall be
immediately cleaned up, using sorbents
or other adequate means, and the PCB-
contaminated materials and residues
shall be disposed of in accordance with
§ 781.10(a)(4).
(6) Except as provided in
subparagraph [7] below, any container
used for the storage of liquid PCBs shall
comply with the Shipping Container
Specification of the Department of
Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR 178.80
(Specification 5 container without
removable head). 178.82 (Specification
5B container without removable head),
178.102 (Specification 6D overpack with
Specification 2S(§ 178.35) or
2SL(§ 178.35a) polyethylene containers)
or 178.116 (Specification 17E container).
Any container used for the storage of
non-liquid PCBs shall comply with the
specifications of 49 CFR 178.80
(Specification 5 container), 178.82
(Specification SB container) or 178.115
(Specification 17C container). As an
alternate, containers larger than those
specified in DOT Specifications 5. SB, or
17C may be used for non-liquid PCBs if
the containers are designed and
constructed in a manner that will
-------
31556 Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday, May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations
provide as much protection against
leaking and exposure to the
environment as the DOT Specification
containers, and are of the same relative
strength and durability as the DOT
Specification containers.
(7) Storage containers for liquid PGBs
can be larger than the containers
specified in (6) above provided that:
(i) The containers are designed,
constructed, and operated in compliance
with Occupational Safety and Health
Standards, 29 CFR 1910.106, Flammable
and combustible liquids. Before using
these containers for storing PCBs. the
design of the containers must be
reviewed to determine the effect on the
structural safety of the containers that
will result from placing liquids with the
specific gravity of PCBs into the
containers (see 29 CFR 1910.10B(b)(iKf)}.
(ii) The owners or operators of any
facility using containers described in (i)
above shall prepare and implement a
Spill Prevention Control and
Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan as
described in 40 CFR 112. In complying
with 40 CFR 112, the owner or operator
shall read "oil(s)" as "PCB(s)" whenever
it appears. The exemptions for storage
capacity, 40 CFR 112.1(d)(2), and the
amendment of SPCC plans by the
Regional Administrator, 40 CFR 112.4,
shall not apply unless some fraction of
the liquids stored in the container are
oils as defined by section 311 of the
Clean Water Act.
(8) PCB Articles and PCB Containers
shall be dated on the article or container
when they are placed in storage. The
storage shall be managed so that the
PCB Articles and PCB Containers can be
located hy the date they entered storage.
Storage containers provided in
subparagraph (7) above shall have a
record that includes for each batch of
PCBs the quantity of the batch and date
the batch was added to the container.
The record shall also include the date,
quantity, and disposition of any batch of
PCBs removed from the container.
(9) Owners or operators of storage
facilities shall establish and maintain
records as provided in Annex VL
Annex IV
$761.43 Decontamination.
(a) Any PCB Container to be
decontaminated shall be
decontaminated by flushing the internal
surfaces of the container three times
with a solvent containing less than SO
ppm PCB. The solubility of PCBs in the
solvent must be five percent or more by
weight Each rinse shall use a volume of
the normal diluent equal to
approximately ten (10) percent of the
PCB Container capacity. The solvent
may be reused for decontamination until
it contains 50 ppm PCB. The solvent
shall then be disposed of as a PCB in
accordance with 8 781.10(a). Non-liquid
PCBs resulting from the
decontamination procedures shall be
disposed of in accordance with the
provisions of § 761.10(a)(4).
(b) Movable equipment used in
storage areas shall be decontaminated
by swabbing surfaces that have
contacted PCBs with a solvent meeting
the criteria of paragraph (a) of this
section.
Note.Precautionary measures should be
taken to ensure that the solvent meets safety
and health standards as required by
applicable Federal regulations.
Annex V
J 761.44 Harking formats.
The following formats shall be used
for marking:
(a) Large PCB MarkML. Mark Mt
shall be as shown in Figure 1, letters and
striping on a white or yellow
background and shall be sufficiently
durable to equal or exceed the life
(including storage for disposal) of the
PCB Article, PCB Equipment, or PCB
Container. The size of the mark shall be
at least 15.25 cm (6 inches) on each side.
If the PCB Article or PCB Equipment is
too small to accommodate this size, the
mark may be reduced in size
proportionately down to a minimum of 5
cm (2 inches) on each side.
(b) Small PCB MarkM,. Mark M.
shall be as shown in Figure 2, letters and
striping on a white or yellow
background, and shall be sufficiently
durable to equal or exceed the life
(including storage for disposal) of the
PCB Article, PCB Equipment, or PCB
Container. The mark shall be a rectangle
2.5 by 5 cm (1 inch by 2 inches). If the
PCB Article or PCB Equipment is too
small to accommodate this size, the
mark may be reduced in size
proportionately down to a minimum of 1
by 2 cm (.4 by .3 inches).
CAUTION
I
CONTAMS
(PofvchlonwrtBd Biphmyts)
A toxic environmental conraminanr requiring
special handling and disposal in accordance with
U.S. Environmental Prorecnon Agency Regulations
40 CFR 761For Disposal Information conroa
the neatest U.S. E.P.A. Office.
In case of ocddent or spin, coil roll free the U.S.
Coast Guard National Response Center:
600:424,3802
Also Contact
Tei. No.
I
Figure 1
FOR PftOPtft DISPOSAL INFORMATION
CONTACT U S. ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
Figure 2
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Federal Ragbtar / Vol 44. No. 106 / Thursday, May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulation* 81557
Annex VI
1791.46
(a) PCSa and PCS Item in service or
projected for disposal. Beginning July 2,
1978, aach owner or operator of a
facility using or .storing at one time at
least 45 kilograms (99.4 pounds) of PCBs
contained in PCS Containers] or one or
more PCS Transformers, or SO or more
PCS Large High or Low Voltage
Capacitor* shall develop and maintain
records on the disposition of PCBe and
PCS Items. These records snail form the
basis of an annual document prepared
for each facility by July \ covering the
previous calendar year. Owners or
operators with one or more facilities
that use or store PCBs and PCS Items in
the quantities described'above may
maintain the records and documents at
one of the facilities that is normally
occupied for 8 hours a day, provided the
identity of this facility is available at
each facility using or storing PCBs and
PCS Items. The records and documents
shall be maintained for at least five
yean after the facility ceases using or
storing PCBs and PCS Items in the
prescribed quantities. The following
information for each facility shall be
included in the annual document:
(1} The dates when PCBs and PCS
Items are removed from service, are
placed into storage for disposal, and are
placed into transport for disposal. The
quantities of the PCBs and PCB Items
shall be indicated using the following
breakdown:
(i) Total weight in kilograms of any
PCBs and PCB Items in PCB Containers
including the identification of container
contents such as liquids and capacitors;
(ii) Total number of PCB Transformers
and total weight in kilograms of any
PCBs contained in the transformers; and
(iii) Total number of PCB Large High
or Low Voltage Capacitors.
(21 For PCBs and PCB Items removed
from service, the location of the initial
disposal or storage facility and the name
of the owner or operator of the facility.
(3) Total quantities of PCBs and PCB
Items remaining in service at the end of
the calendar year using the following
breakdown:
(i) Total weight in kilograms of any
PCBs and PCB Items in PCB Containers.
including the identification of container
contents such as liquids and capacitors;
(ii) Total number of PCB Transformers
and total weight in kilograms of any
PCBs contained in the transformers; and
(ill) Total number of PCB Large High
or Low Voltage Capacitors.
(b) Disposal and storage facilities.
Each owner or operator of a facility
(including high efficiency boiler
operations) used for the storage or
disposal of PCBs and PCB Items shall by
July 1,1979 and aach July 1 thereafter
prepare and maintain a document that
includes the information required in
subparagraphs (1) thru (4) below for
PCBs and PCB Items that-were handled
at-fee facility during the previous
calendar year. The document shall be
retained at each facility for at least 5
years after {he facility is r.o longer used
for the storage or disposal of PCSa and
PCB Items except that in the case of
chemical waste landfills, the document
shall be maintained at least 20 years
after the chemical waste landfill is no
longer used for the disposal of PCBs and
PCB Items. The documents shall be
available at the facility for inspection by
authorized representative* of the
Environmental Protection Agency. If the
facility ceases to be used for PCB
storage or disposal, the owner or
operator of such facility shall notify
within 80 days the EPA Regional
Administrator of the region in which the
facility is located that the facility has
ceased storage or disposal operations.
The notice shall specify where the
documents that are required to be
maintained by this paragraph are
located. The fallowing information shall
be included in each document
(1) The date when any PCBs and PCB
Items were received by the facility
during the previous calendar year for
storage or disposal, and identification of
the facility and the owner or operator of
the facility from whom the PCBs were
received;
(2) The date when any PCBs and PCB
Items were disposed of al the disposal
facility or transferred to another
disposal or storage facility, including the
identification of the specific types of
PCBs and PCB Items that were stored or
disposed of:
(3) A summary of the total weight in
kilograms of PCBs and PCB Articles in
containers and the total weight of PCBs
contained in PCB Transformers, that
have been handled at the facility during
the previous calendar year. This
summary shall provide totals of the
above PCBs and PCB Items which have
been:
(i) Received during the yean
(ii) Transferred to other facilities
during the year and
(iiilRetained at the facility at me end
ofthe year. In addition the contents of
PCB Containers shall be identified.
When PCB Containers and PCBs
contained hi a transformer are
transferred to-other storage or disposal
facilities, the identification of the facility
to which such PCBs and PCdttems wen
transferred shall be included in the
document*
(4) Total number of any PCB Articles
or PCB Equipment not in PCB*
Containers, received during the calendar
year, transferred to other storage or
disposal facilities during the calendar
year, or remaining on the facility site at
the end of the calendar year. The
identification of the specific types of
PCB Articles and PCB Equipment
received, transferred, or remaining on
the facility site shall be indicated. When
PCB Articles and PCB Equipment are
transferred to other storage or disposal
facilities, the identification of the facility
to which the PCB Articles and PCB
Equipment were transferred must be
included.
Note*Any requirement* for weights in
kilogram* of PCB* may be calculated values
if the internal volume of container* and
transformer* i* known and included in the
report*, together with any assumption* on the
density of the PCB* contained in the
container* or transformer*.
(c) Incineration facilities. Each owner
or operator of a PCB incinerator facility
shall collect and maintain for a period of
5 years from the date of collection the
following information, in addition to the
information required in paragraph (b) of
this section:
(1) When PCBs are being incinerated.
the following continuous and short-
interval data:
(i) Rate and quantity of PCBs fed to
the combustion system as required in
Annex I$ 761.4O(a)(3);
(ii) Temperature ofthe combustion
process as required in Annex I
i 761.40(a)(4); and
(iii) Stack emission product to include
Ot. CO, and COi as required in Annex
I§ 7B1.40(a)(7).
(2) When PCBs are being incinerated.
data and records on the monitoring of
stack emissions as required in Annex
15 761.40(a)(6).
(3) Total weight in kilograms of any
solid residues generated by the
incineration of PCBs and PCB Items
during the calendar year, the total
weight in kilograms of any solid
residues disposed of by the facility in
chemical waste landfills, and the total
weight in kilograms of any solid
on the facility site.
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31558 Federal Register / Vol 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations
(4) When PCBs and KB Items are
being incinerated, additional periodic
data shall be collected and maintained
as specified by the Regional
Administrator pursuant to § 7B1.40(d){4).
(5) Upon any suspension of the
operation of any incinerator pursuant to
S 761.40(a)(8), the owner or operator of
such an incinerator shall prepare a
document The document shall, at a
minimum, include the date and time of
the suspension and an explanation of
the circumstances causing the
suspension of operation. The document
shall be sent to the appropriate Regional
Administrator within 30 days of any
such suspension.
(d) Chemical waste landfill facilities.
Each owner or operator of a PCB
chemical waste landfill facility shall
collect and maintain until at least 20
years after the chemical waste landfill is
no longer used for the disposal of PCBs
the following information in addition to
the information required in paragraph
(b) of this section:
(1) Any water analysis obtained in
compliance with § 781.41(b)(8](iii); and
(2) Any operations records including
burial coordinates of wastes obtained in
compliance with I 781.41(b)(8)(ii).
(e) High efficiency boiler facilities.
Each owner or operator of a high
efficiency boiler used for the disposal of
liquids between 50 and 500 ppm PCB
shall collect and maintain for a period of
5 years the following information, in
addition to the information required in
paragraph (b) of this section:
(1) For each month PCBs are burned in
the boiler the carbon monoxide and
excess oxygen data required in
5 761.10(a)(2)(iii)(A)(a) and
§ 761.10(a)(3)(iii)(A)(5);
(2) The quantity of PCBs burned each
month as required in
§ 761.10(a)(2)(iii)(A)(7) and
§ 761.10(a)(3)(iii)(A)(7}; and
(3) For each month PCBs (other than
mineral oil dielectric fluid) are burned.
chemical analysis data of the waste as
required in § 761.10(a)(3)(iii)(B)(e).
(f) Retention of Special Records by
Storage and Disposal Facilities. In
addition to the information required to
be maintained under paragraphs (b). (c),
(d) and (e) of this section, each owner or
operator of a PCB storage or disposal
facility (including high efficiency boiler
operations) shall collect and maintain
for the time period specified in
paragraph (b) of this section the
following data:
(1) All documents, correspondence,
and data that have been provided to the
owner or operator of the facility by any
State or local government agency and
that pertain' to the storage or disposal of
PCBs and PCB Items at the facility.
(2) All documents, correspondence,
and data thai have been provided by the
owner or operator of the facility to any
State or local government agency and"
that pertain to the storage or disposal of
PCBs and PCB Items at the facility.
(3) Any applications and related
correspondence sent by the owner or
operator of the facility to any local.
State, or Federal authorities in regard to
waste water discharge permits, solid
waste permits, building permits, or other
permits-or authorizations such as those
required by Annex I5 79L40(d>and
Annex-B5 761.41(c),
(FK Doc 79-lWB PU«d 5-30-7* MS un|
MLUNO COOI M40-01-M
40 CFH Part 750
[FRL 1227-6]
Procedures for RuMMraUng Under
Section 8 of the Toxic Substance*
Control Act; Interim Procedural Rules
for Exemptions From the
PoJychtortnated Blpnenyl (PCS)
Processing and Distribution In
Commerce Prohibition*
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Agency.
ACTION: Interim procedures for filing and
processing petitions for exemptions from
the PCB processing and distribution in
commerce prohibitions under section
a(e)(3)(B) of the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA).
SUMMARY: Section 6{e)(3KB) of TSCA
allows EPA to grant by rule, exemptions
from the prohibitions on manufacturing,
processing, and distribution in
commerce of PCBs established pursuant
to section 6(e)(3)tA) of TSCA. Since the
PCB processing and distribution in
commerce prohibitions will become
effective July 1,1979, EPA wishes to
inform affected parties of the procedures
that will be followed for the filing and
processing of petitions for exemptions
from the processing and distribution in
commerce bans imposed by section
8(e)(3)(A)(ii) of TSCA. As this notice is
strictly procedural, notice and public
comment are unnecessary, and it is
effective upon publication.
DATE: Petitions for exemptions from the
1979 processing and distribution in
commerce prohibitions must be received
by July 2.1979,
ADDRESS: Petitions, preferably in
triplicate, are te be sent to: Document
Control Officer, (TS-793), Office of
Toxic Substances. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. 401 M Street. S.W.,
Washington. D.C 20480, Attn.:
Document No. OTS/0880Q2(PCB/PDE).
FOR FURTHCR INFORMATION CONTACT;
John B. Ritch. Jr.. Director. Office of
Industry- Assistance. Office of Toxic
Substances, (TS-79B). Environmental
Protection Agency. 401 M Street 3.W.-,
Washington. D.C 20460. Gafl the toll
free number (BOO) 424-8065 (in
Washington. D.C, 554-1404].
sumjMorrARY INFORMATION:
Elsewhere in today's Federal Register.
the fina^ PCS **** Rule is promulgated.
the PCB Ban Rok implements the PCB
, proosssiiig. distribution
in commerce, and use prohibitions of
section 6(e) of TSCA. On November 1,
1978 {43 FR 50905), EPA published a
notice """I*"" to *h
-------
Federai Renter / VoL 44. No, 106 / Thoraday. May 31. 1879 / Rules and Regulations
pigment*! some aluminum chloride, and
some pbenyiefaloRMiianes).
In contrast to th« Integra Procedural
Rules for Exemptions from the PCB
Manufacturing Prohibition, the
procedural rules published today for
exemptions from the processing and
distribution in commerce prohibitions
provide for class petitions in certain
limited circumstances. Allowance of
some class petitions is an administrative
necessity. EPA estimates that then an
thousands of potential petitoners for
exemptions from the prohibitions on
PCB processing and distribution in
commerce. The gnat majority of these
petitions are expected to be
concentrated in the areas of distribution
of PCB Equipment and distribution of
PCB-contaminated substances and
mixtures. For example, virtually every
retaif appliance store, appliance repair
service, and wholesale distributor of
electrical equipment could need an
exemption. Thus, allowing use of class
petitions for such persons is a matter of
practical reality.
In addition to the sheer number of
possible petitioners in a given potential
class, EPA evaluated the seriousness of
potential risk of injury to health and the
environment that could result from
permitting a PCB activity to continue if it
were granted an exemption. Those
persons not allowed to submit class
petitions are generally those whose
activities involve significant quantities
and/or highly concentrated PCB fluids
processed or distributed in a non-totaily
enclosed manner. As a result the
potential risk associated with these
activities is relatively high. In such
cases it is more important that EPA
evaluate petitions individually.
Petitions concerning the manufacture
(i.e.. processing) of PCB Equipment
involving incorporation of PCB Articles
into equipment must be submitted on an
individual basis. Although this activity
in itself may present a low potential
risk, the activity results in the wide
dissemination of small PCB Capacitors.
The disposal of such capacitors is not
controlled once the capacitors are
processed into PCB Equipment. Since
most PCB Equipment manufacturers
have converted to non-PCB Capacitor;,
the number of potential petitioners for
exemptions to manufacture PCB
Equipment should be small.
These Interim Procedural Rules
provide for two types of class petitions
and limit the use of each type to certain
activities. The two types of class
petitions are: (1) a class petition
requiring a listing of. and certain
information about, each person covered
by the petition: and (2) a class petition
that does not require a listing of persons
covered by the petition.
Once-EPA had determined to allow
class petitions for certain activities, the
same factors previously described
(number of potential petitioners and
extent of risk) were again evaluated to
determine which class petitions would
have to identify each petitioner covered
by the class petition. In general, those
petitions thought likely to represent
large numbers of potential petitioners
engaged in enclosed or low
concentration PCB distribution activities
are those allowed to file class petitions
without listing each individual
petitioner.
Class petitions are not required for
persons engaged hi those activities
permitted to submit class petitions. An
individual involved in one of these
activities has the choice of either
submitting an individual petition or
joining with others to submit a class
petition. For class petitions, EPA will
accept petitions prepared by one
company (to which other companies
may provide the required information),
by a trade association on behalf of its
members (as well as others), or by any
other person on behalf of a group of
persons requiring exemptions.
Persons who have already submitted
petitions for exemptions to manufacture
or import PCB Equipment pursuant to
the Interim Procedural Rules of
November 1.1978 (43 FR 50905) need not
submit new petitions, but must advise
EPA if they still wish the Agency to act
on their pending petitions. If they wish,
such petitioners may submit additional
information concerning their petitions.
Similarly, EPA may request additional
information concerning such petitions
by letter to the petitioners.
All petitions for exemptions from the
1979 processing and distribution in
commerce bans must be received by
EPA by July 1.1979. This deadline is
being imposed to permit consolidation of
all rulemaking on these petitions and to
expedite the rulemaking to the greatest
extent possible. The deadline is also the
date on which the processing and
distribution in commerce prohibitions of
section 6(e)(3) of TSCA become
effective. EPA estimates that a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking concerning
exemptions from the processing and
distribution in commerce bans will be
published in September 1979, that the
public hearing, if requested, will be held
in October 1979, and that the Final Rule
concerning exemptions will be
published in January 1960. Any person
who petitions EPA by July 1.1979 to-
continue processing or distribution to
commerce after July 1,1979 may
continue his activity until EPA rales on
his petition. Persons who do not so
petition EPA will be subject to the July
1,1979 ban on all processing and
distribution in commerce of PCBs and
PCB Items.
In determining whether to grant a
petition for exemption to the PCB ban.
EPA will apply the standards
enunciated in section 6(e)(3){B) of
TSCA. Section 6(e)(3)(B] reads in
pertinent part as follows:
* * * the Administrator may grant by rule
such an exemption if the Administrator .finds
that
(i) an unreasonable risk of injury to health
or environment would not result, and
(ii) good faith efforts have been made to
develop a chemical substance which does not
present an unreasonable risk of injury to
health or the environment and which may be
substituted for such polychlorinated
biphenyl.
Although EPA is not issuing a form for
petitions, petitions must include the
information described in § 750.31(d) of
the Interim Procedural Rules.
Due to the need to grant or deny
petitions on an expedited basis, and
pursuant to the delegation of authority
by the Administrator in the Preamble to
the Final PCB Ban Rule, authority has
been delegated to the Assistant
Administrator for Toxic Substances to
grant or deny petitions under section
6(e)(3](B) of TSCA submitted pursuant
to these interim procedures. The
Assistant Administrator will rule on
petitions subsequent to opportunity for
an informal hearing.
The Interim Procedural Rules
applicable to section 6(e) exemption
proceedings are adapted from the TSCA
section 6 procedural rules (40 CFR Part
750. 42 FR 81259. December 2,1977, now
tided Subpart AGeneral Procedural
Rules).
EPA is aware that many participants
at the informal hearings on the proposed
PCB Ban and Marking and Disposal
Rules presented information directly
applicable to a PCB exemption
rulemaking. To expedite Agency action
on exemption petitions, participants'in
the PCB exemption informal hearing are
permitted and encouraged to designate
testimony from prior EPA informal
rulemaking hearings on PCBs under
TSCA. The exemption hearing panel is
specifically authorized by the Interim
Procedural Rules- to reject repetitive
testimony submittted earlier to EPA at a
TSCA PCB informal hearing.
These rules are issued under authority
of section 8(e) of the Toxic Substances
Control Act, 15 U.S.C. 2e05(e).
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31580 Fadacal Rugate / Vol 44. No. 106 /Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Rules and Regulations
Dated May 11.197ft
Marilyn C. BsMkm;
Acting Assistant Administrator far Toxic
SvbstancM.
Title 40 of the Code of Federal
Regulations is amended by adding two
Subpart headings, Subpart AGeneral
Procedural Rules for §§ 750.1-750.9 and
Subpart B^Manufacturing Exemption
Procedural Rules for 5$ 750.10-750.21. to
the Table of Contents and a new
Subpart C as set forth below;
Subpart AProcedures for Rutanaking
under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances
Control Act [55 750.1-750*Added at 42 PR
81259. December 2.1977).
Subpart fttotenm Procedural Role* for
Manufacturing Exemption*. [J J 750,10-
750.21Added at 43 FR 50BOS, November 1.
1978J.
SubpsrtCtatenm Procedural Rutae tor
ProceeelnQ and OtetrlbultOQlA Comsflefce
Exemptions
S*c
750.30 Applicability.
750.31 Filing of petitions for exemption.
750.32 Consolidation of ruiemaking.
750.33 Notice of proposed ruiemaking.
750.34 Record.
750.35 Public comments.
750.36 Confidentiality.
750J7 Subpoenas.
750.38 Participation in informal hearing.
750.39 Conduct of informal hearing.
750.40 Cross-examination.
750.41 Final rule.
Authority: Section 6(e), Toxic Substances
Control Act. 15 U.S.C 2605(e).
Subpart CProcessing and
Distribution in Commerce Exemption
Procedural Rule*
§750.30 Applicability.
Sections 750.30-750.41 apply to all
rulemakings under authority of section
6(ej(3)(B) of the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA). 15 U.S.C.
2605(e)(3)(B) with respect to petitions for
PCB processing and distribution in
commerce exemptions Sled pursuant to
§ 750.31(a) of this Part.
§ 750.31 Filing of petitions f<* exemption.
(a) Who May File. Any person
seeking an exemption from the PCB
processing and distribution in commerce
prohibitions imposed by section
6(e)(3)(A)(ii) of TSCA may file a petition
for exemption. Petitions must be
submitted on an individual basis for
each processor, distributor, seller or
individual affected by the 1979
processing and distribution in commerce
prohibitions, except as described in
subparagraphs (1) through (9) below.
(1) Processing and Distribution in
Commerce of PCB-Contaminated
Transformer Dielectric Fluid. Persons
who process or distribute in commerce
dielectric fluid containing 30 pom or
greater PCB (but IBM than 500 ppm PCB)
for use in PCB-Contaminated
Transformers may submit a-single
consolidated petition on behalf of any
number of petitioners. The name and
address of each petitioner must be
stated in the petition.
(2) Contaminated Substances and
MixturesProcessing. Persons who
process the same chemical substance or
the same mixture containing 50 ppm or
greater PCB as an impurity or
contaminant may submit a consolidated
petition if the chemical substance or
mixture is processed for the same use by
each person represented by the petition.
For example, persons who process a
RGB-contaminated pigment into printing
inks may combine their petitions into
one petition. The name and address of
each petitioner must be stated ia the
petition.
(3) Contaminated Substances and
MixturesDistribution in Commerce.
Persons who distribute in commerce the
same chemical substance or the same
mixture containing 50 ppm or greater
PCB as an impurity or contaminant may
submit a consolidated petition if the
chemical substance or mixture is
distributed in commerce for a common
use. Such a petition is not required to
name each person who distributes in
commerce the chemical substance or
mixture.
(4) PCB Capacitor Distribution for
Purposes of Repair. Persons who
distribute in commerce PCB capacitors
for servicing (repair) of PCB Equipment
may submit a single consolidated
petition on behalf of any number of
petitioners engaged in such distribution
in commerce for purposes of repair. The
name of each petitioner need not be
stated in the petition.
(5) Small Quantities for Research and
Development. Persons who process or
distribute in commerce small quantities
of PCBs for research and development
may submit a single consolidated
petition. The name and address of each
petitioner must be stated in ihe petition.
(6) Microscopy. Pewons who process
or distribute in commerce PCHs for use
as a mounting medium in microscopy
may submit a single consolidated
petition on behalf of any number of
petitioners. The name and address of
each petitioner must be stated in the
petition.
(7) Processing of PCB Articles into
PCB Equipment. A person who
processes (incorporates) PCB Articles
(such as small PCB Capacitors) into PCB
Equipment may submit a petition on
behalf of himself and all persons who
further process or distribute hi
commerce PCB Equipment built by the
petitioner. For example, a builder of
motors who places small PCB
Capacitors in the motors may submit a
petition on behalf of all persons who
process or incorporate motors built by
the petitioner into other pieces of PCB
Equipment and all those who sell the
equipment Such-a petition is not
required to identify the persons who
distribute in commerce or further
process the PCB Equipment A separate
petition most be filed, however, by each
processor of PCB Articles into PCB"
Equipment
(8) Processing of PCB Equipment into
Other PCB Equipment. A person who
processes (incorporates) PCB Equipment
into other PCB Equipment may submit a
petition on behalf of himself and all
persons who further process or
distribute in commerce PCB Equipment
built by the petitioner. Such a petition is
not required to identify the persons who
distribute in commerce or further
process the PCB Equipment. If a petition
has been filed under subparagraph (a)(7)
by the builder of the original PCB
Equipment, no other petition is required.
(9) Distribution of PCB Equipment.
Distributors in commerce of PCB
Equipment may submit a consolidated
petition on behalf of persons who
distribute in commerce PCB Equipment
of one type (such as air conditioners).
The petition is not required to name the
persons who distribute in commerce the
affected PCB Equipment.
(b) Petition Filing Date. All petitions
for exemptions from the 1979 processing
and distribution in commerce
prohibitions under section 6(e)(3)(A)(ii]
must be received by the Hearing Clerk
by July 2.1979.
(c) Where to File. All petitions must
be submitted to the following location:
Document Control Officer (TS-793),
Office of Toxic Substances. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M
Street SW.. Washington. DC 20460.
Attn.: Docket Number OTS/066002
(PCB/PDE).
(d) Content of Petition. Each petition
must contain the following:.
(1) Name, address and telephone
number of petitioner. See also
subparagraphs (a}(l}-{9) for additional
identification requirements applicable to
certain consolidated petitions.
(2) Description of PCB processing or
distribution in commerce exemption
requested, including a description of the
chemical substances, mixtures or items
to be processed or distributed in
commerce and, if processing is involved.
the nature of the processing.
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Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 106 / Thursday, May 31, 1979 / Rules and Regulations
31561
(3) For processing petitions,
location(s) of sites requiring exemption.
(4) Length of time requested for
exemption (maximum length of
exemption is one year).
(5) Estimated amount of PCBs (by
pound and/or volume) to be processed,
distributed in commerce, or used during
requested exemption period and the
manner of release of PCBs into the
environment associated with such
processing, distribution in commerce, or
use. Where the PCB concentration is
less than 500 ppm, both the total liquid
volume and the total PCB volume must
be provided.
(6) The basis for the petitioner's
contention that under section
8(e)(3)(B)(i) of TSCA "an unreasonable
risk of injury to health or environment
would not result" from the granting of
the petition for exemption.
(7) The basis for the petitioner's
contention that under section
8(e)(3UB)(ii) "good faith efforts have
been made to develop a chemical
substance which does not present an
unreasonable risk of injury to health or
the environment and which may be
substituted for" the PCB.
(8) Quantification of the reasonably
ascertainable economic consequences of
denying the petition for exemption and
an explanation of the manner of
computation.
(9) In addition to the information in
subparagraphs (1) through (6), certain
petitions must contain additional
information as follows:
(i) Persona who process or distribute
in commerce dielectric fluids containing
50 ppm or greater PCB for use in PCB
Transformers, railroad transformers, or
PCB electromagnet* must also state the
expected number of PCB Transformers,
railroad transformers* or PCB
electromagnets to be serviced under the
exemption. In addition, a person must
identify all the facilities.which he owns
or operates where he services PCB
transformers, railroad transformers, or
PCB electron agnets.
(ii) Persons filing petitons under
subparagraph (a)(l) {Processing and
Distribution in Commerce of PCB-
Contaminated Transformer Dielectric
Fluid] most also provide the expected
number of PCB-Contaminated
Transformers to be serviced under the
requested exemption and the expected
method of disposal of waste ^dielectric
fluid. In addition, a person must identify
ail the facilities which: he owns or
operates where he services PJCB-
Contaminated Transformers. This
information, as well as the information
required by subparagraphs (dKl). (d)(3)
and (dK5), must be provided for each
person represented by the petition. AH
other information may be provided on a
group basis!
(iii) Persons filing petitions under
subparagraphs (a)(2) (Contaminated
Substances and Mixtures-Processing)
and (a)(3) (Contaminated Substances
and.Mixtures-Distribution in Commerce)
mnst also provide a justification for the
class grouping selected and a
description of the uses and the human
and environmental exposure associated
with each use of the PCB-contaminated
chemical substance or mixture for which
an exemption is sought. Information
may be provided on a group basis,
except that the information required by
subparagraphs (d)(l), (d)(3) and (d)(S),
must be provided for each parson
represented by a petition under
subparagraph (a)(2).
(iv) Persons filing petitions under
subparagraph (a)(4).(PCB Capacitor
Distribution for Purposes of Repair)
must also provide an estimate of the
expected total number of PCB
Capacitors to be distributed in
commerce under the requested
exemption. All information may be
provided on a group basis.
(v) Persons filing petitions under
subparagraph (a)(7) and (a)(8)
(Processing of PCB Articles into PCB
Equipment and Processing of PCB
Equipment into Other PCB Equipment)
must provide a description of each type
of PCB Equipment (including the amount
of PCBa by poundage and/or volume in
the PCB Equipment) to be processed
and/or distributed in commerce under
the exemption, the number of each type
of equipment expected to be processed
and/or distributed in commerce, and the
approximate number of distributors or
further processors covered by the
petition. All information may be
provided on a group basis. However, in
the case of a petition under
subparagraph (a)(7), the processor of
PCB Articles into PCB Equipment must
be identified in the petition. In the case
of a petition under subparagraph (a)(8),
the processor of PCB Equipment who
files the petition must be identified.
(vi) Persons filing petitions under
subparagraph (a)(9) (Distribution of PCB
Equipment) must provide a description
of each type of PCB Equipment
(including the amount of PCBs by
poundage and/or volume in the PCB
Equipment) to be distributed in
commerce under the exemption, the
number of each type of equipment to be
distributed in commerce, and the
approximate number of distributors
covered by the petition. All information
may be provided on a group bans.
(vii) Persons filing petitions under
subparagraphs (a)(5) and (a)(6) must
provide the information required by
subparagraphs (d)(l) through (d)(8) for
each petitioner named in the petition.
(e) EPA reserves the right to request
further information as to each petition
where necessary to determine whether
the petition meets the statutory tests of
section 6(e)(3)(B) of TSCA prior to or
after publication of the notice of
proposed rulemaking required by
§ 750.33 of these rules.
! T5&32 Consolidation of nitarakfng.
All petitions received pursuant to
§ 750.31(a) will be consolidated into one
rulemaking with one informal hearing
held on ail petitions.
§750.33 Motto* of propoeed nitomaMng.
Rulemaking. for PCB processing and
distribution in commerce exemptions
filed pursuant to i 750-31(a) will begin
with the publication of a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal
Register. Each notice will contain:
(a) A summary of the information
required in §750.31(d);
(b) A statement of the time and place
at which the informal hearing required
by section a(c)(2)(Q of TSCA shall
begin, or, to the extent these are not
specified, a statement that they will be
specified later in a separate Federal
Register notice provided that Federal
Register notice of the date and city at
which any informal hearing shall begin
will be given at least 30 days in
advance;
(c) A statement identifying the place
at which the official record of the
rulemaking is located, the hours during
which it will be open for public
inspection, the documents contained in
it as of the date the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking was issued, and a statement
of the approximate times at which
additional materials such as public
comments, hearing transcripts, and
Agency studies in progress will be
added to the record. If any material
other than public comments or material
generated by a hearing is added to the
record after publication of the notice
required by this action, and notice of its
future addition was not given at the time
of that initial publication, a separate
Federal Register notice announcing its
addition to the record and inviting
comment will be published:
(d) The due date for public comments,
which will be (1) 30 days after
publication of the notice of proposed
ruiemaking for main comments ^nrf (2)
one week after the informal hearing for
reply-comments;
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31562 Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 106 / Thursday, May 31, 1979 / Rules and Regulations
(e) The name, address, and office
telephone number of the Record Clerk
and the Hearing Clerk for the
rulemaking in question; and
(f) A nonbinding target date for
issuing the final rule.
§750.34 Rulemaking record.
(a) No later than the date of proposal
of a rule subject to this Subpart a
rulemaking record for that rule will be
established. It will consist of a separate
identified filing space containing:
(1) All documents required by
§ 750.31(d);
(2) Ail public comments timely
received:
(3) All public hearing transcripts:
(4) All material received during an
informal hearing and accepted for the
record of that hearing; and
(5) Any other information that the
Assistant Administrator for Toxic
Substances considers to be relevant to
such rule and that the Assistant
Administrator identified, on or before
the date of the promulgation of the rule,
in a notice published in the Federal
Register.
(b) All material in the record will be
appropriately indexed. Each record will
be available for public inspection during
normal EPA business hours. Appropriate
arrangements allowing members of the
public to copy record materials that do
not risk the permanent loss of such
materials will be made. All material
required to be included in the record
will be added to the record as soon as
feasible after its receipt by EPA.
(c) The Record Clerk for each
rulemaking will be responsible for EPA
compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 750.35 PutoMe comments.
(a) Main comments must be
postmarked or received no later than the
time specified in the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking and must contain all
comments on and criticisms of that
Notice by the commenting person, based
on information which is or reasonably
could have been available to that person
at the time.
(b) Reply comments must be
postmarked or received no later than
one week after the close of afl informal
hearings on the proposed rule and must
be restricted to comments on:
(1) Other comments:
(2) Material in the hearing record: and
(3) Material which was not and could
not reasonably have been available to
the commenting party a sufficient time
before main comments were due.
(c) Extensions of the time for filing
comments may be granted in writing by
the Hearing Chairman. Application for
an extension must be made in writing.
Comments submitted after the comment
period and all extensions of it have
expired need not be added to the
rulemaking record and need not be
considered in decisions concerning the
rule.
(d) Unless the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking states otherwise, four
copies of all comments must be
submitted
§750J» Confidentiality.
EPA encourages the submission of
non-confidential information by
petitioners and commentors. EPA does
not wish to have unnecessary
restrictions on access to the rulemaking
record. However, if a petitioner or
commentor believes that he can only
state his position through the use of
information claimed to be confidential
he may submit it Such information must
be separately submitted for the
rulemaking record and marked
"confidential" by the submitter. For the
information claimed to be confidential.
EPA will list only the date and the name
and address of the petitioner or
commentor in the public file, noting that
the petitioner or commentor has
requested confidential treatment The
Information claimed to be confidential
will be placed in a confidential file. A
petitioner must also file a non-
confidential petition with a non-
confidential summary of the confidential
information to be placed in the public
file. Similarly, a commentor must supply
a non-confidential summary of-the
information claimed to be confidential
to be placed In the public file. Any
information not marked as confidential
will be placed in the public file.
Information marked confidential will be
treated in accordance with the
procedures in Part 2, Subpart B of this
Title.
§ 750.37 Subpoenas.
(a) Where necessary, subpoenas
requiring the production of documentary
material, the attendance of persons at
the hearing, or responses to written
questions may be issued. Subpoenas
may be issued either upon request as
provided in paragraph (b) or by EPA on
its own motion.
(b) All subpoena requests must be in
writing. Hearing participants may
request the issuance of subpoenas as
follows:
(1) Subpoenas for the attendance of
persons or for the production of '
documents or responses to questions at
the legislative hearing may be requested
at any time up to the deadline for filing
main comments.
(2) Subpoenas for production of
documents or answers to questions after
the legislative hearing may be requested
at any time between the beginning of the
legislative hearing and the deadline for
submitting reply comments.
(c) EPA "will rule on all subpoena
requests filed under paragraph (b)(l) no
later than the beginning of the informal
hearing. Such requests may be granted.
denied, or deferred. EPA will rule on all
subpoena requests filed under
paragraph (b)(2) and all deferred
subpoena requests filed under
paragraph (b)[l) no later than the
promulgation of the final rule. Suet
requests will be either granted or
denied.
§750.38 Participation In Informal hearing.
(a) Each person or organization
desiring to participate in the informal
hearing required by section 6(c)(2)(C) of
TSCA must file a written request to
participate with the Hearing Clerk. This
request must be received no later than
seven days prior to the scheduled start
of the hearing. The hearing will begin
seven days after the close of the thirty
day comment period or as soon
thereafter as practicable. The request
must include
(1) A brief statement of the interest of
'.he person or organization in the
proceeding;
(2) A brief outline of the points to be
addressed;
(3) An estimate of the time required:
and
(4) If the request comes from an
organization, a nonbinding list of the
persons to take part in the presentation
Organizations are requested to bring
with them, to the extent possible.
employees with individual expertise in
and responsibility for each of the areas
to be addressed. No organization not
filing main comments in the rulemaking
will be allowed to participate at the
hearing, unless a waiver of this
requirement is granted in writing by the
Hearing Chairman or the organization is
appearing at the request of EPA or under
subpoena.
(b) No later man three days prior to
the start of the hearing, the Hearing
Clerk will make a hearing schedule
publicly available and mail or deliver it
to each of the persons who requested to
appear at the hearing. This schedule will
be subject to change during the course
of the hearing at the discretion of those
presiding over it
(c) Opening statements should be
brief, and restricted either to points that
could not have been made in main
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Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31.1979 / Rules and Regulations . 31S63
comments or to emphasizing points
which are made intaain comments, but
which the participant believes can be
more forcefully urged in the hearing
context.
5 75O39 Conduct of Informal hearing.
(a) A panel of EPA employees shall
preside at each hearing conducted under
section 6(c)(2}(C) of TSCA. In
appropriate cases, other Executive
Branch employees may also sit with and
assist the paneL The membership of the
panel may change as different topics
arise during the hearing. In general, the
panel membership will consist of EPA
employees with special responsibility
for the final rule or special expertise in
the topics under discussion. One
member of the panel will be named to
chair the proceedings and will attend
throughout the hearing, unless
unavoidably prevented by sickness or
similar personal circumstances.
(b) The panel may question any
individual or group participating in the
hearing oi) any subject relating to the
rulemaking. Cross-examination by
others will normally not be permitted at
this stage. It may be granted in
compelling circumstances at the sole
discretion of the hearing panel.
However, persons in the hearing
audience may submit questions in
writing for the hearing panel to ask the
participants, and the hearing panel may,
at their discretion, ask these questions.
(c) Participants in the hearing may
submit additional material for the
hearing record and shall submit such
additional material as the hearing panel
may request All such submissions will
become part of the record of the hearing.
A verbatim transcript of the hearing
shall be made. Participants will be
allowed to designate testimony from
prior EPA informal rulemaking hearings
concerning PCBs under TSCA. The
hearing panel may reject repetitive
testimony previously presented at such
hearings.
§750.40 CroM-axMninatlon.
(a) After the dose of the informal
hearing conducted under § 750.39, any
participant in that hearing may submit a
written request for cross-examination.
The request must be received by EPA
within one week after a full transcript of
the informal hearing becomes available
and must specify:
(1) The disputed issues) of material
fact as to which cross-examination is
requested. This moat include an
explanation of why the questions at
issue an "factual", rather than of an
analytical or policy nature, the extent to
which they an in "dispute" in the light
of the record made thus far, and the
extent to which and why they can
reasonably be considered "material" to
the decision on the finel rule; and
(2) The person(s) the participant
desires to cross-examine, and an
estimate of the time necessary. This
must include a statement as to how the
cross-examination requested can be
expected to result in "full and true
disclosure" resolving the issue of
material fact involved.
(b) Within one week after receipt of
all requests for cross-examination under
subparagraph (a), the hearing panel will
rule on them. The ruling will be served
by the Hearing Clerk on all participants
who have requested cross-examination
and will be inserted in the record.
Written notice of the ruling will be given
to all persons requesting cross-
examination and all persons to be cross-
examined. The ruling will specify:
(1) The issues as to which cross-
examination is granted:
(2) The persons to be cross-examined
on each issue;
(3) The persons to be allowed to
conduct cross-examination; and
(4) Time limits for the examination of
each witness by each cross-examiner.
(c) In issuing this ruling, the panel
may determine that one or more
participants who have requested cross-
examination have the same or similar
interests and should be required to
choose a single representative for
purposes of cross-examination by that
single representative without identifying
the representative further. Subpoenas
for witnesses may be issued where
necessary.
(d) Within one week after the
insertion into the record of the ruling
under subparagraph (b), the hearing at
which the cross-examination will be
conducted will begin. One or more
members of the original panel will
preside for EPA. The panel will have
authority to conduct cross-examination
on behalf of any participant although as
a general rule this right will not be
exercised. The panel will also have
authority to modify the governing ruling
in any respect and to make new rulings
on group representation under section
8(c)(3)(C] of TSCA. A verbatim
transcript of the hearing will be made.
(e)(l) No later than the time set for
requesting cross-examination, a hearing
participant may request that other
alternative methods of clarifying, the
record (such as informal conferences or
the submittal of additional information)
be used. Such requests may be
submitted either in lieu of cross-
examination requests, or in conjunction
with them.
(2) The panel in passing on a cross-
examination request may, as a-
precondition to ruling on its merits,
require that alternative means of
clarifying the record be used whether or
not that has been requested under
subparagraph (e)(l). In such a case, the
results of the use of such alternative
means will be made available to the
person requesting cross-examination for
a one-week comment period, and the
panel will make a final ruling on cross-
examination within one week thereafter.
(f) Waivers or extensions of any
deadline in this section applicable to
persons other than EPA may be granted
on the record of the hearing by the
person chairing it or in writing by the
Hearing Chairman.
f 750.41 Fins* rate.
(a) As soon as feasible after the
deadline for submittal of reply
comments, EPA will issue a final rule.
EPA will also publish at that time:
(1) A list of all material added to the
record (other than public comments and
material from die hearing record) which
has not previously been listed in a
Federal Register document and
(2) The effective date of the rule.
(b) Pursuant to the delegation of
authority made in the Preamble to the
Final Regulation for the PCS
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution
in Commerce and Use Prohibitions, the
Assistant Administrator for Toxic
Substances will grant or deny petitions
under section 6(e)(3)(B) of TSCA
submitted pursuant to § 750.31. The
Assistant Administrator will act on such
petitions subsequent to opportunity for
an informal hearing pursuant to this
rule.
(c) In determining whether to grant an
exemption to the PCS ban, EPA will
apply the two standards enunciated in
section 6(e)(3)(B) of TSCA.
[PR Doe. 7S-1WOB filed S-JO-7* *4* «D|
01-M
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31564
Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 106 / Thursday, May 31.1979 / Proposed Rules
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[40 CFR Part 761]
[FRL 1227-7; OTS-066001]
PofycfclorinatMl Btph«ny1» (PCflafc
PropOMd RuMOTtakJng for PCS
Manufacturing Exemption*
AQEMCY: Environmental Protection
Agency.
ACTION: Proposed PCS exemption rule:
notice of informal hearing.
SUMMARY: This notice lists the petitions
received by EPA for exemption from the
prohibition on PCS manufacturing and
importation pursuant to section 6(e)(3)
of the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA). IS U.S.C. 2605(e)(3). The notice
also indicates, the most cases, which
petitions for exemption EPA proposes to
grant and which petitions the Agency
proposes to deny.
DATES: Written comments, preferably in
triplicate, must be received by the
Hearing Clerk by July 2,1979. Hearing
Date and Time: July 9.1979 at IftOO ajn.
in Washington. D.C. Requests to
participate in the hearing must be
received by the Hearing Clerk by July 2.
1979.
ADDRESSES: Send comments and
requests to participate in the hearing to:
Ms. Linda Thomson. Hearing Clerk,
Office of Toxic Substances (TS-794),
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
401 M Street S.W.. Washington, D.C
20460, Attention: Docket Number OTS/
066001 (PCB/ME). The hearing will be
held in Washington, D.C. The exact
location of the hearing will be mada
available by calling the toll-free number
800-424-9065.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
John B. Ritch, Director, Office of
Industry Assistance (TS-799), Office of
Toxic Substances, Environmental
Protection Agency, 401 M Street S.W..
Washington. D.C. 20460, telephone
(800H24-9065. or in Washington, D.C.
call 554-1404.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section
6(e)(3)(A) of TSCA [Pub. L 94-469, 90
Stat. 2003r 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.j
prohibits all manufacture (including
importation) of PCBs as of January 1,
1979. EPA's regulation entitled PCB
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution
in Commerce, and Use Prohibition Rule
(PCB Prohibition Rule) which
implements the prohibitions of section
S(e)(3) of TSCA. appears elsewhere in
today's Federal Register. Section
6(e)(3)(B) of TSCA allows affected
persons to petition EPA fot exemptions
from the section 6(e)(3)(A) PCB
prohibitions. On November 1,1978, EPA
published Interim Procedural Rules (43
FR 50905) for the filing and processing of
petitions for exemptions from the PCB
manufacturing prohibition of section
6(e)(3) of TSCA. More than seventy
petitions for exemption have been
received. These petitions have been
consolidated into one rulemaking in
accordance with § 750.12 of the Interim
Procedural Rules (43 FR at 50906).
On January 2.1979, the Agency
announced (44 FR 108) that persons who
had filed petitions for exemptions from
the PCB manufacturing ban under
section 6(e)(3)(B) of TSCA could
continue the manufacturing or
importation activity for which the
exemption is sought until EPA has acted
on the applicable petition.
The Interim Procedural Rules for
manufacturing exemptions (43 FR 50905)
will be applicable to this rulemaking.
The official record of rulemaking is
located in Room 447, East Tower,
Environmental Protection Agency, 401M
Street S.W.. Washington, D.C. 20460.
telephone (202J-755-6956. It will be
available for viewing and copying fron.
