Search

$23,000 PCB Storage Penalty for Lamp Recycler Under TSCA

Posted on 6/9/2016 by Roger Marks

According to a US EPA press release, a lamp recycler in Windsor, CT will pay $23,000 to settle allegations personnel mishandled PCB-containing light ballasts. PCBs—polychlorinated biphenyls—are  known carcinogens subject to specific handling and management rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Specific violations uncovered by an EPA inspection include:
  • Storing more light ballasts than permitted
  • Failure to mark ballasts with out-of-service dates
  • Failure to put in place secondary containment to mitigate the risk of a release
Manufacture of PCBs has been banned in the US since 1976, but some old fluorescent lighting ballasts (FLBs) may still contain PCBs. EPA has provided some guidance on this subject on a dedicated PCB page to help EHS professionals determine whether a piece of equipment can be reasonable expected to contain PCBs:  

  • FLBs manufactured before July 1, 1979 may contain PCBs
  • FLBs manufactured between July 1, 1979 and July 1, 1998 that do not contain PCBs must be labeled "No PCBs"
  • If an FLB is not labeled "No PCBs," it is best to assume it contains PCBs unless it is known to be manufactured after 1979
  • FLBs manufactured after 1998 are not required to be labeled

PCB containing lighting ballastTSCA Reform Passes Congress

A long-awaited major overhaul of TSCA was recently approved by both houses of US Congress. Once signed by the President, the revisions—dubbed the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety in the 21st Century Act for the longtime New Jersey Senator for whom chemical reform was a major career goal—will become law. Now we wait for US EPA to author, propose, and finalize the implementing regulations. Check out the changes to TSCA here.

Understand Your TSCA Responsibilities

The 2016 period for chemical manufacturers, importers, and processors to submit Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) data officially kicked off on June 1. Be confident you know what to report, when, and how to submit the information to US EPA. The TSCA Regulations Online Course will help identify the chemical management and reporting requirements that apply to your site, including the unique  management standards for PCBs.

Tags: EPA, fines and penalties, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.