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding holidays. Hearing
transcripts, hearing materials and
submissions received will be added to
the record as they become available.
To facilitate informed comment, EPA
is indicating its proposed action on most
exemption petitions. For EPA to grant a
requested'exemption, the Agency must
make the findings required by section
6(e)(B)(3) of TSCA. That section reads
as follows:
* * ' the Administrator may grant by role
such an exemption if the Administrator finds
that
(i) An unreasonable risk of injury to health
or environment would not mult and
(ii) Good faith efforts have been made to
develop chemical substance which does not
present an unreasonable risk of injury to
health or the environment and which may b*
substituted for such polychlorinated
biphenyL
EPA wishes to advise commenton
that for each exemption petition the
Agency may request by letter additional
information from the petitioner
concerning his petition. This information
would be supplementary to information
requested ia this Notice. The Agency
will make such requests if it determines
that it requires the information in order
to adequately assess the petition.
Accordingly, persons may wish to file
reply comments under 5 750.15 of the
Interim Procedural Rules (43 FR 50906)
on any additional material filed by
petitioners in response to information
requests from EPA.
Section 750.11(b) of the Interim
Procedural Rules established a filing
date of December 1,1978 for all petitions
for exemption from the TSCA section
6(e)(3) PCB manufacturing (and
important] prohibition. Subsequent to
the filing date, additional petitions have-
been received by the Agency. Due to the
shortness of the original filing period of
thirty days, EPA has accepted all late
petitions. The Agency will decide on a
case-by-case whether petitions for
exemptions for PCB manufacturing and
importation activities filed subsequent
to the date of this Notice should also be
accepted. If a PCB manufacturer or
importer subject to the final PCB
regulation (1) now wishes to file a
petition for exemption and (2) did not
earlier file a petition because he had
good cause to believe his PCB activity
was not subject to the proposed
regulation (43 FR 24802, June 7,1978). he
should indicate the basis for his prior
failure to file a petition and should
request EPA to accept his late petition.
No late petition will be accepted unless
good cause can be shown for the failure
to file on time. Whether or not late
petitions are accepted will be
announced at the informal hearing for
this rulemaking. A supplemental notice
of proposed rulemaking probably will
not be issued as to such petitions.
In the preamble to the final PCB
Prohibition Rule (see preamble section
VLC.1.), EPA states: ". . . the
prohibition applies to the manufacture
of any substance or mixture that
contains PCB at.50 ppm or greater,
including PCB that is an intermediate or
'impurity' or 'byproduct'. . . . While the
production of PCBs under such
circumstances may not be intentional
and may have no independent
commercial value, section 6(e) of TSCA
applies to any production of PCBs and.
therefore, covers such activities." EPA is
aware that although the proposed rule
included such PCBs in its coverage.
some manufacturers may not have
interpreted the proposed rule to include
such PCBs and, therefore, may not have
submitted a petition for an exemption
from the manufacturing prohibition. As
discussed above, EPA will accept
petitions from such persons during the
comment period for this rule, if the
required showing of good faith in not
filing earlier is made.
Several persons requested that
petitions be accepted on a class basis.
They argued that PCB equipment
manufacturers should be able to petition
for exemptions on behalf of those
customers who are also PCB equipment
-------
Federal Rogbtar / VoL 44, No. 106 / Thursday, May 31, 1979 / PropoMd Rules
51585
manufacturers or distributors as defined
in tha proposed regulation.* IB view of
the change which has bean made
Miimtuniqg restrictions on the
manufacture of PCS equipment in the
final PCB Prohibition Rule," EPA will
not accept exemption petitions on a
class basis in this rofamaking. However,
the Agency has addressed the question
of class petitions in the Interim
Procedural Rules which establish
procedures for filing and processing
exemption petitions from the July 1.1979
PCR processing and distribution in
commerce prohibitions. These Interim
Procedural Rules are found elsewhere hi
today's Federal Register.*
It is the intent of EPA to grant or deny
thv petitions for exemption from the
prohibition of the manufacture
(including importation) of PCBs subject
to this rolemaking prior to August 1,
1979.
Below are listed the exemption
petitions that EPA has received. These
exemptions have been categorized
according to the nature of the petition,
and the categories are indicated by a
numbered key. The Agency's proposed
action on the petitions follows the
listing.
Petitioner and Basis fat Petition
AboUte Lighting, lac.', P.O. Box 237. West
Lafayette. OH 43845.'
Advance Transformer Co.. 2950 North
Western Ave_ Chicago, IL 00818.*
Aluminum Company of America. 1501 Alcoa
Building. Pittsburgh. PA 15219.*
American Hoechst Corp.. Route 202-208
North. Somerville, N] 08878.'
Blnney aad Smith, tec.. 1100 Church Lane.
P.O. Box 431. Easton, PA 18042.«
Borden. Inc_ Borden Chemical Division, 630
Glendale-Milford Rd.. Cincinnati. OH
45215. *
a. Division of Ghametran
Corp* 481 Columbia Ave. Holland, Kfl
See the definition of "PCB" in Section 701.2,'q) of
me proposed PCB Prohibition Rule (43 PR at 24813,
June 7,1978) and the definition of "PCB Equipment"
in Section m.2(-») of the final PCE Disposal and
Meriting Rule (43 FR at 7157, February 17.19781.
* "This change classifies the manufacture of PCB
dqaipment at "processing" subject to prohibition ai
of July 1.1979 under Section
Hilton-Davis Chemical Co- Division of
Sterling Drag Int. 2235 Langdon Farm
Road, dndnaati. OH 45237.*
Honeywell, lac. 200 Smith St_ Waltbam. MA
. 02154.u
1Q Americas. Int. Wilmington. DE 18887.4
IntemationeJ Talephone ft Telegraph Corpn
260 Cochituate Road. Suite 108,
Framington, MA OTiOl.'
Intsel Corp, 825 Third Ave., New York, NY
10022."
Keene Corporation-Lighting Division.
Industrial Way, Wilmington. MA 01887.'
Keystone Lighting Corp.. Inc.. U.S. 13 &
Beaver Streets, Bristol, PA 19007.'
Kramer Trenton Co.. Box 820, Trenton. N]
08605. »
Lightolier. Inc.. 346 Qaremont Ave.. Jersey
City. N] 07305.'
Utton Industrial Products, Inc., Louis AUta
Division. 18555 West Ryerson Road. New
Berlin. WI 53151."
Litton Microwave Cooking. Litton Systems.
Inc.. P.O. Box 9461. Minneapolis. MN
55440."
Litton Systems Inc.. Jefferson Electric
Division. S40 South 25th Ave.. Bellwood, 1C
60104.'
Marathon Electric Manufacturing Corp., P.O.
Box 1407. Wausau, W! 54401."
McGraw-Edison Co, Area Lighting Div., 7801
Durand Ave.. Racine, WT 53405.'
McGraw-Edison Co., KUchen Appliance
Division. P.O. Box nil, Chattanooga, TN"
37401.'*
Metalux Corp.. P.O. Box 1207, Americus, GA
31709.'
The Miller Company, Lighting Division, 98
Center Street, Meridian. CT 06450.'
Montedison USA. Inc.. 1114 Ave. of the
Americam, New York City, NY 10036.4
Nagase America Corp., 500-Fifth Ave.. New
York. NY 10038.4
National Services Industries, Lithonia
Lighting Div.. 1335 Industrial Blvd. NW.,
Conyers. GA 30207.'
National Solid Waste Management
Association, 1120 Connecticut Ave.,NW..
Washington, DC 20036.*
Phillips Petroleum Company, 10 C2 Phillips
Bidg., Bartlesviile. OK 74004."
Phthalchem Inc.. 6675 Beechlands Dr..
Cincinnati, OH 45237.4
Pope Chemical Corp., 33 Sixth Ave.. Paterson.
NJ 07524.'
Prescolite, 1251 Doolittle Drive. San Leandio,
CA 94557.r
"Requests an exemption in order to import PCS
equipment and small PCB capacitors for purposes of
repair, replacement and trade-m.
" Requests an exemption in order to import a
dielectric called Hectrephenyl T-60 which ii
nuntasmnated with PCB
"Requests an exemption in order to use PCB
capacitors in the manufacture of power conversion
equipment.
"Requests an exemption in order to use PCB
capacitors in the manufacture of microwave ovens.
" Requests in exemption in order to import PCB»
for use m research and development of an
unspecified chemical intermediate.
-------
31888 Fedaral Register / VoL 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31. 1979 / Proposed Rule*
Ridgewy Color k Chemical of
Wheelabrator-Frjr, Int. 75 Front St.
Ridgaway, PA 15BS3.4
Roilin* EnvironminUl StnricM. ID&, One
Rollins Plan. P.O. Box 234*. Wilmington.
DE 1980ft
Sandox. Inc. Sandra Coton and Ch«nical»
Division. 50 Route 1ft East Hanover. NJ
07936.4
Slm-Kar Lighting Fixture Co- Int, 801 East
Cayuga Street Philadelphia, PA 19120.'
Spera Electric Corp* 18222 Lankan Ave,
Cleveland, OH 44110.'
Sta-Rite Industries Inc, Suite 3300,977 East
Wisconsin Ave^ Milwaukee, WI53202.T
Stauffor Chemical Company, on behalf of
SWS Sillconea Corp. Subsidiary. Weetport
CT 08880."
Steelcase Ine, 1120 38t» Street, Grand
Rapid*. MI 49501.l
Sterner Llghttofl Systems. SBC., 351 Lewis
Ave, NWH Winstead. MN 55395.«
Sun Chemical Corp., Pigments Division.
Research ft Operations Center. 4829 East
Ave, Cincinnati. OH 48232.4
Sumitomo CocporatioB of Ametiea, 346 Park
Ave, New York, NY 10022.*
Tappan Air Conditioning-Smith Jones. Inc.
208 Woodford Ave, Elvira, OH 44035.'
Tivian Chemical Associates. 720 Union
Street Manchester. NH 03104;»
Thomas Industries, Inc. Benjamta Division,
P.O. Box 180, Sparta. TN 38683.'
Toyo Ink America, Inc_ 580 Sylvan Ave,
Englewood CUffs. NJ 07832,4
Universal Manufacturing Corp, 28 E. 8th
Street Patersoa. NJ 70508.'
Vivitar Corp, 1830 Stewart Street Santa
Monica. CA 90408.'*
Weatherking. Inc, P.O. Box 20434, Orlando.
FL 32814.'
Westinghouse Electric Corp.. Lighting
Business Unit P.O. Box 824. Vicksburg, MS
39180.'"
Whiteway Manufacturing Co, 1738 Dreman
Avenue. Cincinnati. OH 45223.'
Wide-Lite Corp, P.O. Box 800. Redwood Rd.
4 IH35, San Marcos. TX 78008.'
Wylain, Inc. Mold Cast Lighting Division. I-
80 at Maple Avenue. Pine Brook, NJ 07058.'
EPA has completed a preliminary
analysis of the above-listed petitions for
exemption from the PCS Prohibition
Rule which was promulgated elsewhere
in today's FederaTRegister. The Agency
has decided that it wiU not evaluate at
this time any of the 49 requests for
exemption from the prohibitions on
manufacturing equipment which
contains a PCS capacitor. (The requests
"Requests an exemption in order to continue
importing s polysiloxana intermediate which a used
in the manufacture «f heat curable itncone rubber
product* and which is contaminated, with 600 pom
PCS*. Chemical (polytiloxana intermediate) 1*
described genetically bacsas* oetfflooer has
claimed confidential treelmeni tor identity of
chemical
"Reojoests sn exemption la order to ooaUoss)
uniped&ed ectrrtty wMca may be subfeet to oitnar
January 1.1979 or (nrjr 1. MM prohibitions. Sec later
discussion to mis Notice.
'Requests an exemption la order to use PCS
cspeaten to the mnrafscftm e/paDtafnphic
enlergen.
which fall in mis category an those
footnoted with numbers 1. 2. 7. a, 10. ia
IS, 16, 20.) EPA is not processing these
requests to the present proceeding
because, as previously noted, the
Agency Arfhi^* in the fo"l TCM
Prohibition Rule the activity of
"manufacturing" equipment utilizing a
PCS capacitor as "processing*' of PCBs.
Processing of -PCBs is not subject to
section a(e)(3) until July 1. 1979.
EPA will consider petitions
concerning PCS processing activities in
a subsequent proceeding. Persons who
filed requests for exemptions for this
activity will not be required to refile.
However, they will be required under
Interim Procedural Rules, found
elsewhere in today's Federal Register, to
indicate to EPA-in writing if they wish,
their petitions to be considered as
requests for exemption from the July 1,
1979 prohibition, on processing or
distribution in commerce of PCBs.
Imports of PCB" Wastes
Chemical
the National Solid Waste
Association, and the Rollins
Bnviroinnental Services, Inc, petiti
d
to continue importation of PCS waste
material into the U.S. for purposes of
disposal These petitions have been
mooted by the PCB Prohibition Role
published elsewhere in today's Federal
Register. For the reasons explained in
the preamble to that regulation. EPA has
decided to allow imports and exports of
PCB waste for disposal (so long as such
disposal is in accordance with Subpart B
of the regulation) until May 1. 1880.
Accordingly, no petitions for
importation of PCB wastes for disposal
are required.
Manufacture and Import of Pigments
EPA proposes to grant all of the
requests to either manufacture or import
diarylide and pbthalocyanine pigments
containing more than 50 ppm PCB.
(These petitions are identified in the
above list with footnote number 4).
Information submitted with the requests
and testimony and written comments
received during the mlatnnkin for the
PCB Manufacturing, Processing,
Distribution in Commerce and Use
Prohibition Rule which EPA
promulgated today indicates (1J granting
these exemption requests would not
result in an unreasonable risk of injury
to health or the environment and (2)
good faith efforts are being made by the
pigment industry to develop alternative
processes for msamfactarmg 010
diarylide and pBthalocyantoe pigments
Without PCB rrmhimMatfrlTl MoSt of
these pigments have PCB concentrations
hi the range of several hundred parts per
million. These PCBs cannot easily b*
separated from the pigments because of
the structural similarity of the PCBs with
the pigments. Once manufactured, the
pigments are mixed with other
substances to form paints, inks, and a
variety of other products.
In deeding whether to permit
continued pigment manufacture, EPA
has considered the relatively limited
human and environmental exposure to
PCBs involved and the economic effects
associated with prohibiting manufacture-
of these pigments. The greatest potential
for exposure is in the application of the
paints and inks^ising these) pigments.
These products contain far less than 50
ppm PCB because of the dilution that
takes place when the pigment is mixed
with the medium it is coloring. As a
result, the health and environmental.
risks are relatively small At the present
time, these particular pigments account
for most of the yellow and blue pigments
in use and a significant portion of the
total pigment market If the manufacture
of these pigments is not permitted until
the conversion to alternative processes
is complete, there will be a severe
impact on the pigment industry as wefl
as its customers in the paint and graphic
arts industries.
Tha potential costs of compliance will
be greatly reduced if an exemption is
granted while process changes to reduce
PCB contamination are made. It is
anticipated that such changes can be
made over a period of a year or two.
The increased health and environmental
risk will be relatively small as there will
be limited exposure to PCBs as a result
of the exemption.
Furthermore, the granting of these
exemption requests will be consistent
with the authorization for continued use
of phthalocyanine and diarylide yellow
pigments which is contained in the final
PCB Prohibitions Rule.
EPA especially invites comment not
only on the merits of granting the above
described petitions, but also on the
terms and conditions which the Agency
should apply to such exemptions if
granted.
Import of PCB Equipment
Honeywell Inc.'s request to be
permitted to continue importingJCB
equipment will not be evaluated in this
proceeding but will be evaluated (if
requested) in the future rulemaking
dealing with exemptions from the
prohibition on processing and
distribution ia commerce of PCBs. The
PCB Prohibition Rule which EPA
promulgated today treats importation of
PCB equipment in the same manner as
-------
Federal Register / VoL 44, No. 106 / Thursday, May 31. 1979 / Proposed Rules
31587
the domestic assembly of such
qwpment and, therefore, such activity
is not prohibited until July 1.1879.
Other Petitions
Guardian daaucal Corporation's
tequest to be permitted to ceil email
ejMntrrlee of 4,4'-Dichiorodiphenyl-
suifsae asa laboratory reagent also will
not be evaluated now but will be
evaluated (if requested) in the
processing and distribution in commerce
exemption proceeding. Guardian did not
indicate that they in any way
manufacture PCBs. However, it does
appear that the activity which is seeks
to continue is the "distribution in
commerce" of PCBs.
Similarly, the petition submitted by
Cincinnati Milacron which, if granted,
would permit the company to continue
to use PCBs as an additive component in
their manufacture of polyvinyl chloride
vibration damping devices will not be
considered now but will be considered
in the future proceeding, if requested.
The reason for delaying the processing
of Cincinnati Milacron's petition is that
EPA has determined that the company's
use of PCBs is "processing" as that term
is defined by the PCB Prohibition Rule
and is therefore not subject to this
proceeding.
Exemption Requests Proposed To Be
Denied
EPA proposes to deny Intsel
Corporation's request to import
Electrophenyl T-60 and Phillips
Petroleum Company's request to import
significant quantities of PCBs for
unspecified research and development
purposes. Neither of the requestors have
shown that they are making a good faith
effort to develop substitutes which do
not contain 50 ppm or greater PCBs, nor
that the adverse economic or other
consequences of EPA's denying the
requests outweigh the potential harm to
health and the environment of EPA's
granting the requests.
Exemption Requests for Which a
Determination Is Not Proposed
EPA has not proposed its disposition
of the requests received from Alcoa
which respect to its manufacture of
aluminum chloride and the General
Electric Co. with respect to its
manufacture of phenylchlorosilanes due
to the technical complexity of the
activities for which exemptions are
sought
Before making a determination with
respect to these exemption-petitions, the
Agency will seek, by means of written
requests to the companies and by this
notice, further comments and/or data.
Additional information on these
petitions is given below,
Alcoa requested a one-year
exemption for the manufacture of
approximately 132-77 million pounds of
ahniinum^hloridfl at its facility in
Anderson County, Texas. The process
would result in the annual production of
approximately 9,284 pounds of PCBs.
95% of which is concentrated and
disposed of as a PCB mixture. The
remaining 5% represents an impurity in
the aluminum chloride which Alcoa sells
for a variety of uses. Comments and
data are requested on the health and
environmental risks that would be posed
by granting Alcoa's exemption and also
on the risks associated with using the
aluminum chloride for applications other
than smelting aluminum. In particular,
EPA is interested in information
regarding processes for the production
of aluminum chloride which do not
produce PCBs. In addition, EPA invites
comments on the economic or other
advene impacts, that denial of the
exemption would have on Alcoa's users
of this product
General Electric seeks an exemption
to continue the manufacture of
phenylchlorosilanes with unintentional
PCB impurities. The manufacturing
process results in approximately 50,000
pounds per year of PCBs which are
removed and concentrated for disposal
in an on-site incineration facility in
Waterford. New York. The
phenyichlorosilanes are used in the
production of a number of high
performance silicone products for
various industrial aerospace, and
defense applications. Comments and
data are requested on the health and
environmental risk associated with
granting or denying General Electric's
exemption petition, on alternative
methods of manufacturing
phenylchlorosilanes without PCB
contamination, and on the impact of
denying this petition on the users of this
chemical.
EPA has also not proposed its
disposition of the petition of Tivian
Chemical Associates. EPA is seeking to
clarify whether Tivian's activity for
which exemption is sought is subject to
the January 1,1979 prohibition on PCB
manufacture and importation, or rather
to the July 1,1979 prohibition on PCB
processing and distribution in
commerce.
In addition, EPA has not proposed its
disposition of the petitions of Dow
Coming Corporation and Stauffer
Chemical Company. EPA currently does
not have sufficient information to
determine whether exemptions should
be proposed for these companies. Dow
Coming hat not identified the substance
which it wishes to manufacture and the
amount of PCB contamination in the
chemical intermediate. Stauffer has not
provided sufficient information
concerning the identity of products
which may be subject to PCB
contamination. EPA will seek, by mean*
of written request* to both companies,
to clarify the identity of the products
identified in the petitions of the
companies, and the nature of the
manufacturing processes, which
includes determining whether
intermediates are contaminated during
the manufacturing process:
Section 75D.l&of the Interim
Procedural Rules does not require EPA
to announce its proposed disposition of
exemption petitions in a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking. Due to the need
to expedite action on the exemption
petitions. EPA will not publish a
subsequent notice concerning the Alcoa,
General Electric. Tivian. Dow Corning
and Stauffer petitions.
Dated: May 11,1970.
Manjyn C. Bnckan.
Acting Assistant Administrator for Toxic
Substances.
[TO Doe. r*-i(»n Plkd *-3O-7* «*S «n|
BHUHQ CODE MSS «1 M
[40 CFR Part 761]
[FHL 1227-61
Polychtortnated Biphenyls (PCBs);
Amendment to Criteria for Chemical
Waete Landfills
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Agency.
ACTION: Proposed amendment to final
rule; notice of informal hearing.
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would
modify Annex II of Subpart E of the
Polychlorinated Biphenyls regulation
promulgated elsewhere in today's
Federal Register under the authority of
section 6(e) of the Toxic Substances
Control Act The proposed rule would
amend the criteria for chemical waste
landfills by reducing the required
distance between the bottom of the
chemical waste landfill liner system and
the historical high water table from fifty
feet to five feet.
DATES: Written comments, preferably in
triplicate, must be received prior to the
dose of business July 16,1979. Informal
hearing date and time (if a hearing is
requested): August 6,1979, at 10:00 a.m.
in Washington. DC. Requests to hold a
hearing and to participate in the hearing
must be received prior to the dose of
-------
31568 Fedatal Begbter / VoL 44. No. 106 / Thursday. May 31.1979 / Rules and Regulations
business on July 16,1979. See
Supplementary Information below.
Document Control Officer (TS-793),
Office of Toxic Substances, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. 401 M
Street SW, Washington. DC-20406, Attn:
Docket Number. OTS/oaeoooCPCB/RR).
The informal hearing (if a hearing is
requested) will be held in Washington.
DC The exact location of the hearing
will be made available by calling the
toll-free number 800-424-9085. Address
requests to participate to Ms. Linda
Thomson. Hearing Clerk. Office of Toxic
Substances (TS-794). US,
Environmental Protection Agency. 401M
Street SW. Washington. DC 20400. Attn:
Docket Number OTS/086000(PCB/RR)
The telephone number for Ms. Thomson
is (2021-755-1188.
superseded hi thirty days by the PCB
Rule published in final form today.
Because the distance between the
bottom of a chemical waste lAnrfBH and
TO* FUfrrxn MPOMMTMM CONTACT
John B. Ritoh. Jr., Director. Office of
Industry Assistance. Office of Toxic
Substances fTS-799). Environmental
Protection Agency. 401M Street SW,
Washington, DC 20480. Call the toll free
number (800J-424-9065, (in Washington.
DC. 554-1404).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Environmental Protection Agency
proposes this rule pursuant to the
authority of section 6(e) of the Toxic
Substances Control Act (Pub. L 94-469;
90 Stat. 2003; 15 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.,
hereinafter referred to as TSCA). The
procedures for rulemaking under section
8 of TSCA (40 CFR Part 750), 42 FR 81269
(December 2,1977), will be followed.
The official record of rulemaking is
located in Room 447, East Tower.
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M
Street, SW, Washington. DC 20460,
(202}-7S5-6956. It will be available for
viewing and copyingfrom 9 a.m. to 4
p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding
holidays. Hearing transcripts and other
hearing materials will be added to the
record as they become available.
I. Chemical Waste Landfill Criteria
In Annex II of Subpart E of the PC3
Rule (published elsewhere in today's
Federal Register), the Agency specifies
criteria for chemical waste landfills to
be used for the disposal of PCBs. Section
781.41(b)(3), Hydrologic Conditions,
states that the bottom of the landfill
liner system or natural ia-place soil
barrier must be at least fifty feet from
the historical high water table. This
requirement is essentially the same as
the provisions contained in
§ 761.41(b)(2), Hydrology, of the PCB
Disposal and Marking Rule (43 FR 7150,
7161. February 17.1978). The earlier
version of the PCB Rules will be
the historical high water table cannot be
fifty feet or more in many area* east of
the Mississippi River due to the
closeness of the water table to the
surface. EPA Regional Administrators
have had to use the waiver provisions of
5 781.41(c)(4) to waive this criterion hi
order to be able to-approve PCB
chemical waste landfills. The Regional
Administrators have been able to grant
these waivers, because the shorter
separation between the bottom of the
landfill and the groundwater was found
not to present an unreasonable risk of
injury to health or the environment from
PCBs. After examining the
circumstances related to these waivers,
EPA has concluded, for the reasons
stated below, that the fifty foot criterion
in the rule is too stringent, and that the
rule should be modified accordingly.
The state of the art in the design and
construction of chemical waste landfill
liner systems and leachate detection
and collection systems has advanced
sufficiently so that the bottom of the
liner system can be as close as five feet
from the historical high water table. The
liner systems are designed to be
virtually impermeable, and the leachate
collection systems are designed as a
back-up measure to help insure that the
liner system is not penetrated by liquids.
This approach has also been included in
the proposed EPA Hazardous Waste
Guidelines and Regulations (40 CFR Part
250) (see 43 FR 58946-59028, December
18, 1978] in $ 250.45-2(a)(2) proposed
under the authority of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA).
This proposed change would modify
§ 761.41(b)(3), Hydrologic Conditions, of
the PCB Rule, to change from fifty feet to
five feet the required minimum distance
between the bottom of the liner system
and the historical high water table.
II. Effective Date
It is the intent of EPA to make the
final version of this proposed
amendment effective thirty days after
the date of publication in the Federal
Register. The final promulgation of this
rule is expected in September 1979.
Dated: May 11. 1979.
Marilyn C. Bracken.
Acting Assistant Administrator for Toxic
Substances.
Pursuant to the Toxic Substances
Control Act 15 U.S.C. 2605, and
pursuant to authority delegated in the
Background section of the Preamble to
the Final PCB Regulation published
elsewhere hi today's Federal Regfarter,
the following amendment to 40 CFR
Chapter L Part 761 is proposed.
Subpart EUat of Anrwxw
Annex II
Section 781.41 is amended by revising
subparagraph (b){3) to read as follows:
STStUt Chemicrf waste lamrflRa,
« . *
(b) * * *
(3) Hydrologic Conditions. The bottom
of the landfill liner system or natural in-
place soil barrier shall be at least five
feet above the historical high
groundwater table. Floodplains.
shorelands, and groundwater recharge
areas shall be avoided. There shall be
no hydraulic connection between the
site and standing or flowing surface
water. The site shall have monitoring
wells and leachate collection.
(FK DM TO-iaaotPibd s-ao-nt MI «4
BUJMO CODE MM-M-M
-------
Wednesday
August 25, 1982
APPENDIX C
Part II
Environmental
Protection Agency
Potychlorlnated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in
Commerce and Use Prohibitions; Use in
Electrical Equipment
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37342 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday. August 25.1982 / Rules and Regulations
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 761
(OPTS-(62015C); TSH-FRL 2184-6]
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing,
Distribution In Commerce and Use
Prohibitions; Use in Electrical
Equipment
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: This final rule amends
portions of the existing PCB rule; this
action is being taken in response to an
order from the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit. This
rule authorizes the use of PCBs in
capacitors and the use and servicing of
PCBs in electromagnets, circuit
breakers, voltage regulators, reclosers,
cable, switches (including sectionalizers
and motor starters), and transformers
other than railroad transformers. It also
provides for the distribution in
commerce and disposal of this electrical
equipment.
DATES: These amendments shall be
considered promulgated for purpose of
judicial review under section 19 of
TSCA at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
on September 8,1982. These
amendments shall be effective on
September 24,1982. As of August 19,
1982, the previsions of the PCB rule (44
FR 31514, May 31,1979, recodified at 47
FR 19527, May 6, 1982) amended by this
action and the Interim Measures
Program (46 FR 16090), March 10,1981)
are no longer in effect unless the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit has acted to stay
further its mandate. EPA has asked the
court for a stay of the mandate that
would leave the 1979 rule as it applies to
electrical equipment and the Interim
Measures Program in effect until these
amendments beco'me effective. The
court has not acted as of the date of
signature of these amendments. If the
court does grant EPA's request, the
court's action will likely be retroactive
to August 19,1982. As a matter of
Agency policy, EPA will not enforce the
provisions of section 6(e) of TSCA
against any person who complies with
the provisions of the 1979 rule and the
Interim Measures Program between the
expiration of the current stay, August 19,
1982, and the date when the court grants
EPA's request of this rule becomes
effective/whichever comes first.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Douglas G. Bannerman, Acting
Director, Industry Assistance Office
(TS-799), Office of Toxic Substances,
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm.
E-509, 401 M St., S.W., Washington, D.C.
20460, Toll free: (800-424-9065), In
Washington, D.C. .(554-1404), Outside
the USA: (Operator-202-554-1404).
Copies of this rule and its support
documents can be obtained from the
Industry Assistance Office listed above.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
OMB Control Number: 2070-0003.
I. Recodification of 40 CFR Part 761
Title 40 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 761, which regulates
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), has
been reorganized. Notice of the
recodification appears in the Federal
Register of May 6,1982 (47 FR 19527).
This final rule uses the following new
designations:
Old designation
Subparl A § 761 2
Subpart B § 761 10
Subparl C, § 761 20
Subpart D § 761 30
Subpart D 5 761 31 . .
Subpart E § 761 42
New designation
Subpart A § 761 3
Subpart D § 7%1 60
Subpart C, $ 761 40.
Subpart B §761.20
Subpart B § 761 30
Subpart D § 761 65
II. Background
Section 6(e) of the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) generally prohibits
the use of PCBs after January 1,1978.
The statute sets forth two exceptions
under which EPA may, by rule, allow a
particular use of PCBs to continue.
Under section 6(e)(2) of TSCA, EPA may
allow PCBs to be used in a "totally
enclosed manner." A "totally enclosed
manner" is defined by TSCA to be "any
manner which will ensure that a"ny
exposure of human beings or the
environment to a polychlorinated
biphenyl will be insignificant, as
determined by the Administrator by
rule." TSCA also allows EPA to
authorize the use of PCBs in a manner
other than a "totally enclosed manner"
if the Agency finds that the use "will not
present an unreasonable risk of injury to
health or the environment."
EPA promulgated a rule, which was
published in the Federal Register of May
31,1979 (44 FR 31514), to implement
sections 6(e) (2) and (3) of TSCA. This
rule is listed in the Code of Federal
Regulations under 40 CFR Part 76-1. The
rule designated all intact, nonleaking
capacitors, electromagnets, and
transformers other than railroad
transformers as "totally enclosed", thus
permitting their use without specific
authorization or conditions. The
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the District of Columbia Circuit to
review that portion of the PCB rule that
designated the use of intact, nonleaking
capacitors, electromagnets and
transformers (other than railroad
transformers) as "totally enclosed."
(Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. v.
Environmental Protection Agency, 636
F.2d 1267). On October 30,1980, the
court decided that there was insufficient
evidence in the record to support the
Agency's classification of transformers,
capacitors, and electromagnets as
totally enclosed. The court invalidated
this portion of the rule and remanded it
to EPA for further action. The effect of
this decision would have been to make
the use of capacitors, electromagnets,
and transformers other than railroadv
transformers, containing any
concentration of-PCBs a violation of
section 6(e) of TSCA. An immediate ban
of these uses would not only have
disrupted electric service but would also
have caused severe economic hardship
for the public and United States
industry. Therefore, EPA concluded that
it was completely impractical to take no
action and allow a total ban on the use
of this equipment to go into effect
immediately.
On January 21,1981, EPA, EDF, and
cBrtain industry intervenors in EDF v.
EPA filed a joint motion with the court.
The motion asked for a stay of the
court's mandate setting aside the
classification of transformers,
capacitors, and electromagnets as
totally enclosed. During the period of the
stay, EPA agreed to conduct a
rutemaking on the use of PCBs in
electrical equipment beginning With an
Advance Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (ANPR). In addition, the
Edison Electric Institute (EEI) through
the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group
(USWAG) agreed to develop some of the
factual material necessary for the
rulemaking. The parties also agreed on
interim risk-reduction measures (the
Interim Measures Program) for
transformers containing PCBs at 50 ppm
or greater. They suggested that the court
make these measures a condition of the
eighteen-month stay.
On February 12,1981, the court
granted the requests of the joint motion
and entered an order. The text of the
court's order was published in the
Federal Register of March ID, 1981, along
with EPA's ANPR on the use of PCBs in
electrical equipment (46 FR 16090 and 46
FR 16096, respectively). The court's
order allows the totally enclosed
Classification (40 CFR 761.20), to remain
in effect for the duration of the stay.
Therefore, persons who use PCB-
containing transformers, capacitors, and
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25. 1982 / Rules and Regulations 37343
electromagnets may use this electrical
equipment during the stay of the court's
mandate, providing that they comply
with the PCB rule and the Interim
Measures Program which is detailed in
the court's order.
The February 12,1981, court order
required EPA to promulgate a final rule
within six months of receipt of the study
from EEl/USWAG. Since the final report
of the EE1/USWAG study was received
on February 19,1982, EPA was required
to promulgate this final rule on the use
of PCBs in electrical equipment by
August 18,1962. EPA's proposed rule
regarding the use of PCBs in electrical
equipment was published in the Federal
Register of April 22.1982 (47 PR 17426).
This final rule will become effective
on September 24,1982. The court-
ordered stay of mandate is currently
scheduled to expire on August 19,1982.
If that mandate were to issue before this
rule becomes effective, the use of PCB's
in electrical equipment covered by the
use authorizations contained in this rule
would be a violation of section 6(e)(2) of
TSCA until the rule becomes effective.
Therefore, on August 5,1982, EPA
requested that the court further stay its
mandate until November 1,1982. As of
the date of signature of these
amendments, the court has not acted on
EPA's request. EPA expects that the
court will grant the further stay and that
the stay will be retroactive to August 19,
1982. However, until the court grants
EPA's request or these amendments
become effective, persons affected by
the amendments will be uncertain about
what rules to follow. As a matter of
Agency policy, EPA will not enforce the
provisions of section 8(e) of TSCA
against any person who complies with
the provisions of the 1979 rule and the
Interim Measure Program between the
expiration of the current stay, August 19,
1982, and the date when the court grants
EPA's request or this rule becomes
effective, whichever comes first
.In order to avoid a "race to the
courthouse" by persons seeking judicial
review of this rule, EPA has decided to
designate the time and date of
"promulgation" of this rule as 1:00 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time on September 8,
1982. The Agency has previously taken
this approach for rules promulgated
under the dean Water Act (see 40 QFR
100.01,45 FR 26048). The Agency will be
considering a general rule for TSCA
similar to 40 CFR 100.01.
ffl. Electrical Equipment Containing
PCBs
This rulemaking was initiated to deal
with those uses of PCBs which EPA had
formerly classified as totally enclosed
(transformers other than railroad
transformers, capacitors, and
electromagnets), (Any reference to
transformers in this rule does not
include transformers used on
locomotives and self-propelled railroad
cars unless otherwise specified.) In
general, this equipment falls into two
categories: (1) Equipment designed to
contain PCBs at a high concentration
and (2) equipment designed to contain
mineral oil. Because of past
manufacturing and servicing practices,
the mineral oil-filled equipment often
contains PCBs at low concentrations.
The 1979 rule defined a PCB
Transformer as one containing more
than 500 ppm and a PCB-Contaminated
Transformer as one containing between
50 and 500 parts per million {ppm). Very
little mineral oil equipment contains
PCBs at a concentration of 500 ppm or
greater. This final rule makes frequent
reference to the three ranges of PCB
contamination: 0-50 ppm, 50-500 ppm,
and greater than 500 ppm.
While administering the May 1979
PCB rule and gathering information for
this rulemaking, EPA has identified five
additional categories of oil-filled
electrical equipment that contain PCB's.
Those are: voltage regulators, switches
(including sectionalizers and motor
starters), circuit breakers, reclosers, and
cable. These uses were not addressed in
the May 1979 PCB rule because EPA
was not aware that these devices
contained PCBs.
IV. Summary of the Final Rule
This final rule modifies and clarifies
some of the requirements presented in
the proposed rule because of
information obtained during the
comment period and the public hearing
(June 7-10,1982) on the proposed rule.
EPA's responses to various issues raised
during this rulemaking are discussed in
this "preamble" and are presented in
more detail in a document titled
"Support Document for the Electrical
Equipment Use Rule/Response to
Comments/' The major elements of the
final rule are summarized in the
following list, with changes from the
proposed rule highlighted. This final
rule:
1. Uses the recodified version of the
PCB rule (40 CFR Part 761).
2. Prohibits the use of PCB
Transformers and PCB-filled
electromagnets (with a PCB
concentration of 500 ppm or greater)
posing an exposure risk to food or feed,
after October 1,1985,-and requires a
weekly inspection of this equipment for
leaks of dielectric fluid until that date.
(The proposed rule would have
authorized the use of this equipment
indefinitely with a requirement for
weekly inspections).
3. Authorizes the use of all other PCB
Transformers for the remainder of their
useful lives, and requires a quarterly
inspection of this equipment for leaks of
dielectric fluid.
4. Authorizes the use of large PCB
Capacitors that are located in restricted-
access electrical substations for the
remainder of their useful lives. (The
proposed rule would have only
authorized the use of this equipment for
ten years.)
5. Authorizes the use of large PCB
Capacitors that are located in contained
and restricted-access indoor
installations for the remainder of their
useful lives. (The proposed rule would
have authorized the use of this
equipment for only ten years.)
6. Prohibits the use of all other large
PCB Capacitors after October 1,1988.
(The proposed rule would have '
authorized the use of this equipment for
ten years.)
7. Eliminates the proposed inspection
requirements for all large PCB
Capacitors.
8. Authorizes the use of all PCB-
containing, mineral oil-filled electrical
equipment for its remaining useful life.
9. Clarifies what constitutes electrical
equipment posing an exposure risk to
food or feed.
10. Allows oil-filled cable to be
assumed to contain less than 50 ppm
PCBs if the actual PCB concentration is
unknown. (The proposed rule would
have required that the concentration be
assumed to be between 50 and 500 ppm
if it were unknown.)
11. Allows storage for disposal of
nonleaking PCB Large High Voltage
Capicators and PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment outside of qualified
storage facilities after January 1,1983.
The proposed rule prohibited this
storage after January 1,1983.
12. Requires records of inspection and
maintenance histories to be maintained
for at least 3 years after disposing of
PCB Transformers. (The proposed rule
would have required record retention for
five years.)
13. Clarifies that "disposal" includes
leaks of PCBs.
14. Does not include the language
contained in the proposed rule regarding
the required extent of cleanup of PCB
spills. Comments urged EPA to postpone
consideration of this language, and the
extent of cleanup of PCB spills will not
be dealt with at this time.
V. Use Authorizations
As previously described, section
6(e)(2) of TSCA allows uses of PCBs in a
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37344 Federal Register / VoL 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations
totally enclosed manner to continue
without restriction. Section 6(e)(2)(C)
defines the term "totally enclosed" to
mean "any manner which will ensure
that any exposure of human beings or
the environment to a polychlorinated
biphenyl will be insignificant as
determined by the Administrator by
rule." In the May 31,1979 rule, EPA
defined insignificant exposure as "not
measurable or detectable by any
scientifically acceptable analytical
method/' After examining the
information submitted in response to
this rulemaking, EPA has decided that
no electrical equipment uses should be
categorized as use in a totally enclosed
manner. The leakage data contained in
this information show that all types of
electrical equipment leak during normal
operation. Since this leakage could
result in some detectable exposure of
humans and the environment to PCBs,
EPA believes that it is not appropriate to
classify the use of this equipment as use
in a totally enclosed manner.
This final rule allows the use of
certain electrical equipment containing
PCBs to continue under specified
conditions because EPA has concluded
that the uses will not present an
unreasonable risk of injury to human
health or the environment. This finding
is in accordance with the provisions of
section 8(e)(2)(B) of TSCA. The specific
Unreasonable risk findings are made for
each authorized use in later sections of
this preamble.
To determine whether a risk is
unreasonable, EPA balanced the
probability .that harm will occur from
the use against the benefits to society of
the proposed regulatory action. In doing
this, EPA has considered the following
factors:
- 1. The effects of PCBs on human
health and the environment.
2. The magnitude of PCB exposure to
humans and the environment.
3. The benefits of using PCBs and the
availability of substitutes for PCB uses.
; 4. The economic impact resulting from
the rule's effect upon national economy,
small business, technological
innovation, the environment, and public
health.
These are the same types of
considerations listed in section 6(c) of
TSCA, which describe factors EPA nftist
consider in deciding whether a chemical
presents ah unreasonable risk under
section 6(a) of TSCA,
4. Effects on Human Health and the
.Environment
- In any regulatory context, agencies
have imperfect data, but they still must
regulate on the basis of the best data
available. There are differing
interpretations of data regarding the'
potential risks of PCBs to human health
and the environment. Although
additional study may be suggested, EPA
is concerned about the health and
environmental effects of PCBs on the
basis of the data available now. These
data are sufficient to support EPA's
approach in this rule.
In EOF v. EPA, EPA's regulatory cutoff
of 50 ppm was set aside by the court. As
a result, other rulemaking activities are
currently underway which deal with
PCBs in low concentrations. EPA has
been ordered by the D.C. Court of
Appeals to submit, by November 1,1982,
a plan for dealing with certain PCBs in
concentrations under 50 ppm. EPA
expects that the implementation of this
plan will lead to additional rulemaking.
The health effects data base for PCBs
is continuously increasing. The Agency
will consider any additional pertinent
information on health and
environmental effects and information
on risks associated with PCBs during the
development of that future rulemaking.
Should new information on health
effects or pther areas of concern with
PCBs become known, Section 21 of
TSCA provides a mechanism for
interested persons to petition the
Agency to initiate new rulemaking or
modify existing rules.
In determining whether authorizations
are warranted, EPA considered
information regarding the effects of
PCBs on human health and the
environment. The effects of PCBs were
described in various documents which
are part of the rulemaking record for the
May 31,1979, rule. EPA evaluated this
information, new information submitted
to the Agency, as well as other recent
literature on the effects of PCBs. The
results are presented in the document
"Response to Comments on Health
Effects of PCBs". This document is
included in the rulemaking record.
Copies of this/document are available
through the Industry Assistance Office
(see the "FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT"
paragraph).
1. Health effects. Documents on health
effects were submitted to EPA by (1) the
Edison Electric Institute (EEI) together
with the Utility Solid Waste Activities
Group (USWAG) and the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association
(NRECA), (2) the National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA),
and (3) the Chemical Manufacturers
Association (CMA). These documents
are included in the rulemaking record.
These documents concluded that the use
of PCBs in electrical equipment does not
present a significant risk to human
health.
EPA has reached conclusions different
from those presented in the documents
submitted. While PCBs have not been
found to be uniquely toxic, EPA
concludes that they are toxic and
persistent.
EPA agrees with the comments
submitted that chloracne occurs in
humans exposed to PCBs. Although the
effects of chloracne are reversible, EPA
does not consider it insignificant.
Chloracne is painful, disfiguring and
may require a long period of time before
symptomatology disappears. Other
areas of major concern have been
identified by EPA. EPA finds that
reproductive effects, developmental
toxicity, and oncogenicity are areas of
concern and may produce effects in
humans exposed to PCBs.
Available data show that some PCBs
have the ability to alter reproductive
processes in mammalian species,
sometimes even at doses that do not
cause other signs of toxicity. Animal
data and limited available human data
indicate that prenatal exposure to PCBs
can result in various degrees of
developmentally toxic effects. Postnatal
effects have also been demonstrated on
immature animals following exposure
prenatally and via breast milk.
Available animal studies indicate an
oncogenic potential (the degree of which
would be dependent on exposure).
Available epidemiology data are not
adequate to confirm or negate oncogenic
potential in humans at this time. Further
epidemlological research is needed in
order to correlate human and animal
data, but EPA does not find any
evidence to suggest that the animal data
would not be predictive of human
potential.
EPA agrees that little or no mutagenic
activity from PCBs is indicated from
available data. It is EPAs opinion that
more information is needed to draw a
final conclusion on the possibility of
mutagenic effects from PCBs.
EPA does not attribute all the effects
observed with PCBs to be due to toxic
impurities. Relatively pure PCB
congeners have been shown to produce
toxicity equivalent to that found when
testing commercial PCB mixtures
containing higher levels of impurities.
EPA also does not assume that all
PCBs are equivalent lexicologically. It
cannot be assumed that if one PCB
congener is positive or negative for a
specific health effect, then all PCB
congeners are also positive or negative
for that specific health effect. Research
is just beginning in this area; many more
studies need to be conducted on specific
congeners before conclusions can be
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 37345
reached on an isomer or congener
specific basis.
2. Environmental effects. Very little
information was submitted during the
comment period with regards to the
environmental effects of PCBs. EPA has
conducted a literature search to provide
additional information on the
environmental effects of PCBs.
PCBs have been shown to affect the
productivity of phytoplankton and the
composition of phytoplankton
communities. Deleterious effects on
environmentally important freshwater
invertebrates from PCBs have been
demonstrated. PCBs have also been
shown to impair reproductive success in
birds and mammals.
It has been demonstrated that PCBs
are toxic to fish at very low exposure
levels. The survival rate and the
reproductive success of fish can be
adversely affected in the presence of
PCBs. Various sublethal physiological
effects attributed to PCBs have been
recorded in the literature. Abnormalities
in bone development and reproductive
organs have also been demonstrated.
EPA concludes that PCBs can be
concentrated and transferred in
freshwater and marine organisms.
Transfer up the food chain from
phytoplankton to invertebrates, fish, and
mammals can result ultimately in human
exposure through consumption of PCB-
containing food sources.
3. Risks. Toxicity and exposure are
the two basic components of risk. As
indicated above, EPA concludes that in
addition to chloracne there is the
potential for reproductive effects and
developmental toxicity as well as
oncogenic effects in humans based on
animal data. EPA also concludes that
PCBs do present a hazard to the
environment. Potential for exposure of
the environment to PCBs was included
in EPA's consideration of each category
of use of PCBs in electrical equipment.
Minimizing exposure to PCBs should
minimize any potential risk. The
requirements of this rule will result in
the reduction of exposure, and in some
uses eliminate exposure to PCBs,
relative to present exposure levels from
electrical equipment use. EPA's analysis
of alternative conditions for use
authorizations includes examining the
effectiveness of each condition in
reducing exposure, thereby reducing the
associated risk.
B. General Benefits of Using Electrical
Equipment
The electrical equipment being
considered in this rulemaking is used
extensively by electric utilities and
other industries to provide efficient and
reliable electrical energy. There are
currently millions of pieces of electrical
equipment in use which contain PCBs.
Although allowing the statutory ban to
become effective is theoretically one
available alternative, EPA believes an
immediate ban on these uses would be
unacceptable since it would disrupt
electric service throughout the United
States. An adequate supply of non-PCB
replacement equipment and storage/
disposal capacity is not immediately
available. The resulting economic
impact associated with an immediate
ban has been conservatively estimated
at about $175 billion in the Regulatory
Impact Analysis prepared for this
rulemaking.
The other factors that EPA considered
to determine whether uses of PCBs in
electrical equipment warrant
authorization, the balancing of these
factors, and EPA's conclusions regarding
unreasonable risks are discussed
separately in this notice for each
category of electrical equipment.
C. Use and Servicing of Transformers
This unit on the use and servicing of
transformers analyzes only those
transformers that do not pose an
exposure risk to food or feed. The
analysis of equipment posing an
exposure risk to food or feed is found in
Unit E of this portion of the preamble.
Transformers are used extensively by
electric utilities and other industries to
transmit and distribute electric power
efficiently. The use of PCBs in
transformers has resulted in the
dielectric fluid of some transformers
containing between 60 and 70 percent
PCBs by design. Transformers designed
to contain mineral oil dielectric fluid
have been contaminated with PCBs
during past servicing and manufacturing
activities.
EPA estimates that there are 39,600
PCB Transformers designed to contain
PCBs in use in the electric utility
industry and approximately 91,600 in all
other applications. EPA also estimates
that there are over 20 million mineral oil
transformers in use in the electric utility
industry and about 5 million in all other
applications. These estimates are for the
end of 1981 and are summarized in the
proposed rule for this rulemaking (47 FR
17426, April 22,1982).
Transformers are located throughout
the nation's electrical generation,
transmission, and distribution systems,
many of which are located near
consumers of electric power. However,
transformers designed to contain PCBs
are more restricted in their distribution
than other transformers. These PCB
Transformers are located in secure
indoor locations and in electrical
substations and are not mounted on
utility poles throughout electric service
areas.
1. Magnitude of exposure. EPA is
concerned about releases of PCBs from
all transformers because of the potential
to expose humans and the environment
to PCBs. In general, PCB Transformers
pose greater exposure risks due to the
use of higher concentration and larger
quantities of PCBs than mineral oil-filled
transformers. A release of PCBs into the
environment has the potential to reach
acquatic systems, build up in the food
chain and ultimately expose humans
through ingeetion of PCBs.
Although it is impossible to measure
exactly the effectiveness of an
inspection and maintenance program in
avoiding releases of PCBs to the
environment, such a program will
reduce the actual amount of PCBs
released from PCB Transformers by
correcting otherwise undetected leaks of
dielectric fluid and reducing the number
of transformer failures due to improper
maintenance. Additional benefits of this
program include containment of active
leaks which are discovered and cleanup
and disposal of leaked material. All of
these benefits will result in reduced
exposure to PCBs. EPA estimates that
without an inspection and maintenance
program as many as 1.3 million pounds
of PCBs could be released from PCB
Transformers over their entire lifetimes.
2. Benefits of PCBs and availability of
substitutes. Although the electrical
properties of PCBs are not as good as
mineral oil, PCBs have a higher fire
point than mineral oil. It is the fire
resistance of PCBs that makes them an
excellent dielectric fluid in transformers
located where concerns for fire safety
are paramount.
PCB Transformers can be replaced by
comparably rated mineral oil
transformers even where fire safety is
an issue as long as fire codes and
insurance requirements allow it. In most
cases these restrictions require
additional fire prevention measures,
such as vaults, sprinklers, or alarms.
A number of other substitute
dielectric fluids have been developed to
replace PCBa. These fluids can be used
in replacement transformers or used to
refill transformers which contain PCB
dielectric fluid. Many of these fluids
appear to possess acceptable
characteristics. The National Electrical
Manufacturers Association estimates
that new transformers to replace all PCB
Transformers could be manufactured in
five years or less using these substitute
fluids. Substitute fluids for PCBs offer
satisfactory electrical properties and
flammability characteristics which are
much better than mineral oil. The
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37346 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations
persistence and bioaccumulative
properties of PCB substitute fluids are
less those of PCBs.
Persons owning mineral oil
transformers containing PCBs may
substitute for the PCBs by purchasing
new equipment that does not contain
PCBs, replacing the contaminated fluid
with new fluid that does not contain
PCBs, or otherwise servicing the existing
dielectric fluid in order to reduce the
PCB concentration.
3. Economic and environmental
impacts of regulatory requirements. As
discussed under "Magnitude of
Exposure," the actual environmental
impact of a quarterly inspection program
for PCB Transformers that do not pose
an exposure risk to food or feed is
impossible to measure. However, a
quarterly inspection and maintenance
program has been demonstrated for
more than one year under the Interim
Measures Program to be an effective
measure in reducing total releases of
PCBs from these transformers. This fact
was confirmed by comments in response
to the ANPR and the proposed rule.
Comments indicated that this inspection
and maintenance program reduced
releases of PCBs from transformers and
supported it as an effective risk
reduction measure,
EPA estimates that the cost of a
quarterly inspection and maintenance
program is $28.8 million for the electric
utility industry and $47.9 million for
nonutility industries. These estimates
represent total costs of the required
program over the entire useful lives of
the transformers. Additional costs and
benefits associated with the use
authorization and conditions are
discussed in the Regulatory Impact
Analysis developed for this final rule.
This document also contains an analysis
of costs and benefits of other regulatory
options considered but ndt adopted,
including some options which were
considered in the development of the
proposed rule.
4. Findings on the use and servicing of
transformers. In the proposed rule, EPA
discussed whether the use of PCBs in
transformers should continue and
analyzed options that would effectively
reduce the risks of exposure from the
use of PCB-containing transformers. The
proposed rule authorized the use of
PCBs in transformers for the remainder
of their useful lives, subject to certain
conditions.
Several comments disagreed with
EPA's proposed rule. These comments
suggested a wide range of alternatives,
from phasing out the use of PCBs in all
transformers in a very short period of
time to authorizing them with no
conditions. However, no comments
provided information that leads EPA to
conclude that its findings in the
proposed ruled were inappropriate.
The cost of imposing the more
restrictive conditions suggested by some
comments are hot reasonable in
comparison to the benefits of such
conditions. For example, one comment
suggested that the use of PCBs in all
mineral oil transformers should be
phased out in a very short period of
time, perhaps as short as three years.
Such an approach would cost millions of
dollars per pound of PCB release
avoided. EPA concludes that the
imposition of such a condition is not
reasonable.
On the other hand, some comments
suggested the raising of the upper limit
of the range of contamination of PCB-
Contaminated Transformers from 500
ppm to 5000 ppm. Such an approach
would result in unnecessary and
avoidable exposure to PCBs since there
is information in the rulemaking record
that indicates that technology is
available at reasonable cost to reduce
the PCB concentration in transformers to
below 500 ppm. Comments at the
hearing by people who have performed
such operations or have studied the
subject indicate that concentrations
below 500 ppm have been achieved by
draining, flushing, and refilling followed
by additional servicing.
After reviewing all of the information
submitted in response to the proposed
rule and other information in the
rulemaking record, EPA concludes that
the requirements presented in the
proposed rule for transformers not
posing an exposure risk to food or feed
were reasonable. Details of the
calculations of costs and benefits which
led EPA to this conclusion are found in
the Regulatory Impact Analysis. EPA's
responses to specific comments are
contained in the Support Document for
the Electrical Use RuleResponse to
Comments.
This final rule does not make any
major changes to the proposed
conditions of the use authorization for
PCB-containing transformers that do not
pose an exposure risk to food or feed.
The few minor changes that were made
are explained in subsequent paragraphs.
To reduce the risks associated with
the release of PCBs from PCB
Transformers, this rule requires
inspection and maintenance procedures
as a condition to the use authorization
for all PCB Transformers. These
conditions vary with the potential for
exposure to PCBs. A quarterly
inspection and maintenance program is
required for all PCB Transformers that
do not pose an exposure risk to food or
feed. However, the inspection frequency
is reduced to annually for any PCB
Transformer which contains less than
60,000 ppm PCBs or has secondary
containment capable of holding at least
100 percent of the transformer's fluid
volume. No inspection or follow-up
maintenance procedures are required for
transformers containing less than 500
ppm PCBs because of the low
concentration of PCBs involved.
A program of inspection and
maintenance for PCB Transformers
reduces the amount of PCBs released
and resultant PCB exposure by finding,
stopping, and cleaning up small leaks of
dielectric fluid. Properly maintained
transformers are less likely to
experience leaks, spills, or equipment
failure. An inspection program also
keeps company personnel informed and
alert to the potential impact of PCBs
discharged from electrical equipment.
Although some data submitted in
response to the proposed rule indicated
that certain government-owned PCB
Transformers leak more than
transformers owned by others, EPA
believes that the required follow-up
maintenance to correct leaks addresses
this problem. In addition, owners of
transformers that have high service
costs to repair recurring leaks have an
incentive to replace it as PCB-
Contaminated Electrical Equipment or
reclassify the transformer.
Servicing restrictions also apply as a
condition to the use authorization for
transformers that contain PCBs. Any
servicing of a PCB Transformer
(including rebuilding) that requires the
removal of the transformer coil from the
transformer casing is prohibited. This
condition not only reduces the exposure
risks to service personnel, but, also
prevents the use of PCB Transformers
beyond their normal operating lives.
Other servicing conditions primarily
prevent the further contamination of
PCB-containing transformers.
EPA believes that authorizing the use
of PCB-filled transformers and mineral
oil-filled transformers containing PCBs
according to the proposed conditions
does not present an unreasonable risk
for the following reasons:
a. If EPA did not authorize the use of
PCBs in tranformers, it would cost the
public and United States industry
billions of dollars, primarily as a result
of the disruption of electrical service.
The resulting reduction in risk would not
outweigh these substantial costs.
b. The required inspection and
maintenance program reasonably
reduces the exposure risks associated
with the use of PCBs in PCB
Transformers, and the servicing
conditions prevent further PCB
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25. 1982 / Rules and Regulations 37347
contamination of transformers. These
measures are much less costly than a
ban on the use of PCBs in transformers
would be.
c. Releases of PCBs to the
environment and exposure to humans
and biological organisms from mineral
oil transformers are minimal. EPA
estimates that these transformers
contain less than 0.15 percent of all the
PCBs used in transformers and release
less than one half of a percent of these
PCBs on an annual basis.
d. The costs associated with other risk
reduction measures such as accelerated
phase-out, reducing the PCB
concentration in the dielectric fluid, or
providing containment for transformers
are not reasonable when compared to
the potential reduction in release of
PCBs achieved if any of these measures
were required for all PCB Transformers.
Several comments said that even
though phase-out, containment, and
reduction of PCB concentration are not
warranted as regulatory requirements,
each of these measures might be cost-
effective in individual situations on a
voluntary basis. In fact, some companies
have already initiated such efforts
because of benefits in their specific
cases. EPA agrees with these comments,
and, to recognize the positive effect
those actions have in reducing risks
from PCB Transformers, this rule
provides for less frequent inspections
for those PCB Transformers. For a PCB
Transformer with secondary
containment capacity of at least 100
percent of the transformer's total
dielectric fluid volume, or a PCB
Transformer which contains less than
60,000 ppm (6 percent) PCBs, a visual
inspection is required only once every
12 months. Secondary containment of at
least 100 percent of the transformer's
total dielectric fluid volume will contain
virtually all releases of PCBs from the
transformer. Draining, flushing, and
refilling a PCB Transformer reduces the
amount of PCBs in a transformer by a
factor of between 10 and 15, leaving a
residual PCB concentration of between
30,000 and 80,000 ppm. EPA believes
that, for transformers with these kinds
of reduced risks, it is reasonable to
inspect no more often then once per
year. EPA chose a 60,000 ppm PCB
concentration cutoff because, on the
basis of numerous demonstrations, it
has been shown to be a consistently
achievable concentration after one
carefully conducted fluid replacement
for a PCB Transformer. Additional
incentives (such as reduced or
eliminated use, servicing and disposal
requirements) exist in the PCB rules
which encourage further reduction in
PCB concentration to 50 and 500 ppm.
Several persons commented that the
visual inspection required by this final
rule could pose an electrical shock
hazard to unqualified personnel. It has
always been EPA's intent that the extent
of a visual inspection should be only as
complete as safely possible. This will
vary, depending on the physical
constraints of each transformer
installation. No visual inspection should
require an electrical shutdown of the
transformer being inspected.
Transformers that require electrical
isolation (shutdown) to be inspected
thoroughly (due to safety precautions,
enclosures, etc.) may be inspected as
completely as possible without
disconnecting the transformer. Future
inspections should then be coordinated
when possible with equipment outages
from the power system so that more
thorough inspections can be completed.
The proposed rule did not specify the
time period in which quarterly and
annual inspections must take place.
Several comments suggested that
inspection frequencies should be
flexible in order to take advantage of
equipment outages which can occur at
irregular intervals. EPA agrees with this
comment and, for quarterly inspections,
has added regulatory language that
allows inspections for leaks of dielectric
fluid to take place any time during the
quarter (i.e. January-March, April-June,
July-September, and October-
December) as long as there is a
minimum of 30 days between
inspections. Inspections may also take
place any time during the calendar year
for annual inspections as long as there is
a minimum of 180 days between
inspections.
Follow-up maintenance activities to
repair a leak are required only if
corrective action is necessary to stop
the leak. EPA recognizes that some
small leaks of dielectric fluid are
unavoidable in the operation of a
transformer and repairs are not always
required to stop a leak. A leak of
dielectric fluid which has run off or is
about to run off the external surface of
the transformer clearly needs repair to
prevent further leaking. A leak of
dielectric fluid which does not form a
run or drip, i.e. a sweat or a weep, and
does not require repair to prevent
further leaking, only requires proper
cleanup. All leaks must be cleaned up
within 48 hours and the PCB-
contaminated materials properly
disposed of in a timely fashion. If
dielectric fluid is actively leaking, the
leak must be contained to prevent the
PCBs from entering the environment and
inspected daily to verify that the leak is
being contained until the leak is
corrected.
This final rule requires recordkeeping
of each PCB Transformer's inspection '
and maintenance history. This
requirement will assist companies in the
operation of their inspection and
maintenance program and help
management determine that the
company is meeting the conditions of
the use authorization. These records
may be maintained in any form or
format as long as ail of the required
information is available (in hard copy)
upon request by EPA. These records
must be maintained for at least three
years after disposing of the transformer
and should be coordinated with other
records required for the transformer
under the PCB rule (formerly 40 CFR
761,45 and correctly recodified in this
document to 40 CFR 761.180). This time
period was reduced from the five-year
requirement in the proposed rule.
Several comments indicated that five
years was excessive and resulted in
unnecessary costs. EPA has reduced the
period hi response to these comments
and because it believes that the three-
year time period provides a sufficient
history for EPA to monitor compliance
with a reasonable interval between
compliance inspections.
Because reporting of PCB spills are
mandated under § 311 of the Clean
Water Act for discharges to navigable
waters, and under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
(Superfund) for discharges to other
media, this rule does not require any
additional reporting.
D. Use of Capacitors
This section on the use of capacitors
analyzes only those capacttors that do
not pose an exposure risk to food or
feed. Analysis of the exposure risks
associated with equipment that poses an
exposure risk to food or feed is found in
sectfon E,
Large PCB Capacitors (PCB Large
High Voltage and PCB Large Low
Voltage) are also used extensively by
electric utilities and other industries.
Large PCB Capacitors contain more than
3 pounds of dielectric fluid and are
commonly used to improve the voltage
and power factor of the electric power
system. Virtually all capacitors (large
and small) manufactured prior to 1978
were filled with PCB fluid at a
concentration near 100 percent.
Capacitors manufactured after 1978 did
not use PCB dielectric fluid.
EPA estimates that there were
2,800,000 utility-owned large PCB
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37348 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Roles and Regulations
Capacitors in service at the end of 1981.
EPA also estimates that the total
population of in-service nonutility-
owned large PCB Capacitors was
490,000 at the end of 1981.
Large PCB Capacitors are located
within fenced electrical substations,
within buildings, and on utility poles
throughout the service areas of electric
utilities. Many comments pointed out
that there are significant differences
between the risk posed by Large
Capacitors depending upon their
location. Therefore, this final rule
recognizes the widespread distribution
of large PCB Capacitors and
distinguishes two different exposure risk
categories by capacitor location. The
two categories are: (1) capacitors used
within restricted-access electrical
substations or used in contained and
restricted-access indoor installations,
and (2) capacitors used in all other
locations (primarily in electric utility
distribution systems).
1. Magnitude of exposure. Large PCB
Capacitors used within restricted-access
electrical substations and in contained
and restricted-access indoor locations
pose comparatively low exposure risk.
A restricted-access electrical substation
is a fenced or walled-in facility that is
restricted to public access and used in
the transmission or distribution of
electric power. Releases of PCBs from
capacitors in these substations beyond
the confines of the substation are
extremely limited. In most cases, PCBs
become intimately bound to the gravel
and soil and very little PCBs evaporate
or dissolve or are driven off by rain. In a
report by Dr. Donald Mackay titled
Environmental Pathways of
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (Volume IV
of the EEI/USWAG study), Dr. Mackay
calculates that the likely extent of
evaporation from a "typical" pure PCB
spill into soil is 0.16 percent per day and
the'dissolution rate of a spill into water
is typically a factor of 100 slower than
evaporation. Many comments indicated
that substations are inspected at regular
intervals, often at intervals of one week
or less. Because of these frequent
inspections and because there is
evidence that PCBs usually migrate
slowly from a spill within a substation,
EPA concludes that a very high
percentage of all PCB releases from
capacitors in these locations can be
identified and cleaned up quickly with
very little risk of exposure to humans or
the environment. EPA estimates that
41,073 pounds of PCBs could be released
from large PCB Capacitors in Restricted-
access electrical substations.
Similarly, certain other facilities,
described in this rule as contained and
restricted-access indoor installations,
also present limited exposure risk
potential. An installation meeting this
description has a roof, walls, and floors
that will contain any release of PCBs
within the indoor installation. This type
of installation also prevents rain from
reaching the large PCB capacitors and
has controlled access to these PCB
capacitors. A building which prevents
PCB releases from escaping, including
escape through drains or expansion
joints, would be acceptable. This type of
contained and restricted-access
installation allows proper cleanup of
PCBs with very little exposure to
humans or the environment. EPA
estimates that 25,728 pounds of PCBs
could be released from large PCB
capacitors in contained and restricted-'
access indoor installations.
The second category of large PCB
Capacitor locations represents all other
locations. The capacitors in this -
category are primarily located on utility
poles throughout electric service areas.
The exposure risks associated with
those capacitors vary due to their
widespread use. These capacitor
installations are used in residential
neighborhoods, industrial areas, rural
areas, public areas (such as shopping
centers, schools, etc.), and even near
waterways. The capacitors, because of
their locations, have a greater potential
for exposing humans, animals, and the
environment during their use than othei
large PCB Capacitors. EPA estimates
that without any risk reduction
measures these capacitors could release
as many as 730,110 pounds of PCBs
during their remaining useful life.
2. Benefits of PCBs and availability Oj
substitutes. The electrical properties of
PCBs are so well suited as a dielectric
fluid for capacitors that no other fluids
were commonly used in capacitors prior
to 1978. Since 1978, electric utilities and
other industries have been installing
non-PCB Capacitors with no apparent
replacement or operational problems.
Under this fihal rule EPA estimates
that 1.087 million large PCB Capacitors
(or 108.7 million KVAR, assuming an
average size of 100 KVAR) will require
removal due to the accelerated phase-
out requirements. (KVAR is the
abbreviation for reactive kilovolt-
ampers, which is a standard power
rating for capacitors.) EPA assumes that
companies will take one year to plan for
the phase-out and five years to
implement it. Considering the additional
capacitors that will require replacement
due to failure or obsolescence, EPA
estimates that a peak annual power
capacitor manufacturing capacity of 29
million KVAR (about 145,000 200-KVAR
units) will be required to meet the total
demand for replacements. EPA's
estimates for the demand for new power
capacitor applications (unrelated to any
demand for replacements) range from
9.7 million KVAR to 20.3 million KVAR
per year. Therefore, the maximum total
annual demand for power capacitors
should be between 38.7 and 49.3 million
KVAR under this final rule.
In a survey of domestic capacitor
manufacturers by the National Electrical
Manufacturers Association in response
to this rulemaking, four respondents
indicated that production could be
increased 65 percent by 1983 or earlier.
With this increase in production, the
total annual power capacitor
manufacturing capacity would be 47.85
million KVAR.
According to these estimates,
manufacturing capacity is adequate for
companies to comply with the
requirement to phase out these
capacitors over the next six years, i ne
derivation of the estimates and a further
discussion of the methodology used to
arrive at this conclusion is found in the
Regulatory Impact Analysis prepared for
this final rule.
" 3. Economic and environmental
impacts of regulatory requirements. The
economic impact of this final rule was
calculated in terms of the lost economic
value associated with removing PCB'
Capacitors before the end of their useful
lives. EPA estimates this cost to be
$135.8 million. EPA estimates that the
net present value of the phase-out cost
for the .electric utility industry is only
0.05 percent of the 1979 net value of
assets in electric plant nationally.
It should be noted that the direct costs
of the regulatory requirements for large
PCB Capacitors do not include the
energy savings associated with the use
of more efficient replacement
capacitors. This savings is very
significant for capacitors that were
manufactured using paper insulation
(approximately pre-1966). The
Regulatory Impact Analysis prepared for
this final rule estimates that the
payback period for capacitors with
paper insulation is approximately 11
years, assuming that the capacitors are
in use 50 percent of the time.
By removing large PCB Capacitors
before the end of their useful service
lives it prevents the release of PCBs
during the remaining years of use. EPA
estimates that this* final rule avoids an
estimated 572,000 pounds of PCBs from
release from large PCB Capacitors that
doe not pose an exposure risk to food
and feed. A more complete discussion of
the costs and benefits associated with
the regulatory requirements Is presented
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Federal Register / Vol. 47. No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 37349
in the. Regulatory Impact Analysis
prepared for this final rule.
4. Findings on the use of capacitors.
The proposed rule discussed whether
the use of PCBs in capacitors should
continue and the options EPA
considered to reduce the risks from the
use of PCBs In capacitors. The proposed
rule authorized the use of capacitors for
ten years. Several comments suggested
that capacitors should be categorized on
the basis of difference in potential for
exposure. These differences arise
because of differences in the
accessibility of the capacitor location
and differences in the degree of
containment of any PCB spills or leak's
which may occur. EPA agrees with these
comments and has created categories
based on the comments. Other
comments urged EPA to eliminate the
phase-out requirement altogether. With
respect to those capacitors in the
category with comparatively low
exposure potential, EPA agrees with
these comments and has eliminated the
phase-out, but with respect to other
capacitors, EPA has concluded that the
cost of a six-year phase-out is
reasonable because of the large quantity
of PCBs release which will be avoided
and because of the comparatively high
potential for exposure in these locations.
This final rule prohibits the use .of
large PCB Capacitors after October 1
1986, unless the capacitors are used in
restricted-access outdoor electrical
substations, or in contained and,
restricted-access indoor installations.
EPA finds that the more limited
potential for exposure in these
restricted-access locations warrants
authorizing their use for the remainde
of their useful lives.
A very large number of comments
stated that the benefits of an inspection
program for capacitors do not outweigh
the costs. In most cases, large releases'
of PCBs from capacitors (ruptures)
happen.very suddenly as a result of a
large amount of energy entering the
capacitor in a very short time period.
Inspections of in-service capacitors
cannot detect characteristics which
indicate a capacitor's potential to
release PCBs. EPA agrees that the
effectiveness of an inspection program
for large PCB Capacitors is very limited
in preventing future releases of PCBs.
Therefore, this Final rule eliminates the
proposed requirement that large PCB
Capacitors must be inspected for leaks
of dielectric fluid on a quarterly basis.
An inspection program can speed the
detection and cleanup of PCBs in cases
where a release has already occurred
and the release has not been detected or
cleaned up. However, EPA has learned
from comments on the proposed rule
that for large capacitors located on
distribution systems that a utility
company or other owner is almost
always notified of PCB releases by the
public or company personnel within a
much shorter time period than the
proposed quarterly inspection
frequency. Furthermore, large PCB
Capacitprs located in electrical
substations and indoors are typically
inspected by company crews more
frequently than the proposed quarterly
inspection due to existing concerns for
system efficiency and stability.
EPA finds that authorizing the use of
PCBs in capacitors not posing an
exposure risk to food or feed, under the
required conditions, does not present an
unreasonable risk for the following
reasons:
a. The use of PCBs in large PCB
Capacitors that are located in restricted-
access indoor installations for th'eir
remaining useful lives is such that PCBs
released from these capacitors are
readily identified and cleaned up with
limited exposure potential to humans
and the environment.
b. The required six-year phase-out
period for large PCB Capacitors should
prevent more than 500,000 pounds of
P"CBs from entering the environment and
some unknown percentage of that
quantity from entering the food chain.
This time period also avoids any
disruption of electrical service.
c. The cost of the phase-out
requirement is reasonable when
compared to the large amount of PCBs it
prevents from entering the environment
and the costs and benefits of alternative
risk reduction measures. This cost is
only $237 per pound of PCB release
avoided.
5. Small capacitors. PCB Small
Capacitors contain less than 3 pounds of
dielectric fluid. These capacitors
commonly contain between 0.1 and 0.6
pounds of PCBs and are used in
fluourescent light ballasts, household
appliances, and industrial equipment. In
most applications, the equipment
containing the small capacitor in its
circuitry cannot function without it. In
1976, an EPA study estimated that 870
million small capacitors, containing 275
million pounds of PCBs, were in use in a
wide variety of-applications. Today,
EPA estimates that approximately 500
million of these small capacitors are still
in use. EPA calculated this figure
assuming that 10 percent of these
capacitors are removed from service
annually due to equipment or appliance
obsolescence and capacitor failure.
No data has been submitted to EPA
which indicate that small capacitors
have a different propensity to leak than
other capacitors. Additionally, no
comments have identified any practical
and cost-effective use restrictions
regarding the use of PCB Small
Capacitors. Because of the widespread
and diverse nature of* their use and the
small amount of PCBs contained within
each individual small capacitor, all
regulatory approaches targeted at
controlling releases from these
capacitors are very expensive when
compared to the potential quantity of
PCBs kept from the environment.
Consequently, EPA has not identified a
reasonable cost-effective regulatory
alternative that would result in
significantly reducing the risks
associated with the remaining PCB
Small Capacitors in service. Therefore,
this final rule does not require any
restrictions regarding the use of PCBs in
small capacitors. However, EPA
encourages commercial and industrial
firms that use and dispose of large
quantities of PCB Small Capacitors to
establish voluntarily a collection and
disposal program that results in waste
capacitors being disposed of in an EPA-
approved incinerator or chemical waste
landfill. Such programs could be
expanded to encourage voluntary
collection and disposal of PCB Small
Capacitors from the public and other
firms. Any firm which desires more
information about identifying and
disposing of PCB Small Capacitors
should contact the nearest EPA regional
office or the Industry Assistance Office
at 800-424-9065 for assistance.
Since these capacitors contain small
quantities of dielectric fluid and
significant amounts of absorbent
material such as paper, and because
many of these capacitors are
encapsulated, PCBs are rarely released
from these capacitors during their use or
from the equipment using the capacitors.
Therefore, exposure risks to humans,
food, feed, water, or the environment
from the use of these capacitors are low.
In conclusion, EPA finds that the use of
small capacitors containing PCBs is not
unreasonable because their use provides
society with the benefits from the use of
millions of pieces of electronic.
equipment and consumer products, it
avoids billions of dollars in replacement
costs, and there appear to be no
practical, cost-effective risk reduction
measures.
E. Use of PCB Transformers, Capacitors,
and Electromagnets That Pose an
Exposure Risk to Human Food and
Animal Feed
EPA estimates that at the end of 1979
there were approximately 47,500 large
PCB Capacitors and 9,580 PCB
Transformers in use on the premises of
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37350 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations
food and feed facilities. Because of
comments that much of this equipment
never posed an exposure risk to food or
feed and that, for much of the rest of it,
steps nave been taken to eliminate the
risk, EPA estimates that ten percent of
the equipment used on the premises of
food and feed facilities poses an
exposure risk to food or feed products.
Since publication of the proposed rule,
EPA has received a comment that
indicated that electromagnets designed
to {contain PCBs are still in use over
grain elevators. EPA Was unaware that
this use still existed at the time of the
proposed rule. In 1979, EPA estimated
that a total of 200 PCB-filled
electromagnets were in use with an
unknown percentage of these in use in
coal operations.
1. Magnitude of exposure. Human
food and animal feed represent EPA's
greatest Concern for exposure because
of the increased health risks associated
with the ingestion of PCBs. Electrical
equipment filled with askarel dielectric
fluid presents the greatest exposure
risks to food and feed due to the high
concentrations and large quantities of
PCBs. Any leakage from such equipment
has the potential to cause severe harm.
One incident, involving a single PCS
Transformer, bccurred at a plant
manufacturing animal feed ingredients.
The contaminated feed was fed to
poultry and livestock, resulting in
millions of dollars of damages.
Implicated food and feed products were
distributed to nineteen states and two
foreign countries.
2. Benefits of PCBs and availability of
substitutes. The benefits of using PCBs
and the availability of substitutes for
PCBs in transformers and capacitors
that pose an exposure risk to food ana
feed are identical to those discussed for
PCB Transformers and PCB Capacitors.
The benefit of using PCBs in
electromagnets is the safety provided by
the fire resistant properties of the PCBs.
The substitutes for PCBs in transformers
are also available and suitable for use in
electromagnets.
3. Economic and environmental
impacts of regulatory requirements. The
food contamination incident previously
described which involved a single PCB
Transformer demonstrates that the cost
to society of a PCB spill affecting food or
feed can be more than one million
dollars per pound of PCBs spilled.
Therefore, only a very small reduction in
PCB leakage is needed for a risk
reduction measure to be cost effective in
food and feed facilities. The Regulatory
Impact Analysis contains an
examination of the cost effectiveness of
different accelerated phase-out time
periods and inspection program
frequencies.
The impact of replacing the affected
PCB Transformers and large PCB
Capacitors in food and feed facilities is
estimated to be $18.04 million, and the
impact of replacing the affected
electromagnets is $0.38 million. These
estimates assume that ten percent of the
PCB Transformers and Capacitors used
by the food and feed industry pose an
exposure risk to food and feed and that
ten percent of the estimated 200 PCB-
filled electromagnets in service in 1979
pose an exposure risk to food and feed.
4. Findings on the use of PCBs posing
an exposure risk to food and feed. In the
proposed rule, EPA found that it was
reasonable to require weekly inspection
of all PCB Transformers and Large PCB
Capacitors that pose an exposure risk to
food or feed and to prohibit the use of
these capacitors after October 1,1992.
Several comments suggested that EPA
categorize equipment according to
differences in the risk of exposure.
Other comments expressed concern thai
EPA was proposing to allow indefinite
use of PCBs in transformers in the areas
of greatest risk. After further analysis of
the cost-effectiveness of various
accelerated phase-out periods and
consideration of these comments, EPA
has decided to establish a prohibition o
the use of PCB Transformers, PCB Largp
Capacitors, and PCB-filled
electromagnets that pose an exposure
risk to food and feed. This prohibition
becomes effective in three years for PCB
Transformers and PCB-filled
electromagnets and in six years for PCB
Large Capacitors. The cost-effectiveness
calculations are contained in the
Regulatory Impact Analysis.
Other comments urged EPA not to
prohibit the use of any electrical
equipment in food or feed
establishments, but to rely on the
effectiveness of an inspection and
maintenance program. EPA did not
choose this option because, although an
inspection and maintenance program
does have benefits, the need to avoid
contamination of human food with PCBs
justifies the imposition of additional
protective measures.
The three-year time period for
transformers and electromagnets is
based on an estimated one year to
analyze the specifics of the individual
situation, to choose the method to be
used to eliminate the exposure risk to
food or feed, and to develop a plan for
compliance with the regulation and two
years to implement the plan. Given the
comparatively small amount of
equipment involved, EPA believes that
this period of time is sufficient for
affected persons to avoid logistical
difficulties.
The six-year time period for PCB
Large Capacitors is based on an
estimated one year for planning for
compliance and five years for
implementation of the plan. EPA
decided not to shorten this period any
further for these capacitors because the
quantity of PCBs involved is much less
than the quantity of PCBs in
transformers posing this exposure risk
and because the cost per pound of
preventing PCB release was higher than
for the transformers.
Prohibiting the use of PCB-containing
equipment in a location that poses an
exposure risk to food or feed represents
the most effective risk reduction
measure of the alternatives EPA has
considered. Persons subject to this
requirement actually have several
choices as to how to comply. They may
replace the equipment. They may
provide secondary containment so that
the exposure risk to food or feed is
eliminated. They may relocate the
equipment to a location which does not
present an exposure risk. For
transformers and electromagnets, they
may service the equipment to reduce the
PCB concentration to less than 500 ppm.
Many comments agreed with EPA's
finding in the proposed ri^le that a
weekly inspection frequency is hot
unreasonable primarily because it is an
effective risk reduction measure for
equipment such as transformers and
electromagnets and because of the large
exposure risks associated with the use
of PCB Transformers and PCB-filled
electromagnets near food or feed. As
discussed in an earlier section of this
preamble, the effectiveness of an
inspection program for capacitors is
very limited and in most cases ruptures
of this equipment are identified in
' shorter time frames than the inspection
frequency. Therefore, this final rule
eliminates the proposed weekly
inspection requirement for Large PCB
Capacitors and retains this program for
PCB Transformers and PCB-filled
electromagnets.
Most comments in response to the
proposed rule did not support any use
restrictions for mineral oil-filled
electrical equipment posing an exposure
risk to food or feed since very little of
this equipment is used in food and feed
facilities. In most cases, mineral oil
equipment contains very little PCBs, and
it is expensive to test all the equipment
to determine which items actually
contains PCBs. Therefore, EPA made no
hanges in the proposed authorization
or this equipment which allows its use
without restriction.
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 37351
Other comments in response to the
proposed rule recommended that EPA
include in the final rule clarifications
that were issued under the Interim
Measures Program. These clarifications
have been incorporated into the final
rule where appropriate and are
discussed in this preamble.
The proposed rule required special
inspection procedures for transformers
which are in a location that pose a risk
of exposure to human food or animal
feed. This exposure risk is presumed to
exist in any facility manufacturing,
processing, packaging, or holding humar
food or animal feed, or in any federally
inspected meat, poultry product or egg
product establishment. Because several
comments pointed out a need for more
specificity as to which equipment is
subject to inspection requirements, EPA
has further clarified the definition of
posing an exposure risk to food or feed
in this rule under 40 CFR 761.3(11).
This new definition clarifies that PCB
Items pose an exposure risk to food or
feed only when there exists a potential
pathway for PCBs discharged from the
item to contaminate food or feed
products. Food and feed covered by this
definition includes items regulated by
USDA and FDA as food or feed
including additives. Food and feed is
excluded from this definition if it is used
or stored in private residences by the
public because a very small amount of
food would be potentially exposed in a
single incident in a private residence
and because the enforcement of this
requirement in private residences would
place a very large demand on EPA
enforcement resources. This definition,
does cover food and feed that are held
in all other facilities including grocery
stores, restaurants, warehouses, barns,
bins, sheds, silos, and other structures,
and in feedlols, open fields, and animal
grazing areas.
Comments also encouraged the
clarification of the responsibilities
between users and owners of PCB-
containing electrical equipment that
pose an exposure risk to food and feed.
As in the Interim Measures Program it is
the responsibility of the user of a PCB
Transformer to fulfill all appropriate
inspection, recordkeeping and
maintenance requirements until the
owner is notified that the transformer
may pose an exposure risk to food or
feed, or until the owner has other
knowledge indicating that the
transformer may pose an exposure risk
to food or feed. It is the ultimate
responsibility of the owner of the PCB-
containing electrical equipment to
determine if it poses an exposure risk to
food or feed. Although users of PCB-
Transformers, PCB capacitors, and PCB-
filled electromagnets are not responsible
for phasing-out any of this equipment,
users should contact the owner if they
feel that this equipment poses an
exposure risk to food or feed. In any
event, the user still has responsibility
under other Federal laws to insure that
food and feed distributed in commerce
are not contaminated.
In the Federal Register of May 9,1980,
EPA proposed a rule amendment which
would have prohibited the use of PCB
Items in facilities manufacturing,
processing, or storing fertilizers or
agricultural pesticides. EPA received
comment upon this proposed rule and,
on May 6,1981, in light of the court-
ordered rulemaking on the use of PCBs
m electrical equipment EPA put that
proposed rule in abeyance. Because the
promulgation of this final rule deals with
PCBs that pose an exposure risk to food
or feed, EPA has decided not to issue a
final rule from the May 9,1980 proposed
rule. The final rule on the use of PCBs in
electrical equipment does not recognize
agricultural pesticides and fertilizers as
food or feed additive or require
additional provisions for PCB Items
which pose an exposure risk to
agricultural pesticides and fertilizers.
The rulemaking record from the May 9,
1980, proposed amendment has been
incorporated into the record for this
final rule.
F. Use and Servicing of Voltage
Regulators, Switches (Including
Sectionalizers and Motor Starters), and
Electromagnets
Voltage regulators and switches
(including sectionalizers and motor
starters) are used by electric utilities
and industry to control, transmit, and
distribute electric power efficiently.
Almost all of this electrical equipment is
mineral oil-filled and not designed to
contain PCB dielectric fluid. Very few
items are contaminated with greater
than 500 ppm PCBs. Electromagnets are
primarily used over conveyor belts to
remove iron from non-magnetic
commodities and are not commonly
used by the electric utility industry.
Electromagnets designed to contain
PCBs are used in areas such as coal
mines, coal preparation plants, and coal-
fired generating stations. PCB-filled
electromagnets that pose an exposure
risk to food or feed are discussed in
section E.
1. Magnitude of exposure. The total
pounds of PCBs in oil-filled voltage
regulators, swiiches, and electromagnets
represent less than 0.01 percent of Ihe
total PCBs in-service in electrical
equipment. EPA estimates from data in
the rule-making record that the annual
leakage of oil-filled voltage regulators
and switches would amount to a release
of approximately 85 pounds of PCBs per
year.
Leaks of dielectric fluid from oil-filled
electrical equipment have the potential
for exposing humans or the environment
to low concentrations (parts per million)
of PCBs because some of this equipment
is used in the Nation's electrical
distribution system which is located
near consumers of electric power. In
addition, releases of PCBs anywhere in
the environment have the potential to
reach aquatic systems, build up in the
food chain, and ultimately result in
human exposure. Leaks of PCBs from
electromagnets used in coal-handling
systems, however, present negligible
risks since the coal in these systems is
handled automatically and eventually is
burned in combustion devices (such as
high efficiency boilers) capable of
destroying PCBs.
2. Benefits of PCBs and availability of
substitutes. The PCBs in almost all of
this electrical equipment serve no
specific purpose since the PCBs are in
such small concentrations and are the
result of contamination from servicing
and manufacturing activities. For this
equipment, the PCBs provide no
significant benefits. For any equipment
designed to contain PCBs, the use of
PCBs in the equipment provides the
same safeguards against fire hazards as
that described for transformers.
The availability of substitutes was
discussed in the proposed rule.
3. Economic and environmental
impacts of regulatory requirements. This
final rule reduces the amount of worker
and environmental exposure associated
with servicing (including rebuilding) this
equipment. This rule also prevents
further PCB contamination of this
equipment.
The economic impacts are discussed
in further detail in die proposed rule and
the Regulatory Impact Analysis
prepared for this final rule. There are no
significant changes from the analysis
done for the proposed rule.
4. Findings on the use and servicing of
this electrical equipment. The proposed
rule contained an authorization for the
use of PCBs in voltage regulators,
switches (including sectionalizers and
motor starters), and electromagnets for
their remaining useful lives with no use
restrictions. It also restricted servicing
activities in order to prevent this
equipment from being further
contaminated with PCBs and to reduce
PCB exposure of servicing personnel
and the environment during these
activities. Comments in response to the
proposed rule did not raise any new
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37352 Federal Register / Vol. 47. No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25. 1982 / Rules and Regulations
issues that warranted changes in the
proposal. Therefore, EPA reaffirms its
proposed findings in this final rule.
EPA finds that authorizing the use of
PCBs in voltage regulators, switches
(including sectionalizers and motor
starters), and electromagnets with the
servicing conditions does not present an
unreasonable risk for the following
reasons:
a. Allowing this use of PCBs to
continue avoids disruption of electric
service and the costs associated with a
prohibition. (This reason does not apply
to electromagnets.)
b. There is little PCB contamination of
this oil-filled equipment and very small
amounts of PCBs are expected to be
released annually.
c. EPA does not believe that the cost
associated with restrictions regarding
the use of this equipment is justified by
the small PCB exposure that would be
prevented by such measures.
d. The servicing restrictions will
prevent easily avoidable human
exposure to PCBs.
This rule authorizes the servicing of
electrical equipment not previously
mentioned in the PCB rule, such as
voltage regulators and switches. Persons
who service this equipment should note
that any processing and distribution in
commerce of PCBs for servicing this
equipment requires an exemption from
the July 1,1979~ban of these activities.
Procedures for submitting a petition for
exemption from the PCB processing and
distribution in commerce prohibitions
under section 6(e)(3)(B) of TSCA are
described in 40 CFR Part 750, (44 FR
31558, May 31,1979).
G. Use and Servicing of Circuit
Breakers, Reclosers, and Cable
Circuit breakers, reclosures, and cable
are used primarily by electric utilities to
protect other equipment in the electric
power system from damage caused by
electrical faults and to transmit electric
power. Circuit breakers, reclosers, and
cable are types of oil-filled electrical
equipment generally not designed to
contain PCBs. However, available data
indicate that a small percentage of this
electrical equipment contains PCBs
resulting from past servicing and
manufacturing practices.
1. Magnitude of exposure. Although
approximately 26.3 percent of all oil-
filled circuit breakers can be expected
to leak during an average year, this
could amount to a release of only 50.88
pounds of PCBs, according to the EEI/
USWAG study. This same study
indicates that releases of dielectric fluid
from reclosers could amount to 6.64
pounds of PCBs per year. As with other
oil-filled electrical equipment, leaks of
dielectric fluid have the potential for
exposing humans and the environment
to low concentrations of PCBs because
of the equipment's location throughout
electric power system service areas.
2. Benefits of PCBs and availability of
substitutes. Both the benefits and
availability of substitutes for PCBs in
circuit breakers, reclosers, and cable are
the same as that discussed for other
mineral oil-filled equipment
(transformers, voltage regulators,
switches, etc.).
3. Economic and environmental
impacts of regulatory requirements.
Since this electrical equipment may be
assumed to contain less than 50 ppm
PCBs, the economic and environmental
impact of the servicing and disposal
requirements is minimal and difficult to
measure. These requirements would
only apply to equipment that is known
to contain PCBs in excess of 50 ppm (e.g.
from test results). Additional discussion
of the costs and benefits associated with
the regulatory requirements is found in
the proposed rule and the Regulatory
Impact Analysis prepared for this final
rule. There are no significant changes
from the analysis done for the proposed
rule.
4. Findings on the use and servicing of
this electrical equipment. The proposed
rule contained an authorization, with
servicing conditions, which would have
allowed the use of PCBs in circuit
breakers and reclosers for the remaining
useful life of this equipment. No
comments contained data which would
warrant changing this part of the
proposal.
The proposed rule also authorized the
use of oil-filled cable and contained a
requirement that oil-filled cable must be
assumed to contain between 50 and 500
ppm PCBs if the concentration were
unknown. This requirement was
included in the proposal because there
was virtually no data in the rulemaking
record on PCB concentrations in cable.
Comments in response to the proposed
rule contained additional data on the
PCBs concentrations of oil-filled cable,
indicating that virtually none of the
cable is contaminated in excess of 50
ppm. Therefore, th'is final rule allows the
assumption that oil-filled cable contains
less than 50 ppm PCBs if the actual
concentration is unknown.
EPA authorizes the use and servicing
of PCBs in circuit breakers, reclosers.
and cable for the remainder of their
useful lives, according to the servicing
restrictions of § 761.30(m)(l). These
servicing conditions prevent further PCB
contamination of equipment containing
less than 50 ppm PCBs. The disposal
requirements of 40 CFR 761.60 and the
servicing requirements of 40 CFR
761.30(h) apply to any oil-filled circuit
breaker, recloser, or cable found to
contain 50 ppm or greater PCBs. EPA
believes that this use authorization with
servicing conditions does not present an
unreasonable risk for the following
reasons:
a. Allowing this use of PCBs to
continue avoids disruption of electric
service and the costs associated with a
prohibition.
b. There is little PCB contamination of
this oil-filled equipment and very small
amounts of PCBs are expected to be
released annually.
c. EPA does not believe that the cost
associated with restrictions regarding
the use of this equipment is justified by
the small PCB exposure that would be
prevented by such measures.
d. The servicing restrictions will
prevent easily avoidable human
exposure to PCBs and further
contamination of this equipment.
VI. Other Amendments to the PCB Rule
A. PCB-Contaminated Electrical
Equipment
Because this rulemaking has identified
electrical equipment containing PCBs
that was not previously recognized in
the PCB rule, changes have been made
to definitions presented in the rule. This
final rule deletes the definition of a
"PCB-Contaminated Transformer" (40
CFR 761.3(z)) and substitutes a definition
titled "PCB-Contaminated Electrical
Equipment.
"PCB-Contaminated Electrical
Equipment" means any electrical
equipment that contains at least 50 ppm.
but less than 500 ppm PCB.
Electrical equipment includes
transformers (including those used on
railway locomotives and self-propelled
cars), capacitors, voltage regulators,
electromagnets, cable, circuit breakers
reclosers, and switches (including
sectionalizers and motor starters).
Although the use of PCBs in certain
electrical equipment is authorized
regardless of PCB concentration, the
disposal requirements of the May 1979
PCB rule make certain distinctions on .
the basis of PCB concentration. That is,
different disposal requirements apply to
PCBs at concentrations of 500 ppm or
greater and at concentrations between
50 and 500 ppm. The definition of PCB-
Contaminated Electrical Equipment was
developed in order to refer to the
electrical equipment that contains
between 50 and 500 ppm PCBs.
Prior to publication of the proposed
rule, EPA had received data regarding
the actual PCB concentrations in
different types of electrical equipment.
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Federal Register / Vol. 47. No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 /Rules and Regulations 37353
These data indicate that approximately
12 to 14 percent of oil-filled
transformers, voltage regulators, and
switches contain PCB concentrations of
50 ppm or greater, but PCB
concentrations greater than 500 ppm in
this equipment are rare, estimated to
occur in less than 2 percent of the
equipment. Because the contamination
was caused by unintentional
manufacturing and servicing practices, it
is impossible to determine for certain
which pieces of equipment are
contaminated without testing them all.
EPA estimates the cost of such testing to
be over two billion dollars, based on a
total of cost of $100 per test. Based on
these data, EPA requires that all oil-
filled transformers, voltage regulators,
switches, and electromagnets must be
assumed to be PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment unless the oil has
been tested, or otherwise verified, and
found not to contain between 50 and 500
ppm PCBs. In other words, if the actual
PCB concentration of any oil-filled
transformer, voltage regulator, switch, 01
electromagnet is unknown, the
equipment must be assumed to contain
more than 50 ppm PCBs and may be
assumed to contain less than 500 ppm
PCBs for purposes of servicing and
disposing of this equipment. This will
allow owners of this equipment to avoid
the cost of testing if they choose.
Little monitoring data were available
to EPA prior to publicatipn of the
proposed rule regarding the PCB
concentration in oil-filled
electromagnets. Comments on the
proposed rule added little additional
information. Because electromagnets
use the same kind of oil and are
serviced in the same manner as other
types of oil-filled equipment, there is no
reason to believe its PCB concentration
would frequently exceed 500 ppm.
Therefore, EPA requires that oil-filled
electromagnets be included in the
category of PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment so that they must
be assumed to have a PCB concentration
between 50 and 500 ppm if the
concentration is unknown.
Data in the rulemaking record indicate
that less than two percent of oil-filled
circuit breakers, reclosers, and cable are
contaminated with PCB concentrations
of 50 ppm or greater. EPA estimates that
it would post approximately forty
million dollars to indentify all of the
circuit breakers, reclosers, and cable
whose PCB contamination exceeds 50
ppm. Because the cost of either testing
all the equipment or treating it as
contaminated in excess of SO ppm is
high relative to the number of pieces of
equipment that are likely to contain
greater than 50 ppm, EPA allows that
oil-filled circuit breakers, reclosers and
cable need not be classified as PCB-
Contaminated Electrical Equipment if
the PCB concentration is unknown.
B. Clarification of Existing Definitions
This final rule retains, as proposed,
changes to the definitions of "Large High
Voltage Capacitor", "Large Low Voltage
Capacitor", "Small Capacitor", and PCB
Article (40 CFR 761.3(d) (1), (2), and (3)
and 761.3{t), respectively). No comment
on the proposed rule raised any new
issues regarding these changes.
C. Distribution in Commerce
EPA in its April 22,1982 Federal
Register notice proposed changes to the
list of PCB activities it found to be in a
totally enclosed manner, due to new
information submitted prior to the
proposal. This final rule is identical to
the proposal. To assure that PCBs are
not released from electrical equipment
being distributed in commerce under the
provisions of section 6(e)(3)(C), EPA
finds the distribution in commerce of
only intact and nonleaking transformers
(including transformers used on railway
locomotives and self-propelled cars),
capacitors, electromagnets, voltage
regulators, circuit breakers, reclosers,
switches (including sectionalizers and
switches), and cable to be totally
enclosed activities. Coupled with 40
CFR 761.30(c)(l), this will restrict the
applicability of section 6(e)(3)(C) to
intact, nonleaking equipment. Persons
wishing to distribute in commerce
electrical equipment which is not intact
and nonleaking must apply for an
exemption from the ban on distribution
in commerce, using the exemption
procedures found in 40 CFR Part 750.
D. Disposal Requirements
Since this rulemaking has identified
uses of PCB-containing electrical
equipment not recognized in the earlier
PCB regulations, changes have been
made to the disposal requirements for
PCBs and PCB Items. The major
difference between this final rule and
the proposal is that language specifying
the extent of cleanup required for a PCB
spill has been deleted.
1. Mineral oil dielectric fluid. This
final rule allows mineral oil dielectric
fluid from any type of PCB
Contaminated Electrical Equipment to
be disposed following the requirements
of 40 CFR 761.60(a)(2). All mineral oil
from transformers, electromagnets,
voltage regulators, and switches is
subject to the disposal requirements of
this section, unless the oil has been
tested (or otherwise verified) and found
to contain less than SO ppm PCBs. No
comments on this proposed change
affected EPA's conclusions regarding the
degree of contamination of this
equipment.
2. PCB items. The proposed rule
established disposal requirements for
PCB-Contaminated Electrical
Equipment. This equipment must be
drained of all free flowing liquid, and
the liquid must be disposed of under 40
CFR 761.60(a)(2). The proposed rule also
regulated the disposal of PCB Articles
with a PCB concentration of 500 ppm or
more under 40 CFR 761.60(b)(5), but did
not regulate the disposition of a PCB
Article containing less than 500 ppm
once all free flowing liquid has been
drained from the PCB Article. Comments
received generally agreed with these
requirements, and this final rule retains
them, as proposed. However, one
comment stated that some capacitors
have been found to contain between 50
and 500 ppm PCBs. These comments
pointed out that capacitors are not
designed to be drained of dielectric fluid
and would have to be punctured or cut
open. Puncturing or cutting open a Large
PCB Capacitor poses a potential PCB
exposure risk to workers and the
environment due to the sudden release
of internal pressure that may have built
up in a failed capacitor. In order to
discourage this potentially hazardous
activity, this final rule requires disposal
of capacitors containing between SO and
500 ppm PCBs, in an incinerator that
complies with I 761.70 or in a chemical
waste landfill that complies with
i 761.75.
Although this rule does not require
testing of mineral oil dielectric fluid for
-PCS concentration, some people may
choose to do so. In order to reduce the
costs associated with testing for PCB
concentrations in mineral oil dielectric
fluid, this rule allows, as proposed,
common container collection ("batch
testing") of mineral oil dielectric fluid
from all electrical equipment containing
mineral oil dielectric fluid (see 40 CFR
761.60(g)(l)). Common container
collection is permitted so that mineral
oil from multiple sources can be
collected and tested without requiring^ a
separate test of each individual piece of
electrical equipment to determine
disposal options. However, in order to
prevent persons from Using dilution to
circumvent die disposal rules, dielectric
fluid from oil-filled circuit breakers,
reclosers, or cable, collected in a
common container with untested
dielectric fluid from other oil-filled
equipment must be assumed'to contain
at least 50 ppm PCBs.
3. Spills and leaks. The proposed rule
clarified the definition of disposal by
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37354 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday. August 25. 1982 / Rules and Regulations
including leaks in the definition. The
final rule refines this clarification. A
number of comments stated that it was
unfair to charge a party with
unauthorized disposal when PCBs are
spilled or leaked during authorized use
of electrical equipment but prompt
cleanup is initiated. It is not the
Agency's intention that § 761.3(h) and
§ 761.80(d) should be applied in this
way. Where the responsible party
shows that: (1) The spill, leak, or
uncontrolled discharge occurred during
authorized use of electrical equipment
and (2) adequate cleanup measures
were initiated within 48 hours, the
Agency will not charge the party with a
disposal violation.
The proposal also contained,
requirements for cleanup of PCB
contamination resulting from spills,
leaks, and other uncontrolled discharges
of PCBs. Comments in response to these
provisions varied. Some comments
stated that a requirement for level of
cleanup should be set, but that cleanup
to a concentration of 50 ppm was
always appropriate. Other comments
expressed concern about setting any
specific requirements for level of
cleanup at this time and about how
these levels would be determined in the
field. Still others approved of the
standards set in the proposed rule.
The Agency has decided not to
include language regarding the required
level of cleanup in this final rule. A part
of § 761.60(d)(2) (formerly § 761.10(d)(2)),
which was sometimes construed as
setting a required level of cleanup has
been deleted.
4. Storage for disposal. The storage for
disposal of nonleaking and structurally
undamaged PCB Large High Voltage
Capacitors and PCB-Contaminated
Transformers on pallets next to
qualified storage facilities was
permitted until January 1,1983, under
the May 31, 1979, PCB rule (formerly 40
CFR 761.42{c}(2)). This provision was
designed 1o relieve the burden on PCB
storage facilities until EPA-approved
' incineration facilities were
commercially available.
A number of comments pointed out
that if EPA were going to require
accelerated phase-out of capacitors,
there would be additional storage
needed for phased-out equipment
awaiting disposal. After considering
these comments, EPA has decided to
allow this type of storage for disposal
for nonleaking and structurally
undamaged PCB Large High Voltage
Capacitors and PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment after January 1,
1983.
The May 31,1979, PCB rule did not
envision an accelerated phase-out for
certain PCB Transformers and large PCB
Capacitors or the use of PCB-containing
oil-filled electrical equipment other than
transformers. In order to lessen the
burden on existing storage facilities and
reduce the need to build additional
facilities, this final rule allows this type
of storage for disposal to continue
indefinitely, according to the provisions
of 40 CFR 761.65(c}(2).
The May 1979 rule exempted PCB
Small Capacitors from the storage
requirements. In the April 22,1982,
proposed rule, this exemption
(§ 761.10(b)(6)) was printed erroneously.
This error made it appear that EPA was
proposing to exempt PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment from storage
requirements instead of PCB Small
Capacitors. EPA did not intend to
propose any change in the language of
this paragraph. The introductory text to
§ 761.60(b)(6) in this final rule corrects
this error.
E. Reclassification of Electrical
Equipment Containing PCBs
The May 1979 rule prohibits rebuilding
of PCB Transformers and allows the
PCB concentration in electrical
equipment to be reduced for purposes of
reclassifying the equipment. The
proposed rule retained these provisions.
Under the provisions for reclassification
the equipment must be put back into
service for three months before testing
the PCB concentration. Comments on
the proposed rule pointed out that the
proposed servicing restrictions prohibit
reclassification of PCB Transformers
which have failed electrically because
failed transformers can not be put back
into service unless rebuilt. In response
to this comment, EPA has added a
provision to the final rule which allows
the Assistant Administrator for
Pesticides and Toxic Substances to
approve a method of simulating the
loading conditions associated with in-
service use. To apply .'for approval of
any method which uses conditions other
than in-service use, a letter should be
sent to the Assistant Administrator for
Pesticides and Toxic Substances (TS-
794), Environmental Protection Agency,
401 M .Street S.W.. Washington, D.C.
20460. Responses to any applications for
approval will be in writing. All
applications should show that
alternative conditions result in
equivalent or greater release of PCBs
from the internal components of the
equipment into the dielectric fluid as
three months of in-service use.
This final rule also clarifies the
definition of in-serrvice use for
transformers by specifying a minimum
dielectric fluid temperature of 50° C.
This temperature has been shown
experimentally to be associated with 8
condition of light electrical loading and
to cause release of PCBs from the
internal components of the transformer
into the dielectric fluid. This
clarification also provides guidance as
to what constitutes adequate in-service
use.
VII. Executive Order 12291
Under Executive Order 12291, issued
February 17,1981, EPA must judge
whether a rule is a "major rule" and,
therefore, subject to the requirement
that a Regulatory Impact Analysis be
prepared. EPA has determined that this
amendment to the PCB rule is not a
major rule as the term is defined in
section l(b) of the Executive Order.
EPA has concluded that the
amendment is not "major" under the
criteria of section l(b) because the
annual effect of the rule on the economy
will be less than $100 million; it will not
cause a major increase in costs or prices
for any sector of the economy or for any
geographic region; and it will not result
in any significant adverse effects on
competition, employment, investment,
productivity, or innovation or .on the
ability of United Sta/es enterprises to
compete with foreign enterprises in
domestic or foreign markets. In fact, this
rule allows uses of PCBs in electrical
equipment to continue that would
otherwise be prohibited by section 6{e)
of TSCA. This rule avoids the severe
disruption of electric service to the
public and industry that would occur if
the use were prohibited. It also .greatly
reduces the economic impact that would
result from a requirement to replace the
equipment as soon as possible.
However, although this proposal is not a
major rule, EPA has prepared a
Regulatory Impact Analysis using the
guidance in the Executive Order to the
extent possible within the.time
constraints of the court's order.
This final rule amendment was
submitted to the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) prior to publication
as required by the Executive Order.
VIII. Regulatory Flexibility Act
Section 604 of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 604, requires
EPA to prepare and make available for
comment a "regulatory flexibility
analysis" in connection with any
rulemaking for which there is a statutory
requirement that a general notice of ,
proposed rulemaking be published. The
"regulatory flexibility analysis"
describes the effect of a final rule oa
small business entities.
Section 605(b) of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, however, provides that
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 37355
section 604 of the Act "shall not apply to
any proposed or final rule if the head of
the Agency certifies that the rule will
not, if promulgated, have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities."
The effect of this final rule, is to avoid
severe disruption of electric service to
industry and the public and to reduce
the costs of complying with TSCA. In
general, this rule will reduce the burden
on small businesses that would
otherwise be encountered if an
immediate ban on PCB-containing
electrical equipment were to take effect.
If an immediate ban were imposed, large
costs would be incurred by all producers
and users of electricity, including small
businesses. x
Since the actual distribution of
electrical equipment ownership is
unknown, EPA estimated the effect of
the capacitor phase-out on different
groups of utilities, including the rural
electric cooperatives, using number of
customers as a predictor of number of
capacitors owned by the utility group.
Four groups were analyzed: private
investor-owned utilities, local public
utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and
federally owned utilities. The rural
electric cooperative group would be
expected to include the most small
utilities. Using a number of measures of
impact, none of the groups analyzed,
including the rural electric cooperatives,
would be significantly affected by this
final rule. EPA estimated that the total
costs of the capacitor phase-out for rural
electric cooperatives would be $13.97
million, or 0.072 percent of the net value
of assets in electric plant in 1979. The
maximum annual increase in capitalized
costs as a percent of net investment
w.ould be 0.31 percent for the rural
electric cooperatives. The maximum
revenue requirement increase over the
phase-out period for the rural electric
cooperatives would be 0.084 percent of
1979 revenues.
The impact of the regulation on the
food and feed industries should also be
very small since most of the industry
has voluntarily moved or replaced their
PCS Transformers and Large Capacitors.
Further, the impact on small food and
feed companies will be negligible since
most small firms do not own their own
transformers and capacitors:
Since the effect of this rule avoids tfie
economic impact associated with a
disruption of electric service and based
on the regulatory analysis which
indicates that there is a net benefit from
the rule, I certify that this rule will not
have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
Therefore, a "regulatory flexibility
analysis" is not required and will not be
prepared for this rulemaking.
VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., authorizes
the Director of the OMB to review
certain information collection requests
by Federal agencies. EPA has
determined that the recordkeeping
requirements set out in 40 CFR 761.30
constitute a "collection of information,"
as defined in 44 U.S.C 3502(4), making
these requirements subject to the terms
of the PRA.
In 40 CFR 761.30(a) EPA grants
authorizations for the use of PCB-
containing transformers provided that
records are kept which indicate when
the equipment was inspected for leaks,
whether any leaks were found, and
what action it took if any leaks were
found. The person is required to keep
the records until three years after
disposing of the equipment, and upon
request, to make them available to EPA
for inspection. This requirement has
been reduced from the five-year period
that was in the proposal.
These recordkeeping requirements
minimize paperwork burden and are
designed to obtain only information
necessary to assure that companies are
complying with the rule. By eliminating
the inspection requirements for
capacitors, the paperwork burden of this
final rule has been reduced to less than
Six percent of the burden for the
.requirements in the proposed rule.
This final rule amendment has been
forwarded to the Director of OMB for
review under the terms of the PRA.
OMB has assigned the following control
number to this final rule: 2070-0003.
IX. Official Record of Rulemaking
In accordance with the requirements
of section 19(a)(3)(E) of TSCA, EPA is
publishing the following list of
documents, which constitute the record
of this rulemaking. However, public
comments, the transcript of the
rulemaking hearing, or submissions
made at the rulemaking hearing or in
connection with it will not be listed
because these documents are exempt
from Federal Register listing under
section 19(a)(3). A full list of these
materials is available on request by
contacting the Industry Assistance
Office (see listing under "For Further
Information Contact").
A. Previous Rulemaking Records
1. Official Rulemaking Record from
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in
Commerce and Use Prohibitions Rule"
published in the Federal Register of May 31,
1979, (44 FR 31514).
2. Official Rulemaking Record from
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Proposed
Restrictions on Use at Agricultural Pesticide
and Fertilizer Facilities," published in the
Federal Register of May 9,1980, (45 FR
30989).
B. Federal Register Notices
3.44 FR 31514, May 31,1979. USEPA.
"Polychlorinated ,Biphenyls {PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in
Commerce, and Use Prohibitions."
4. 45 FR 14232, March 5,1980. USEPA.
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Request
for Information on PCB Transformers."
5. 46 FR 16096, March 10,1981. USEPA.
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in
Commerce and Use Prohibitions; Use in
Electrical Equipment; Court Order on
Inspection and Maintenance."
6. 46 FR 16096, March 10,1981. USEPA.
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Use in
Electrical Equipment."
7. 46 FR 25411, May 6,1981. USEPA.
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Proposed
Restrictions on Use at Agricultural Pesticide
and Fertilizer Facilities; Abeyance of
Proposed Rule Amendment"
8.46 FR 27614, May 20,1981. USEPA.
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Use in
Electrical Equipment; Interim Measures
Program."
9.47 FR 17426, April 22,1982. USEPA.
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Use in
Electrical Equipment."
C. Support Documents
10. USEPA, OTS, "Regulatory Impact
Analysisfor the Proposed PCB-Containing
Electrical Equipment Rulemaking."
ll. USEPA, OTS "Regulatory Impact
Analysis of the Use Rule for PCB-Containing
Electrical Equipment."
12. USEPA, OTS "Response to Comments
on Health Effects of PCBs submitted by the
Chemical Manufacturers Association and the
Edison Electric Institute."
13. USEPA, OTS "Support Document for
the Electrical Equipment Use RuleResponse
to Comments."
D. Report*
14. Chemical Manufacturers Association,
"Summary of the Health Effects of PCBs."
Prepared by Ecology and the Environment,
Inc.
15. Edison Electric Institute and Utilities
Solid Waste Activities Group, "Comments
and Studies on the Use of Polychlorinated
Biphenyls (PCBs) in Response to an Order of
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit."
Vol I.Executive Summary and Integrated
Comments (02/12/82)
Vol. II.Potential Health Effects in the
Human from Exposure to Polychlorinated
Biphenyls and Related Impurities (2/12/82)
Prepared under contract to Drill, Friess,
Hays, Loomis & Shaffer, Inc.
Vol. III.Report of the Study on PCBs in
Equipment Owned by the Electric Utility
Industry (02/12/82). Prepared under
contract to Resource Planning Corp.
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37356 Federal Register / Vol. 47. No. 165 / Wednesday. August 25. 1982 / Rules and Regulations
VoL IV.Environmental Pathways of
Polychlorintrted ffiphenyh (02/12/82).
Prepared by Donald MacKay, Dept. of
Chemical Eng. and Applied Chemistry, Inst.
of Environmental Studies, Univ. of Towmto.
CA.
16. Edison Electric Institute, "Initial Cost
Impact to Utility Companies of the Regulation
of PCBs in Food-Related Industries."
(December 1980) Prepared by Resource
Planning Corp.
17. Edison Electric Institute and Utilities
Solid Waste Activities Group, "Preliminary
Findings of the Study of PCBs in Equipment
Owned by the Electric Utilities Industry,
Task I and II" (10/29/81). Prepared by
Resource Planning Corp.
IB. Electric Power Research Institute,
"Equilibrium Study of PCBs Between
Transformer Oil and Transformer Solid
Materials" (December 3,1981). Prepared by
RTE Corp.
19. ENSCO, "Emission Testing During
Incineration of PCBa at Energy Systems Co."
(December 1981). Prepared by TRW, Inc..
Env. Div.
20. National Electric Manufacturers
Association, "Potential Health Effects in the
Human from Exposure to Polychlorinated
Biphenyls (PCBs) and Related Impurities"
(01/25/82). Prepared by Drill.,Friess, Hays.
Loomis ft Shaffer, Inc.
21. Northeast Utilities Service Co.,
"Capacitor Protective Schemes Investigated
by Northeast Utilities." Presented to EPRI
PCB Seminar, Dallas, TX (December 1-3,
1981).
22. Rollins Env. Services, "The PCB
Incineration Test Made by Rollins
Environmental Services (TX), Inc. at Deer
Park, TX."iNovember 10-12,1981).
23. USEPA, OTS, "Summary Data on
Substitutes for Polycholorinated Biphenyls
(PCBs)" (February,'1981). Prepared by SRI
International.
24. USEPA, OTS, "Assessment of the Use
of Selected Replacement Fluids for PCBs in
Electrical Equipment" (March 1979). Prepared
by Verear, Inc.
25. USEPA, Reg. 6. AHMD, Solid Waste
Division, "Incineration of PCBs Summary of
Approval ActionsEnergy Systems Co.
(ENSCO), El Dorado Park, TX" (02/06/81).
26. USEPA, WH, Marine Protection,
"Marine Protection, Research, and
Sanctuaries Act (InHneration at Sea) Permit."
X. Statutory Authority
Under section 6(e) of TSCA (15 U.S.C.
2605), the Administrator may by rule
authorize the manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce or use (or any
combination of such activities) of any
PCBs in other than a totally enclosed
manner if the Administrator finds that it
will not present an unreasonable risk of
injury to health or the environment The
Administrator also has authority to
amend or modify the PCB
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution
in Commerce, and Use Prohibition Rule
(40 CFR Part 761), published in the
Federal Register of May 31,1979, (44 PR
31514).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 761
Hazardous materials, Labeling,
Polychlorinated biphenyls. Reporting
end recordkeeping requirements,
Environmental protection.
Dated: August 18, 1982.
John W. Hernandez,
Acting Administrator.
Therefore, 40 CFR Part 761 is
amended as follows:
PART 761 POLYCHLORINATED
BIPHENYLS (PCBs) MANUFACTURING,
PROCESSING, DISTRIBUTION IN
COMMERCE, AND USE PROHIBITIONS
1. In § 761.3. paragraphs (d)(l), (2), and
(3), (h), (t), and (z) are revised and
paragraph (11) is added to read as
follows:
§761.3 Definitions.
*****
(d) * * *
(1) "Small Capacitor" means a
capacitor which contains less than 1.36
kg (3 Ibs.) of dielectric fluid. The
following assumptions may be used if
the actual weight of the dielectric fluid
is unknown. A capacitor whose total
volume is less than 1,639 cubic
centimeters (100 cubic inches) may be
considered to contain less than 1.36 kg
(3 Ibs.) of dielectric fluid and a capacitor
whose total volume is more than 3,278
cubic centimeters (200 cubic inches]
must be considered to contain more than
1.36 kg (3 Ibs.) of dielectric fluid. A
capacitor whose volume is between
1,639 and 3,278 cubic centimeters may
be considered to contain less than 1.36
kg (3 Ibs.) of dielectric fluid if the total
weight of the capacitor is less than 4.08
kg (9 Ibs.).
(2) "Large High Voltage Capacitor"
means a capacitor which contains 1.36
kg (3 Ibs.) or mere of dielectric fluid and
which operates at 2000 volts (a.c. or d.c.)
or above.
(3) "Large Low Voltage Capacitor"
means a capacitor which contains 1.36
kg (3 Ibs.) or more of dielectric fluid and
which operates below 2000 volts (a.c. or
(h) "Disposal" means intentionally or
accidentally to discard, throw away, or
otherwise complete or terminate the
useful life of PCBs and PCB Items.
Disposal includes spills, leaks, and other
uncontrolled discharges of PCBs as well
as actions related to containing,
transporting, destroying, degrading,
decontaminating, or confining PCBs and
PCB Items.
« * * * *
(t) "PCB Article" means any
manufactured article, other than a HCB
Container, that contains PCBs and
whose surface(s) has been in direct
contact with PCBs. "PCB Article"
includes capacitors, transformers,
electric motors, pumps, pipes and any
other manufactured item (1) which is
formed to a specific shape or design
during manufacture, (2) which has end
use function(s) dependent in whole or in
part upon its shape or design during end
use, and (3) which has either no change
of chemical composition during its end
use or only those changes of
composition which have no commerical
purpose separate from that of the PCB
Article.
*****
(z) "PCB-Contaminated Electrical
Equipment" means any electrical
equipment, including but not limited to
transformers (including those used in
railway locomotives and self-propelled
cars), capacitors, circuit breakers,
reclosers, voltage regulators, switches
(including sectionalizers and motor
starters), electromagnets, and cable, that
contain 50 ppm or greater PCB, but less
than 500 ppm PCB. Oil-filled electrical
equipment other than circuit breakers,
reclosers, and cable whose PCB
concentration is unknown must be
assumed to be PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment. (See § 761.30(a)
and (h) for provisions permitting
reclassification of electrical equipment
containing 500 ppm or greater PCBs to
PCB-Contaminated Electrical
Equipment).
*****
(11) "Posing an Exposure Risk to Food
or Feed" means being in any location
where human food or animal feed
products could be exposed to PCBs
released from a PCB Item. A PCB Item
poses an exposure risk to food or feed if
PCBs released in any way from the PCB
Item have a potential pathway to human
food or animal feed. EPA considers
human food and animal feed to include
items regulated by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture or the Food and Drug
Administration as human food or animal
feed; this includes additives. Food or
feed is excluded from this definition if it
is used or stored in private homes.
*****
2. The introductory text of § 761.20 is
revised to read as follows:
§761.20 Prohibitions.
Except as authorized in § 761.30 the
activities listed in paragraphs (a) and (d)
of this section are prohibited pursuant to
section 6(e)(2) of TSCA. The
requirements set forth in paragraphs (b)
and (c) of this section concerning export
and import of PCBs for purposes of
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 37357
disposal and PCS Items for purposes of
disposal are established pursuant to
section 6(e)(l) of TSCA. Subject to any
exemptions granted pursuant to section
6(e)(3)(B) of TSCA, the activities listed
in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section
are prohibited pursuant to section
8(e)(3)(A} of TSCA. In addition, the
Administrator hereby finds, under the
authority of section 12{a)(2) of TSCA,
that the manufacture, processing, and
distribution in commerce of PCBs and
PCB Items for export from the United
States presents an unreasonable risk of..
injury to health within the United States.
This finding is based upon the well-
documented human health and
environmental hazard of PCB exposure;
the high probability of human and
environmental exposure to PCBs and
PCB Items from manufacturing,
processing, or distribution activities; the
potential hazard of PCB exposure posed
by the transportation of PCBs or PCB
Items within the United States; and the
evidence that contamination of the
environment by PCBs is spread far
beyond the areas where they are used.
In addition, the Administrator hereby
finds that any exposure of human beings
or the environment to PCBs as measured
or detected by any scientifically
acceptable analytical method is a
significant exposure, as defined in
§ 761.3(dd). Section 761.3(hh) and TSCA
section 6(e)(2)(C) define the term totally
enclosed manner as "any manner which
will ensure that any exposure of human
beings or the environment to a
polychlorinated biphenyl will be
insignificant * -* *." Since any exposure
to PCBs is found to be a significant
exposure, a totally enclosed manner is a
manner that results in no exposure of
humans or the environment to PCBs. The
following activities are considered
totally enclosed: distribution in
commerce of intact, nonleaking
electrical equipment such as
transformers (including transformers
used in railway locomotives and self-
propelled cars), capacitors,
electromagnets, voltage regulators,
switches (including sectionalizers and
motor starters), circuit breakers,
reclosers, and cable that contain PCBs
at any concentration and processing and
distribution in commerce of PCB
Equipment containing an intact,
nonleaking PCB Capacitor. See
paragraph (c) (1) of this section for
provisions allowing the distribution in
commerce of PCBs and PCB Items.
*****
3. Section 761.30 is amended by
revising paragraphs (a) and (h) and
adding paragraphs (1) and (m) to read as
follows:
§761.30 Authorization*.
*****
(a) Use in and servicing of
transformers (other than railroad
transformers}, PCBs at any
concentration may be used in
transformers (other than transformers
for railroad locomotives and self-
propelled railroad cars) and may be
used for purposes of servicing including
rebuilding these transformers for the
remainder of their useful lives, subject
to the following conditions:
(1) Use conditions, (i) After October 1,
1985, the use and storage for reuse of
PCB Transforniers that pose an
exposure risk to food or feed is
prohibited.
(ii) A visual inspection of each PCB
Transformer (as defined in § 761.3(y)) in
use or stored for reuse shall be
performed at least once every three
months. These inspections may take
place any time during the three month
periods; January-March, April-June,
July-September, and October-December
as long as there is a minimum of 30 days
between inspections. The visual
inspection must include investigation for
any leak of dielectric fluid on or around
the transformer. The extent of the visual
inspections will depend on the physical
constraints of each transformer
installation and should not require an
electrical shutdown of the transformer
being inspected.
. (iii) If a PCB Transformer is found to
have a leak which results in any
quantity of PCBs running off or about to
run off the external surface of the
transformer, then the transformer must
be repaired or replaced to eliminate the
source of the leak. In all cases any
leaking material must be cleaned up and
properly disposed of according to
disposal requirements of § 761.60.
Cleanup of the released PCBs must be
initiated as soon as possible, but in no
case later than 48 hours of its discovery.
Until appropriate action is completed,
any active leak of PCBs must be
contained to prevent exposure of
humans or the environment and
inspected daily to verify containment of
the leak. Trenches, dikes, buckets, and
pans are examples of proper
containment measures.
(iv) Records of inspection and
maintenance history shall be maintained
at least 3 years after disposing of the
transformer and shall be made available
for inspection, upon request, by EPA
(OMB Control Number: 2070-0003). Such
records shall contain the following
information for each PCB Transformer:
(A) Its location.
(B) The date of each visual inspection
and the date that a leak was discovered,
if different from the inspection date.
(C) The person performing the
inspection.
(D) The location of any leak(s).
(E) An estimate of the amount of
dielectric fluid released frorh any leak,
(F) The date of any cleanup,
containment, repair, or replacement.
(C) A description of any cleanup,
containment, or repair performed.
(H) The results of any containment
and daily inspection required for
uncorrected active leaks.
(v) A reduced visual inspection
frequency of at least once every 12
months applies to PCB Transformers
that utilize either of the following risk
reduction measures. These inspections
may take place any time during the
calendar year as long as there is a
minimum of 180 days between
inspections.
(A) a PCB Transformer which has
impervious, undrained, secondary
containment capacity of at least 100
percent of the total dielectric fluid
volume of all transformers so contained,
or
(B) A PCB Transformer which has
been tested and found to contain less
than 60,000 ppm PCBs (after three
months of inservice use if the
transformer has been serviced for
purposes of reducing the PCB
concentration).
(vi) An increased visual inspection
frequency of at least once every week
applies to any PCB Transformer in use
or stored for reuse which poses an
exposure risk to food or feed. The user
of a PCB Transformer posing an
exposure risk to food or feed is
responsible for the inspection,
recordkeeping, and maintenance
requirements under this section until the
user notifies the owner that the
transformer may pose an exposure risk
to food or feed. Following such
notification, it is the owner's ultimate
responsibility to determine whether the
PCB Transformer poses an exposure risk
to food or feed.
(2) Servicing conditions, (i)
Transformers classified as PCB-
Contaminated Electrical Equipment (as
defined in § 761.3(z)J may be serviced
(including rebuilding) only with
dielectric fluid containing less than 500
ppm PCB.
(ii) Any servicing (including
rebuilding) of PCB Transformers (as
defined in § 761.3(y)) that requires the
removal of the transformer coil from the
transformer casing is prohibited. PCB
Transformers may be serviced
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37358 Federal Register / Vol. 47. No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations
(including topping off) with dielectric
fluid at any PCB concentration.
(iii) PCBs removed during any
servicing activity must be captured and
either reused as dielectric fluid or
disposed of in accordance with the
requirements of § 761.60. PCBs from PCB
Transformers must not be mixed with or
added to dielectric fluid from PCB-
Contaminated Electrical Equipment.
(iv) Regardless of its PCB
concentration, dielectric fluids
containing lesa than 500 ppm PCB that
are mixed with fluids that contain 500
ppm or greater PCB must not be used as
dielectric fluid in any electrical
equipment. The entire mixture of
dielectric fluid must be considered to be
greater than 500 ppm PCB and must be
disposed of in an incinerator that meets
the requirements in § 761.70.
(v) A PCB Transformer may be
converted to PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment or to a non-PCB
Transformer and a transformer that is
classified as PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment may be reclassified
to a non-PCB Transformer by draining,
refilling and/or otherwise servicing the
transformer. In order to reclassify, the
transformer's dielectric fluid must
contain less than 500 ppm PCB (for
conversion to PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment) or less than 50
ppm PCB (for conversion to a non-PCB
Transfomer) after a minimum of three
months of in-service use subsequent to
the last servicing conducted for the
purpose of reducing the PCB
concentration in the transformer. In-
service means that the transformer is
used electrically under loaded
conditions that raise the temperature of
the dielectric fluid to at least 50°
Centigrade. The Assistant Administrator
may grant, without further rulemaking,
approval for the use of alternative
methods that simulate the loaded
conditions of in-service use. All PCBs
removed from transformers for purposes
of reducing PCB concentrations are
subject to the disposal requirements of
§ 761.60.
(vi) Any dielectric fluid containing 50
ppm or greater PCB used for servicing
transformers must be stored in
accordance with the storage for disposal
requirements of § 761.65.
(vii) Processing and distribution in
commerce of PCBs for purposes of
servicing transformers is permitted only
for persons who are granted an
exemption under TSCA 6(e)(3)(B).
* * * * *
(h) Use in and servicing of
electromagnets, switches and voltage
regulators. PCBs at any concentration
may be used in electromagnets, switches
(including sectionalizers and motor
starters), and voltage regulators and
may be used for purposes of servicing
this equipment (including rebuilding) for
the remainder of their useful lives,
subject to the following conditions:
(1) Use conditions, (i) After October 1,
1985, the use and storage for reuse of
any electromagnet which poses an
exposure risk to food or feed is
prohibited if the electromagnet contains
greater tha 500"ppm PCBs.
(ii) A visual inspection of each
electromagnet subject to paragraph
(h)(l)(i) shall be performed at least once
every week according to the conditions
contained in § 761.30(a)(l)(iii) and (iv).
(2) Servicing conditions, (i) Servicing
(including rebuilding) any "
electromagnet, switch, or voltage
regulator with a PCB concentration of
500 ppm or greater which requires the
removal and rework of the internal
components is prohibited.
(ii) Electromagnets, switches, and
voltage regulators classified as PCB-
Contaminated Electrical Equipment (as
defined in § 761.3(z)) may be serviced
(including rebuilding) only with
dielectric fluid containing less than 500
ppm PCB.
(iii) PCBs removed during any
servicing activity must be captured and
either reused as dielectric fluid or
disposed of in accordance with the
requirements of § 761.60. PCBs from
electromagnets switches, &nd voltage
regulators with a PCB concentration of
at least 500 ppm must not be mixed with
or added to dielectric fluid from PCB-
Contaminated Electrical Equipment.
(iv) Regardless of its PCB
(concentration, dielectric fluids
containing less than 500 ppm PCB) that
are mixed with fluids that contain 500
ppm or greater PCB must not be used as
dielectric fluid in any electrical
equipment. The entire mixture of
dielectric fluid must be considered to be
greater than 500 ppm PCB and must be
disposed of in an incinerator that meets
the requirements of § 761.70.
(v) An electromagnet, switch or
voltage regulator with a PCB
concentration of at least 500 ppm may
be converted to PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment or to a non-PCB
classification and PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment may be reclassified
to a non-PCB classification by draining,
refilling and/or otherwise servicing the
equipment. In order to be reclassified,
the equipment's dielectric fluid must
contain less than 500 ppm PCB (for
conversion to PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment) or less than 50
ppm PCB (for conversion to a non-PCB
classification) after a minimum of three
months of in-service use subsequent to
the last servicing conducted for the
purpose of reducing the PCB
concentration in the equipment. In-
service use means the equipment is used
electrically under loaded conditions.
The Assistant Administrator may grant,
without further rulemaking, approval for
the use of alternative methods that
simulate the loaded conditions of in-
service use. All PCBs removed from this
equipment for purposes of reducing PCB
concentrations are subject to the
disposal requirements of § 761.60.
(vi) Any dielectric fluid containing 50
ppm or greater PCB used for servicing
electromagnets, switches, or voltage
regulators must be stored in accordance
with the storage for disposal
requirements of § 761.65.
(vii) Processing and distribution in
commerce of PCBs for purposes of
servicing electromagnets, switches or
voltage regulators is permitted only for
persons who are granted an exemption
under TSCA 6(e)(3)(B).
*****
(1) Use in capacitors. PCBs at any
concentration may be used in
capacitors, subject to the following
conditions:
(1) Use conditions, p) After October 1,
1988, the use and storage for reuse of
PCB Large High Voltage Capacitors and
PCB Large Low Voltage Capacitors
which pose an exposure risk to food or
feed is prohibited.
(ii) After October 1,1988, the use of
PCB Large High Voltage Capacitors and
PCB Large Low Voltage Capacitors is
prohibited unless the capacitor is used
within a restricted-access electrical
substation or in a contained and
restricted-access indoor installation. A
restricted-access electrical substation is
an outdoor, fenced or walled-in facility
that restricts public access and is used
in the transmission or distribution of
electric power. A contained and
restricted-access indoor installation
does not have public access and has an
adequate roof, walls, and floor to
contain any release of PCBs within the
indoor location.
(2) [Reserved]
(m) Use in and servicing of circuit
breakers, reclosers and cable. PCBs at
any concentration may be used in circuit
breakers, reclosers, and cable and may
be used for purposes of servicing this
electrical equipment (including
rebuilding) for the remainder of their
useful lives, subject to the following
conditions:
(1) Servicing conditions, (i) Circuit
breakers, reclosers, and cable may be
serviced (including rebuilding) only with
dielectric fluid containing less than 50
ppm PCB.
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 165 / Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 37359
(ii) Any circuit breaker, recloser or
cable found to contain at least SO ppm
PCBs may be serviced only in
accordance with the conditions
contained in 40 CFR 761.30(h){2).
(2) [Reserved]
4. In § 761.40. paragraphs (a)(2) and
(c)(l) are revised to read as follows:
§ 761.40 Marking requirements.
(a) * * *
(2) PCS Transformers at the time of
manufacture, at the time of distribution
in commerce if not already marked, and
at the time of removal from use if not
already marked. [Marking of PCB-
Contaminated Electrical Equipment is
not required];
* * * # *
(c) * . .
(1) All PCS Transformers not marked
under paragraph (a) of this section
[marking of PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment is not required];
*****
5. The heading for Subpart D is
revised to read as follows:
Subpart 0Storage and Disposal
6. In § 761.60 paragraph (b)(lp) is
removed and reserved and the
introductory text of paragraph (a)(2),
paragraph (b)(2)(i), the introductory text
of paragraph (b)(2Hiii). paragraph (b)(4)
and (5), paragraph (d), and paragraph
(g)(l) are revised and paragraph (b)(6) is
added to read as follows:
f 761.60 Disposal requirements.
(a) * * *
(2] Mineral oil dielectric fluid from
PCB-Contaminated Electrical Equipment
containing a PCB concentration of 50
ppm or greater, but less than 500 ppm,
must be disposed of in one of the
following;
*****
(b) * * *
(2) PCB Capacitors, (i) The disposal of
any capacitor shall comply with all
requirements of this subpart unless it is
known from label or nameplate
information, manufacturer's literature
(including documented communications
with the manufacturer), or chemical
analysis that the capacitor does not
contain PCBs.
*****
(Hi) Any PCB Large High or Low
Voltage Capacitor which contains 500
ppm or greater PCBs, owned by any
person, shall be disposed of in
accordance with either of the following:
*****
(4) PCB-Contaminated Electrical
Equipment. All PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment except capacitors
shall be disposed of by draining all free
flowing liquid from the electrical
equipment and disposing of the liquid in
accordance with paragraph (a)(2) or (3)
of this section. The disposal of the
drained electrical equipment is not
regulated by this rule. Capacitors thatt
contain between 50 and 500 ppm PCBs
shall be disposed of in an incinerator
that complies with § 761.70 or in a
chemical waste landfill that complies
with § 761.75.
(5) Other PCB Articles, (i) PCB
Articles with a PCB concentration of 500
ppm or greater must be disposed oft
(A) In an incinerator that complies
with | 761.70; or
(B) In a chemical waste landfill that
complies with § 761.75, provided that all
free-flowing liquid PCBs have been
thoroughly drained from any articles
before the articles are placed in the
chemical waste landfill and that the
drained liquids are disposed of in an
incinerator that complies with § 761.70.
(ii) PCB Articles with a PCB
concentration between 50 and 500 ppm
must be disposed of by draining all free
flowing liquid from the article and
disposing of the liquid in accordance
with paragraph (a)(2) or (3) of this
section. The disposal of the drained
article is not regulated by this rule.
(6) Storage of PCB Articles. Except for
a PCB Article described in paragraph
(b)(2)(ii) of this section and hydraulic
machines that comply with the
municipal solid waste disposal
provisions described in paragraph (b)(3)
of this section, any PCB Article shall be
stored in accordance with § 761.65 prior
to disposal.
*****
(d) Spills. (1) Spills, leaks, and other
uncontrolled'discharges of PCBs
constitute the disposal of PCBs.
(2) PCBs resulting from the clean-up
and removal of spills, leaks, or other
uncontrolled discharges, must be stored
and disposed of in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this section.
(3) These regulations do not exempt
any person from any actions or liability
under other statutory authorities,
including but not limited to the Clean
Water Act, the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act, and the
Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act of 1980.
*****
(g) Testing-procedures. (1) Owners or
users of mineral oil dielectric fluid
electrical equipment may use the
following procedures to determine the
concentration of PCBs in the dielectric
fluid:
(i) Dielectric fluid removed from
mineral oil dielectric fluid electrical
equipment may be collected in a
common container, provided that no ,
other chemical substances or mixtures
are added to the container. This
common container option does not
permit dilution of the collected oil.
Mineral oil that is assumed or known to
contain at least 50 ppm PCBs must not
be mixed with mineral oil that is known
or assumed to contain less than 50 ppm
PCBs to reduce the concentration of
PCBs in the common container. If
dielectric fluid from untestedr oil-filled
circuit breakers, -reclosers, or cable is
collected in a common container with
dielectric fluid from other oil-filled
electrical equipment, the entire contents
of the container must be treated as PCBs
at a concentration of at least 50 ppm,
unless all of the fluid from the other oil-
filled electrical equipment has been
tested and shown to contain less than 50
ppm PCBs.
(ii) For purposes of complying with the
marking and disposal requirements,
representative samples may be taken
from either the common containers or
the individual electrical equipment to
determine the PCB concentration, except
that if any PCBs at a concentration of
500 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 500 ppm or greater for
purposes of complying with the disposal
requirements of this subpart. For
purposes of this subparagraph,
representative samples of mineral oil
dielectric fluid are either samples taken
in accordance with American Society of
Testing and Materials method D-923 or
samples taken from a container that has
been thoroughly mixed in a manner such
that any PCBs in the container are
uniformly distributed throughout the
liquid in the container.
*****
7. In § 761.65, paragraph (c)(2) is
revised to read as follows:
§761.65 Storage for disposal.
*****
(c)* * *
(2) Non-leaking and structurally
undamaged PCB Large High Voltage
Capacitors and PCB-Contaminated
Electrical Equipment that have not been
drained of free flowing dielectric fluid
may be stored on pallets next to a
storage facility that meets the
requirements of paragraph (b) of this
section. PCB-Contaminated Electrical
Equipment that has been drained of free
flowing dielectric fluid is not subject to
the storage provisi9ns of § 761.65.
Storage under this subparagraph will be
permitted only when the storage facility
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37360 Federal Register J Vol. 47. No. 165 ,/ Wednesday, August 25, 1982 / Rules and Regulations
has immediately available unfilled
storage space equal 1o 10 percent of the
volume of capacitors and equipment
stored outside the facility. The
capacitors and equipment temporarily
stored outside the facility shall be
checked for -leaks we«kly.
§761.45 Correctly designated as
§761.180.
8. Section 761.45 which was
incorrectly redesignated as § 761.80 in
the Federal Register of May fi, 1982 ,(47
FR 19527) is correctly ^designated as
§ 761.180 in Subpart J.
iFB Uoi 82-23284 Piled 8-^4-82 8.45 ^m|
BILLING CODE 6560-50-1*
-------
Thursday
October 21 1982
APPENDIX D
Part III
Environmental
Protection Agency
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs);
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in
Commerce, and Use Prohibitions; Use in
Closed and Controlled Waste
Manufacturing Processes
-------
46980 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 204 / Thursday, October 21,1982 / Rules and Regulations
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 761
[OPTS-62017B; TSH-FRL 2217-6]
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs);
Manufacturing, Processing,
Distribution In Commerce, and Use
Prohibitions; Use in Closed and
Controlled Waste Manufacturing
Processes
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: This final rule amends
portions of an existing EPA rule
concerning certain chemical substances
known as polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs}. The Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA), 15 U.S.C. 2605(e), generally
prohibits the manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce, and use of
PCBs. This rule excludes PCBs produced
in certain limited manufacturing
processes from the TSCA prohibitons.
Appropriate safeguards are included to
ensure compliance with the conditions
for exclusion provided by the rule.
DATES: These amendments shall be
considered promulgated for purpose of
judicial review under section 19 of"
TSCA at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
on October 27,1982. These amendments
shall be effective on November 22, 1982,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Douglas G. Bannerman, Acting Director,
Industry Assistance Office (TS-799),
Office of Toxic Substances,
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm.
E-509, 401 M St., SW., Washington, D.C.
20460, Toll Free: (800-424-9065), In
Washington, D.C.: (554-1404), Outside
the USA: (Operator-202-554-1404).
Copies of this rule and its support
documents can be obtained from the
Industry Assistance Office listed above.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB
Control Number: 2070-0008.
I. Recodification of 40 CFR Part 761
Notice of the recodification of 40 CFR
Part 761 appears in the Federal Register
of May 6,1982 (47 FR 19527). This final
rule contains the new designations:
New designation
Subpart B ..
§ 761 185
8 7R1 3
§ 761 65
§ 761 70
ft 761 75
Former
designation
Subpart D
§ 761 45
5761.2
5 761 42.
{76140
5761.41.
II. Background
Section 6(e) of the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) prohibits the
manufacture, processing, distribution in
commerce, and use of polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs). However, the statute
enables EPA to promulgate rules to
reduce the impact of the ban. EPA
promulgated a rule, published in the
Federal Register of May 31,1979 (44 FR
31514), to implement section 6(e) of
TSCA. This rule is listed in the Code of
Federal Regulations under 40 CFR Part
761. This rule, among other things,
generally excluded from the ban
materials containing PCBs in
concentrations under 50 parts per
million (ppm).
The Environmental Defense Fund
(EOF) obtained judicial review of the
rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit. EOF
challenged the provision described
above, among others. On October 30,
1980, the court invalidated the
regulatory exclusion for PCB
concentrations below 50 ppm
Environmental Defense Fund v. EPA,
636 F.2d 1267. The court remanded the
rule to EPA for further action consistent
with the opinion. The court's decision
placed industries that had relied upon
the PCB Ban Rule in a difficult position.
Issuance of the court's mandate would
have activated section 6(e)'s broad
prohibitions on the manufacture,
processing, distribution in commerce,
and use of PCBs, resulting in the
disruption of many activities in
industries throughout the United States.
Accordingly, the parties to the lawsuit
filed a joint motion on February 20,1981,
to seek a stay of the court's mandate.
The joint motion proposed that during
the period encompassed by the stay: (1)
EPA would conduct new rulemaking
with respect to PCBs, and (2) industry
groups would initiate studies to provide
information for the new rulemaking.
During discussions which led up to
this joint motion, representatives of
some affected industries stated that
some of the processes which produce
PCBs are designed and operated so that
no releases of PCBs occur or that the
PCBs formed in the processes are
released only in wastes that are
disposed of appropriately.
Consequently, virtually no risk to
humans or the environment is
associated with such processes because
the likelihood of exposure is so low.
Therefore, the joint motion proposed
that EPA would publish an Advance
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR)
requesting comments on the possible
exclusion of these PCBs from the
provisions of section 6(e) of TSCA.
In addition to dealing with closed and
controlled waste processes, the
February 20 joint motion also proposed
to publish an ANPR requesting
information on all other manufacture,
processing, distribution in commerce,
and use of PCBs in low concentrations.
PCBs generated in and released from
other than closed or controlled waste
processes are referred to as
"uncontrolled PCBs."
On April 13,1981, the court entered an
order in EDF\. EPA, in response to the
February 20 joint motion. The text of the
court's order is set forth in the Federal
Register of May 20,1981 (46 FR 27615).
The April 13 order stayed issuance of
the court's mandate with respect to
activities relating to PCBs in
concentrations below 50 ppm. Thus, the
50 ppm regulatory cutoff remains in
effect for the duration of the stay, and
persons who manufacture, process,
distribute in commerce, and use PCBs in
concentrations less than 50 ppm may
continue these activities during the stay.
The order also adopted a plan for
further actions by EPA and industry
groups leading toward new EPA
rulemaking on the regulation of PCBs in
concentrations below 50 ppm. The April
13 order required EPA: (1) to publish two
ANPRs on developing rules to cover
PCBs in concentrations below 50 ppm;
(2) to promulgate a final rule, within 18
months from the date of the order (i.e.,
October 13,1982), with respect to
exclusion of the generation of PCBs in
closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes from the
prohibitions of section 6(e)(3), or to
explain the reasons for not proceeding
with such a rule; and (3) to advise the
court, within 11 months after the date ot
the order (i.e., March 13,1982), of EPA's
plan and schedule for further action on
PCBs in concentrations below 50 ppm
generated as uncontrolled PCBs.
In the Federal Register of May 20,1981
(46 FR 27617 and 46 FR 27619), EPA
issued two ANPRs on the 50 ppm
regulatory cutoff. The ANPRs
established bifurcated rulemaking
proceedings with respect to PCBs in
concentrations below 50 ppm. The first
ANPR announced rulemaking on PCBs
generated in closed and controlled
waste manufacturing processes. The
second ANPR announced the framework
for the Agency's exploration of the
scope of the problem presented by PCBs
in concentrations below 50 ppm in other
than closed or controlled waste
processes.
On March 11,1982, EPA submitted, in
accordance with the April 13,1981 court
order, a report to the court that
contained its plans for further regulatory
-------
Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 204 / Thursday, October 21, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 46981
action on uncontrolled PCBs. EPA
requested that the court allow EPA to
report on its further plans for regulatory
action on uncontrolled PCBs following
the completion of the rulemaking on
closed and controlled waste processes
{but no later than November 1,1982).
EPA also requested that the court
extend its stay of mandate until
December 1,1982, to allow EPA time to
present its plans for regulatory action on
uncontrolled PCBs to the court and for
the court to respond. On April 9,1982,
the court granted EPA's requests.
In its report to the court on
uncontrolled PCBs, due November 1,
1982, EPA intends to describe its plans
for regulatory action on uncontrolled
PCBs and at the same time, request a
further extension of the court's stay of
mandate, until the completion of
rulemaking on uncontrolled PCBs.
After considering all comments
submitted to the Agency in response to
the first ANPR, EPA issued a proposed
rule in the Federal Register of June 8,
1982 (47 FR 24976), which would exclude
PCBs produced in closed and controlled
waste manufacturing processes from the
TSCA ban on the manufacture,
processing, distribution in commerce,
and use of PCBs. EPA received 48
comments on the proposed rule and, on
July 26, 1982, held a public hearing in
Washington, D.C. At the hearing, three
participants provided testimony on
various aspects of the proposed rule.
EPA has considered all the comments
received on the proposed rule and has
modified the proposed rule where
appropriate. Further, EPA has prepared
a support document for this rulemaking
which addresses all major comments
made on the proposed rule and includes
EPA's responses to suggestions which
were not incorporated in the final rule.
This document, entitled "Response to
Comments on the Closed and Controlled
Waste Rule," is available by contacting
the Industry Assistance Office (see FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
In order to avoid a "race to the
courthouse" by persons seeking judicial
review of this rule, EPA has decided to
designate the time and date of
"promulgation" of this rule as 1:00 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time on October 27,
1982. The Agency has previously taken
this approach for rules promulgated
under the Clean Water Act (see 40 CFR
100.01, 45 FR 26048). The Agency will be
considering a general rule for TSCA
similar to 40 CFR 100.01,
III. Summary of the Final Rule
The objective of this final rule is to
exclude certain process situations from
the prohibitions and requirements of
section 6(e) of TSCA. This exclusion is
voluntary; manufacturers are not
required by this rule to take advantage
of the exclusion.
This final rule modifies and clarifies
some of the requirements presented in
the proposed rule because of
information obtained during the public
comment period and at the public
hearing on the proposed rule. Briefly, in
the proposed rule: (1) EPA defined the
absence of PCBs in releases from closed
and controlled waste manufacturing
processes by referencing an analytical
technique, (2) EPA defined controlled
wastes as wastes disposed of in
facilities approved by EPA for the
disposal of PCB wastes under 40 CFR
761.60, and (3) EPA required
recordkeeping by persons taking
advantage of the exclusion.
In the final rule: (1) EPA is setting
numerical cutoffs for purposes of
defining the absence of PCBs in releases
from closed and controlled waste
processes, (2) EPA is adding additional
disposal mechanisms to the list of
acceptable mechanisms for the disposal
of controlled wastes containing PCBs in
concentrations between the limit of
quantitation and 50 ppm, and (3) EPA is
instituting a new recordkeeping
requirement and a reporting requirement
in addition to the recordkeeping
requirements listed in the proposed rule.
In this final rule, EPA is excluding
from the requirements of section 6(e) the
manufacture, processing, distribution in
commerce, and use of PCBs created in
closed manufacturing processes and
controlled waste manufacturing
processes. A closed manufacturing
process is defined as a manufacturing
process that produces PCBs, but
releases PCBs only in concentrations
below the practical limits of quantitation
for PCBs in air emissions, water
effluents, products, and process wastes.
Similarly, a controlled waste
manufacturing process is a
manufacturing process that produces
PCBs, but releases PCBs only in
concentrations below the practical
limits of quantitation for PCBs in air
emissions, water effluents, and
products, and all remaining PCBs are
disposed of in accordance with methods
for disposal specified in this rule.
Controlled wastes containing PCBs in
concentrations between the practical
limit of quantitation and 50 ppm, must
be disposed of in a qualified incinerator
(see discussion under IV.A.5.), or in an
EPA-approved PCB landfill, or be stored
for incineration or landfilling in
accordance with § 761.65(b)(l).
(Controlled wastes, containing PCBs in
concentrations above 50 ppm, must be
handled like all PCB waste above 50
ppm, in accordance with the existing
PCB disposal and marking rule (43 FR
7150)).
For purposes of this rule, the practical
limit of quantitation for PCBs in any
release to air is ten micrograms per
cubic meter (roughly 0.01 part per
million (ppm)) per resolvable gas
chromatographic peak; in any release to
water, the limit is 100 micrograms per
liter (roughly 0.1 ppm) per resolvable gas
chromatographic peak; and in any
product or waste, the limit is two
micrograms per gram (2 ppm) per
resolvable gas chromatographic paak.
(See discussion of the practical limit of
quantitation of PCBs under IV.A.3.C. for
more details.) These PCB concentrations
represent the lowest concentrations of
PCBs which EPA believes can be
practically quantified in air, water,
products, and process waste streams.
EPA believes that for all practical
purposes, it would be impossible to
determine whether regulation of PCBs
below these levels had any effect on
actually reducing releases of PCBs.
Consequently, EPA has concluded that
there would be no measurable gain in
protecting the environment or public
health by attempting to regulate PCB at
levels that are not practically
measurable.
In specifying the methods for the
disposal of controlled wastes containing
less than 50 ppm PCBs, EPA is confident
that these wastes will be disposed of in
a manner that will result in little or no
environmental contamination. At the
same time, EPA believes that this rule
will not place unreasonable burdens on
existing disposal facilities or create
excessive disposal costs for
manufacturers disposing of wastes
containing PCBs in concentrations
between the practical limit of
quantitation and 50 ppm.
In addition to meeting the criteria for
eligibility described above,
manufacturers who want to take
advantage of the exclusion must fulfill
certain recordkeeping and reporting
requirements. These include: (1)
certifying that their processes qualify,
(2) notifying EPA that they have made
this certification and how they have
made the determination, and (3)
maintaining a record of the
determination that their processes
qualify for exclusion. Manufacturers art
provided the option of conducting
theoretical assessments to support
certification or of conducting actual
monitoring of PCB levels in releases.
Recertification and renotification of EPA
are required upon significant process
changes.
In providing for theoretical
assessments in lieu of actual monitoring
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of PCB levels, EPA has concluded that
such determinations may be possible in
certain process situations; therefore, it
would be unreasonable to require actual
monitoring of PCB levels in all
situations. Manufacturers have the
burden of making the decision about
when a theoretical assessment in lieu of
actual monitoring of PCB levels is
appropriate. Because of the difficulty of
estimating actual PCB levels, EPA
recommends that a theoretical
assessment be used to qualify for the
exclusion only when the results of the
theoretical assessment indicate that PCB
concentrations in releases will be
substantially below the practical limits
of quantitation.
EPA is issuing some general
guidelines for conducting a theoretical
assessment to aid manufacturers in
completing this assessment.
Nonetheless, EPA expects that each
individual manufacturer will exercise
judgment in choosing the methodology
to be used in conducting a theoretical
assessment, and in deciding when to
undertake chemical analysis of process
streams to determine if a process
qualifies for exclusion.
EPA will not be performing theoretical
assessments in enforcement inspections
to determine whether a process qualifies
for exclusion, but rather, will be
conducting chemical analysis of process
streams. In monitoring compliance with
this rule, if EPA identifies a process that
is supported by a complete theoretical
assessment but is determined to be -
operating in violation of TSCA section
6(e) (through chemical anajysis of
process releases), then the process will
be ineligible for exclusion, regardless of
the results of the manufacturer's
theoretical assessment.
EPA believes that recordkeeping and
reporting are necessary to ensure that
only processes which meet the
definitions of closed and controlled
waste processes are permitted to
operate under this exclusion. A
reporting requirement also enables EPA
to develop an effective compliance
monitoring program. Thus, EPA has
determined that the benefits of
instituting a reporting requirement far
outweigh the costs to manufacturers of
submitting this information to EPA.
TSCA explicitly provides only for
case-by-case exceptions to the ban on
the manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce, and use of
PCBs. However, Federal courts have
recognized the "de minimis" exception
to legislative mandates. Although the
court in EDFv. EPA overturned portions
of the Agency's PCB regulations, it
nevertheless noted that administrative
agencies have the power "inherent in
most statutory schemes, to overlook
circumstances that in context may fairly
be considered de minimis." 636 F. 2d
1283. Courts-and agencies should be
reluctant to apply a statute literally in
pointless expenditure of effort, where
regulation would yield a gain of trivial
or no value. EPA has evaluated closed
and controlled waste manufacturing
processes in this context and finds that
circumstances surrounding these
processes may fairly be considered de
minimis situations.
A substantial number of industry
comments have criticized EPA for
failure, in this rule, to deal with the
entire universe of PCBs generated in low
concentrations. Some would have the
Agency use this rule as a vehicle to
create exclusions from the regulatory
ambit of section 6(e) for all low
concentration PCBs on the basis that
they present de minimis risks to health
or the environment. EPA emphasizes
that this rule has a more limited
purpose. It is intended only to exclude a
specific class of chemical processes
from further regulation. This rule does
not establish a single PCB concentration
below which all PCBs are excluded from
regulation and above which all PCBs
will always be regulated.
EPA is not prepared at this time to
make any decisions on processes
releasing PCBs in concentrations above
the practical limits of quantitation. For
those instances in which PCBs are
generated and released in
concentrations below 50 ppm, but are
not excluded by this rule, EPA intends
to request a further stay of the D.C.
Circuit Court's mandate until an
additional rule can be promulgated.
Under the terms of such a stay, PCBs
produced in processes not qualifying as
closed or controlled waste processes
under this regulation could continue to
be generated in the interim period. In
any case, until that further stay is
granted, a manufacturing process not
qualifying as a closed or controlled
waste process under this regulation, but
producing and/or releasing PCBs in
concentrations below 50 ppm, may
continue, at least for the period of the
current stay of the Court's mandate. The
current stay extends to December 1,
1982.
EPA intends to submit a plan for
addressing other than closed and
controlled waste processes to the court
by November 1,1982. In the next PCB
rulemaking, EPA intends to determine
whether other PCBs may present de
minimis risks, whether some other forms
of administrative exclusion might be
appropriate, or whether any exclusion at
all is appropriate.
Since the closed and controlled waste
process exclusion is voluntary,
manufacturers who believe they qualify
for the exclusion set out in this final rule
have the option of delaying their
decision on whether to take advantage
of the exclusion until the next PCB
rulemaking is completed.
IV. Major Elements of the Final Rule
A. Definitions of Closed and Controlled
Waste Manufacturing Processes
1. Historical perspective. During the
course of discussions among EPA, EDF,
and industry immediately after the
court's decision, industry suggested that
manufacturing processes that produce
PCBs but do not release PCBs be
excluded from the TSCA section 6(e)
ban on the manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce, and use of
PCBs. EPA and EDF agreed. From the
literal definitions of these process types,
it logically follows that if no PCBs are
released from a process or if PCBs are
released only to wastes that are
destroyed or otherwise properly
disposed of, then the exposure and risk
to humans and the environment from
these processes must be extremely
small. There would be little or no benefit
from regulating the processes under
section 6(e) since there could be no
reasonable means of determining
whether any regulatory actions could
actually reduce human or environmental
exposure.
The practical application of this
concept requires an understanding of
the way chemical processes work.
Chemical manufacturing processes are
generally made up of a series of unit
operations. Each unit operation causes
chemical and/or physical changes in the
material passing through the process.
These changes are brought about by the
chemical reactions or various types of
physical manipulations that are never
one hundred percent effective or
complete.
In some processes which manufacture
PCBs in low concentrations, virtually all
the PCBs are destroyed in the process or
are drawn off in a waste stream.
However, there inevitably will be at
least a few molecules of PCBs in every
product or effluent that exits the
process.
EPA recognized at the time of
proposal the need to define, in a
practical sense, the absence of PCBs in
releases to the environment from these
processes. Specifically, EPA recognized
that it had to establish how the absence
of PCBs is defined in air emissions,
water effluents, products, and wastes
from closed processes; and how the
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absence of PCBs is defined in air
emissions, water effluents, and products
from controlled waste processes.
Further, EPA recognized the need to
specify appropriate methods for
disposal of process wastes from
controlled waste processes to insure
that PCBs and the toxic decomposition
products which can result from
incomplete combustion would not be
released to the environment from
disposal operations.
2. Defining the absence of PCBs in
products, wastes, emissions and
effluents. In the June 8,1982, proposed
rule, EPA specified in analytical method
and procedures to be used to determine
the absence of PCBs. If PCBs were
absent from all releases to air, water,
and products (and wastes from closed
processes), using EPA's method and
procedures, the process would be
eligible for exclusion. Under this
approach, EPA gave some general
guidance concerning the PCB
concentrations it expected its
procedures to be capable of quantifying
(see 47 FR 24980).
EPA proposed this approach for
several reasons. The Agency believed
that the choice of analytical method was
one of the major sources of variability
when attempting to measure PCBs.
During the fall of 1981, the Chemical
Manufacturers Association (CMA)
conducted a round robin experiment in
which five different samples of material
from processes which manufacture PCBs
as a byproduct were analyzed by eight
different laboratories using a total of ten
different analytical methods. The round
robin experiment shows considerable
variability in the results obtained by the
ten different methods. Specifying the
analytical method would eliminate one
of the sources of this variability.
EPA also believed that specifying a
method was preferable to specifying a
cutoff because the difficulty of analyzing
products and wastes varies
considerably among processes. EPA
believed that with a numerical cutoff
specified, some companies would be
able easily to measure PCBs in their
process streams below the cutoff, and
other companies might have extreme
difficulty measuring PCBs at the cutoff
due to chemical matrix effects. In this
regard, a numerical cutoff might put
greater burdens on some manufacturers.
EPA believed that specifying an
analytical procedure would mitigate this
problem.
The majority of comments submitted
in response to the proposed rule
criticized the proposed approach, and
suggested alternate means for defining
the absence of PCBs in releases from
closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes. These
comments maintain that the approach
proposed by EPA provides no target for
the analytical chemist because, with
enough resources, a chemist would
ultimately be able to measure any level
of PCBs. These comments indicate that
with improving analytical techniques, it
would be virtually impossible to state
that any substance is absent from a
particular matrix. In the case of PCBs,
they believe that by investing greater
and greater resources in the extraction,
cleanup, and analysis of given samples,
lower and lower amounts of PCB
congeners will become quantifiable,
almost without limit. In light of this, the
comments state that it is not possible for
a chemist simply to stop analyzing his
samples at a particular point and
honestly certify that the PCBs are not
quantifiable. A chemist can only certify
that PCBs are not present above a
specific preestablished concentration.
EPA agrees with these comments and
has concluded that "nonquantifiable"
PCBs could be defined differently by
different parties, even if the analytical
hardware to be used for the analysis is
specified by regulation. Further, EPA
also agrees with other comments that
maintain that the limits of PCB
quantitation will vary depending on the
particular CGC/EIMS instrument used
for analysis. These comments have
pointed out that several instrument
manufacturers currently market a
variety of CGC/EIMS instruments, each
of which has its own characteristics and
inherent sensitivity.
Several comments have suggested
that EPA specify the sample size, the
extraction protocol, the cleanup
procedures, and other details of the
analytical method by regulation, to
eliminate some of these sources of
variability in measuring PCBs. Other
comments have supported EPA's efforts
to keep these parameters open and
flexible, to accommodate various
situations. Still other comments have
suggested that it may be ultimately
impossible to specify these parameters
given the wide range of sample types
which require analysis.
EPA agrees that given the wide
variety of matrices in which PCBs are
found, it is not practical or feasible to
establish detailed procedures for the
analysis of PCBs, especially in the areas
of extraction and cleanup of samples for
analysis. This is because different types
of samples require different types and
degrees of extraction and cleanup prior
to anlaysis. EPA further agrees with
testimony provided at the public hearing
which suggested that the proposed
approach was not practical and that a
preferred approach would be for EPA to
set a numerical cutoff, and thereby
allow each individual laboratory to
develop the appropriate procedures
specific to the analysis of particular
process samples.
Even if EPA could establish standards
for the rigor of extraction and cleanup,
an alternative suggested by some
comments, many comments on the
proposed rule have criticized EPA's
proposed approach on separate grounds.
Specifically, many persons have
maintained that with advances in
analytical procedures for the extraction
and cleanup of samples, and
technological improvements in the
actual analytical hardware, in time,
lower and lower levels of PCBs will be
subject to regulation under section 6(e)
of TSCA. Thus, specifying an analytical
technique in the absence of a numerical
cutoff would result in a moving
regulatory target. These comments
argue, then, that a numerical cutoff is
not only preferable, but necessary to
avoid the problems which would be
encountered by adopting an approach
that would result in a moving regulatory
target.
In response to the comments received
on the proposed rule, EPA has
concluded that using an analytical
method to define the absence of a
chemical may result in substantially
different limits of quantitation for
different process samples, and therefore,
substantially different levels of release.
Depending upon the analyst, the
analytical hardware, and the specific
techniques used, especially in the-areas
of extraction and cleanup of samples
prior to analysis, limits of quantitation
could vary by several #rders of
magnitude. Further, EPA agrees with
comments that suggest that
nonquantifiable levels could vary over
time, as new developments in cleanup
and extraction protocols and
improvements in analytical hardware
occur. Therefore, EPA has decided to
establish numerical cutoffs for purposes
of defining the absence of PCBs in air
emissions, water effluents, products,
and process wastes from closed and
controlled waste manufacturing
processes.
Although EPA believes that with a
numerical cutoff specified some
companies will be able easily to
measure PCBs in their process streams
at the cutoff, others may have extreme
difficulty quantifying PCBs at the cutoff
due to chemical matrix effects.
However, comments on the proposed
rule acknowledged the advantages and
disadvantages of the available
alternatives and expressed clear
preference for the approach set out in
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this final rule. Thus, EPA has concluded
that there are substantial merits in
setting numerical cutoffs. First,
numerical cutoffs are fixed and will not
move in time independent of EPA
intervention. Second, numerical cutoffs
are not open to widely differing
interpretations. Finally, numerical
cutoffa provide targets for the analytical
chemist. In addition to specifying
numerical cutoffs, EPA is also
recommending an analytical technique
and methods for the analysis of air
samples, water samples, and product
and process waste samples for
byproduct PCBs (see discussion under
IV.A.S.b.).
3. Establishing the numerical
cutoffsa. Limit of Detection (LOD) v,
Limit of Quantitation (LOQ). The
analytical system most often used to
monitor PCB's includes a gas
chromatograph with a suitable detector.
The detector response is converted to an
electrical signal which is recorded on a
strip chart, and the quantity of material
present can be determined by measuring
the intensity of the respose. When only
the matrix is passing the detector, the
detector generates an electrical signal,
referred to as "background" or "noise."
Detecting and confirming the presence
the PCBs depends on the analyst's
ability to measure an increase in the
recorded electrical signal above this
noise.
The lowest concentration of a
substance than an analytical process
can detect is referred to as the limit of
detection (LOD). A commonly used
standard is that an LOD should be
based on a ratio of at least three
between the average magnitude of the
electrical signal from the sample and the
standard deviation of the electrical
signal from the background. This ratio is
called the signal-to-noise ratio.
The lowest concentration of a
substance that an analytical process can
reproducibly quantify with a known
level of precision is referred to as the
limit of quantification (LOQ). A
commonly used standard is that an LOQ
should be based on a signal-to-noise
ratio of at least ten.
One comment expressed preference
for the use of "nondetectable" PCBs
versus "nonquantifiable" PCBs as the
definition of the absence PCBs for
purposes of defining closed and
controlled waste manufacturing process.
The comment suggested that EPA
require that releases be tested at the
limit of detection (LOD) for the presence
of PCBs, primarily because the statutory
ban speaks in terms of "any" PCBs. EPA
has concluded, as explained in IV.B.
below, that PCBs present in
concentrations below the LOQ present a
de minimis risk to public health and the
environment. Furthermore, it is not
practical to test releases of PCBs at the
LOT because it may be impossible to
confirm the identity of the PCBs at that
level. This is particularly important in
the analysis of PCBs present as
byproducts and impurities because in
many instances chemically similar
compounds are also present in the
sample undergoing analysis. For
compliance monitoring purposes, a PCB
concentration at or near the LOQ is
needed to confirm the identity of the
chlorinated biphenyl. For this reason,
EPA has selected LOQ instead of LOD
for purposes of defining the absence of
PCBs in releases from closed and
controlled waste manufacturing
processes.
b. Selecting the analytical technique.
LOQs, in general, vary with: (1) the
analytical technique, (2) the analytical
method, and (3) the type of chemical
matrix in which the PCBs are found. For
purposes of this rule, an analytical
technique is defined as the type of
analysis. Thin-layer chromatography,
gas chrornatography coupled to mass
spectrometry, and high performance
liquid chromatography are all examples
of analytical techniques. In order to
determine what the practical LOQ is for
PCBs, EPA first evaluated several
different types of analytical techniques
(with varying degrees of sophistication),
and considered the complexities of the
chemical matrices in which the PCBs are
found, the availability and cost of
analytical hardware, and the cost of
conducting analyses. As a general rule,
more sophisticated analytical
techniques are more costly and less
readily available, but are capable of
measuring PCBs at lower concentrations
(i.e., these techniques have very low
LOQs) than less sophisticated
techniques. (See "Methods of Analysis
for Incidentally Generated PCBs
Literature Review and Preliminary
Recommendations" for a further
discussion of available analytical
techniques for PCB analysis.)
In selecting the most appropriate
analytical technique, EPA first identified
analytical techniques that were specific
for PCB byproduct analysis. EPA then
considered the sensitivity of the
identified techniques, the availability of
the instrumentation, and the cost of
obtaining the instruments and
conducting the analyses.
In the proposed rule, EPA selected
capillary gas chromatography (CGC)
coupled to electron impact mass
spectrometry (EIMS) as the analytical
technique to be used in determining
whether PCBs were quantifiable in
releases from a manufacturing process.
For purposes of this rule, EPA selected
CGC/EIMS because: (1) it is cost
effective for the analysis of air, water,
products, and process waste samples,
(2) it is reproducible, and (3) it provides
confirmatory evidence for PCBs. EPA
expected this technique to supply
reliable data of known quality if users
implemented an appropriate and
documented quality assurance plan. The
vast majority of comments on the
proposed rule that addressed this point
agreed with EPA that CGC/EIMS is the
preferred technique for the analysis of
PCB byproducts.
During the public comment period for
the proposed rule, and during the
development of the final rule, EPA
sponsored preliminary analytical
method validation studies to test the
efficacy of CGC/EIMS for the analysis
of PCBs. The method validation exercise
was undertaken to check the validity of
the proposed protocol for the analysis of
PCBs in commercial products and
process waste streams in particular.
Data are presented in the analytical
method validation study from the
evaluation of the efficiency of cleanup
and extraction protocols as well as from
the actual (CGC/EIMS) analyses of
process samples (See MRI reports:
"Analytical Methods for Incidentally
Generated PCBsPreliminary
Validation and Interim Methods"). The
data generated from the analysis of
PCBs in the matrices studied indicate
that the method is applicable and useful
for the analysis of PCBs. Although
additional validation work is continuing
and additional data will be gathered,
this technique is the most reasonable
analytical procedure currently available
for the analysis of PCBs generated as
byproducts and is thus appropriate for
use in implementing this regulation.
Testimony provided at the public
hearing on the proposed rule supported
the method validation trials conducted
by the Midwest Research Institute (MRI)
as technically competent.
Since the majority of comments that
addressed this point supported the
proposed selection of CGC/EIMS as the
preferred technique, EPA has selected
CGC/EIMS as the analytical technique
from which it would estimate the
practical LOQs of PCBs in air emissions,
water effluents, products, and process
. waste streams for purposes of defining
closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes in this final
rule.
c. Establishing the practical LOQs of
PCBs. For purposes of this rule, an
analytical method is defined as a series
of procedures used when chemically
analyzing a sample. Analytical methods
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include procedures for sample
collection, protocols for the extraction
and cleanup of samples, and procedures
for the analysis of the specimen by the
analytical technique. The limit of
quantitation of a particular analytical
method is a function of six major
factors: (1) the inherent sensitivity of the
analytical instrument, (2) the size of the
sample taken for analysis, (3) the
volume extracted, (4) the volume
injected into the instrument, (5) the
amount of interferences, and (6) the
degree of the chemical matrix effects.
The LOQ of an analytical method
depends upon the values selected for the
factors listed above. For each variable,
values could be selected that would
ultimately minimize (or maximize) the
overall LOQ of an analytical method.
1 lowever, there is a limit to the degree to
vvhich the LOQ can be minimized
without significantly increasing the cost
and difficulty of analysis. To select
reasonable values to assign to each of
these variables (for purposes of
calculating the practical LOQ of PCBs).
EPA balanced the benefits of increased
sensitivity versus the resultant
increased costs and practical
considerations associated with
minimizing the LOQ.
The class of PCBs is made up of 209
individual chemical compounds,
individually referred to as chlorinated
biphenyl congeners. Using CGC, each
separate resolvable peak on a gas
chromatograph may represent a single
chlorinated biphenyl congener, or it may
represent more than one chlorinated
biphenyl congener. Comments on the
proposed rule have pointed out that all
209 PCB congeners cannot, for all
practical purposes, be individually
resolved by CGC/EIMS, or by any other
single analytical instrument currently in
existence. Thus, although it may be most
desirable to define the absence of PCBs
on a per congener basis, this is not
~ possible because this separation cannot
be accomplished for every sample. To
accommodate this situation, EPA is
defining the absence of PCBs by setting
numerical cutoffs according to PCB
levels represented by resolvable gas
chromatographic peaks. To qualify for
exclusion, no single peak on a gas
chromatogram can register PCBs at or in
excess of the numerical cutoffs set by
EPA for PCBs in air, water, or products
(or wastes from closed processes).
1. Instrument sensitivity. Depending
upon the particular CGC/EIMS
instrument used to analyze for PCBs, the
instrument's sensitivity (or limit of
quantitation) may be one picogram per
resolvable gas chromatographic peak,
one microgram per resolvable peak, or
an intermediate tavel. Although this
wide range of sensitivities exists for_
CGC/EIMS equipment, highly sensitfve
equipment is very costly end not
generally available in most analytical
laboratories. To calculate the practical
LOQ of PCBs, EPA selected a value for
the sensitivity of CGC/EIMS that is
representative of the average minimum
sensitivity of this type of analytical
technique. This required a balancing of
sensitivity versus costs and availability.
EPA selected ten nanograms (ng) per
resolvable gas chromatographic peak as
a reasonable estimate of the average
sensitivity of CGC/EIMS. This number
represents the smallest amount of a
substance that a typical E1MS system
can measure and is EPA's estimate of
(he average minimum amount of PCBs
expected to be measured.
The determination that ten ng per
resolvable gas chromatographic peak
represents the average minimum amount
expected to be measured was based
upon contacts with a manufacturer of
GC/MS equipment about the
sensitivities and costs of available
CGC/EIMS instruments; more costly
instruments are capable of measuring
PCBs at lower levels. Available data
indicate that the cost of CGC/EIMS
equipment ranges from $87,000 for the
least sensitive equipment, through
$380,000 for the most sensitive
equipment (see records of telephone
communications between Redford and
Moll of EPA and Finnigan MAT). EPA
selected this level of sensitivity as
representative of an average sensitivity
of CGC/EIMS because it is intermediate
in sensitivity, and CGC/EIMS
instruments capable of measuring this
level are readily available, are oi
moderate cost, and are expected to be
currently available in most analytical
laboratories.
This estimate of the average system
sensitivity is alsrt supported by research
results reported by Dr. E. Pellizari of
Research Triangle Institute in his 1981
report entitled: "State-of-the-Art
Instrumental Analysis in Environmental
Chemistry," which appeared in Chapter
10 of "Environmental Health
Chemistry." Dr. Pellizari reports a
minimum detection range for EIMS from
one nanogram through .1 milligram.
EPA's estimate of ten ng/peak as an
average sensitivity falls within the range
of Dr. Pellizari's reported detection
limits for any peak on an EIMS (since
limits of quantitation are often at least
three times as high as limits of
detection).
Further, the Dry Color Manufacturers
Association's (DCMA's) research on the
analysis of PCBs in organic pigments
reports the sensitivity of CGC/EIMS as
ten ng per resolvable gas
chromatograpbic peak (see page 5 of
"An Analytical Procedure for the
Determination of Polychlorinated
Biphenyls in Dry Phthalocyanine Blue,
Phthalocyanine Green and Diarylide
Yellow Pigments; Proposed by the Dry
Color Manufacturers Association").
2. Sample size. The actual minimum
quantitatable level for an analytical
method depends on not only the
inherent sensitivity of the analytical
instrument, but also the ameunt of
original sample that had its PCB
contents extracted and condensed for
analysis by CGC/EIMS. For instance, a
sample that is ten times larger than
another from the same source would
contain the same concentration (ug/
volume) of PCBs but would actually
contain ten times the mass of PCBs
(nanograms). When both are
concentrated to one milliliter, the
extract resulting from the larger sample
would be ten times more concentrated
than the other, and when injected into
the detector, it would yield a response
ten times greater. This would translate
to a quantitation limit in the larger
sample that was ten times lower than in
the smaller sample.
However, there is a limit to the extent
to which one can maximize the sample
size (in an attempt to minimize the LOQ)
without encountering substantial
additional costs in collection and
extraction, and experiencing handling
difficulties. Larger sample sizes require
longer collection times (especially
pertinent in air sampling), more effort
(resources) in extraotfbn and cleanup.
and in some cases, may require
specialized equipment.
With this relationship in mind, EPA
has estimated reasonable sample size.s,
ones that would provide enough
material for a reasonable determination
as to whether PCBs are present without
presenting sampling and handling
problems. These estimated sample sizes
are: Ten cubic meters for air, one liter
for water, and fifty grams for products
or process waste streams. Then cubic
meters of air, and one liter of water are
commonly accepted sample sizes for
these media, considering the type of
chemical undergoing analysis (i.e.
halogenated aromatics).
In selecting 50 grams as a reasonable
sample size for products and process
wastes, EPA analyzed available data
and developed a list of expected
products containing PCBs as impurities
or byproducts. For each product on the
list, EPA considered .various sample
sizes, ranging from one gram to 100
grams, and selected the most
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46986 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 204 / Thursday. October 21. 1982 / Rules and Regulations
appropriate sample size for each
individual product. EPA considered the
capacity of typical laboratory
equipment, the physical and chemical
properties of the product/sample,
handling problems, measurement
problems, the inherent cost of the
material to be analyzed, and other
related factors in determining the most
appropriate, sample sizes for each
individual product. After considering
appropriate sample sizes for individual
products, EPA selected 50 grams as
representative of a reasonable sample
size for products and process wastes
(see "Rationale for Levels of
Quantitation for CGC/EIMS,"
"Rationale for Choosing a Reasonable
Sample Size and Matrix Interference
Allowance for the PCB Analytical
Method," "PCB Quantitation List
Parameters," and "Transmittal of MRI's
PCB Quantitation List Parameters
Memorandum with Additional
Comments").
3. Extract and injection volumes. For
air, water, products, and process waste
samples, typical extract and injection
volumes would be one milliliter and one
microliter, respectively. The Midwest
Research Institute (MRI), in conducting
CGC/EIMS method validation trials (see
"Analytical Methods for Incidentally
Generated PCBsPreliminary
Validation and Interim Methods"),
considered several extraction volumes
and injection volumes. The volumes
selected as reasonable by EPA were
determined to be most appropriate
during.these trials. Larger injection
volumes either might damage the mass
spectrometer or the chromatographic
column. Smaller injection volumes,
below one microliter, would increase the
likelihood of measurement errors,
decreasing the accuracy of any
measured PCB level. Increases in the
extract volume or greater concentration
of the extract either lowers recovery
efficiency, overly concentrates the
injection, or requires excessive efforts to
extract and condense the extract. With
extraction volumes below one milliliter,
the potential for measurement errors
and losses from evaporation increases,
decreasing the accuracy of the PCB
levels measured (see "PCB Quantitatign
List Parameters," and "Transmittal of
MRI's PCB Quantitation List Parameters
Memorandum with Additional
Comments").
4. Interferences and matrix effects. In
the absence of interferences and matrix
effects, the estimated lower limits of
. quantitation of PCBs in air, water,
products, and process wastes, using
CGC/EIMS, reasonable sample sizes,
and reasonable extract and injection
volumes, would be one microgram per
cubic meter (roughly 0.001 ppm) in air,
ten micrograms per liter (roughly 0.01
ppm) in water, and .2 microgram per
gram (0.2 ppm) in products and prdcess
waste streams, per resolvable gas
chromatographic peak. These lower
limits of quantitation assume an
instrument sensitivity of ten ng per
resolvable gas chromatographic peak,
reasonable sample sizes, and
reasonable extract and injection
volumes.
However, interferences and matrix
effects are commonly experienced in the
analysis of PCB byproducts because of
the similarity in chemical structure
between the PCBs produced in the
process and the matrix of chemical
substances in which the PCBs are found.
In byproduct PCB analysis, these factors
influence an analytical instrument's
ability to measure accurately low level
PCBs. Therefore, an allowance for these
considerations must be made in
calculating the practical LOQ for PCBs
in air, water, products and process
waste streams.
To accommodate this situation, EPA
assumed an upper quantitation limit of
100 ng per resolvable peak as a
reasonable allowance for interferences
and matrix effects. This allowance is
supported by experimental data
produced by MRI through method
validation trials (see "Analytical
Methods for Incidentally Generated
PCBsPreliminary Validation and
Interim Methods," "PCB Quantitation
List Parameters," "Rationale for
Choosing a Reasonable Sample Size and
Matrix Interference Allowance for the
PCB Analytical Method," and
"Transmittal of MRI's PCB Quantitation
List Parameters, Memorandum with
Additional Comments"). MRI found that
in the analysis of some samples,
interferences and matrix effects were
negligible, thus, the LOQ approximated
the lower quantitation limit of the
analytical instrument. However, in the
analysis of other samples, interferences
and matrix effects were significant, and
resulted in a LOQ that was two orders
of magnitude higher than the lower
quantitation limit of the analytical
instrument. EPA's estimate of a
reasonable allowance for interferences
and matrix effects is one order of
magnitude higher than the average
lower quantitation limit of CGC/EIMS
as estimated by EPA.
5. Conclusion. Per peak then, the
practical LOQ of PCBs in air
corresponds to ten micrograms per cubic
meter (roughly 0.01 ppm); in water, 100
micrograms per liter (roughly 0.1 ppm);
and, in products and process waste
streams, two micrograms per gram (2
ppm). This means that for a process to
be eligible for exclusion under the
closed and controlled waste process
exclusion, no single peak on a gas
chromatogram registers PCBs in excess
of: ten micrograms per cubic meter in air
emissions, 100 micrograms per liter in
water effluents, and two micrograms per
gram in products and uncontrolled
waste streams, regardless of the number
of PCB congeners known to be or
expected to be represented by the peak.
(See Unit IV.B. for a discussion of the
extremely low exposure which will
result from setting cutoffs at these
levels.)
EPA considered setting numerical
cutoffs based on total PCBs, instead of
setting numerical cutoffs according to
levels represented by resolvable gas
chromatographic peaks. Under that
approach, EPA would attempt to
estimate an average number of gas
chromatographic peaks that would be
resolved upon analysis of process
samples, and then multiply that average
number by the practical limits of
quantitation per resolvable peak. This
approach would result in separate
numerical cutoffs for total PCB levels in
air emissions, water effluents, products,
and wastes from closed processes.
After evaluating this approach, EPA
concluded that there is insufficient
information upon which to base an
estimate of the average number of PCB
congeners created in manufacturing
processes. Although some information
on PCB concentrations in products and
processes is available, little
comprehensive factual data are
available on the type and number of
different congeners created in these
processes. Without this type of
information, EPA could not support any
estimate of the average number of
congeners created in manufacturing
processes.
d. Aroclor v. non-Aroclor PCB
analysis. The limits of quantitation of
PCBs in air, water, products, and
wastes, discussed in the preceding unit,
are EPA's estimates of the practical
limits of quantitation of PCBs produced
as byproducts and impurities (non-
Aroclor PCBs). These PCBs are not
easily measured in air emissions, water
effluents, products, or process waste
streams, because up to 209 different
chemical compounds can be produced
and be present in different
concentrations in a sample undergoing
analysis. Before these PCBs can be
measured in a sample, they must first be
identified as PCBs.
In contrast, PCBs produced for use as
dielectric fluids (Aroclors) are much
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Federal Register / Vol. 47. No. 204 / Thursday. October 21. 1982 / Rules and Regulations 46987
more easily measured. These PCBs
display characteristic patterns upon
analysis that are easily recognizable as
representing PCBs. Unlike these PCBs,
PCBs produced as byproducts and
impurities do not display characteristic
or easily recognizable patterns upon
analysis. (See "Methods of Analysis for
Incidentally Generated PCBs Literature
Review and Preliminary
Recommendations" for a comparison of
the methods for Aroclor vs. non-Aroclor
PCB analysis.)
Because of this fact, and the need to
identify byproduct PCBs as truly PCBs,
the limits of quantitation of byproduct
PCBs in different media may be several
orders of magnitude higher than the
limits of quantitation of Aroclor PCBs in
these same media. Thus, other
environmental regulations pertaining to
the release of Aroclor PCBs (such as
under the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C.
466 et seq.) may place limits on the
release of PCBs that are orders of
magnitude below the practical limit of
quantitation for byproduct PCBs as
established in this final rule.
4. Determining what constitutes a
process. In the proposed rale, EPA
applied the exclusion to any person who
produces PCBs in a chemical
manufacturing "process" which qualifies
as a closed manufacturing process or a
controlled waste manufacturing process.
Comments received in response to the
proposed rule requested clarification of
the term "process" in the definitions of
closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes. The comment
said that the term "process" could be
open to differing interpretations; it
could, at one extreme, mean a single
unit of a multi-unit operation operating
at a site, or, at the other extreme, it
could mean the entire series of
operations (possibly operating ai
different geographic localities) leading
to the production of a final commercial
product.
EPA defines the term "process" in this
final rule to mean all the unit operations
operating at a site. Therefore, PCB-
containing isolated intermediates
manufactured at one location on a plant
site can be processed further at some
different on-site location. Analytical or
theoretical analyses of PCB levels in the
product would take place only prior to
its removal from the site. Similarly, PCB
concentrations in water effluents and
process wastes would be analytically
determined or theoretically estimated
only prior to the release from a site.
Because it is difficult to define the
boundaries of the atmosphere
surrounding a facility, for air emissions,
PCB concentrations would be
determined at the most convenient
sampling point prior to release to the
atmosphere.
For water effluents, PCB levels would
be determined prior to release from th»
site. For example, if deep well injection
is used to dispose of water effluents
from a process, PCB levels would need
to be determined at some point prior to
injection. The objective is to allow
companies to determine PCB levels in
the water effluent as close to the final
point of release to the environment as
possibleTIf on-site water treatment
occurs, PCB levels would need to be
analytically or theoretically determined
only prior to release to the receiving
body of water (i.e., at the point of
outflow from the on-site water treatment
facility).
EPA uses the term site to mean a
contiguous property unit. Property
divided only by a public right-of-way is
considered one site. There may be more
than one manufacturing plant on a
single site (See 40 CFR 710.1(a)).
5. Determining appropriate methods
for disposal. EPA already has in effect a
Disposal and Marking Rule (40 CFR
761.60) which requires PCBs in
concentrations over 50 ppm to be stored
and disposed of in accordance with the
criteria prescribed under §§ 716.65,
781.70, and 761.75. These are the same
disposal criteria that EPA proposed for
the disposal of wastes (containing any
concentration of PCBs) from controlled
waste processes in the proposed rule.
EPA proposed these mechanisms for
disposal of controlled wastes on the
premise that EPA must be reasonably
confident that the wastes from
controlled waste processes are disposed
of in a manner which results in
negligible environmental contamination.
Although this basic premise remains
valid, EPA has concluded that certain
less costly, alternate disposal
mechanisms would result in negligible
environmental contamination as well.
Several comments criticized the
proposed requirement that wastes from
controlled waste manufacturing
processes be incinerated in EPA-
approved PCB incinerators. They
maintain that in selecting this regulatory
option, EPA did not Consider the
enormous potential costs of disposing of
wastes containing PCBs in
concentrations between the LOQ and 50
ppm in EPA-approved PCB incinerators.
Data were provided by the CMA which
indicate that the costs of destroying
liquid wastes containing PCBs in EPA-
approved PCB incinerators is $0.23 per
pound of waste. Thus, as the
concentration of PCBs in the wastes
decreases, the cost of disposal per
pound of PCB increases substantially.
At PCB concentrations near the
practical limit of quantitation in wastes,
the cost of disposal in EPA-approved
PCB incinerators per pound of PCB
could be very high.
Further, comments indicate that unlike
mineral oil contaminated with low level
PCBs, chemical manufacturing process
waste streams with similarly low levels
of PCBs cannot, in general, be used as
fuel in high efficiency, energy generating
boilers because of their high chlorine
content. Finally, certain comments
indicate that since there are so few EPA-
approved PCB incinerators in existence,
priority should be given to the
destruction of higher concentration
wastes in these facilities. Restricting the
incineration of controlled wastes
containing less than 50 ppm PCBs to
EPA-approved PCB incinerators would
place demands on these facilities, which
could result in a shortage of PCB
disposal capacity.
One comment, however, strongly
supported EPA's proposal to require the
incineration of controlled wastes in
EPA-&pproved PCB incinerators.
Specifically, the comment stated that
incinerators used for the destruction of
PCBs should be required to meet certain
standards to prevent the formation and
release of dibenzofurans and other
potentially toxic products of incomplete
combustion.
As a result of the comments received
in response to the proposed rule, EPA
has decided to modify the requirement
that wastes from controlled waste
manufacturing processes be disposed of
in EPA-approved PCB incinerators.
Certain less costly disposal mechanisms
should result in negligible environmental
contamination as well, and further,
should preclude the formation of toxic
incomplete combustion products.
Thus, in this final rule, EPA is
allowing PCB wastes (containing PCBs
in concentrations below 50 ppm) to be
destroyed in incinerators which have
been approved under section 3005(c) of
the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) 42 U.S.C. 6925(c).
The incinerator must be capable of
destroying compounds which are less
readily burned than the PCB homologs
in the waste. The manufacturer of PCBs
who wishes to qualify for exclusion
under the controlled waste exclusion by
disposing of PCB wastes in a RCRA-
approved incinerator is responsible for
determining that the incinerator is
capable of destroying the PCBs, and for
certifying that this is the case (see
IV.D.). The manufacturer is also
responsible for obtaining reasonable
assurances that the incinerator, when
burning PCB waste, will be operated
under conditions that have been shown
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46988 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 204 / Thursday, October 21, 1982 / Rules and Regulations
to enable the incinerator to destroy less
readily burned compounds.
Manufacturers may use heat of
combustion or other indicators of ease
of incinerability addressed in the
"RCRA Guidance for Hazardous Waste
Incineration," to support this
certification. This approach should
ultimately increase the number of
incinerators qualified for the destruction
of PCBs and should also prevent the
formation of toxic products of
incomplete combustion during
incineration.
One of the factors used to determine
how efficiently a substance may be
destroyed is the heat of combustion.
Heat of combustion is the heat evolved
when a definite quantity of a substance
is completely burned. According to
classical thermodynamics, compounds
with lower heats of combustion should
be less readily burned and should
require higher temperatures for
destruction than compounds with higher
heats of combustion. Heat of
combustion values are measured under
controlled laboratory conditions or
derived from theoretical calculations.
Under RCRA, EPA has developed a
ranking of hazardous constituents based
on heat of combustion values. This
hierarchy allows the applicant for a
permit to incinerate hazardous wastes to
demonstrate the required level of
performance for a large number of
constituents of a waste stream by
successfully burning one or several of
those which are most difficult to
destroy. In the permitting of facilities,
EPA does not intend to use the
incinerability ranking alone, but rather,
to use it in conjunction with the permit
writer's engineering judgment. The list
provides the permit writer and the
applicant for the permit with a useful
means of identifying the constituents of
a waste which are likely to be most
difficult to destroy, and may be used in
conjunction with other information
relating to the incinerability of an
organic constituent, when available (see
"RCRA Guidance for Hazardous Waste
Incineration").
The "RCRA Guidance for Hazardous
Waste Incineration" contains this list of
compounds, including the PCB
homologs, ranked according to heats of
combustion. While EPA has little
experimental data that indicate that
heat of combustion is the best criteria
(or the only criteria) to be used in
judging the relative ease of destruction
of chemical compounds, it can be used
as an indicator (see "A Method for
Designation of the Principal Organic
Hazardous Constituents for Hazardous
Waste Incineration " "Heats of
Formation and Combustion from the
Method of Handrick," "Comparison of
Ranking Factors," and "RCRA Guidance
for Hazardous Waste Incineration").
Thus, manufacturers may use heat of
combustion values to support their
determination that a particular RCRA-
approved facility is capable of
destroying their PCB wastes.
Although RCRA requires a minimum
destruction and removal efficiency of
99.99 percent for the incineration of
chemical wastes, and the TSCA
requirements will result in a minimum
destruction efficiency of 99.9999 percent
(for the incineration of PCBs in
concentrations over 50 ppm) EPA
believes that for PCBs in concentrations
below 50 ppm, a destruction and
removal efficiency of 99.99 percent is
adequate to insure only negligible
environmental release. If one assumes
that all the PCBs created in closed and
controlled waste manufacturing
processes (approximately 56,000 pound)
will be incinerated annually in these
RCRA-approved incinerators, then the
difference in destruction efficiencies
between the proposed requirement and
the final rule will result in a maximum of
an additional 5.54 pounds of PCBs
released annually throughout the entire
United States as a result of the
modification to the proposed
requirement.
In addition to allowing the destruction
of controlled wastes in certain RCRA-
approved incinerators, EPA is also
adding to the list of acceptable disposal
mechanisms, the destruction of
controlled wastes (containing PCBs in
concentrations between the limit of
quantitation and 500 ppm) in any high
efficiency boiler that has been
specifically, approved to burn PCBs
present in fluid other than mineral oil, in
accordance with the requirements of
§ 761.60(a)(3). This will create an
additional mechanism for the disposal of
controlled wastes, while providing
continued protection against the
formation of toxic incomplete
combustion products during
incineration. Wastes containing PCBs in
concentrations between the practical
limit of quantitation and 50 ppm may
also be destroyed in EPA-approved PCB
incinerators as well, and would qualify
as controlled wastes. This rule does not
change the requirements of the PCB
Marking and Disposal Rule (40 CFR
761.60) for the disposal bt PCBs in
concentrations over 50 ppm.
Thus, these modifications will: (1)
Increase the number of incinerators
ultimately available for the destruction
of PCB wastes; (2)_reduce the potential
for accidents during the transport of
wastes; (3) ultimately provide for less
costly disposal alternatives to
manufacturers disposing of controlled
wastes; and (4) should continue to
provide protection against the formation
of toxic incomplete combustion product"
during incineration.
B. The De Minimi's Determination
1. Exposure Analysis. EPA's rough
estimate of the amount of PCBs
produced in closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes is less 56,000
pounds per year. Of these roughly 56,000
pounds of PCBs, extremely small
quantities of PCBs in concentrations
below the practical limits of quantitation
will be released to the environment in
wastes from closed processes and in air
emissions, water effluents, and
products. Actual environmental releases
from products are expected to be in
concentrations even less than the limits
of quantitation, since the PCBs in many
products are bound in solid matrices
(e.g., paints and polymers). Although
wastes from controlled waste processes
will contain higher concentrations of
PCBs, the requirements for handling
these wastes will prevent significant
releases to the environment.
Based on available information
(supplied by CMA), EPA estimates that
less than one thousand pounds of
byproduct PCBs are likely to actually
enter the environment each year from
closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes. The estimated
actual releases to the environment from
closed and controlled waste processes is
only 0.0006 percent of the estimated
150,000,000 pounds of PCBs that
currently exist in the environment as
free PCBs. Further, this amount is only
0.0001 percent of the estimated
750,000,000 pounds of PCBs currently in
use in electrical equipment in the United
States.
EPA is imposing both recordkeeping
and reporting requirements (see IV.D.)
to reduce the likelihood of processes
being mislabeled as closed or controlled
waste manufacturing processes when
releases are actually above the practical
limits of quantitation. These
' requirements help to ensure that PCBs
released to the environment as a result
of this exclusion remain below the
practical limits of quantitation.
2. De Minimi's Finding. TSCA section
6(e) specifically bans the manufacture,
processing, distribution in commerce,
and use of PCBs in other than a totally
enclosed manner. To be eligible for
exclusion from the provisions of section
6(e), processes must meet EPA's
definitions of closed or controlled waste
manufacturing processes. This means
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 204 / Thursday, October 21, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 46989
that releases of PCBs in products, air
emissions, and water effluents are
below practical limits of quantitation.
For closed manufacturing processes,
releases of PCBs in wastes are also
below the practical limit of quantitation..
Wastes from controlled waste processes
are disposed of in qualified incinerators
(see discussion under IV.A.5.) or in
landfills approved under § 761.75 or are
stored for incineration or landfilling in
compliance with the standards and
requirements prescribed in
§ 761.65(b)(l). Recordkeeping and
reporting by manufacturers helps to
ensure that releases of PCBs from these
processes are actually below the
practical limits of quantitation, and that
exposure to PCBs as a result of EPA
creating this exclusion remains
negligible.
EPA believes that for all practical
purposes, it would be impossible to
determine whether regulation of PCB
concentrations below the practical
limits of quantitation had any effect on
actually reducing releases of PCBs. EPA
believes that PCBs present in
concentrations below the practical
limits of quantitation are of such low
concentration, and the total amount of
PCBs released would be so low, that it
would be impossible to determine if
regulation of these levels provided
anything greater than trivial benefits.
Consequently, EPA has concluded that
there would be no measurable gain in
protecting the environment or public
health by attempting to regulate PCBs at
levels that are immeasurable for all
practical purposes.
EPA finds that closed and controlled
waste manufacturing processes
represent de minimis situations and
should not be subject to the prohibitions
and other provisions of section 6(e) of
TSCA because: (1) releases of PCBs
from closed and controlled waste
processes (excluding controlled wastes)
are below the practical limits of
quantitation, (2) the estimated amount of
PCBs released from these processes per
year is only 0.0006 percent of the
estimated 150,000,000 pounds of PCBs
present in the environment as free PCBs,
(3) controlled wastes are disposed of in
a manner that should result in negligible
environmental contamination, and (4)
manufacturers operating these processes
are required to keep records and notify
EPA of processes that qualify for
exclusion.
C. Determination of No Unreasonable
Risk
EPA has concluded that there would
be no measurable benefits to public
health or the environment by regulating
closed and controlled waste processes
(as defined in this rule) under section
6(e) of TSCA. Therefore, as previously
noted, these processes are eligible for
exclusion under the de minimis
principle. Nonetheless, the Agency has
also considered whether closed and
controlled waste processes present an
unreasonable risk to human health or
the environment. To determine whether
a risk is unreasonable, EPA balances the
probability that harm will occur from
the activity against the adverse effect on
society from regulation. In making a
determination of whether an
unreasonable risk is present from these
processes, EPA considered the following
factors:
1. The effects of PCBs on human
health and the environment.
2. The magnitude of PCB exposure to
humans and the environment.
3. The benefits from products
containing PCBs, the availability of
substitutes, and the ability to prevent
the formation of PCBs.
4. The economic impact resulting from
the rule upon the national economy,
small business, technological
innovation, the environment, and public
health.
After considering all available
information, within the context of the
factors listed above, EPA finds that
excluding closed and controlled waste
processes presents no unreasonable risk
to human health or the environment.
This finding is based on the following
analysis.
1. Health and environmental effects
and exposure to PCBs, Toxicity and
exposure are the two basic components
of risk. During this rulemaking, EPA has
conducted an analysts of the health and
environmental effects of PCBs (see
"Response to Comments on Health
Effects of PCBs" for details). EPA has
concluded that in addition to chloracne,
there is a potential for reproductive
effects and developmental toxicity as
well as oncogenic effects in humans,
based on animal data. EPA has also
concluded that PCBs do present a
hazard to the environment.
However, PCBs are not uniquely toxic,
and minimizing exposure to PCBs will
minimize any potential risk. EPA
evaluated the potential for exposure to
PCBs from closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes, and has
determined that the exposure to PCBs
from closed and controlled waste
processes is so low as to be
immeasurable for all practical purposes.
In calculating the practical limits of
quantitation of PCBs, EPA considered
setting lower levels. While lower
numerical cutoffs would theoretically
further reduce the risks posed from
closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes, it would not
be practically possible to measure this
reduction in risk afforded by the lower
levels of release (see IV.A.3.C.). Thus,
regulating PCBs at levels below the
practical limits of quantitation provides
no measurable benefits to public health
or the environment.
As part of the de minimis
determination, EPA also considered the
public health and environmental
benefits of recordkeeping and reporting
and their effect on reducing the risks
posed from closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes. EPA
concluded that recordkeeping and
reporting by manufacturers operating
closed and controlled waste processes
would substantially reduce the
likelihood that processes would be
mislabeled and, therefore, would result
in a reduction in the actual amount of
PCBs released to the environment as a
result of this exclusion (see IV.D.). Thus,
recordkeeping and reporting would help
to ensure that only de minimis situations
are allowed to operate as a result of this
exclusion.
2. Benefits of products generated in
closed and controlled waste processes.
the availability of substitutes, and
economic impacts. If the ban on all
manufacturing, processing, distribution
in commerce, and use of PCBs was made
effective for all closed and controlled
waste processes, there could be a major
disruption of the chemical industry and
several other industries in the United
States. Since there could be a large
number of controlled waste processes,
an immediate ban could cost billions of
dollars. An immediate ban could disrupt
the manufacture of a wide variety of
products including paints, varnishes,
enamels, agricultural chemicals,
adhesives and sealants, printing ink,
plastic materials, drugs, and soaps and
cosmetics. Such products have great
societal value, and a ban of this nature
would create great hardship for the
public and industry due to the
unavailability of these products and
would have a severe economic impact.
Should such processes be subject to the
section 6(e) ban, all manufacturers
utilizing closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes which generate
PCBs as byproducts would be required
to conform with the prohibitions and
requirements of section 6(e). Industry
has commented that, in general,
substitutes are not available for
products contaminated with low level
PCBs at the same or equivalent costs as
PCB-contaminated products, and that
processes cannot be"modified to prevent
the formation of any PCBs. CMA has
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46990 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 204 / Thursday, October 21. 1982 / Rules and Regulations
commented that research programs to
study ways to reduce incidental PCS
formation are very costly and have met
with limited success. CMA provided an
example of a process adjusted to reduce
formation of PCBs to below 50 ppm, and
estimated that the cost of this project
was on the order of $800,000.
Although TSCA does provide a
mechanism for obtaining relief from the
total ban of PCBs, industry has
commented that the statutory process
for obtaining an exemption is
unworkable for the many operations
that manufacture, process, or distribute
in commerce PCBs in low
concentrations. Since TSCA requires a
company to obtain an annual
exemption, industry representatives
indicated that the uncertainty
associated with knowing whether they
would be able to continue operations
and the large cost of submitting petitions
each year would be a burden. A quick
survey of companies which filed PCB
exemption petitions with EPA in the
past showed that the annual costs of
developing the information required by
an exemption petition plus the cost of
filing the petition may cost between
$16,000 and $132,440 per process.
Although EPA does not know precisely
how many processes meet the definition
of closed and controlled waste
processes, if 500 processes were eligible,
the avoided cost of submitting petitions
for exemption could range from $8
million to $66 million per year. These
estimates will vary depending upon the
actual number of processes eligible for
the exclusion. Administering exemption
petitions for closed and controlled
waste processes could require extensive
EPA resources.
This rule has no significant negative
economic impact. Although for those
companies who choose to take
advantage of it, it imposes additional
burdens, it avoids the larger burdens
imposed on industry by the prohibitions
of section 6(e). As discussed in the
following unit, EPA is requiring
manufacturers who operate closed and
controlled waste manufacturing
processes and who desire exclusion to
certify that their processes are closed or
controlled waste processes, and to
notify EPA that the processes qualify for
exclusion. EPA has concluded that
recordkeeping and reporting by
manufacturers affords substantial
human health and environmental
benefits that greatly outweigh the costs
of recordkeeping (see IV.D. for further
analysis).
EPA is providing manufacturers the
option of conducting a theoretical
analysis or of actually monitoring
releases for PCB levels. EPA estimates
the cost of conducting a theoretical
analysis to be on the order of $1,014 per
process. EPA estimates'the cost of"
recordkeeping and certification to be on
the order of $374 per process per year. If
actual monitoring of PCB levels is
undertaken, using the EPA
recommended method, EPA estimates
the costs of monitoring to range between
$120 and $770 per sample. Total costs
per process range from $844 to $45,990,
depending on the frequency of sampling
and the actual costs of testing (see
support document entitled "Economic
Analysis for the Final Rule to Exclude
Closed and Controlled Processes from
the PCB Ban" for details). The upper
estimate of the cost per process of
monitoring incorporates $32,000 for air
sampling. In adding this amount into its
calculation of the upper estimate, EPA
assumed that monitoring of air
emissions is not currently ongoing for
other purposes. Therefore, all costs
associated with air emission monitoring
have been added to the costs of
recordkeeping and reporting under this
rule. Since it is unlikely that this is the
case for most manufacturing facilities,
the upper estimate provided by EPA
may be artifically high. For most
companies, EPA expects that the costs
will not exceed $26,600 per process. This
assumes that sampling equipment
preparation and data reduction/report
writing are the only costs of air
emissions monitoring that would be
directly attributable to this rule.
3. Unreasonable risk determination.
EPA has evaluated the human health
and environmental effects and exposure
to PCBs from closed and controlled
waste processes, the benefits of the
processes producing the PCBs, and the
economic impact of regulating these
processes under section 6(e) of TSCA.
EPA has concluded that closed and
controlled waste processes represent de
minimis situations because: (1) The
PCBs released from closed and
controlled waste manufacturing
processes are released at low
concentrations, (2) the estimated amount
of PCBs released from these processes
per year is only 0.0006 percent of the
150,000,000 pounds of PCBs currently in
existence in the environment as free
PCBs, (3) controlled wastes are disposed
of in a manner that should result in
negligible environmental contamination,
and (4] manufacturers operating these
processes are required to keep records
and notify EPA of processes operating
under the exclusion.
EPA has considered the benefits of
closed and controlled waste processes
and found them to be substantial.
Further, EPA has considered the
statutory process of petitioning for
yearly exemptions from the TSCA ban
and found it to be resource intensive.
Finally, EPA has considered the costs of
recordkeeping and reporting by
manufacturers operating closed and
controlled waste processes. EPA has
found that these costs do not represent
an excessive burden.
Thus, after balancing the risks to
human health and the environment
created as a result of this exclusion
against the benefits afforded by the
exclusion, EPA concludes that the
exclusion of closed and controlled
waste manufacturing processes poses no
unreasonable risks to public health and
the environment.
D. Recordkeeping and Reporting
1. Summary of requirements. In the
proposed rule, EPA proposed certain
recordkeeping requirements for closed
and controlled waste manufacturing
processes. EPA proposed that either
theoretical assessments or actual
monitoring of PCB levels in releases be
completed in order to qualify for
exclusion, that the records of the
analysis be maintained at the facility,
and that manufacturers certify that their
processes qualify for exclusion. The
certification was to be completed by a
responsible corporate officer, who was
also required to certify that the analysis
was true and accurate to the best of his
knowledge and that the analysis had
been conducted by qualified personnel.
The certifications (and records to
support the certifications) were to be
maintained at the facility for three years
after a process ceased operation or for
seven years, whichever was shorter. The
submission of these records and
cerifications to EPA was not required in
the proposed rule.
EPA proposed these recordkeeping
requirements to: (1) Reduce the
likelihood of processes being mislabeled
as closed or controlled waste
processses, and (2) to aid EPA in
monitoring compliance with the rule.
In addition to the recordkeeping
requirements of the proposed rule, in the
final rule, EPA is requiring: (1) That
manufacturers using RCRA-approved
facilities for the disposal of controlled
wastes certify that the facility qualifies
for the disposal of the PCB wastes, and
document the basis for the
determination, and (2) that EPA be
notified of any processes operating
under the closed and controlled waste
manufacturing process exclusion.
Manufacturers are also required to
notify EPA of the basis for the
determination that a process is
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 204 / Thursday, October 21, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 46991
excluded, by indicating whether a
theoretical assessment or actual
monitoring of PCB levels has been
completed. If the process is a controlled
waste process, manufacturers are also
required to notify EPA of the type, the
name, and the location of the disposal
facility. Manufacturers have the option,
as provided under TSCA section 14(c),
of declaring any of this information to
be confidential. Manufacturers desiring
exclusion would: (1) identify processes
which they believe generate PCBs as
impurities or by-products; (2) determine
if the processes are closed processes or
controlled waste processes; (3) place
data and records of their determinations
in files at the facility: (4) certify that the
process qualifies; and (5) transmit a
letter to EPA notifying EPA that
processes are excluded and the bases of
the determinations. Should
manufacturers periodically undertake
monitoring of PCB levels in processes or
in releases from the processes, these
data are also retained at the facility,
EPA is requiring that such records be
maintained for at least three years after
the particular process being used at the
facility ceases operations or for seven
years, whichever is shorter. Further,
EPA is requiring that processes be
reevaluated and that a new certification
be filed upon significant process
changes that invalidate the previous
certification. Significant process
changes include .changes that are likely
to change the concentration of PCBs in
releases from the processes (except in
controlled wastes) outside the values in
the original assessment and changes in
the facility in which PCBs are disposed.
The costs of recordkeeping and
reporting to manufacturers operating
closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes will vary
depending upon the nature of the
manufacturing process. Processes that
are frequently changed or are known to
release PCBs in air emissions, water
effluents, or products in concentrations
that approach the limit of quantitation
will probably require more frequent
analyses than other types of processes.
Manufacturers are not required to use
this rule. They can use the statutory
exemption process as an alternative to
taking advantage of this exclusion.
2. Recordkeeping and monitoring
requirements. In the proposed rule, EPA
proposed certain recordkeeping
requirements. EPA proposed: (1) That
either theoretical analyses or actual
monitoring of PCB levels be conducted;
(2) that the records of the analysis be
maintained at the facility: (3) that
manufacturers certify that the processes
qualify for exclusion; and (4) that all
records be maintained for three years
after a process ceased operation or for
seven years, whichever was shorter.
Certain comments on the proposed
rule suggested that EPA should impose a
reporting requirement in addition to the
proposed recordkeeping requirements
(see IV.D.3.). Other comments, however,
questioned the need for even the
proposed recordkeeping requirements.
They maintained that since closed and
controlled waste manufacturing
processes by definition have been
determined to represent de minimis
situations, recordkeeping by
manufacturers operating such processes
creates an unnecessary burden.
However, EPA has concluded that the
benefits to public health and the
environment of recordkeeping are
substantial, and further, that an
additional recordkeeping requirement is
warranted as a result of the
modification to the disposal
requirements (see IV.A.5.).
In addition to the recordkeeping
requirements of the proposed rule, in the
final rule, EPA is requiring that
manufacturers disposing of controlled
wastes in RCRA-approved incinerators
certify that the incinerator is capable of
destroying the PCB wastes and maintain
records of the basis of the
determination. EPA believes that this
additional recordkeeping requirement is
needed to ensure that controlled wastes
are disposed of in qualified RCRA-
approved facilities. Manufacturers may
use any generally accepted criteria to
demonstrate the capability of the
incinerator to destroy the PCBs,
including the use of heat of combustion
values and other parameters addressed
in the "RCRA Guidance for Hazardous
Waste Incineration."
With recordkeeping requirements in
place, fewer processes will be
mislabeled by manufacturers as
qualifying for exclusion. With fewer
processes being mislabeled, less total
PCBs will be released to the
environment as a result of EPA creating
this exclusion. The recordkeeping
requirements help to ensure that only
situations that have been determined to
be de minimis are excluded from
regulation under TSCA section 6(e).
Further, such recordkeeping is necessary
to the development of an effective
compliance monitoring progranvby EPA.
Without records (and notification of
EPA), EPA will have little or no
information upon which to develop an
effective compliance monitoring
program.
EPA estimates the cost of
recordkeeping alone to be on the order
of $374 per process per year. This cost
does not include the costs associated
with conducting the theoretical
assessment or monitoring PCB levels in
releases.
In view of the substantial benefits
afforded public health and the
environment described above and the
relatively low costs of recordkeeping to
manufacturers, EPA has concluded that
the benefits, in terms of public health
and environmental protection, far
outweigh the costs.
In the proposed rule, EPA provided
manufacturers the option of utilizing a
theoretical assessment to support a
determination that a process qualified
for exclusion. However, a number of
comments criticized the portion of the
proposed rule that provided for
theoretical assessments in lieu of actual
monitoring of PCB levels. Several
comments on the proposal maintained
that many manufacturers may be either
unable to complete a theoretical
assessment or uncomfortable with
relying on this means of analysis. Other
comments suggest that EPA should
impose strict monitoring requirements
for manufacturers taking advantage of
this exclusion.
EPA does not agree that monitoring of
process releases is necessary in all
process situations. EPA believes that
theoretical assessments which correctly
conclude that PCBs are not released
above the practical limits of quantitation
will be possible in somejjrocess
situations and that it would be
unreasonable to require actual
monitoring of PCB levels when reason
and logic aloae clearly dictate that a
process qualifies for exclusion. Further,
EPA has concluded that it is not
reasonable for EPA to eliminate this
option for all manufacturers simply
because certain manufacturers have
commented that they would be
uncomfortable relying on a theoretical
analysis.
The objective of conducting a
theoretical assessment is to use reason,
logic, and chemical/mathematical
calculations to make a correct
determination of whether a
manufacturing process is a closed or
controlled waste manufacturing process
and, therefore, qualifies for exclusion.
Specifically, the objective is to
determine if PCB levels in releases from
a process to other than controlled
wastes exceed certain levels (the
practical limits of quantitation of PCBs)
without actually monitoring these
releases. Obviously, if the expected
concentration of PCBs in*'releases
(derived through a theoretical
calculation) approaches the level set as
the regulatory cutoff, actual monitoring
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40992 Federal Register / Vol. 47. No. 204 / Thursday. October 21. 1982 / Rules and Regulations
of PCB levels would be advisable. The
need to actually undertake monitoring of
releases can be determined only by eacS
manufacturer and will depend upon the
expected level of release, its
relationship to the cutoff, and the level
of confidence placed in the accuracy of
the estimate. The ultimate burden of
making a correct decision to rely on
theoretical analyses rests on each
manufacturer.
A primary consideration in completing
a theoretical assessment is determining
the probable point(s) of manufacture of
PCBs, the likely mechanism(s) of
formation, and the probable identity and
concentrations of the PCB congeners
formed. Once these have been
determined, the fate of the PCBs is
traced from the point(s) of manufacture,
through the process, to the point(s) of
release. Factors to be considered in
projecting the movement of the PCBs
through the process include: (1) The
concentrations of PCBs at different
points in the manufacturing process, (2)
the solubility, volatility, and density of
the PCB congeners relative to the other
process components, (3) the
temperatures and pressures at different
points in the process, (4) the potential
for the PCBs to be transformed into
other compounds or destroyed prior to
release, and (5) the physical
characteristics of the process and the
processing equipment used within the
process. Additional guidance on
conducting a theoretical assessment is
provided in a support document to this
rulemaking entitled: "Guidance for
Conducting a Theoretical Assessment."
This document is available in the
rulemaking record, and by contacting
the Industry Assistance Office (see FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
A theoretical assessment is to
address: (1) The reaction or reactions
believed to be producing the PCBs, (2)
the levels of PCBs generated and
released, (3) the bases for estimates of
PCB concentrations in releases, and (4)
the name and qualifications of the
person or persons performing the
analysis.
If actual monitoring of PCB levels is
undertaken, records are to be
maintained and must include: (1) The
method(s) of analysis, (2) the results of
the analysis for PCB levels in releases,
including data from the quality
assurance plan, (3) the name of the
analyst or analysts, and (4) the date and
time of the analysis.
A determination that PCBs are absent
by actual monitoring of PCB levels
should take into account the statistical
variability in analytical results which
will always occur. Recognizing that
there wifrbe variation in results of *
series of samples taken from a particular
stream, EPA is recommending a
sampling procedure that uses a
sequential sampling scheme. (See
support document entitled "Guidance
for Sample Collection.")
This approach should result in a
considerable savings over standard
statistical sampling methods without
adding to the risks of making incorrect
decisions. Sequential sampling is a
procedure where, unlike other statistical
methods, the sample size is not fixed in
advance. After every sample or group of
samples is analyzed, the sequential
sampling procedure indicates whether
sufficient samples have been gathered to
make a decision of whether additional
samples are needed. On the average,
fewer samples are required for this
procedure than with other methods.
In general, for any statistical method,
two decision errors are possible: (1)
declaring processes which are qualified
for an exclusion to be not qualified for
exclusion, and (2) declaring processes
which are not qualified for exclusion to
be qualified for exclusion. The
sequential sampling scheme
recommended by EPA eliminates any
significant likelihood of committing an
error of the first type. The recommended
maximum number of samples (seven)
was chosen because, when several PCB
peaks are present, it results in an
acceptably low probability of the
second type of error without
necessitating an excessive amount of
sampling to declare a process qualified
for exclusion.
Manufacturers are required to certify
that their processes qualify for
exclusion, certify that the analysis
completed is accurate to the best of their
knowledge, and maintain these records
and certifications for three years after a
process ceases operation or for seven
years, whichever is shorter.
EPA estimates that cost of conducting
a theoretical analysis to be on the order
of $1,014 per process. EPA estimates the
cost of certification without actual
monitoring of PCB levels in releases to
be on the order of $374 per process per
year. If actual monitoring of PCB levels
is undertaken, using the EPA-
recommended method, EPA estimates
the costs of monitoring to range between
$120 and $770 per sample. Total costs
per process are estimated to range from
$844 to $45,990, depending upon the
frequency and actual cost of sampling
(see "Economic Analysis for the Final
Rule to Exclude Closed and Controlled
Processes from the PCB Ban" for
detailed assessment).
3. Reporting requirement. In the
proposed rule, EPA did not propose that
reporting of data to the Agency be
required. However, in response to the
proposed rule, EPA received several
comments that suggested that a
reporting requirement should be
imposed in addition to the proposed
recordkeeping requirements. These
comments maintain that the cost to
manufacturers of notifying EPA that
certain processes qualify for exclusion is
trivial (less than $1.00 per process), and
the benefits to EPA of developing an
effective compliance monitoring
program far outweigh these trivial costs.
Other comments, however, question the
need for even the proposed
recordkeeping requirements (see IV.D.1.)
for situations that have been determined
to be de minimis. These comments
suggest that reporting and recordkeeping
requirements impose unnecessary
burdens on industry.
After considering these comments,
EPA is instituting a reporting
requirement in the final rule. The final
rule requires manufacturers to notify
EPA that closed and controlled waste
processes are operating at their
facilities. Further, manufacturers are
required to indicate, in the notification
letter, whether a theoretical assessment
or actual monitoring of PCB levels was
used to make the determination that the
processes qualify for exclusion. If the
manufacturing process is a controlled
waste process, the manufacturer must
also notify EPA of the type, the name,
and the location of the disposal facility.
Manufacturers have the option of
declaring this information to be
confidential, under TSCA section 14(c).
Manufacturers also have the option to
sending a copy of the actual assessment
to EPA.
EPA has concluded that requiring
notification of EPA that processes are
excluded and submission of information
on the general bases for the
determinations that the processes are
excluded provides a relatively low cost
incentive for manufacturers to carefully
evalute their processes for eligibility for
exclusion. Further, EPA believes, as
several comments have suggested, that
such a reporting requirement would
provide benefits which greatly outweigh
the costs to manufacturers of
transmitting letters to EPA. Specifically,
the letters could be used by EPA in
developing an enforcement strategy and
in monitoring compliance with the rule.
EPA agrees with these comments and
has concluded that establishing a
reporting requirement of the nature
described here does not place
unreasonable burdens on the regulated
community.
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E. The EPA Recommended Analytical
Method for Quantifying PCBs
For purposes of this rule only, EPA
has designated capillary gas
chromatography coupled to an
electronic impact mass spectrometer
(CGS/EIMS) as the EPA recommended
analytical technique for quantifying
PCBs in air emissions, water effluents
and product/process streams. (Different
analytical techniques may be more
appropriate for other situations). This is
the analytical technique which EPA will
use in monitoring compliance with this
final rule and which manufacturers may
very well choose to use. To qualify for
the closed and controlled waste process
exclusion, PCBs must be below practical
limits of quantitation for PCBs in air,
water, and products (and wastes from
closed processes). It should be
emphasized that actual monitoring of
releases is not required as a condition
for exclusion (theoretical analyses are
acceptable), and this method is not
required if monitoring is elected.
1. Chemical analytical methodology.
True confirmation of chlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) in specimens which
may contain other chlorinated aromatic
compounds can reliably be
accomplished by capillary gas
chromatography coupled to mass
spectrometry. In order to obtain the
selectivity to use this analytical
technique, specific separation,
extraction, and cleanup steps are a
necessary part of the chemical analysis
process. There are many analytical
procedures for separation, extraction,
cleanup, and detection which can
successfully be used to indicate the
presence of PCBs. Some suggested
protocols appear in the support
document: "Analytical Methods for
Incidentally Generated PCBsInitial
Validation and Interim Methods."
2. Quality assurance plan for
measurement of incidentally generated
chlorinated biphenyls. An integral part
of CGC/EIMS analysis is the quality
assurance program (QAP). QAPs insure
the integrity of the data produced.
A QAP includes the following: (1)
History and disposition of samples, (2)
sampling and sample collection
procedures and (3) extraction and
instrumental analysis procedures. A
QAP documents how a laboratory
intends to demonstrate its capability to
produce data of acceptable quality. A
QAP is essential for establishing the
validity of the analytical data generated.
In monitoring compliance, EPA will use
CGC/EIMS in conjunction with a QAP
to verify the accuracy of the data
generated.
3. Guidelines. EPA has issued
guidance on: (1) Sample collection and
homogenize tion, of the sample, (2)
addition of surrogate compounds to the
sample, (3) extraction and cleanup, (4)
concentration or dilution of the extract,
(5) analysis of the final extract, (6)
reporting the results of the chemical
analysis as specific PCB isomers or total
PCBs, (7) developing a QAP, and (8)
performing a theoretical assessment. In
addition, the "RCRA Guidance for
Hazardous Waste Incineration" is also
available. These guidance documents
are support documents for this
rulemaking and are available by
contacting the Industry Assistance
Office (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT).
F. Relationship of the Final Rule to
Other PCB Rules
1. Disposal and marking rule. The
Disposal and Marking Rule, published in
the Federal Register of February 17,1978
(43 FR 7150), as Part 761 of Title 40 of
the Code of Federal Regulations,
requires that when PCBs and PCB items
are removed from service, disposal be in
accordance with specific criteria.
Briefly, PCBs in concentrations below 50
ppm are not required to be disposed of
in any special manner; liquid PCBs in
concentrations between 50 ppm and 500
ppm are required to be disposed of in an
incinerator which complies with certain
standards, in a chemical waste landfill,
or in a high efficiency boiler; non-liquid
PCBs are required to be disposed of in
an incinerator which complies with
certain standards or in a chemical waste
landfill; and liquid PCBs in
concentrations at or above 500 ppm are
required to be disposed of in an
incinerator which complies with certain
standards.
This rule has no direct effect on the
existing marking and disposal
regulations. PCBs created in other than
closed and controlled waste
manufacturing processes in
concentrations between the LOQ and 50
ppm are not required by this rule to be
disposed of in any special manner. This
rule simply excludes PCBs generated in
controlled waste manufacturing
processes from the section 6(e) ban
when all PCBs generated and released
above the LOQ are handled in a manner
specified in this rule.
2. Regulatory exclusion at 50 ppm.
The PCB Manufacturing, Processing,
Distribution in Commerce, and Use
Prohibition rule, published in the
Federal Register of May 31,1979, (44 FR
31514), as Part 761 of Title 40 of the
Code of Federal Regulations basically
prohibits the manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce and use of
PCBs in concentrations above 50 ppm in
other than a totally enclosed manner. As
discussed under the Background unit in
this preamble, this exclusion of PCBs in
concentrations below 50 ppm was
successfully challenged by the
Environmental Defense Fund. The court
granted a stay of mandate with respect
to the 50 ppm cutoff, and persons
manufacturing, processing, distributing
in commerce and using PCBs in
concentrations below 50 ppm were
permitted to continue these activities.
The initial stay of mandate was
scheduled to expire on October 13,1982.
However, in its report to the court on
uncontrolled PCBs, filed in March of
1982, EPA requested and was
subsequently granted an extension of
this stay of mandate until December 1,
1982. Prior to that time (but no later than
November 1,1982), EPA will submit a
plan to the court for rulemaking on
uncontrolled PCBs. EPA anticipates that
its plan will include a schedule for
rulemaking for uncontrolled PCBs and a
request for an additional extension of
the stay of mandate for processes
covered by the rulemaking until it is
completed.
V. Official Rulemaking Record PCB
Regulations for Closed and Controlled
Waste Manufacturing Processes
In accordance with the requirements
of section 19(a)(3)(E) of TSCA. EPA is
publishing the following list of
documents constituting the record of this
rulemaking. This list does not include
public comments, the transcript of the
rulemaking hearing, or submissions
made at the rulemaking hearing or in
connection with it. These documents are
exempt from Federal Register listing
under section 19(a)(3).
A. Previous Rulemaking Records
1. Official Rulemaking Record from
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Disposal
and Marking Final Regulation," 43 FR 7150,
February 17,1978.
2. Official Rulemaking Record from
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in
Commerce and Use Prohibitions Rule," 44 FR
31514, May 31,1979.
3. Official Rulemaking Record from
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in
Commerce and Use Prohibitions; Use in
Electrical Equipment," 47 FR 37342, August
25,1982.
B. Federal Register Notices
1. 46 FR 27617, May 20.1981. USEPA,
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs);
Manufacture of PCBs in Concentrations
Below 50 Parts Per Million; Possible
Exclusion From Manufacturing Prohibition;
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking."
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46994 Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 204 / Thursday, October 21, 1982 / Rules and Regulations
2.46 FR 27815, May 20,1981, USEPA,
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Court
Order Regarding PCBs in Concentrations
Below SO Parts Per Million."
3.47 FR 24976, June 8,1982, USEPA,
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs);
Manufacture, Processing, Distribution in
Commerce, and Use in Closed and Controlled
Waste Manufacturing Processes, Proposed
Rule."
4.47 FR 25559, June 14,1982, USEPA,
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs):
Manufacture, Processing, Distribution, and
Use in Closed and Controlled Waste
Manufacturing Processes, Correction."
5.47 FR 30082, July 12,1982, USEPA.
"Notice of Availability of Guidelines for the
Analysis of PCBs."
C. Support Documents
1. USEPA, OPTS, CCD, "Summary of
Comments (on ANPR] Received Concerning
the Exclusion of PCBs in Concentrations
Below 50 ppm, and in Closed Manufacturing
Processes from Regulation Under Sections
6(e)(2) and 6(e)(3) of Toxic Substances
Control Act" (undated).
2. USEPA, OPTS, BED, "Occupational
Exposure to Inadvertently Produced PCBs
Preliminary Report" (April 22,1982).
3. USEPA, OPTS, BED. "Methods of
Analysis for Incidentally Generated PCBs
Literature Review and Preliminary
Recommendations. Draft Interim Report,
Revision 2" (April 21.1982).
4. USEPA. OPTS, ETD, "Draft: Cost
Analysis for the Proposal to Exclude
Controlled Processes from the PCB Ban"
(April 1982).
5. USEPA, OPTS, ETD, "Cost Analysis for
the Proposal to Exclude Controlled Processes
from the PCB Ban-2nd Draft" (May, 1982).
6. USEPA, OPTS, ETD, "Economic Analysis
for the Final Rule to Exclude Closed and
Controlled Processes from the PCB Ban"
(September 1982).
7. USEPA, OPTS, HERD, "Review of
Studies of Health Effects of PCBs" (December
31,1981).
8. USEPA, OPTS, HERD, "Proposed Rule on
(PCBs) Use in Electrical Equipment. Review
of Potential Health Effects in Humans from
Exposure to PCBs and Related Impurities"
(April 12,1982).
9. USEPA, OPTS, BED, "Quality Assurance
Guidelines" (April 22,1982).
10. USEPA, OPTS, BED, Memo from
Redford to Halper, "Rationale for Levels of
Quantitation for CGC/EIMS" (April 21,1982).
11. USEPA, OPTS, BED, "Estimation of
Releases from Spills of Inadvertently
Produced PCBs" (April, 1982).
12. USEPA, OPTS, BED, "Analytical
Methods for Incidentally Generated PCBs
Intitial Validation and Interim Protocols.
Preliminary Draft Draft Interim Report #4"
(June 24,1982).
13. USEPA, OPTS, BED, "Guidance for
Sample Collection, Preliminary Draft"
(July 8.1982).
14. USEPA, OPTS, CCD, "Response to
Comments on the Closed and Controlled
Waste Rule" (October 12,1982).
15. USEPA, OPTS, BED, Memo from
Redford to Kutz. "Rationale for Choosing a
Reasonable Sample Size and Matrix
interference Allowance for the PCB
Analytical Method" (September 13,1982).
16. USEPA. OPTS. EED. Telephone
Communication between David Redford of
EPA and Ben Heyden of Finnigan MAT.
"Sensitivity of CGC/EIMS" (August 11.1982).
17. USEPA, OPTS. ETD, Telephone
Communication between Amy Moll of EPA
and Ben Heyden of Finnigan MAT, "Cost of
CGC/EIMS" (September 2.1982).
18. USEPA, OPTS, '^Guidance for
Conducting a Theoretical Assessment"
(October 6,1982).
19. USEPA, OPTS, HERD, "Response to
Comments on Health Effects of PCBs"
(August 19,1982).
20. USEPA, OPTS, EED, Memo from Martin
Halper to Don Clay, "Disposal Requirements
for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) from
Controlled Waste Manufacturing Processes"
(August 3,1982).
21. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "Analytical
Methods for Incidentally Generated PCBs
Preliminary Validation and Interim Methods-
Draft Interim Report #4. Revision #1"
(September 13,1982).
22. USEPA, OPTS, EED, Peer Review and
Author's Replies to "Methods of Analysis for
Incidentally Generated PCBsLiterature
Review and Preliminary Recommendations,
Draft Interim Report #2" (June 11.1982).
23. USEPA, OPTS, EED, Response to Peer
Review of "Analytical Methods for
Incidentally Generated PCBs Initial
Validation and Interim Protocols" (August Id,
1982).
24. USEPA, OPTS, EED, Memo to CMA
from Smith "Sample Collection" (July 26,
1982).
25. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "List of Products
That May Contain PCBs Generated as
Impurities or Byproducts" (August 11.1982).
26. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "Evaluation of PCB
Isomers Identified in Chemical Manufacturing
Processes Producing PCBs as Impurities"
(September 2,1982).
27. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "Investigation of
Personal Protective Equipment in Relation to
Occupational Exposure to PCBs Generated as
Impurities" (August 4,1982).
28. USEPA. OPTS, EED "Update on
Protective Garment Materials Resistant to
PCBs" (August 17,1982).
29. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "Revised Materials
Balance for Inadvertently Produced PCBs"
(April 22,1982).
30. USEPA, OSW, "Working Paper:
Problems with POHCS" (Undated).
31. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "List of Plants and
Chemical Manufacturing Processes Known or
Suspected to Generate PCBs as Impurities"
(September 9,1982).
32. USEPA. OSW, "Comparison of Ranking
Methods" (May 14,1982).
33. USEPA, OSW, "A Method for
Designation of the Principal Organic
Hazardous Waste Incineration" (Undated).
34. Reid and Sherwood, ed. "Methods of
Handrick Used to Calculate Heats of
Combustion," The Properties of Gases and
Liquids (1966).
35. USEPA, OSW, Memo from the Mitre
Corporation to Robert Olexsey (EPA), "Logic
for Defining Incinerability as Relative Ease of
Flame Oxidation" (January 21,1981).
36. USEPA, OPTS, EED, Memo from
Erickson and Stanley to Redford, "PCB
Quantitation List Parameters" (September 24,
1982).
37. USEPA, OPTS, EED, Memo from
Redford to Halper, Transmittal of MRI'a PCB
Quantitation List Parameters Memorandum
with Additional Comments" (September 30,
1982).
38. USEPA. OPTS, EED, Memo from
Redford to Kutz, "Rationale for Choosing a
Reasonable Sample Size and Matrix
Interference Allowance for the PCB
Analytical Method" (September 13,1982).
39. USEPA, OPTS, ETD, Memo from
Kingsley to Moll. "Cost Estimates for
Implementation of MRI Analytical Protocol
for Incidentally Generated PCBs" (August 23,
1982).
40. USEPA, OPTS, Memo to the Record,
"Schedule for PCB Rule on Closed and
Controlled Processes" (April 29,1982).
41. USEPA, OPTS, EED, Memo from
Guimond to Cox, "Response to CMA's
Questions" (August 3,1982).
42. USEPA, OPTS, "Response to CMA's
Request for Cross Examination" (August 17.
1982).
43. USEPA, OPTS, "Response to CMA's
Request for Dr. Erickson to Testify at the July
26 PCB Hearing" (July 22.1982).
44. USEPA, "EPA Report in Accordance
with this Court's April 13,1982 Order
Concerning EPA Proposal for Action on
Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Concentrations
Below 50 Parts Per Million Resulting From
Uncontrolled PCBs and Motion for Extension
of Stay of Mandate as to EPA Action on
Uncontrolled PCBs Until December 1,1982"
(March 11.1982).
45. CMA, Letter to Gunter (EPA) from
Fensterheim (CMA), "Summary of Discussion
on Erickson Testimony" (July 13,1982).
46. CMA. Letter to Clay (EPA) from Zoll
(CMA), "Request for Cross Examination and
an Informal Hearing on EPA's Proposed Rule
Concerning PCBs in Closed and Controlled
Waste Manufacturing Processes" (August 9,
1982).
47. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "Guidance for
Sample Collection" (October 1982).
48. USEPA, OSW. "RCRA Guidance for
Hazardous Waste Incineration."
49. USEPA, OPTS. EED, "Methods of
Analysis for Incidentally Generated PCBs
Literature Review and Preliminary
Recommendations, Draft Interim Report"
(April 6,1982).
50. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "Methods of
Analysis for Incidentally Generated PCBs
Literature Review and Preliminary
Recommendations, Draft Interim Report,
Revision #1" (April 16,1982).
51. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "Methods of
Analysis for Incidentally Generated PCBs
Literature Review and Preliminary
Recommendations, Draft Interim Report,
Revision #3" (June 17,1982).
52. USEPA. OPTS, EED, "Methods of
Analysis for Incidentally Generated PCBs
Literature Review and Preliminary
Recommendations, Final Report" (October 12,
1982).
53. USEPA, OPTS, EED, "Methods of
Analysis for Incidentally Generated PCBs-
Synthesis of "C-PCB Surrogates, Draft
Interim Report #3" (June 29,1982).
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Federal Register / Vol. 47, No. 204 / Thursday, October 21, 1982 / Rules and Regulations 46995
54. USEPA, OPTS, BED, "Methods of
Analysis for Incidentally Generated PCBs
Preliminary Validation and Interim Methods"
(October 12,1982).
55. USEPA, Memo from R.G. Bell to Don
Clay, "OTS Obligations Under the
Environmental Research, Development and
Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978"
(July 30,1982).
D. Reports
1. Chemical Manufacturers Association, "A
Report of a Survey on the Incidental
Manufacture, Processing, Distribution, and
Use of Polychlorinated Biphenyl at
Concentrations Below 50 ppm."
2. Chemical Manufacturers Association,
"The Analysis of Chlorinated Biphenyls."
3. Ecology and Environment, Incorporated,
"Summary of the Health Effects of PCBs."
VI. Authority
Section 6(e) of TSCA [15 U.S.C. 2605J.
The Administrator of EPA has authority
to amend or modify the PCB
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution
in Commerce and Use Prohibition Rule
(40 CFR Part 761), published in the
Federal Register (44 FR 31514, May 31,
1979).
VII. Executive Order 12291
Under Executive Order 12291, issued
February 17,1981, EPA must judge
whether a rule is a "major rule" and,
therefore, subject to the requirement
that a Regulatory Impact Analysis be
prepared. EPA has determined that this
final rule is not a major rule as the term
is defined in section l(b) of the
Executive Order. Therefore, EPA has not
prepared a Regulatory Impact Analysis
for this proposed rule.
EPA has concluded that this final rule
is not "major" under the criteria of
section l(b) because the annual effect of
the rule on the economy will be less
than $100 million; it will not cause a
major increase in costs or prices for any
sector of the economy or for any
geographic region; and it will not result
in any significant adverse effects on
competition, employment, investment,
productivity, or innovation or on the
ability of United States enterprises to
compete with foreign enterprises in
domestic or foreign markets. In fact, this
final rule allows certain uses of PCBs
that would otherwise be prohibited by
section 6(e) of TSCA and, therefore,
reduces the overall costs and economic
impact of section 6(e).
VIII. Regulatory Flexibility Act
Under section 605(b) of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, the Administrator may
certify that a rule will not, if
promulgated, have a significant impact
on a substantial number of small entities
and, therefore, does not require a
regulatory flexibility analysis. The
amendment to the PCB rule excludes
persons who manufacture PCBs in
closed and controller! waste
manufacturing processes from the ban
on manufacture of PCBs. For those
persons who qualify for the exclusion,
the effect of this rule is to avoid the
economic impact associated with the
ban. Since no negative economic effect
is expected upon any business entity
from the promulgation of this rule, I
certify that this rule will not have a
significant economic impact on small
entities.
IX. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980,
44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq (the Act),
authorized the Director of the OMB to
review certain information collection
requests by Federal agencies. EPA has
determined that the recordkeeping and
reporting requirements of this rule
constitute a "collection of information,"
as defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(4). In
accordance with the Act, the
recordkeeping and reporting
requirements of this rule have been
submitted to OMB under section 3504(b)
of the Act.XDMB has assigned the
control number 2070-0008 to this final
rule.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 761
Hazardous materials, Labeling,
Polychlorinated biphenyls,
Recordkeeping and reporting
requirements, Environmental protection.
Dated: October 12,1982.
Anne M. Gorsuch,
Administrator.
PART 761POLYCHLORINATED
BIPHENYLS (PCBs) MANUFACTURING,
PROCESSING, DISTRIBUTION IN
COMMERCE, AND USE PROHIBITIONS
Therefore, 40 CFR Part 761 is
amended as follows.1'
1. Paragraph (f) is added to § 761.1, to
read as follows:
§761.1 Applicability.
*****
(f) Persons who manufacture, process,
distribute in commerce, or use PCBs
generated as byproducts, impurities or
intermediates in closed and controlled
waste manufacturing processes (as
defined in § 761.3 (jj) and (kk)) are
exempt from the requirements of
Subpart B. To qualify for this exclusion,
such processes must also fully comply
with § 761.185.
2. Paragraphs (jj), (kk), (mm), and (nnj
are added to | 761.3, to read as follows:
§761.3 Definitions
(jj) "Closed manufacturing process"
means, a manufacturing process in which
PCBs are generated but from which less
than 10 micrograms per cubic meter
from any resolvable gas
chromatographic peak are contained in
any release to air; less than 100
micrograms per liter from any resolvable
gas chromatographic peak are contained
in any release to water; and less than 2
micrograms per gram from any
resolvable gas chromatographic peak
are contained in any product, or any
process waste.
(kk) "Controlled waste manufacturing
process" means a manufacturing
process in which PCBs are generated but
from which less than 10 micrograms per
cubic meter from any resolvable gas
chromatographic peak are contained in
any release to air; less than 100
micrograms per liter from any resolvable
gas chromatographic peak are contained
in any release to water; less than 2
micrograms per gram from any
resolvable gas chromatographic peak
are contained in any product, and the
remainder of PCBs generated are
incinerated in a qualified incinerator,
landfilled in a landfill approved under
the provisions of § 761.75, or stored for
such incineration or landfilling in
accordance with the requirements of
§ 761.65(b)(l).
(11) [Reserved]
(mm) "Manufacturing process" means
all of a series of unit operations
operating at a site, resulting in the-
production of a product.
(nn) "Qualified incinerator" means
one of the following:
(1) An incinerator approved under the
provisions of § 761.70.
(2) A high efficiency boiler approved
under the provisions of § 761.60(a)(3).
(3) An incinerator approved under
section 3005(c) of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (42
U.S.C. 6925(c)) (RCRA). The
manufacturer seeking to qualify a
process as a controlled waste process
by disposing of wastes in a RCRA-
approved incinerator must make a
determination that the incinerator is
capable of destroying less readily
burned compounds than the PCB
homologs to be destroyed. The
manufacturer may use the same
guidance used by EPA in making such a
determination when issuing an approval
under section 3005(c) of RCRA. The
manufacturer is also responsible for
obtaining reasonable assurances that
the incinerator, when burning PCB
wastes, will be operated under
conditions which have been shown to
enable the incinerator to destroy the
less readily burned compounds
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48996 Federal Register / Vol. 47. No. 204 / Thursday. October 21. 1982 / Rules and Regulations
3. Section 761.185 is added to read as
follows:
(761.185 Certification program and
retention of special records by persona
generating PCBs In dosed manufacturing
processes and controlled waste
manufacturing processes.
(a) In addition to meeting the basic
requirements of § 761.1{f), PCB-
generating manufacturing processes
shall be considered "closed
manufacturing processes" or "controlled
waste manufacturing processes" (and
thus, be excluded from the TSCA
section 6(e) ban on manufacture], only if
the owner/operator of the
manufacturing facility:
(1) Performs either a theoretical
analysis of PCB levels in releases or
conducts actual sampling of PCB levels
in releases.
(2) Determines that the disposal
facility is qualified for the disposal of
controlled wastes under 5 761.3(nn) (for
controlled waste processes only).
(3) Maintains (for a period of 3 years
after a process ceases operations or for
7 years, whichever is shorter) records
containing the following information on
the processes:
(i) Theoretical analysis. (A) The
reaction or reactions believed to be
producing the PCBs, the levels of PCBs
generated, and the levels of PCBs
released.
(B) The basis for all estimations of
PCB concentrations.
(C) The name and qualifications of the
person or persons performing the
theoretical analysis.
(ii) Actual monitoring. (A) The method
of analysis.
(B) The results of the analysis,
including data from the Quality
Assurance Plan.
(C) The name of the analyst or
analysts.
(D) The date and time of the analysis.
(in) Qualifications of the disposal
facility. (A) The type of disposal facility.
(B) The name of the disposal facility.
(C) The location of the disposal
facility.
(D) If the disposal facility is a RCRA-
approved incinerator, the basis for the
determination that the incinerator
qualifies for the destruction of the PCB
wastes to be destroyed.
(b) The data collected, and the
analysis performed under paragraph (a)
of this section must support the
following certification if the processes
are to be excluded under the closed
manufacturing process and controlled
waste manufacturing process exclusion.
Persons desiring exclusion of a PCB-
generating process under the closed and
controlled waste process exclusion shall
certify that:
(1) An analysis of the manufacturing
process for PCB levels and releases
(either theoretical or through actual
monitoring for PCBs) has been
completed.
(2) The analysis of the manufacturing
process is on record at the facility.
(3) The concentration of PCBs in air
emissions is below 10 micrograms per
cubic meter per resolvable gas
chromatographic peak; in water
effluents, below 100 micrograms per liter
per resolvable gas chromatographic
peak; and in products, below 2
micrograms per gram per resolvable gas
chromatographic peak.
(4) Either:
(i) The concentration of PCBs in
process wastes is below 2 micrograms
per gram resolvable gas
chromatographic peak.
(ii) All process wastes are either
incinerated in a qualified incinerator
(see § 761.3(nn)), landfilled in a landfill
approved under § 761.75, or stored for
such incineration or landftlling in
accordance with the requirements of
§ 761.65(b)(l).
(c) The certification must be signed by
a responsible corporate officer. This
certification must be filed at each
facility in which a closed or controlled
waste process is operating for a period
of three years after a process ceases
operation or for seven years, whichever
is shorter, and must be made available
to EPA upon request. For the purpose of
this section, a responsible corporate
officer means:
(1) A president, secretary, treasurer,
or vice president of the corporation in
charge of a principal business function,
or any other person who performs
similar policy or decision-making
functions for the corporation.
(2) The manager of one or more
manufacturing, production, or operating
facilities employing more than 250
persons or having gross annual sales or
expenditures exceeding $25,000,000 (in
second quarter 1980 dollars), if authority
to sign documents has been assigned or
delegated to the manager in accordance
with corporate procedures.
(d) This certification process must be
repeated whenever process conditions
are significantly modified to make the
previous certification no longer valid.
Significant modifications include
changing disposal mechanisms or
facilities for the disposal of controlled
wastes.
(e) Any person signing a document
under paragraph (b) (1) through (4) of
this section shall also make the
following certification:
I certify under penalty of law that this
document and all attachments were prepared
under my direction or supervision in
accordance with a system designed to assure
that qualified personnel properly gather and
evaluate information. Based on my inquiry of
the person or persons who manage the
system, or those persons directly responsible
for gathering information, the information is,
to the best of my knowledge and belief, true,
accurate, and complete. I am aware that there
are significant penalties for falsifying
information, including the possibility of fines
and imprisonment for knowing violations.
Dated: .
Signature .
(f) Manufacturers operating closed
and controlled waste manufacturing
processes shall transmit a letter to EPA
notifying EPA of:
(1) The number, the type, and the
location of the closed and controlled
waste manufacturing processes.
(2) Whether the determinations that
the processes qualify for exclusion are
based on theoretical assessments or on
actual monitoring of PCB levels in
releases.
(3) The type, the name, and the
location of the waste disposal facility, if
the process is a controlled waste
manufacturing process.
|FR Doc. 82-28779 Filed 1O-20-82: 8:45 am)
BIUING CODE «$*»-SO-M
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Mpnday
January 3, 1983
APPENDIX E
Part IV
Environmental
Protection Agency
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in
Commerce and Use Prohibitions;
Amendment To Use Authorization for
PCB Railroad Transformers
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124 Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 1983 / Rules and Regulations
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 761
[OPTS-62020A; TSH-FRL 2205-7]
Polychlorlnated Blphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing,
Distribution in Commerce and Use
Prohibitions; Amendment To Use
Authorization for PCB Railroad
Transformers
AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: On May 31,1979, EPA
promulgated a rule under section 6(e) of
the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA) that authorizes the use of
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in
railroad transformers until July 1,1984.
Under this authorization, these
transformers may not contain dielectric
fluids with a PCB concentration
exceeding 60,000 parts per million (ppm)
(6 percent) after January 1,1982, and
exceeding 1,000 ppm (0.1 percent) after
January 1,1984. This rule amends the
use authorization by: (1) Requiring these
railroad organizations to meet the 60,000
ppm concentration level by July 1,1984;
(2) requiring these railroad organizations
to meet the 1,000 ppm concentration
level by July 1,1986; and (3) authorizing
the use of PCBs for the remaining useful
life of these transformers at
concentrations below 1,000 ppm. Finally,
EPA is also amending the May 1979 rule
to permit railroad organizations to
service these transformers to reduce
PCB concentrations and thereby to
reduce the costs of disposal. The two
primary reasons for these amendments
are: (1) The. majority of the affected
railroad organizations did not select an
adequate non-PCB substitute until
October 1981, and (2) for certain
organizations, necessary Federal
funding for this activity was not
received in time to perform the required
servicing on PCB railroad transformers.
DATES: These amendments shall be
considered promulgated for purposes of
judicial review under section 19 of
TSCA at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
on January 17,1983. These amendments
shall be effective on February 2,1983.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Douglas G. Bannerman, Acting Director,
Industry Assistance Office (TS-799),
Office of Toxic Substances,
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm.
E-509,401M St.. SW., Washington, D.C.
20460; toll free: (800-424-9065); in
Washington, D.C.: (554-1404); outside
the USA: (Operator 202-554-1404).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA
regulation at 40 CFR Part 761 have been
recodified. Notice of the recodification
appeared in the Federal Register of May
6,1982 (47 FR19527). As a result of this
recodification, the revised section
numbers will be used in this rule. Refer
to the Federal Register Notice of May 6,
1982 to determine equivalent provisions
under the former codification.
I. Background
On January 1,1982, there were 756
railroad transformers in service that
contained PCB dielectric fluid. Of this
equipment, 730 transformers are used in
self-propelled railroad cars and 26
transformers are used in locomotives.
These PCB railroad transformer! are
operated in the northeastern United
States by the National Railroad
Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and
four State and metropolitan transit
authorities.
Section 6 (e) of the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA), 15 U.S.C. 2601 et
sag., prohibit the manufacture,
processing, distribution in commerce,
and use of polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs). In section 6(e) (2), there are two
exceptions under which EPA may, by
rule, allow a particular use of PCBs to
continue. First, EPA may find that the
use is in a "totally enclosed" manner. A
"totally enclosed" manner is defined in
section 6 (e) (2) (C) to be "any manner
why:h will ensure that any exposure of
human beings or the environment to a
polychlorinated biphenyl will be
insignificant as determined by the
Administrator by rule." Second, EPA
may authorize PCBs to be used in a
manner other than in a "totally enclosed
manner" if the Agency finds that the use
"will not present an unreasonable risk
of injury to health or the environment."
A. Other PCB Regulations
EPA issued in the Federal Register of
May 31,1979 (44 FR 31514) final rules to
modify the general ban on the
manufacture, processing, distribution in
commerce, and use of PCBs. The May
1979 rule, inter alia: (1) Excluded from
regulation PCBs in concentrations less
than 50 ppm: (2) defined all electrical
capacitors, electromagnets, and non-
railroad transformers as "totally
enclosed," thus automatically exempting
them from regulation under the Act; and
(3) authorized 11 non-totally enclosed
uses based on consideration of the
health and environmental effects of
PCBs, the exposure to PCBs resulting
from these activities, the availability of
substitutes for the PCBs, and the*
economic impact of restricting those
uses. Included in the non-totally
enclosed uses was an authorization to
use PCBs in railroad transformers until
July 1,1984, with certain use and
servicing restrictions. This authorization
provided that railroad transformers in
active service may not contain dielectric
fluid with a PCB concentration
exceeding 60,000 ppm (6.0 percent on a
dry weight basis) after January 1,1982,
may not contain greater than 1,000 ppm
(0.1 percent on a dry weight basis) after
January 1,1984, and may not contain
PCBs after July 1,1984.
The Environmental Defense Fund
(EDF) obtained judical review of the
provisions described above in the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit. Environment Defense
Fund v. Environmental Protection
Agency, 636 F.2d 1267. As a result of the
lawsuit, the court invalidated the 50 ppm
regulatory exclusion and the EPA
determination that the use of PCBs in
electrical equipment was "totally
enclosed" and remanded these issues to
EPA for further action consistent with
its opinion. The court upheld all PCB use
authorizations including the use
authorization for railroad transformers.
Accordingly, this rulemaking is not
affected by the PCB litigation.
Invalidation of the 50 ppm regulatory
cutoff and the "totally enclosed" use
finding would have made effective the
general statutory ban on PCBs. This
would have caused significant
disruption in the electrical industry,
which heavily depends on PCB
equipment in current use, and in the
chemical industry, which uses a large
number of processes that inadvertently
generate PCBs in very low
concentrations. To avoid this disruption,
parties to the lawsuit sought a stay of
the court's mandate pending further
rulemaking. As a result, the court
entered orders for hither actions by EPA
and industry groups leading toward
future rulemakings on-PCBs. These
court-ordered activities do not affect
this final rule on the use of PCBs in
railroad transformers. In response to the
court order, EPA issued a proposed rule
on the use of PCBs in electrical
equipment which was published in the
Federal Register of April 22,1982 (47 FR
17426). The final rule for this use of
PCBs was published in the Federal
Register of August 25,1982 (47 FR
37342). In addition, EPA issued a
proposed rule excluding from regulation
certain PCBs manufactured under
conditions of very low risk, which was
published in the Federal Register of June
8,1982 (47 FR 24976). The final rule for
this regulatory exclusion was published
in the Federal Register of October 21,
1982 (47 FR 46980).
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Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. I / Monday, January 3, 1983 / Rules and Regulations
125
B. EPA Rulemaking Activitje&QQ the
Use ofPCBs in Railroad Transformers
Several railroad organizations bad
indicated to EPA that they could &ot
comply with the deadlines affecting
railroad transformers in the May 1971
rule. As a result, EPA proposed to'
extend the deadlines as published in the
Federal Register of November 18,1981
(46 FR 56626). The proposed deadline
extension for the 60,000 parts per million
(ppm) concentration level was based on
a schedule submitted by the
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Transportation Authority (SEPTA) on
February 5,1981. Under that schedule,
SEPTA estimated that the earliest that it
could complete its servicing ("retrofill")
program to meet the 6 percent PCB
concentration level was October 1,1983.
(The term "retrofill" is used to denote
the entire process of draining, flushing,
and refilling a transformer with a non-
PCB fluid.) This date was based on
SEPTA'S assumption that Federal
funding for this retrofill activity would
be received by October 1,1981. SEPTA
later requested an extensjon of thP.first
two performance deadlines to'Jury 1,
1984 and July 1,1986, respectively. In
addition, it requested an amendment of
the second performance deadline to
require a 20,000 ppm (2 percent) PCB
concentration level. The November 1981
proposed amendment to the May 1979
rule also requested comment on the
compliance deadline for achieving a
1,000 ppm concentration level.
Following a comment-fferiod for,, these
proposed amendments, ah informal
hearing was held on January 5,1982.
Participants included.SEPTA, other
affected railroad organizations,
representatives from trs'risfprm.el'
servicing firms, and manufacturer? of
substitute dielectric fluids. Reply
comments were received through
January 19,1982. Many>of the-
participants in the January 5,1982
hearing contributed reply comments.
II. Specific Amendments to the Railroad
Transformer Use Authorization.
EPA considered three Options In' this
rulemaking: (1) To maintain the
deadlines in the May 1979 rule and
thereby prohibit the use, of PCBsJn
railroad transformers in violation of the
January 1,1982 deadline; (21 to resqind
the deadlines in the May 1979 rule, and
to allow the use of PCBjs in railroad
transformers at their pr'esent
concentration level; and {3) to extend
the deadlines in the May 1979 ruler With
respect to the third option, there were
three additional considerations: {!}
whether to change the PCB
concentration levels mandated tot the
respective deadlines; (2) whether to
require a phased schedule for the
lowering of the PCB concentration levels
in railroad transformers and thereby to
require six performance deadlines rather
than two deadlines; and (3) whether to
delete the expiration deadline of July 1,
1984 and thereby allow the use of PCBs
for the remaining useful life of these
transformers at a concentration level at
or below 1,000 ppm. In this rule, EPA has
chosen; (1) To extend the deadlines in
the May 1979 rule; (2) to require a six-
stage schedule of deadlines for lowering
the PCB concentration levels in railroad
transformers; and (3) to allow the use of
PCBs at a concentration level at or
below 1,000 ppm for the remaining
useful lives of the railroad transformers.
In addition, EPA is adding a provision to
the servicing conditions of this use rule
to allow for the reclassification of
railroad transformers using PCBs.
A. Deadlines for Attaining PCB
Concentration Levels
In this amendment to the May 1979
rule, two sets of three performance
deadlines are established to meet the
60,000 ppm and 1,000 ppm PCB
concentration levels, respectively. The
three performance deadlines that these
railroad organizations must achieve to
meet the 60,000 ppm level are: (1) After
July 1,1983, the number of railroad
transformers containing a PCB
concentration greater than 60,000 ppm in
use by any railroad oganization may not
exceed two-thirds of the total railroad
transformers containing PCBs in use by
that organization on January 1,1982; (2)
after January 1,1984, the number of
railroad transformers containing a PCB
concentration greater than 60,000 ppm in
use by any railroad organization may
not exceed one-third of the total railroad
transformers containing PCBs in use by
that organization on January 1,1982; and
(3) after July 1,1984, the use of railroad
transformers that contain dielectric
fluids with a PCB concentration level of
greater than 60,000 ppm is prohibited.
The environmental risks and economic
impacts involved in these three
performance deadlines for the 60,000
ppm concentration level are discussed
in Unit IV.D.3. of this preamble.
The three performance deadlines for
the 1,000 ppm concentration level follow
a schedule that parallels that set for the
60,000 ppm level: (1) After July 1,1985,
the number of railroad transformers
containing a PCB concentration greater
than 1,000 ppm in use by any affected
railroad organization may not exceed
two-thirds of the total railroad
transformers containing PCBs in use by
that organization on July 1,1984; (2)
after January 1,1986, the number of
railroad transformers containing a PCB
concentration greater than 1,000 ppm in
use by any affected railroad
organization may not exceed one-third
of the total railroad transformers
containing PCBs in use by that
organization on July 1,1984; and (3) after
July 1,1986, use of railroad transformers
that contain dielectric fluids with a PCB
concentration greater than 1,000 ppm is
prohibited. The environmental risks and
economic impacts involved in these
three performance deadlines for the
1,000 ppm concentration level are
discussed in Unit IV.D.3. of this
preamble.
As required by section 6{e)(2)(B) of
TSCA, the Agency has balanced the
public health and environmental risks of
this use of PCBs with the benefits and
economic impacts of this use. In
addition, EPA has compared the risks
and benefits involved in the proposed
amendment with the comparable risks
and benefits of the alternative
regulatory options. This analysis is
discussed, together with the Agency's
unreasonable risk determination and
findings in Unit IV of this preamble.
B. Provision for the Reclassification of
Railroad Transformers Subject to This
Use Rule
EPA has added a provision to the PCB
rules to permit these railroad
organizations to service PCB railroad
transformers in order to change their
classification and thereby reduce
burdens associated with disposal. Thus,
railroad transformers will be serviced in
a manner consistent with other
transformers under 40 CFR 761.30(a)(5).
Section 761.30(a)(5) allows the
conversion of a PCB Transformer to a
PCB-Contaminated Transformer or a
non-PCB Transformer by draining,
refilling, and otherwise servicing the
non-railroad transformer. In order to
reclassify, the non-railroad
transformer's dielectric fluid must
contain less than 500 ppm PCB (for
conversion to a PCB-Contaminated
Transformer) or less than 50 ppm (for
conversion to a non-PCB Transformer)
after a minimum of three months of in-
service use subsequent to the last
servicing conducted for the purpose of
reducing the PCB concentration in the
transformer. Therefore, paragraph
(b)(2)(vii) of § 761.30 has been added to
this use rule to provide similar
reclassification procedures for both
railroad and non-railroad transformers.
This amendment is intended to provide
an additional incentive for railroad
organizations to conduct the necessary
retrofill operations to lower the PCB
concentration levels in their railroad
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126 Federal Register / Vol. 48. No. 1 /Monday, January 3, 1983 / Rules and Regulations
transformers below 1,000 ppm. These
organizations can realize cost savings
through lower disposal costs for PCB-
Contaminated and non-PCB
Transformers under EPA regulations at
40 CFR 761.60. By providing further
incentive for railroad organizations to
lower PCB concentrations in these
transformers below 1,000 ppmi this
provision will also aid in ensuring that
unreasonable risks are not presented by
the promulgation of this rule.
C. Date of Promulgation for This Rule
In order to avoid a "race to the
courthouse" by persons seeking judicial
review of this rule. EPA has decided to
designate the time and date of
promulgation of this rule as 1:00 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time on January 17.
1983. The Agency has previously taken
this approach for rules promulgated
under the Clean Water Act (see 40 CFR
100.01, 45 FR 26048). The Agency will be
considering a general rule for TSCA
similar to 40 CFR 100.01.
The remainder of this preamble
includes three primary units. Unit III of
the preamble presents a review of
significant information submitted by the
railroad organizations during this
rulemaking activity. Unit IV includes a
discussion of the specific factors
considered in the unreasonable risk
determination with respect to thest
changes in the use rule. Finally, in Unit
V, the Agency will respond to other
proposed amendments presented by
railroad organizations in this
rulemaking.
III. Information Submitted by the
Railroad Organizations on Technical
Problems of Retrofilling PCB Railroad
Transformers
During this rulemaking activity, the
affected railroad organizations
contributed information directly related
to EPA concerns in promulgating the
May 1979 rule. The following categories
of information have been relied on by
the Agency in the development of this
rule.
A. Compliance Problems With the May
1979 Rule
The affected railroad organizations
contributed significant information with
respect to specific performance deadline
requirements. These organizations
provided two primary reasons for their
failure to comply with the performance
deadlines in the May 1979 rule: (1) The
majority of these railroad organizations
did not select an adequate non-PCB
substitute until October 15,1981, and (2)
for certain organizations, necessary
Federal funding for this activity was not
received in time to perform the required
retrofifls on transformers. The factors in
the respective choices of substitute
dielectric fluids are discussed in Unit
IV.C. of this preamble. The issue of
Federal funding for this activity is of
particular importance for one of these
organizations, the Southeastern
Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
(SEPTA). Of these organizations, SEPTA
owns the largest number of PCB railroad
transformers. As a result of the limited
amount of nonJFederal funds for its
maintenance projects, SEPTA depends
significantly on funding from the Urban
Mass Transit Administration (UMTA) of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
SEPTA'S delay in receiving necessary
UMTA funds was due to several factors:
(1) Its failure to receive the necessary
matching funds from the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania and its constituent
localities; (2) alterations in the UMTA
procedure for funding applications for
capital modification projects; and (3) the
delay in the submission of the SEPTA
application for the first phase of
retrofilling which was not formally
received by UMTA until April 8,1982.
B. Restrictions in Conducting the
Necessary Retrofits
In its consideration of specific
compliance dates for the 60,000 ppm and
l.OQO ppm concentration levels, EPA has
relied on information from the railroad
organizations with respect to the
maximum amount of railroad
transformers that can be serviced each
week.,SEPTA has stated that only four
of its cars per week can be properly
retrot'illed by its servicing contractor. In
addition, SEPTA commented that, if the
New York MetropolitanTransportation
Authority (New York MTA) and the
New Jersey Transit Corporation (New
Jersey Transit) are each planning to
retrofill one transformer per week, in
addition to SEPTA'S four transformers
per week, the General Electric service
shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
would probably be at its limit of
capacity. Hence, the most rapid retrofill
schedule that can be conducted for the
transformers in violation of the January
1,1982 deadline of the May 1979 rule is 6
transformers per week. (This calculation
disregards Amtrak which performs its
own retrofilling operations.)
SEPTA and other railroad
organizations have commented that
certain factors limit their capacity to
retrofill their railroad transformers.
First, they believe that only "quality"
retrofills will result in meeting the
compliance deadlines. This process
requires removal of the transformer,
application of a proper retrofill process,
and the subsequent reattachment of the
transformer to the respective vehicles.
SEPTA has stated that if retrofilling is
performed on a transformer attached to
a self-propelled car, approximately 15
percent of the total dielectric fluid
would still remain. As a result, any non-
PCB substitute used to retrofill a
transformer would become
contaminated with the remaining PCB
fluid. Hence, SEPTA has concluded that
removal of the transformer from the car
can decrease the amount of PCB fluid
remaining in the transformer after
draining. Second, with the exception of
Amtrak, these railroad organizations
rely on the General Electric service shop
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as their
sole contractor for these retrofilling
operations. In particular, SEPTA
believes that the General Electric shop
is the only service facility that is
capable of providing the required
retrofill services with the removal of the
transformers from the respective cars.
Third, the "drop tables" at each of the
railroad organization's facilities used to
remove the transformers from the cars
cannot be used exclusively for
retrofilling, because these facilities are
also required for routine maintenance
and repairs resulting from collisions or
other non-routine maintenance damage.
At least 10 percent of each of these
railroad organization's cars are out of
service for routine inspection and
maintenance.
The maximum retrofill schedule might
be accelerated by the entry of additional
service contractors with the capacity to
perform retrofills with the removal of
the transformer from the car. Comments
from Westinghouse Electric Corporation
and Energy Optimization Incorporated
(EOI) indicated that other retrofill
servicing firms might be able to provide
the required retrofill services in the near
future. Amtrak has also provided
information that it could perform these
retrofill services for other railroad
organizations. Despite the possible entry
of these firms to provide retrofilling
services for these railroad organizations.
a large number of railroad cars or
locomotives to be retrofilled cannot bo
removed from service within any single
period.
According to SEPTA and the other
railroad organizations, the
aforementioned constraints on their
compliance with the respective PCB
concentration levels require that they
proceed on a phased, uniform retrofilling
schedule. Any clustering of retrofilling
operations resulting in the removal of a
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Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 1 / Monday. January 3, 1983 / Rules and Regulations 127
large number of self-propelled cars from
commuter service is not possible.
C. Necessary Retrofit! Operations To
Achieve Compliance With the 1,000
PPMPCB Concentration Level
In their comments, all of the railroad
organizations agreed that the 60,000 ppra
PCB concentration level could be
achieved in one retrofill. Prior to recent
results from a SEPTA demonstration
project, however, there was concern
whether the 1,000 ppm concentration
level could be met in two retrofills. A
demonstration project by SEPTA on a
PCB railroad transformer in operation
since June 1979 has contributed
important information following the first
and second retrofills of this transformer
with a non-PCB dielectric fluid (IRA-
LEG Tl). After one retrofill, in February
1980, the PCB concentration level was
measured at 15,600 ppm (1.56 percent
PCB concentration level). Following a
second retrofill, the transformer was
measured in August 1981 as containing »
PCB concentration level of 137 ppm.
Later measurements in November 1981
and February 1982 showed levels of
approximately 480 ppm and 489 ppm,
respectively.
Comments have also been received
that in addition to traditional
technologies that use liquid solvents as
a flushing medium, there exists an
alternative method for the railroad
organizations to meet the 1,000 ppm
concentration level requirement. This
alternative retrofill method uses an
electrical grade non-PCB flushing fluid
which is chemically equivalent to
standard freon refrigerants. This method
transforms the fluid into a gas for
penetration of the transformer interior.
(The freon product used in this method
is commercially known as "freon 111")
According to the developer of this
method, the process- depends on a
combination of liquid sprays, rinses, and
soaks, interspersed with freon gas
bombardment of the transformer
interiors. The process will require
approximately five days per railroad
transformer. This method can be applied
with the transformer in place under the
railroad car.
The developer of this system
conducted a demonstration on a 750
KVA network transformer containing
270 gallons of PCB dielectric fluid. The
trend in the leaching rate for PCBs into
transformer fluid used in this
demonstration indicates that after 53
days of operation, the PCB
concentration has leveled off and
remained under 500 ppm.
IV. Specific Factors Considered in This
Unreasonable Risk Determination
Concerning PCB Railroad Transformers
To authorize any use of PCBs under
section 6(e)(2)(B) of TSCA, EPA must
find that the activity wilt not present an
unreasonable risk of injury to human
health or the environment. This
determination involves balancing the
probability that harm will occur from
the use of PCBs and the magnitude and
severity of that harm against the
benefits to society that would result
from the proposed regulatory action. In
determining whether an unreasonable
risk is present, EPA has considered the
following factors:
1. The effects of PCBs on human
health and the environment, including
the magnitude of PCB exposure.
2. The benefits of PCBs in railroad
transformers.
3. The adequacy of the available
substitute dielectric fluids.
4. The reasonably ascertainable
economic impact of the rule after the
consideration of impacts on the national
economy, small business, technological
innovation, the environment, and public
health.
These factors are listed in section 6(c)
of TSCA and are applicable to
determinations concerning whether a
chemical presents an unreasonable risk
under section 6(a) and 6(e) of TSCA.
This unit will discuss these key
factors in the unreasonable risk
determination for this use rule. Finally,
it will present specific findings for the
determination that this use of PCBs does
not present an unreasonable risk.
A. Human Health and Environmental
Risks
In determining whether this
amendment to the May 1979 rule is
warranted, EPA considered information
concerning the effects of PCBe on human
health and the environment. The effects
of PCBs were described in various
documents which were part of the
rulemaking record for the May 1979 rule.
EPA evaluated this information, new
information submitted to the Agency, as
well as other recent literature on the
effects of PCBs. The results are
presented in the document "Response to
Comments on Health Effects of PCBs."
This document is included m the
rulemaking record. Copies of this
document are available through the
Industry Assistance Office (see the "FOB
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT"
paragraph).
1. Health effects. In sum, EPA has
determined that while PCBs have not
been found to be uniquely toxic, they
are toxic and persistent.
Chloracne occurs.in humans exposed
to PCBs. Although the effects of
chloracne are reversible, EPA does not
consider it insignificant. Chloracne is
painful, disfiguring, and may require a
long period of time before
symptomatology disappears. Other
areas of major concern have been
identified by EPA. EPA finds that
reproductive effects, developmental
toxicity, and oncogenicity are areas of
concern and may produce effects in
humans exposed to PCBs.
Available data show that some PCBs
have the ability to alter reproductive
processes in mammalian species,
sometimes even at doses that do not
cause other signs of toxicity. Animal
data and limited available human data
indicate that prenatal exposure to PCBs
can result in various degrees of
developmentally toxic effects. Postnatal
effects have also been demonstrated on
immature animals following exposure
prenatally and via breast milk.
Available animal studies indicate an
oncogenic potential (the degree of which
would be dependent on exposure).
Available epidemiological data are not
adequate to confirm or negate oncogenic
potential in humans at this time. Further
epidemiological research is needed in
order to correlate human and animal
data, but EPA does not find any
evidence to suggest that the animal data
would not be predictive of human
potential.
EPA agrees that little or no mutagenic
activity from PCBs is indicated from
available data. It is EPA's opinion that
more information is needed to draw a
final conclusion on the possibility of
mutagenic effects from PCBs.
EPA does not attribute all the effects
observed with PCBs to be due to toxic
impurities. Relatively pure PCB
congeners have been shown to produce
toxicity equivalent to that found when
testing commercial PCB mixtures
containing higher-levels of impurities.
EPA also does not assume that all
PCBs are equivalent toxicologically. It
cannot be assumed that if one PCB
congener is positive or negative for a
specific health effect, then all PCB
congeners are also positive or negative
for that specific health effect. Research
is just beginning in this area; many more
studies need to be conducted on specific
congeners before conclusions can be
reached on an isomer or cogener
specific basis. Until such time, however,
based on long-standing EPA policy, the
Agency has determined that under
section 6(e) all PCB congeners will be
regulated uniformly,
2. Environmental effects. PCBs have
been shown to affect the productivity of
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128 Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 1983 / Rules and Regulations
phytoplankion and the composition of
phytoplankton commu lities. Deleterious
effects on environmentally important
freshwater invertebrates from PCBs
have been demonstrated. PCBs have
also been shown to impair reproductive
success in birds and mammals.
It has been demonstrated that PCBs
yre toxic to fish at very low exposure
l(;vrE'!s. The survival rate and the
reproductive success offish can be
adversely affected in the presence of
PCTs Various sublethal physiological
effects attributed to PCBs have been
recorded in the literature. Abnormalities
in bone development and reproductive
organs have also been demonstrated.
EPA concludes that PCBs can be
concentrated and transferred in
freshwater and marine organisms.
Transfer up the food chain from
phytoplankton 'o ''nvertebrates, fish, and
mammals can result ultimately in human
exposure through consumption of PCB-
containing food sources
3. Risks. Toxicity and exposure are
the two basic components of risk. As
indicated above, EPA concludes that in
addition to chloracne, there is the
potential for reproductive effects and
developmental toxicity as well as
oncogenic effects in humans based on
animal data. EPA also concludes that
PCBs do present a hazard to the
environment.
Minimizing exposure to PCBs should
minimize any potential risk. The
requirements in this amendment to the
May 1979 rule will result in the
reduction of exposure relative to present
exposure levels from railroad
transformer use. EPA's analysis of
regulatory options in section D. of this
unit includes examining the
effectiveness of each option in reducing
exposure, thereby reducing the
associated risk.
Human health and environmental
risks involved in this use authorization
relate to several categories of activity.
Through normal operation of railroad
cars, certain concentrations of PCBs in
dielectric fluid are frequently spilled
onto railroad beds. These spills can
occur as a result of overheating or
electrical failure in the transformers and
of damage to these transformers from
rocks and debris on the railroad bed.
The transformers on self-propelled
railroad cars are hung beneath their
mainframes, and they are consequently
vulnerable to puncture and other
damage when the trains strike debris on
the tracks. These activities result in
risks to human health and the
environment. As noted in the preamble
to the proposed PCB ban rule published
in the Federal Register of June 7,1978 (43
FR 24808), PCBs in railroad transformers
are released during servicing and
volatilized during overheating in
operation. The design of these
transformers, to fit within confined
spaces on locomotives and self-
propelled cars, has compounded the
overheating problem.
There are two categories of persons
that could be exposed to PCBs by the
continuation of this use authorization:
(1) Workers in service shops and
railroad lines, and (2) persons exposed
to PCBs leaked or spilled on railroad
lines. PCB exposure from servicing
operations is largely confined to
workers in service shops. EPA believes
that current service practices will result
in minimal human exposure to PCBs.
According to comments submitted in
this rulemaking proceeding by various
railroad organizations, adequate
workplace controls to reduce risks from
exposure to PCBs are provided by the
marking and disposal requirements in 40
CFR Part 761, together with procedures
for the handling and disposal of PCBs
used by the Consolidated Rail
Corporation (Conrail). Conrail is a
railroad organization created by
Congress in the Regional Rail
Reorganization Act of 1973, 45 U.S.C.
741, which provides maintenance and
other operational services to the
railroad organizations subject to this
rule except for Amtrak. Amtrak has
developed its own procedures for the
handling and disposal of PCBs. The
railroad organizations have stated that
when Conrail ceases to provide
operational service after January 1,1983,
Conrail's servicing procedures will be
continued by servicing contractors). It
is also anticipated that at least a portion
of the present servicing obligations of
Conrail will be replaced by the recently
incorporated Commuter Services
Corporation which was created by
Congress in 1981 to replace Conrail's
maintenance and other operational
services. Included in these procedures
are guidelines concerning: (1) Protective
clothing to minimize exposure during
retrofills and normal shop maintenance
functions; (2) workplace procedures for
conducting retrofills; (3) precautionary
measures, including cleanup procedures,
to prevent skin contact with or ingestion
of PCBs; (4) floor and curbing
specifications; (5) inspection of storage
areas for leaks; and (6) handling and
storage of PCBs in yard and shop areas.
In addition to these general guidelines,
there exist more detailed procedures
that have been designed by railroad
organizations for certain railroad work
sites and retrofill/repair shops. These
general and particular servicing
practices, and strict compliance with
EPA marking and disposal requirements
in 40 CFR Part 761 will significantly
reduce any potential exposure to PCBs
suffered by workers who service
transformers.
Because leaks and moderate spills do
not cause the immediate failure of
railroad transformers, railroad
transformer leaks and spills can spread
PCBs over extensive distances along the
railroad beds. Hence, persons can be
exposed to PCBs leaked or spilled on
these railroad lines. Westinghouse
Electric Corporation has indicated that
as much as 30 percent of the dielectric
fluid of a railroad transformer can leak
before the unit fails. SEPTA has
commented that its self-propelled cars
operate from one to twenty miles
between stops. There are some express
commuter cars in SEPTA's system that
could run twenty miles without stopping.
In Amtrak's experience, punctures
frequently result in leaks of dielectric
fluid along the right of way.
The magnitude of exposure to PCBs
from railroad transformers relates to the
amount and concentration of PCBs in
dielectric fluid that are released from
these transformers. The capacity of self-
propelled cars and locomotives varies in
the ranges of 130-220 gallons and 420-
750 gallons of dielectric fluid,
respectively. The magnitude of exposure
to PCBs in these transformers resulting
from leaks and spill events will vary by
the concentration levels of PCBs in the
dielectric fluid of these transformers and
by the amounts of PCBs which are
leaked or spilled. For example, at a
550,000 ppm PCB concentration level (a
typical PCB concentration in a railroad
transformer in violation of the May 1979
rule), the maximum leakage of PCBs and
exposure to PCBs from a single spill
event would be approximately 268
pounds. In contrast, at a concentration
of 60,000 ppm, the maximum leakage of
PCBs from a transformer would be
lowered to 29 pounds. Further, at a
concentration of 1,000 ppm, the
maximum leakage of PCBs from a
transformer would be lowered to about
0.5 pounds. (Under 40 CFR 761.3(m),
"leaks" refer to instances in which any
electrical equipment, including PCB
railroad transformers, have any PCBs on
any portion of their external surface(s).
Hence, the Agency views "leaks" as any
release of PCBs on any portion of the
railroad transformer. "Spill events" refer
to significant leaks of dielectric fluid
that can be identified by the railroad
organizations in their normal
operational practices.)
EPA has extrapolated to determine
the maximum PCB leakage from the
operation-pf railroad transformers.
Given the information received during
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Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 1983 / Rules and Regulations 129
this rulemaking activity, EPA has
determined that if no restrictions were
required for railroad transformers, a
maximum of approximately 231,000
pounds would be released over the
remaining useful lives of the PCS
railroad transformers in active service
on January 1,1982. This determination is
based on the following assumptions: (1)
773,000 pounds of PCBs are present in
railroad transformers in active service
on January 1,1982, and (2) a maximum
of 30 percent of the total dielectric fluid
in a railroad transformer can be
released as leaks or spills before the
transformers fail. This amount of PCBs
potentially released in railroad beds or
workplaces could cause a significant
risk of injury to human health or the
environment.
Data concerning recorded spill events
experienced by certain railroad
organizations support the finding that
this1 use of PCBs presents a risk of injury
to human health or the environment. The
New York Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (New York MTA) has
submitted information that in 1980 and
1981, there were 11 recorded spills in "the
New York MTA/Connecticut
Department of Transportation
(ConnDOT) systems. SEPTA has
submitted data that in 1981, there were
15 recorded spill events in its system,
with 168 gallons of dielectric fluid
(approximately 1,155 pounds of PCBs)
discharged into the environment as a
result of these events.
B. Benefits ofPCB Use in Railroad
Transformers
The benefits of PCB use in railroad
transformers include: (1) The unique
properties of PCBs as a dielectric fluid,
and (2) the benefits derived from
allowing their continued use in railroad
transformers, i.e., avoidance of further
retrofilling or replacement costs and of
service interruptions.
Perhaps the most important attribute
of PCBs as a dielectric fluid for railroad
transformers is their nonflammability.
Prior to the enactment of section 6(e) of
TSCA in 1976, these railroad
organizations had relied on PCBs as a
liquid coolant and as an insulating
medium in railroad transformers. PCBs
have good heat transfer and dielectric
properties.
At present, these railroad
organizations do not have a sufficient
number of locomotives and self-
propelled cars equipped with non-PCB
railroad transformers to enable them to
retire those equipped with PCB
transformers. Transformers in 756
electric railroad self-propelled cars and
locomotives operated in the
northeastern United States by Amtrak
and four State/metropolitan commuter
transit authorities contain PCBs. The
respective railroad organizations'
reliance on PCB railroad transformers
varies among the organizations. The
respective levels of reliance on PCB
railroad transformers include: (1) 53
percent for Amtrak's commuter service
in the Northeast Corridor; (2) 86 percent
for SEPTA's metropolitan Philadelphia
commuter service; and (3) 100 percent
for the New Haven, Connecticut to New
York City line of New York MTA and
ConnDOT. New Jersey Transit relies on
its self-propelled cars and locomotives
with PCB transformers for its South
Amboy, New Jersey to New York City
line. Removal of these transformers
without adequate replacements would
seriously disrupt necessary commuter
rail service areas. In addition, these
organizations do not have adequate
funding to replace these transformers.
Moreover, the accquisition of new
transformers or entire new self-
propelled cars by these organizations
cannot be accomplished within the time
frame of the 1979 use authorization.
The aforementioned problems of these
railroad organizations are particularly
significant as related to the number of
PCB railroad transformers operating in
these specific service areas. According
to information submitted during this
rulemaking, SEPTA owns 319
transformers in self-propelled cars. New
York MTA and ConnDOT own 244 PCB
transformers in self-propelled cars. New
Jersey Transit owns 106 PCB
transformers used in self-propelled cars
and 11 PCB transformers in its
locomotives. Amtrak owns 87 PCB
transformers, with 61 transformers in
self-propelled cars and 26 transformers
in locomotives. The 61 transformers in
self-propelled cars were in compliance
with the January 1,1982 deadline. The 26
transformers in locomotives are not in
compliance with that deadline. In
addition, Conrail and the Maryland
Department of Transportation own PCB
railroad transformers in inactive service.
Because of the reliance of these
organizations on PCB railroad
transformers to maintain commuter
service,^ is important that EPA provide
performance deadlines that allow for the
continuation of this use of PCBs with
consideration for the minimization of
risks to public health or the
environment.
C. Adequacy of the Available Substitute
Dielectric Fluids
At the time of promulgation of the
May 31,1979 rule, railroad organizations
had been testing for potential substitute
dielectric fluids. By that date, no PCB
substitutes had performed satisfactorily
in tests in railroad transformers. When
the performance deadlines in the May
1979 rule were promulgated, EPA had
expected timely testing and selection of
an adequate PCB substitute from these
continuing tests. In this testing, several
non-PCB dielectric fluids successfully
used for retrofilling non-railroad
transformers overheated or created
pumping problems in railroad
applications. The failure of these
common PCB substitutes considerably
delayed the process of selecting a
suitable non-PCB dielectric fluid for PCB
railroad transformers. In the preamble to
the proposed amendment to this use
rule, EPA stated that certain dielectric
fluids appeared to be feasible PCB
substitutes: IRA-LEC, FR-15, Midel
7131, and RTEmp Blend (Rail Temp).
Subsequent to the publication of the
proposed amendment on November 18,
1981, Rail Temp (a trichlorobenzene
product) has been canceled by its
distributor. In its comments concerning
this decision, the distributor of Rail
Temp cited a 1979 report concerning
certain public health and environmental
risks that might result from the
incineration of chlorobenzenes at high
temperatures. Following a review of this
report, the distributor chose to
concentrate its marketing efforts on a
synthetic ester substitute, Envirotemp
100. During this period, EPA has been
informed of other substitute fluids that
have been introduced to the market.
1. Information Concerning Non-PCB
Dielectric Fluids, a. IRA-LEC'/FR-15.
IRA-LEC and FR-15 have been tested
by SEPTA and other railroad
organizations and have been found to be
suitable dielectric fluids for PCB
railroad transformers. Unlike substitute
dielectric fluids with synthetic esters,
IRA-LEC and FR-15 are non-flammable.
According to SEPTA and other railroad
organizations, these fluids possess good
dielectric properties and thermal
characteristics. IRA-LEC and FR-15 are
mixtures of 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene; 1,2,4-
trichlorobenzene; 1,2,3,4-
tetrachlorobenzene; and other
hydrocarbons.
Certain railroad organizations have
expressed concern that the toxicity and
persistence of the chlorinated benzenes
contained in FR-15 and IRA-LEC may
make them subject to future regulatory
action. One of the trichlorobenzenes
contained in these fluids, 1,2,4-
trichlorobenzene, is listed as a
"hazardous constituent" for EPA
regulations, 40 CFR Part 261, under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act, 42 U.S.C. 6902. Therefore, given this
possibility of future Federal regulation,
certain railroad organizations have been
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130
Federal: Register / Voli. 4b, 'Jibe. 1 /< Monday, January & 1983 / Rules and Regulations
reluctant to use these fluids for
retrofitting.- At this paintt however, these
fluids-are^suitafale for meeting the
performance deadlines, iir this use rule.
EPA-is in the process ofmegoliating an
agreement with-producere of certain
isomers of chlorinated henzenea ta
conduct spacific health-effecls;testssof
these isomera., including l',2,4-
trichlorobenzene contained in FR-15"
and IRA-LEC. A notice, describing the
terms of this agreement'will be
published for public comment in-.the
Federal Register prior to the:
commencement of these health effesis
tests. Aw evaluation of the'residts of
these tests will determine wheihei any
regulatory-action i&necaasacy under
section: ff of TSCA, to protect-public
health and. the environment from
exposure to trichlorobsnzene.
h^ Midel 713& Midel 7131 ir composed
of pentaerythritol esters and is
manufactured in the United Kingdom
and the United.States. According to
SEPTAiandiother railroad organizations,
Mi del provides good dielectric strength
and is non-toxic and biodegradable.
However, certain railroad organizations
have expressed concern about Midel's
fire point of 310° C. which is close to the
minimum standard of section 450-23 of
the National Electrical Code of the
National Fire Protection Association,
i.e., 300° C. This standard has been
accepted by these railroad organizations
as their minimum standard for dielectric
fluids in passenger applications.
According to Amtrak, Midel's fire
point is sufficiently higher than the
minimum standard of the-National
Electrical Code. In addition. Amtrak has
cited the successful use of.Midel as a
substitute for PCB fluids in enclosed
switches in the Dartford,Tunnel,
London. According to Amtrak'a-
commenU this application of Midel
demonstrates its high resistance to
repeated arcing in the fluid as compared
with the arcing: which would.be
experienced, mainly under fault
conditions, in a PCB railroad
transformer.
Based on a review of testa-of the.
flammability of Midel in railroad
transformers as conducted by Factory
Mutual Research Corporation, the
FederaJ Railroad Administration has
concluded that Midel is-satisfactory as a
non-PCB dielectric fluid for railroad
transformer use.
c. Other non-PCB dielectric fluids.
Envirotemp lOftis composed of
pentaerythritol estera, and its dielectric
properties and chemical composition are
similar to Midel 7131; Like Midel
Envirotemp is biodegradable; non-
bioaccumuiating, and non-toxic.
from a
major-sap pUervafcsjinihetic-based
lubricant s*fpirjpt-efl#nes, another
tranatemerflttidbwith alchemical
compOMttoajand dieleolric. properties
similairto'Midei-caulditte introduced in
the nearfiuAuflc
achif&ia& the #«». |#un. ffCB,
conoanttaiian level As described in
Unit ULC~of tfajs-grearoble, the Agency
ha&roeaitred information thai confirms
that theaefPCB neulroad transformera aan
achieve the HQOO.gpin.PGB.
coneantratienJ«««l,inttvarelEofills. As
a result-:of ^demonstration-project
condaEted-bySEET&on a PCB railroad
transfoDtnatuir operation- since June 1879,
thera-is. suhataniiftl evidence that, the
PCB concentration levelhas bean
lowered- ta below 1*000. ppm after two
retrofills using FR.-15 or IRA-LEC. The
last recorded reading of this-
demonstration, conducted eight months
after the second retrofill, has shown that
the leaching of PGBa from, the
transformer has. nat resulted in, a PCB
concentration-level. exceeding the 1,000
ppm leveLAs described in Unit III.C. of-
this preamble, thfcEesults of the SEPTA
demonstration project indicate that the
PCB concentration level in the
transformer has leveled off and
remained under 500 ppm. Although EPA
believes that this demonstration
confirms that the 1,000 ppm level is
feasible as a mandated concentration
level for the second set of performance
deadlines, the results from this
demonstration have not yet provided
sufficient data to confirm the feasibility
of a 500 ppm mandated concentration
level.
D. Economic arid-Environmental
Impacts of Regulatory Options
EPA considered three primary
regulatory options- in amending this use
rule. These options-were: (1) To
maintain the deadlines ire the May 1&79
rule, (2) to. rescind the performance
deadlines of the May 1979 rule, and (3)
to extend the deadlines in the. May 1979
rule. This unit will consider the
economic and environmental impacts of
these regulatory options.
1. Maintenance of the performance
deadlines in the-May 1979 use rule.
Without this amendment to the current
performance deadlines-, approximately
669 transformers would be in violation
of the January 1, 1982 performance
deadline. These transformers provide
most of the daily commuter service to
the metropolitan areas of the
northeastern United Slates. If
transformers were- removed, from
service, there.would.be severe'
interruptions in daily commuter service
which could>affeet both users of the?
railroads and railroad workers,.and
would have secondary effects onsnelated
businesses. For example, small
businesses serving metropolitan areas of
the northeastern United States, could
suffer significant commercial losses.
resulting, from a temporary cessation of
public transit. This effect on small.
businesses would result from the.
dependency of businesses in these
commercial area* on public transit
operations conducted.by these railroad
organizations. These public, transit.
operations-provide necessary-access for
residents of the affected-metropolitan
areas to shop in commercial areas
served by public-rail transit.
Without an>extension of the*
performance deadlines in the May 1979
rule, there would' be increased vehicular
traffic in th» affected metropolitan areas
resulting from Deduced railroad
commuter traffic. Congestion wou'dbbe
increased in these metropolitan areas,
with increased air pollution and a higher
risk of automobile accidents; If the
current performance deadlines are not
expended and these railroad
organizations-ceased commuter service,
SEPTA has estimated that the following
impacts would-result in its service area:
(1) Approximately 73,000 increased auto
trips per day: (2) approximately
32,500,000 aggregate pounds per year in
increased air pollution through
emissions of carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide; and
(3) an increase of approximately 61,000
gallons in daily regional gasoline
consumption. Similar impacts could be
expected for other affected metropolitan
areas in the northeastern United States.
Existing service capacity for
commuters could be maintained only by
these organizations incurring significant
costs to replace existing PCB railroad
transformers. Given cost estimates
provided by SEPTA and the other
affected organizations, the total
incremental'replacement costs for these
transformers would rangp from
approximately $28 million,, assuming a
useful life of 15 years for a transformer,
to $63 million assuming a useful life of
30 years for a transformer,.
The advantages of maintaining the
performance deadlines of the May 1979
rule include the prevention of PCB
exposure to railroad: workers and
persons affected by PCB leaks and.spills
along the railroad-lines, and the
avoidance of cleanup costs that result
from releases of PCBs during-this use.
2. Rescission of the performance
deadlines in the May 1979 rule. This
option was proposed by certain railroad
organizations-, including SEPTA and
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Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 1 / Monday. January 3. 1983 / Rules and Regulations 131
New York MTA, as an alternative to
their proposed modification of the
performance deadlines in the May 1979
rule. It was presented in conjunction
with th'eir argument that PCB railroad
transformers should qualify as "totally
enclosed" uses under section 6(e)(2)(C)
of TSCA. (For a discussion of this issue,
see Unit V.A. of this preamble,)
Under this option, 773,000 pounds of
PCBs in railroad transformers would be
used in active service for the remaining
useful lives of these transformers.
Westinghouse Electric Corporation
estimated that a maximum of 30 percent
of the total dielectric fluid in a railroad
transformer might be released as leaks
and spills before the transformer fails.
Hence, a maximum of approximately
231,000 pounds of PCBs could be
released into the environment under this
alternative. Compared with the other
options, this alternative would represent
the greatest magnitude and risk of
exposure from the use of PCBs in
railroad transformers.
The advantage of this option is the
avoidance of the cost of performing one
or two retrofills for these transformers.
The total costs of retrofilling these PCB
railroad transformers to meet the 1,000
ppm concentration level ranges from
$8.3 to $23 million. Under this option,
however, small businesses that could
provide retrofilling functions for these
railroad organizations would lose the
opportunity to perform these services.
These cost estimates are described in
greater detail in the Agency's economic
analysis prepared for this rulemaking.
3. Extension of the performance
deadlines in the May 1979 rule. As
described in Unit II, in their comments
for this rulemaking, the railroad
organizations presented the following
proposal for the extension of the
performance deadlines in the May 1979
rule. In sum, they urged EPA to: (1)
Order the reduction of PCB
concentrations in railroad transformers
to 60,000 ppm by July 1,1984; (2) order
the reduction of PCB concentrations in
railroad transformers to 20,000 ppm by
July 1,1986; and (3) allow the use of
PCBs for the remaining useful lives of
these transformers below 20,000 ppm.
This amendment to the use rule differs
from the proposed rule in the following
requirements. First, the amendment
establishes a set of three performance
deadlines for these transformers to
achieve a 60,000 ppm level. Under these
deadlines, one-third of the transformers
in active service by each railroad
organization must reach this level by
July 1,1983; another third by January 1,
1984; and the final third by July 1,1984.
Second, the amendment establishes a
set of three performance deadlines for
meeting the 1,000 ppm level. Under these
deadlines, one-third of the transformers
in active service by each railroad
organization must reach this level by
July 1,1985; another third by January 1,
1986; and the final third by July 1,1986.
Finally, the amendment deletes an
expiration deadline for this use of PCBs
at or below 1,000 ppm, allowing this use
of PCBs for the remaining useful lives of
these transformers below 1,000 ppm.
This unit will analyze the economic
impacts and environmental risks of each
of the principal requirements of this
amendment to the May 1979 rule.
a. Extension of the performance
deadlines for the 60,000 and 1,000ppm
concentration levels. In its joint petition
of October 15,1981, SEPTA together
with New Jersey Transit, New York
MTA, and ConnDOT has provided
certain cost assumptions which the
Agency has used to calculate the
economic impact of this amendment. In
addition, the Agency has applied other
assumptions in calculating the total cost
of retrofilling railroad transformers
under the deadlines of this amendment.
These costs were estimated based on
present value calculations. (These
present value calculations take into
account the opportunity costs of
expenditures that are deferred by
railroad organizations and shifted into
retrofilling operations required under
this rule.) The total costs of retrofilling
these PCB railroad transformers to meet
the 1,000 ppm concentration level ranges
from $8.3' million to $23 million. For
SEPTA, the range is between $3 million
and $9.65 million. The estimate ranges of
costs for the other railroad organizations
are: $3 million to $7.4 million for New
York MTA/ConnDOT, $938,000 to $3.2
million for New Jersey Transit, and
$654,000 to $2.4 million for Amtrak.
According to the Agency's economic
analysis, the average cost-effectiveness
of this amendment, excluding clean-up
cost savings, ranges from $85 to $1,205
per pound of PCBs saved from the
environment. The assumptions and
calculations supporting these estimates
are presented in the economic analysis
prepared for this rulemaking.
The developer of the freon retrofill
method has commented that through
application of its method, the 1,000 ppm
PCB concentration level can be met in
one retrofill. Under cost assumptions
presented by Positive Technologies Inc.
(PTI), the total cost for the railroad
-organizations to meet the 1,000 ppm PCB
concentration level could range from
approximately $8.3 million, assuming a
15-year useful life for transformers, to
$9.7 million, assuring a 30-year useful
life. At this time, the Agency cannot
confirm the accuracy of the cost
assumptions presented by PTI.
The extension of these performance
deadlines would also have economic
implications for small businesses. This
amendment to the use rule for PCB
railroad transformers would avoid any
adverse economic impact on small
businesses. This amendment should
provide incentives for the development
of non-PCB substitute fluids and
alternative retrofill technologies, a
portion of which is provided by small
businesses. In addition, this amendment
will provide a stimulus for continued
improvements in existing alternative
retrofill methods including those retrofill
methods provided by small businesses.
Compliance by railroad organizations
under the performance deadlines of this
amendment would remove most of the
PCBs in the dielectric fluid of railroad
transformers. On January 1,1982, there
were 773,000 pounds of PCBs in railroad
transformers used in active service.
Under the performance deadlines of this
rule, by July 1,1984, there should be
93,000 pounds of PCBs remaining in
railroad transformers used in active
service (60,000 ppm PCB concentration).
Under the 1,000 ppm concentration
requirement, by July 1,1986, there would
be only 1,550 pounds of PCBs remaining
in railroad transformers used in active
service. This will represent the
maximum pounds of PCBs remaining in
railroad transformers used in active
service with the elimination of an
expiration.deadline under this rule.
Therefore, with full compliance by
railroad organizations, 99.8 percent of
the PCBs present in the transformers on
January 1,1982 will be eliminated by
this rule. This will greatly reduce the
potential for contamination of the
environment and exposure to humans
from the continued use of railroad
transformers.
The aforementioned estimates have
been derived from data provided by
several railroad organizations. A key
assumption for these estimates was an
average PCB concentration in railroad
transformers, with the exception of
transformers used in Amtrak self-
propelled cars, of 550,000 ppm (55.0
percent on a dry weight basis). Amtrak
was able to retrofill the 61 transformers
in its self-propelled cars to meet the
60,000 ppm (6 percent) concentration
level by January 1,1982. Hence, for
these estimates, the average PCB
concentration in these transformers is at
a 6 percent PCB level, rather than at a 55
percent PCB level. Amtrak did not,
however, retrofill the 26 PCB railroad
transformers in its locomotives by that
date. The average PCB concentration in
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132 Federal. Register / Vol. 48, No> 1 / Monday. January 3t 1983 / Rules and Regulations
these transformers is at a 55 penoent
concentration. fov*l.
Th* possible reliance by.'cartain.
railroadiaigankatioasam the fraon gas
methodftO'Supplemant th* retrofitting of
these transformers witn a noo-pCB
substitute flaid-wilLpnesent no known
risks to public health-on thh
environment Given ihfoBnattvn,,
provided by th» develapatof this,
method, EPA, has .determined that as
used in the netrofill of.these
transformers) an insignificant amount of
this-freon product-will be released into
the environment. After each netrofill of a
transformer with this process, the freon
gas-is recycled and used for other
retrofills. Given the minimal exposure
risk presented by the use of the freon
product.in this retrofill process, no
regulatory action by the Agency under
section 6 of TSCA will be initiated.
b. Performance deadlinea-for lowering
PCS concentration levels in railroad
transformers to 60,000ppm and 1,000
ppm. The Agency considered three-
options for the establishment of
performance deadlines for,lowering PCB
concentration levels in railroad
transformers to 1,000 ppm by July 1.
1986. These options were: (1) Requiring
only a single performance deadline of
July 1.1986. for compliance with the
1.000 ppm concentration level; (2)
requiring one performance deadline fof
compliance with the 60,000 ppm level
(July 1,1984) and one performance
deadline for compliance with the 1,000
ppm level (July 1,1988); and (3) requiring
three performance deadlines for
compliance with the 60,000 ppm level
and three additional deadlines for
compliance with the 1,000 ppm level.
The Agency also considered-requiring
periodic reports of progress together
with each of these options.
Under any of these approaches, with
traditional retrofill technology, these
organizations will conduct two retrofills
of their railroad transformers to meet
the 1,000 ppm PCB concentration level
by July 1,1986. The testing, inspection,
and maintenance costs should be
identical under any of'these approaches.
EPA has-determined that options with
more performance deadlines ensure the
reduction of risk to-human health-and
the environment associated with this
use of PCBs in a shorter period than
op'ions with fewer deadlines. Because
there are significant differences in (he-
risks involved with use of PCBs at
different concentrations! the six-stage
PCB reduction schedule has been
promulgated in this amendment to
hasten retrofill progress. Given the
present concentration level in most PCB
railroad transformers, there would be a
maximum release of 268 pounds of-PCBs
from a maximum spill of 39 gallons of
dielectric fluid. With the 60,000 ppm
level, there would be a maximum
release of approximately 29 pounds of
PCBs from a similar transformer. With
the liOOO ppm Ifevei, there would be a
maximum^ release: of approximately 0.3
pound of PCBs from a-similar
transformer. It is EPA's concern for the
minimization of risks from a single spill
event that makes a schedule with more
performance deadlines more desirable.
Requiring periodic reports of progress
from these organizations would not.
contribute.to the reduction^ risks. Such
a requirement would merely provide
information, rather than risk-
minimization.
EPA ha« determined that of the
options considered, a schedule with six
performance deadlines provides the
greatest assurance that these railroad'
organizations will not fall behind in
their retrofill schedule. This safeguard is
important because, according to the
comments provided1 by-these
organizations, each of them is limited as
to the rate at which cars can be removed
from service. Because of the limitation,
it is necessary for the retrofilling to
proceed at a steady rate. Options which
theoretically would provide greater
flexibility for the railroad organizations
by specifying fewer interim deadlines
are not desirable because such
flexibility has no practical value. This
conclusion is supported by the
comments of the railroad organizations
that the maximum rate of removal of
cars from service cannot be exceeded.
Therefore, to comply with the final
deadline, railroad organizations must
not fall behind schedule. Requiring
compliance with interim-deadlines
provides incentive for these
organizations to stay on schedule.
Requiring periodic reports of progress
from these organizations would not'
provide additional incentive'forthem to
maintain their schedule, and'would
impose unnecessary costs.
Given rhese'considerations, EPA has
decided that a total of six performance
deadlines should be required-'for
compliance with the rule; Periodic
progress reports will not be required.
The six performance deadlines in this
rule are easily achievable by, any. of the
railroad organizations because the
deadlines; have-been'developed to
follow the schedule-proposed by them.
EPA has determined that no adverse
economic impacts: will result from the
promulgation of-a uniformly phased
schedule of six performance deadlines
as compared with the performance
deadlines that would be established
under any of the other options.
Compared with these options; the
establishment of six performance
deadlines will not-impose any additional
costs on the affected railroad
organizations.
c. Deletion of the expiration deadline
for this use of PCBs at a concentration
level below 1,000 ppm. The use
authorization for PCB railroad
transformers in the May 19T-9 rule
expires on July 1,1984, six months after
the-performance deadline for the 1,000
ppm concentration level. This
amendment will delete the expiration
deadline-for this use of PCBs below a
concentration of 1,000 ppm.
This deletion of the expiration
deadline will allow these railroad
organizations to avoid the cost of at
least an additional retrofill of their
transformers to further reduce PCB
concentrations below 1,000 ppm. EPA
has estimated that the cost of a third
retrofill for these transformers to further
reduce PCB concentrations below 1,000
ppm would range from approximately
$6.7 million to $9.1 million.
Alternatively, the replacement costs for
these transformers would range from
approximately $28 million to $63 million.
Finally, the Agency cannot determine
that it is technologically possible to
completely eliminate PCBs from railroad
transformers through retrofilling
operations, including the freon gas
method.
After the last performance deadline of
this rule, July 1,1986, there will remain a
maximum of approximately 1,550
pounds of PCBs in active service in
these transformers. These transformers
can lose at most 30 percent of their
dielectric fluid before they fail. Hence,
approximately 460 pounds of PCBs as a
portion of the total dielectric fluid of
these transformers could be released
through leaks and spills on railroad beds
before the transformers fail. Similarly,
under the 1,000 ppm concentration level,
the maximum leakage of PCBs from a
railroad transformer for a single spill
event will be approximately 0.5 pound
of PCBs.
E. Findings-on the Use of PCBs in
Railroad' Transformers
The Agency has concluded that thi
risks associated with extending the
deadlines and allowing the use of PCBs
for the useful remaining lives of railroad
transformers at a concentration level at
or below 1,000 ppm are outweighed by
the benefits of continued operation of
commuter rail service in the
northeastern United States and the costs
that are avoided by not requiring the
reduction of the PCB concentration level
below 1,000 ppm. Therefore,,EPA finds
that authorizing the use of PCBs in
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Federal Register / Vol. 48. No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 1988 / Rule* and Regulations 133
railroad transformers with the
performance deadlines specified in this
rule does not present an unreasonable
risk to health or the environment for the
following reasons:
1. These performance deadlines
should progressively reduce the human
health and environmental risks involved
in this use of PCBs. By July 1,1986, PCB
concentration levels in dielectric fluid in
railroad transformers will be at or below
1,000 ppm. At this concentration level, a
minimal amount of PCBs (approximately
1,550 pounds) will remain in railroad
transformers. This amount constitutes
0.2 percent of the amount of PCBs used
in railroad transformers in active service
on January 1,1382. Under this schedule,
the risks involved in a release of PCBs
from these transformers will decrease
from a maximum release of 268 pounds
of PCBs from a single spill event under
present concentration levels to a
maximum release of 0.5 pound of PCBs
under the 1,000 ppm concentration level.
Further reductions in risk should occur
as a result of servicing provisions
permitting transformer reclassifications.
Railroad organizations will have the
incentive to reduce PCB concentrations
in transformers below 500 ppm, if
feasible, in order to reduce their
disposal burdens.
2. The risks from continued use of
PCBs in railroad transformers would be
low, given the amount and
concentrations of PCBs remaining after
July 1. 1986, existing railroad workplace
controls, and EPA disposal requirements
in 40 CFR Part 761.
3. The estimated costs for the
necessary retrofiH operations under this
amendment will range between $8.3
million and $23 million.
4. The costs to these railroad
organizations associated with
retrofilling under these performance
deadlines are not excessive compared to
the amount of PCBs that are removed
from potential release into the
environment.
5. Compared with the alternative of
two final compliance dates for the 60,000
ppm and 1,000 ppm PCB concentration
levels, the establishment of six
performance deadlines will not impose
any additional costs for testing,
inspection, and maintenance of these
transformers under requirements in 40
CFR Part 761.
6. The continued use of PCBs in
railroad transformers under the
performance deadlines of this rule
would avoid a disruption of necessary
commuter rail service in the
northeastern United States.
7. The continued use of PCBs in
railroad transformers under the
performance deadlines of this rule
would avoid increased vehicular traffic
in affected metropolitan areas with
related congestion and air pollution.
8. There exist adequate non-PCB
dielectric fluids for use in railroad
transformers to lower the PCB
concentration level in railroad
transformers below 1,000 ppm. In
addition,, there is evidence that railroad
organizations might be able to lower
PCB concentration levels to below 500
ppm. These organizations are
encouraged to reach this level in order
to reduce their disposal burdens.
9. The elimination of PCBs from these
railroad transformers might not be
technologically feasible through reirofiU
operations. Hypothetically, assuming
that additional retrofifls could eliminate
all PCB fluid from these transformers,
the costs of such retrofills (at least $6.7
million to $9.1 million) would be.
excessive. It would cost approximately
as much to eliminate the last 0.2 percent
of the PCB fhiid as the first 99.8 percent
In addition, the cost of replacement for
these transformers (between $28 million
and $63 million) would be an
unreasonable burden considering the
small amount of PCBs (a maximum of
1,550 pounds) that would be eliminated.
Under the 1,000 ppm concentration level,
the maximum release of PCBs from
these transformers for a single spill
event would be only 0.5 pound of PCBs.
V. Other Proposed Amendments
Presented by Railroad Organizations in
This Rulemaking
Through the comment periods and
informal hearing related to the proposed
amendments to this use rule as
published in the Federal Register of
November 18,1981, the affected railroad
organizations presented several
regulatory options aot adopted in this
final use rule. This section presents
summaries of these-proposed
amendments as presented by the
affected railroad organizations and EPA
determinations on the validity of these
proposed options.
A. Issue Concerning Whether PCB
Railroad Transformers Should Qualify
as "Totally Enclosed" Uses Under
Section 6(£)(2)(C) of the Toxic
Substances Control Act
Reply comments presented hy SEPTA
and New York MTA proponed that their
PCB railroad transfocmers should be
defined as "totally endoaed" uses and
thereby excluded fnom this use rule.
Under section 6{fift23(Q of TSCA, the
continued uee of PCBs in a "totally
enclosed" manner is peiaiutted. TSCA
defines that category as "any manner
which will ensure that any exposure of
human beings or the environment to a
polychlorinated biphenyi will be.
insignificant as determined by the
Administrator." As presented in EPA
regulations at 40 CFR, 781.20, the Agency
found that any exposure of humans or
the environment to PCBs as measured or
detected by any scientifically
acceptable analytical method is.a
significant exposure.
In the comments of SEPTA and New
York MTA, no information was provided
by these organizations that the use of
their railroad transformers would result
in no-exposure to humane or the
environment. Documentation was
provided concerning the number of
recorded spill accidents during I960 and
19B1. According to these data, in 1980
and 1881, there were eleven recorded
spill events in the New York MTA and
ConnDOT service system (five recorded
spills in 1980, six recorded spills in
1981). In 1981, there were 16 recorded
spill events of 168 gallons of dielectric
fluid, incloding PCBs-, in the SEPTA
system.
Through data received during this
rulemaking activity from the affected
railroad organizations, estimates of
maximum leakage from these PCB
transformers in active service have been
developed. These estimates are
presented in Unit IV of this preamble.
The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals-for
the District of Columbia in
Environmental Defense Fund v.
Environmental Protection Agency, 636
F.2d 1267 (1980J, has reviewed the legal
status of the current use rule for PCB
railroad transformers. In footnote 31 of
that decision, the Court acknowledged
the Agency conclusion that railroad
transformers, cannot be considered
totally enclosed. In addition, the Court
stated that "(bjecause of the strenuous
conditions under which they operate,
railroad transformers often leak PCBs
onto railroad beds, risking exposure to
the enuaxmrnent and to workers and
other persons near rail lines." 636 F.2d
at 1279.
ff. Transfer of PCB ftailroad
Transformers to Museums or Historical
Societies
In its comments, Amtrak has proposed
amendments to 40 CFR 761.20
'concerning the distribution in commerce
of PCB equipment, including PCB
railroad transformers. FirsU Amtrak
proposed that the-owner of a railroad
locomotive or self-propelled can with a
PCB railroad transformer may at any
time sell or otherwise distribute in
commerce or export the locomotive or
car provided that certain conditions are
met. These condition? are that these
Amtrak transformers must contain
-------
134
Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 1983 / Rules and Regulations
dielectric fluid with either: (1) A
concentration level no greater than
60,000 ppm or (2) the concentration level
set by EPA for the first retrofill
requirement in effect six months after
the date of sale, distribution, or export,
whichever is lower. Second, Amtrak
proposed that the owner of an electric
locomotive or self-propelled car
containing a PCS Transformer may at
any time transfer ownership of such
locomotive or car to a "reputable
historical society or institution" for
premanent display. This transfer would
be permitted provided that certain
precautions were met prior to the
transfer. These precautions would be:
(1) All free-flowing dielectric fluid would
be drained from the transformer; (2) the
transformer would be filled with an
appropriate non-PCB solvent and
allowed to stand for a period of not less
than 18 hours; (3) a sufficient quantity of
appropriate absorbent material would
be placed in the transformer to absorb
any remaining fluid; (4) the transformer
would be sealed by welding or another
process to insure that it is totally
enclosed within the statutory definition;
and (5) the transformer must be
prominently marked as a PCB
Transformer, consistent with EPA
marking rules presented in 40 CFR
761.40(a)(2).
The first proposal of Amtrak should
be submitted in the form of an
exemption petition under section 6(e) of
TSCA for the distribution in commerce
of railroad cars and locomotives
equipped with railroad transformers
with PCB fluid. Section 6(e)(3)(A)(ii) of
TSCA prohibits the distribution in
commerce of PCBs after July 1,1979
unless the agency has granted an
exemption for the activities. Section 6 of
TSCA provides exemption procedures
applicable to Amtrak's proposal for the
distribution in commerce of locomotives
or self-propelled cars equipped with a
PCB railroad transformer. Exemption
petitions must be consistent with
procedures presented in section
6(e)(3)(B) of TSCA and EPA regulations
at 40 CFR Part 750.
EPA regulatory provisions in 40 CFR
Part 761 are applicable to Amtrak's
second proposal for the transfer of
ownership of GG-1 locomotives to
historical institutions and the related
retirement of these locomotives with
their PCB railroad transformers. PCB
Transformers must be disposed in
accordance with the disposal
requirements of the PCB rule, 40 CFR
761.60. Section 761.60(b) of the disposal
requirements states that drained PCB
Transformers must be sent either to an
Incinerator under § 761.70 or to an EPA-
approved chemical waste landfill. EPA
rules at 40 CFR 761.65 provide
requirements for transformers in
locomotives or cars that are stored for
disposal. Furthermore, if the
transformers were not disposed of, the
museums and historical societies would
be using PCBs in a manner not found to
be totally enclosed or authorized by the
PCB rule. Such uses are banned under
section 6(e)(2)(A) of TSCA.
The use authorization for PCBs in
electrical equipment in the May 1979
rule has recently been amended. The
final amendment to the use
authorization was published in the
Federal Register of August 25,1982 (47
FR 37342). Included in this final
amendment are modifications to the
distribution in commerce provisions in
40 CFR 761.20 for electrical equipment
with PCB fluid. This provision allows
the distribution in commerce of all
intact, nonleaking electrical equipment
with PCB fluid including PCB railroad
transformers. Hence, under this
provision, in order to transfer ownership
of these GG1 locomotives, Amtrak
must ensure that these locomotives are
"intact" and "nonleaking."
VI. Executive Order 12291
Under Executive Order 12291, issued
February 17,1981, EPA must judge
whether a rule is a "major rule" and,
therefore, subject to the requirement
that a Regulatory Impact Analysis be
prepared. EPA has determined that this
amendment to the PCB rule is not a
"major rule" as that term is defined in
section l(b) of the Executive Order.
Therefore, EPA has not prepared a
Regulatory Impact Analysis for this rule.
EPA has concluded that the
amendment is not "major" under the
criteria of section l(b) because the
annual effect of the rule on the economy
will be less than $100 million; it will not
cause a major increase in costs or prices
for any sector of the economy or for any
geographic region; and it will not result
in any significant adverse effects on
competition, employment, investment,
productivity, or innovation or on the
ability of United States enterprises to
compete in domestic, or foreign markets.
Indeed, it will reduce the burden on
railroad organizations to comply with
the PCB rule.'By extending the
performance deadlines in the May 1979
rule and eliminating an expiration
deadline for this use of PCBs at or below
1,000 ppm, this amendment should
reduce costs for the railroad industry
and for governmental bodies that
operate railroads.
This regulation was submitted to the
Office of Management and Budget for
review as required by Executive Order
12291.
VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act
Section 604 of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 604) requires
EPA to prepare a "regulatory flexibility
analysis" in connection with any
rulemaking for which there is a statutory
requirement that a general notice of
proposed rulemaking shall be published.
The "regulatory flexibility analysis"
describes the effect of a final rule on
small business entities.
Section 605(b) of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)),
however, provides that section 604 of
the Act "shall not apply to any proposed
or final rule if the head of the agency
certifies that the rule will not, if
promulgated, have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities."
Since the effect of this rule avoids the
economic impact associated with a
disruption of passenger railroad service,
and no negative economic effect is
expected upon any business entity from
this amendment, the Administrator of
EPA has certified that promulgation of
this amendment will not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
Therefore, a "regulatory flexibility
analysis" is not required and will not be
prepared for this rulemaking.
VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., requires
Federal agencies to submit certain
collection of information requests to the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for its review and approval.
Without appropriate approval from
OMB under the Act, agencies may not
impose penalties for noncompliance
with certain types of collection of
information requests, including
recordkeeping requirements. Based on a
review of the specific recordkeeping
requirements under this use rule, EPA
has determined that these requirements
do not meet the threshold criteria for
"collection of information" under the
PRA.
The recordkeeping requirements of
this use rule are presented in 40 CFR
761.30(b)(l)(iii). This provision requires
that the concentration of PCBs in the
dielectric fluid of railroad transformers
must be measured at two points in time:
(1) Immediately upon completion of
any authorized servicing of a railroad
transformer conducted for the purpose
of reducing the PCB concentration in the
transformer, and (2) between 12 and 24
months after each servicing conducted
-------
Federal Register / Vol. 48, No. 1 / Monday, January 3, 1983 / Rules and Regulations 135
under this rule. In addition, these
measurements must be recorded'and
retained until January 1,1991.
This amendment does not alter the
recordkeeping requirements contained
in 40 CFR 761.30 (b)(l)(iii) of the current
rule. The only change in the
recordkeeping requirements from the
current rule refers to the extension of
the performance deadlines and the
related extension of the period for
railroad organizations to measure the
concentration of PCBs in the dielectric
fluid of railroad transformers. Under this
change, these organizations would be
required to measure the concentration of
PCBs for compliance with the respective
performance deadlines through July 1,
1986, rather than through July 1,1984,
under the current rule.
Under section 3502(4) of the Act,
"collection of information" includes "the
obtaining or soliciting of facts or
opinions by an agency through the use
of written report forms, application
forms, schedules, questionnaires,
reporting or recordkeeping
requirements, or other similar methods."
In addition, to meet the statutory
definition of "collection of information,"
any recordkeeping requirements under
this use rule must request either of the
following responses: (1) "Answers to
identical questions posed to, or identical
reporting or recordkeeping requirements
imposed on, ten or more persons, other
than agencies, instrumentalities, or
employees of the United States" or (2)
"answers to questions posed to
agencies, instrumentalities, or
employees of the United States which
are to be used for general statistical
purposes." The recordkeeping
requirements under this use rule do not
meet either of these categories. With
respect to the first response category,
the requirements in the use rule are
applicable to less than 10 affected
railroad organizations with PCB railroad
transformers in either active or inactive
service. With respect to the second
category, none of the affected railroad
organizations are "agencies,
instrumentalities, or employees of the
United States." In addition, the testing
records concerning PCB concentration
levels that must be maintained through
January 1,1991 are to measure
compliance with trie performance
deadlines, and are not to be used for
general statistical purposes.
IX. Official. Record of Rulemaking
In accordance with the requirements
of section 19 (a)(3)(E) of TSCA, EPA is
issuing the following list of documents
constituting the record of this
rulemaking. However, this list does not
include public comments, the transcript
of the rulemaking, hearing, or
submissions made at the nul&meking
hearing or in cuMuwction with it These
documents are exanq>trfrom.F«deral
Register listing und«rsealinn'19(a)(3j. A
full listof tires*material* will be
available on ntqvest fram the Industry
Assistance Office listed under "FOB
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT."
A. Previous Rulemaking Records
1. Official Rulemaking Record from
"Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution
in Commerce and Use Prohibitions
Rule" published in the Federal Register
of May 31,1979, {44 FR 31514).
2. Official Rulemaking Record from
"Proposed Amendment to Use
Authorization for PCB Railroad
Transformers" published in the Federal
Register of November 18,1981, (46 FR
56626).
B. Support Documents
3. USEPA, OTS, "Cost-Effectiveness
Analysis for the PCB Railroad
Transformer Rule Amendment."
4. USEPA, OTS, "Response to
Comments on Health Effects of PCBs."
5. USEPA, OTS, "Support Document
for the PCB Railroad Transformer Rule:
Response to Comments."
C. Reports
6. Buser, H. R., "Formation of
Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans (PCDFs)
and Dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) from
the Pyrolysis of Chlorobenzenes," 8
Chemosphere. 415 (1979).
X. Statutory Authority
Under section 6{e) of TSCA (15 U.S.C.
2605), the Administrator may by rule
authorize the manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce, or use (or any
combination of such activities) of any
PCBs in other than a totally enclosed
manner if the Administrator finds that it
will not present an unreasonable risk of
injury to human health or the
environment.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 761
Hazardous materials, Labeling,
Polychlorinated biphenyls,
Recordkeeping and reporting
requirements, Environmental protection.
Dated: December 20,1982.
Anne M. Gorsuch,
Administrator.
PART 761[AMENDED]
Therefore, in 40 CFR 761.30, the
introductory text in paragraph(b) and
paragraph(b)(l) are revised, and
paragraph(b)(2)(vii) is added to read as
follows:
§761.30 Authorizations.
* * * * *
(b) Use in and servicing of railroad
transformers. PCBs may be used in
transformers in railroad locomotives or
railroad self-propelled cars ("railroad
transformers") and may be processed
and distributed in commerce for
purposes of servicing these transformers
in a manner other than a totally
enclosed manner subject to the
following conditions:
(1) Use restrictions, (i) After July 1,
1983, the number of railroad
transformers containing a PCB
concentration greater than 60,000 ppm
(6.0 percent on a dry weight basis) in use
by any affected railroad organization
may not exceed two-thirds of the total
railroad transformers containing PCBs in
use by that organization on January 1,
1982.
(ii) After January 1,1984, the number
of railroad transformers containing a
PCB concentration greater than 60,000
ppm in use by any affected railroad
organization may not exceed one-third
of the total railroad transformers
containing PCBs in use by that
organization on January 1,1982.
(iii) After July 1,1984, use of railroad
transformers that contain dielectric
fluids with a PCB concentration greater
than 60,000 ppm is prohibited,
(iv) After July 1, 1985, the number of
railroad transformers containing a PCB
concentration greater than 1,000 ppm
(0.1 percent on a dry weight basis) m use
by any affected railroad organization
may not exceed two-thirds of the total
railroad transformers containing PCBs in
use by that organization on July 1.1984.
(v) After January 1,1986, the number
of railroad transformers containing a
PCB concentration greater than 1,000
ppm in use by any affected railroad
organization may not exceed one-third
of the total railroad transformers
containing PCBs in use by that
organization on July 1,1984.
(vi) After July 1,1986, use of railroad
transformers that contain dielectric
fluids with a PCB concentration greater
than 1,000 ppm is prohibited.
(vii) The concentration of PCBs in the
dielectric fluid contained in railroad
transformers must be measured:
(A) Immediately upon completion of
any authorized servicing of a railroad
transformer conducted for the purpose
of reducing the PCB concentration in the
dielectric fluid in the transformer, and
(B) Between 12 and 24 months after
each servicing conducted in accordance
with paragraph (b)(l)(vii)(A) of this
section;
(C) The data obtained as a result of
paragraph (b)(l)(vii) (A) and (B) of this
-------
136 Federal Register /Vol. 48. No. 1 / Monday. January 3. 1983 / Rules and Regulations
section shall be retained until January l. or otherwise servicing the railroad Transformer) after a minimum of three
1991. transformer. In order to reclassify, the months of inservice use subsequent to
(2) * * * railroad transformer's dielectric fluid the last servicing conducted for the
(vii) A PCB Transformer may be must contain less than 500 ppm (for purpose of reducing the PCB
converted to a PCB-Contaminated conversion to PCB-Contaminated concentration in the transformer.
Transformer or to a non-PCB Transformer) or less than 50 ppm PCB *
Transformer by draining, refilling, and/ (f°r conversion to a non-PCB I "** «WM» «i «-*«* *« ""!
-------
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DISPOSAL COMPANIES*
APPENDIX G
COMPANY
ADDRESS
PHONE
Incinerator
ENSCO
Rollins
Vulcanus
Chemical Waste Mgt,
Pyrotech Systems
General Electric
P.O. Box 1975
ElDorado, AK, 71730
P.O. Box 609
Deer Park, TX, 77536
c/o Waste Mgt. Inc.
600 Maryland Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20004
P.O. Box 1653
Tullahoma, TN 37388
100 Woodlawn Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
501-863-7173
713-479-6001
202-347-4023
615-455-9954
413-494-3729
Chemical
Acurex
General Electric
PCB Destruction
PPM
Rose Chemical
Sunohio Inc.
485 Clyde Ave.
Mountain View, CA 94042
1 River Road
Schenectady, N.Y. 12345
304 N. Baltimore
Kansas City, MO 64116
8220 Travis
Overland Park, KA
2459 Charolotte St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
1700 Gateway Blvd., S.E.
Canton, OH 44707
415-964-3200
518-385-3134
816-474-1661
913-648-0448
816-471-7227
216-452-0837
* This listing, compiled in March 1983, is subject to change.
For a status check of the above call the Industry Assistance
Office's Toil-Free Number 800-424-9065 (in Washington D.C.
area: 554-1404).
-------
APPENDIX G
COMPANY ADDRESS PHONE
Capacitor Disposal
Environmental 912 Scott 800-255-0154
International Kansas City, KS 66105
SED, Inc. Box 1306 414-784-3740
Waukesha, WT
-------
APPENDIX H
COMPARATIVE TABLES ON
MATERIALS USED TO PROTECT
AGAINST DERMAL EXPOSURES TO PCBs
715-M-135
August 17, 1982
*Table 1. Recommendations for Protection Against Aroclor 1254
Undiluted and Paraffin Oil3
Highly Recommended Recommended Not Recommended
Vitron Teflon b/c Surgical rubber
Vitron SF Polyvinyl alcohol Polyethylene
Vitrile Nitrile"
Neoprene
Saranex
Butylb
Table 2. Recommendations for Protection Against Aroclor 1254 in
Trichlorobenzene: > 58 percent Aroclor 1254a
Highly Recommended Recommended Not Recommended
Vitrol Teflon Saranex
Vitron SF Nitrile Butyl
Polyvinyl alcohol Neoprene
Vitrile Polyethylene
Surgical rubber
a "Highly recommended" materials showed no breakthrough in 24
hours. Breakthrough time was 8 to 24 hours for the
"recommended" category. Breakthrough time was less than 8
hours for the "not recommended" category. These
recommendations assume comparable thickness, thus are based
on normalized breakthrough times.
Investigators noticed what appeared to be defects in both
butyl and Saranex-laminated tyvek and nitrile; in one
Teflon thumb, penetration appeared to occur through a seam.
° Teflon is not highly recommended because when it is flexed,
as it would be when worn, permeation sometimes takes place
due to physical defects which flexing produces.
*From the EPA/OTS TSCA Public Files; Versar, Inc. OPTS 62017 PCBs
Controlled Wastes Communication N 23 File.
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-------
APPENDIX I
STATUS FOR THE "UNCONTROLLED" PCB RULEMAKING
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT
ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND, INC., )
)
Petitioner, )
)
v. )
)
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, ) Civ. No. 79-1580
)
Respondent, )
)
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON LIQUID DIELECTRICS )
OF THE ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATIONS, )
et al., )
)
EDISON ELECTRIC INSTITUTE, J5t_ jl_. )
)
Intervenors. )
EPA REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS COURT'S
APRIL 9, 1982, ORDER CONCERNING EPA'S PROPOSAL FOR
ACTION ON POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS IN CONCENTRATIONS
BELOW 50 PARTS PER MILLION RESULTING FROM UNCONTROLLED PCB
PROCESSES AND MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF STAY OF MANDATE AS TO
EPA ACTION ON UNCONTROLLED PCB PROCESSES UNTIL OCTOBER 1, 1984
In accordance with this Court's order of April 9, 1982, the
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") hereby reports its plans
for further regulatory action with respect to manufacturing,
processing, distribution in commerce and use of polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) at concentrations less than 50 parts per million
-------
APPENDIX I
- 2 -
(ppm), in other than closed manufacturing processes ("closed
processes") and processes producing only controlled wastes
("controlled processes") .jV For the purposes of this document, we
have referred to this aspect of the PCB rulemaking as dealing with
"uncontrolled PCB processes."
EPA intends to promulgate a final rule regulating
uncontrolled PCB processes by July 1, 1984, and hereby requests
extension until October 1, 1984, of this Court's stay of its
mandate affecting such PCBs. The reasons for EPA's determination
to suggest this course of action for further rulemaking on
uncontrolled PCB processes is explained below.
I. BACKGROUND
A. GENERAL BACKGROUND OF THIS LITIGATION
Section 6(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act ("TSCA"), 15
U.S.C. §2605(e), authorizes EPA, among other things, to adopt
rules governing the manufacturing, processing, distribution in
commerce, and use of PCBs. On May 31, 1979, EPA promulgated such
rules, called the "PCB Ban Regulations," 44 Fed. Reg. 31542-58, 40
CFR Part 761. The Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. ("EOF")
obtained judicial review of the PCB Ban Regulations. On
October 30, 1980, this Court held, inter alia, that two aspects of
2JA "closed manufacturing process" is one which generates PCBs
but which releases PCBs only in concentrations below the
practical limits of quantification. In a "controlled waste
process," PCBs may be released in concentrations above the
practical limits of quantification only as constituents of wastes
which are incinerated or disposed of in EPA approved
facilities. See 47 Fed. Reg. 46981 (1982).
-------
APPENDIX I
- 3 -
the PCB Ban Regulations were invalid. EOF v. EPAf 636 F.2d
1267.V
This Court set aside the portion of the PCB Ban Regulations
that, generally, had limited the applicability of those rules to
materials containing PCBs in concentrations of at least 50 ppm.
636 F.2d at 1279-1284. In addition, the Court set aside EPA's
determination that certain uses of PCBs were "totally enclosed"
uses and, therefore, exempt from regulation under Section 6(e).
636 F.2d at 1284-6. The rules were then remanded for further
rulemaking by EPA, consistent with the Court's opinion. 636 F.2d
at 1284.**/
The Court's decision placed industries that had relied upon
the PCB Ban Regulations in a difficult position. EPA and EOF
believed that issuance of the Court's mandate would have activated
Section 6(e)'s broad prohibitions on the manufacture, processing,
distribution in commerce and use of PCBs. It was believed that
numerous manufacturing activities created PCBs in low
concentrations. The parties, therefore, filed a series of joint
motions with the Court to seek a stay of the Court's mandate,
proposing that during such a stay: (1) EPA would conduct new
rulemaking with respect to PCBs; (2) industry groups would
undertake activities related to the new rulemaking; and (3) users
_VThe Court also upheld the PCB Ban Regulations'
authorization of eleven non-enclosed uses of PCBs. 636 F.2d at
1275-9.
**/ On August 25, 1981, in response to this Court's order with
respect to uses of PCBs in electrical equipment, EPA published in
the Federal Register final regulations which deal comprehensively
with such uses. See 47 Fed. Reg. 37342.
-------
APPENDIX I
4
of transformers containing PCBs would institute an interim
inspection and reporting program.
The Court responded in several orders, one of which is
germane to this filing. On April 13, 1981, the Court issued an
order in response to a joint motion that was submitted on
February 20, 1981 (the "April 13 Order"). The April 13 Order
stayed issuance of the Court's mandate with respect to activities
relating to PCBs in concentrations below 50 ppm. The order also
adopted a plan for further actions by EPA and industry groups
leading toward new EPA rulemaking on the regulation of PCBs in
concentrations below 50 ppm. The April 13 Order required EPA:
(1) to publish two Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking ("ANPR")
on developing rules to cover PCBs in concentrations below 50 ppm;
(2) within 18 months from the date of the order (i.e., October 13,
1982), to promulgate a final rule with respect to exclusion from
the prohibitions of Section 6(e)(3) of the generation of PCBs in
"closed manufacturing processes" or only as constituents of
"controlled wastes," or to explain the reasons for not proceeding
with such a rule; and (3) within eleven months after the date of
the order (i.e., March 13, 1982), to advise the Court of EPA's
plans for further action on PCBs in concentrations below 50 ppm
generated in uncontrolled PCS processes.
For the uncontrolled PCB processes described in item 3, EPA
needed to collect a range of additional factual information in
order to develop an adequate rulemaking record consistent with the
Court's opinion of October 30, 1980. This need for collection and
evaluation of additional data accounts for the relatively greater
-------
APPENDIX I
- 5 -
difficulties EPA will face in completing rulemaking on
uncontrolled PCS processes as compared with the "closed" and
"controlled" processes.
B. EPA ACTIVITIES RELATING TO PCBs IN CONCENTRATIONS LESS
THAN 50 PPM
1. Publication of ANPRs and Related Notices.
On May 20, 1981, EPA published in the Federal Register ANPRs
establishing bifurcated rulemaking proceedings with respect to
PCBs in concentrations below 50 ppm, 46 Fed. Reg. 27614. The
first ANPR announced activities that would lead to rulemaking on
PCBs generated in the "closed manufacturing" processes and
"controlled waste" processes. The second ANPR announced the
framework for the Agency's exploration of the scope of the problem
presented by PCBs in concentrations below 50 ppm in uncontrolled
PCB processes. EPA there stated that it needed to develop a
substantial factual basis to support rulemaking on these PCBs,^_J
46 Fed. Reg. 27619.
The comment period for both ANPRs expired on November 16,
1981. Approximately 50 public comments were submitted in response
to the two ANPRs published on May 20th.
2. Report to the Court of March 1982
On March 11, 1982, EPA filed its report on the Agency's plans
for regulation of uncontrolled PCB processes. Review of available
information indicated that the initiation of rulemaking for
2/ On May 20, 1981, EPA also had published in the Federal
Register a summary and the full text of the April 13 Order. 46
Fed. Reg. 27615.
-------
APPENDIX I
- 6 -
uncontrolled PCB processes should not begin until the Agency was
better able to estimate how many processes would be subject to
such rulemaking.
This estimation rested in turn, on an understanding of how
many processes could be considered "closed" or "controlled."JV
Accordingly, EPA requested a short time after promulgation of the
"closed" and "controlled" rule to report further to the Court on
final plans for completing rulemaking on the uncontrolled PCB
processes. EPA requested that it be allowed to report its plans
on uncontrolled PCB processes on or about November 1, 1982, and
that the Court extend its stay of mandate until December 1, 1982,
with respect to uncontrolled PCB processes at levels below 50 ppm
concentration. The period between November 1, and December 1,
would allow sufficient time for review of the Agency's plans
before of April 9, 1982, this Court extended the stay of its
mandate until December 1, 1982.
3. The "Closed" and "Controlled" Rule.
On October 12, 1982, EPA promulgated a final rule for
"closed" and "controlled" PCBs (47 Fed. Reg. 46980). If a PCB-
generating process meets the rule's definitions of "closed
manufacturing process" or "controlled waste manufacturing
process," the manufacturer may have that process excluded from
regulation under section 6(e) of TSCA.
2/In its March 1982 report, the Agency pointed out that, if the
number of "uncontrolled PCB" processes were very large, resources
for formulating and administering the rules could be severely
strained. Larger numbers of processes would make it more
difficult to develop definitions of terms or recordkeeping and
reporting requirements that could uniformly apply to the persons
subject to the rule. See March 1982 Report at 8-14.
-------
APPENDIX I
- 7 -
The rule defines "closed processes" as those that produce
PCBs in concentrations below the practical limits of quantifi-
cation for PCBs in specified media: approximately 10 micrograms
per cubic meter in air emissions, approximately 0.1 ppm in water
effluent and 2 ppm in products and waste streams. See 47 Fed.
Reg. 46995.
In addition, if wastes are disposed of in a manner specified
in the rule, a process may still be excluded from regulation even
if it produces PCBs above 2 ppm in its waste stream, as long as
PCBs are below the limits, described above, in ambient air, water
effluent and products. These latter processes are called
"controlled waste" processes. Controlled waste processes are for
practical purposes divided into two categories: (1) those with
PCBs in the wastes in concentrations above 50 ppm, and (2) those
with PCB waste concentrations below 50 ppm. Under the rule
disposal of the first group of wastes continues to be controlled
by TSCA regulations set out at 40 C.F.R. Part 761. For the second
group, certain facilities approved under the provisions of the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6901, et
seq., may also be used. See 47 Fed. Reg. 46995.
EPA determined that excluding these small amounts of PCBs
from regulation, at the option of the chemical manufacturer, will
present de minimis risks to health and the environment. A
certification and reporting process is established for
manufacturers wishing to take advantage of the rule. see 47 Fed.
Reg. 46996.
-------
APPENDIX I
- 8 -
II. THE REGULATORY PLAN FOR UNCONTROLLED PCS PROCESSES
A. FACTORS EPA CONSIDERED IN DEVELOPING THE PLAN
Comments submitted during the rulemaking process leading to
the October 12, 1982, rule have given the Agency a better grasp on
the number of processes that are likely to produce PCBs as
byproducts or impurities. On the basis of that information and
other information obtained since EPA's March 1982 report to this
Court, EPA staff estimates that there are approximately 120
chemical plants generating PCBs as byproducts or impurities in
approximately 500 processes throughout the United States. EPA
staff anticipates that several hundred of these processes may be
classified as uncontrolled PCB processes.
In view of the large number of great diversity of processes
that must be considered, EPA intends to consider a variety of
regulatory options. Regardless of which option is eventually
selected, EPA intends to fashion a regulatory scheme that will
direct available resources and administrative attention to those
processes which present the greatest environmental or health
concerns.
To support rulemaking EPA is currently considering
assessments of the risks presented for particular processes that
produce PCBs. For many aspects of these assessments EPA can rely
on data accumulated in the course of its previous PCB
rulemakings. Useful data have been submitted in comments on the
-------
APPENDIX I
- 9 -
prior rules adopted pursuant to this Court's stay of its
mandate .jV
As the focus of EPA's inquiry has narrowed, however, the
Agency staff has decided that additional information, particularly
on PCB exposure, should be obtained. In particular, EPA will seek
additional data concerning the actual or estimated levels of PCBs
that may be present in products, air emissions, and wastewater
streams, or that may be released in accidents. EPA also will
consider information on the pathways that these PCBs take and on
their ultimate fate. EPA will seek the assistance of interested
industry groups in the collection of any necessary data.
B. Time Periods Necessary To Complete Rulemaking.
EPA staff reports that the various phases of rulemaking
should be reasonably completed in the following time periods:
(1) April 1, 1983, four months from the current date of
expiration of the stay of mandate, to complete
preliminary information gathering;
(2) December 1, 1983, eight months from submission of
information described in item one, to issue a
proposed rule;
*/In particular,EPA received extensive data on PCBs generated
Th concentrations below 50 ppm from the Chemical Manufacturers
Association (CMA) in connection with the rule on "closed" and
"controlled" PCBs. EPA described CMA's data contained in a
document titled, A Report of A Survey on the Incidental Manufac-
turing, Processing, Distribution, and Use of Polychlorinated
Biphenyl at Concentrations Below 50 ppm [hereafter "CMA Survey
Report"] in the Agency's March 11,T982, report to this
Court. A copy of the CMA Survey Report was attached as an
Appendix to the EPA March 1982 report. CMA had collected
information from eighty-five member firms, representing between
36 and 51 percent of total U.S. chemical industry sales. As
explained in EPA's March 1982 report, the CMA data were very
helpful in developing the "closed" and "controlled" rule.
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APPF.NDIX I
- 10 -
(3) July I, 1984, seven months from signing of the
proposed rule, to issue a final rule (assuming a 90-
day period for public comment).
Notwithstanding these time periods, EPA staff hopes to expedite
the rulemaking schedule to the maximum extent possible. Following
information collection, EPA staff anticipates that it will take
approximately eight months to collate and review all relevant data
and to fashion proposed rules, given the complexities of the
technical issues and the diverse industrial categories involved.
Following proposal of rules, EPA staff expects that seven months
will be needed for adoption of final rules for uncontrolled PCB
processes. EPA also requests that the stay of the mandate expire
approximately three months after issuance of the final rule to
allow EPA Regional Offices, the regulated community and other
interested persons to prepare for compliance. The stay of
mandate, accordingly, would expire on October 1, 1984.
Counsel for Respondent, EPA, has been advised that Petitioner
EOF does not oppose this plan.
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APPENDIX ;r
- 11 -
Wherefore, EPA requests that this Court extend its stay of
mandate on uncontrolled PCB processes until October I, 1984.
Respectively submitted,
David T. Buente, Jr., Esq.
U.S. Department of -Justice, Room 1736
Tenth and Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20530
(202) 633-2807
Alan H. Carpien, Esq.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 382-7213
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APPKNDIX I
- 12 -
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that copies of the foregoing "EPA Report In
Accordance With This Court's April 9, 1982, Order ..." have been
served by first class mail, postage pre-paid, this 1st day of
November 1982, upon the following:
Steven S. Rosenthal, Esquire
Morrison & Foerster
1920 N Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Jacqueline M. Warren, Esquire
Natural Resources Defense
Council
122 East 42nd Street
New York, New York 10168
Khristine L. Hall, Esquire
Environmental Defense Fund
1525 18th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Edward Warren, Esquire
Kirkland & Ellis
1776 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
Toni K. Allen, Esquire
Wald, Harkrader & Ross
1300 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Jeffrey 0. Cerar, Esq.
Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey
1201 Penn. Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
David Zoll, Esquire
Chemical Manufacturers
Association
2501 M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
Donald L. Morgan, Esquire
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen
and Hamilton
1752 N Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
John W. Ubinger, Jr. Esquire
Eckert, Seamans, Cherin
and Mellott
600 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Edward S. Shipper, Jr., Esquire
Rose, Schmidt, Dixon, Hasley,
White & Hardesty
1575 I Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Lawrence A. Demase, Esquire
Rose, Schmidt, Dixon, Hasley,
White & Hardesty
900 Oliver Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
U . S . GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1983-421-545/308
Alan H. Carpien, Esq.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]
Region V, Libr-7 J
^230 South Dr , ;.,,;n Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
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