Search

EPA Investigates Hazardous Waste Found in New England Home

Posted on 11/19/2019 by Lauren Scott

The EPA is stepping in to investigate buried waste at a house in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. The waste was found in July, 2018 and subsequent tests revealed elevated levels of lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil throughout the neighborhood.

Benzene, lead, and pentachlorophenol, a wood preservative, were also found in groundwater around the area. Drinking water was not affected however; most houses in the neighborhood have municipal water, the State said.
 

About Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Polychlorinated biphenyls are a group of organic chemicals that contain chlorine. Although these substances are no longer manufactured in the US, they can still be found in certain equipment, such as transformers.

Studies have found the substances to be probable human carcinogens, or cancer-causing chemicals. This can also cause birth defects when expecting mothers are exposed to PCBs.

PCBs are subject to 40 CFR 761 regulations as part of the Toxic Substances Control Act. This is because PCBs have been found to pose an "unreasonable risk to human health and the environment."
 
Be confident you know your responsibilities under the many EPA air, water, and chemical programs that impact your operations. Join us for the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop in Atlanta, New Jersey, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and more in 2020! Workshops start January 23rd in Atlanta.  
 

Federal Investigators Stepping In

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection had been investigating the site since the waste discovery and requested Federal assistance in September 2019.

A Federal investigation has been authorized under the EPA’s emergency response and removal program, which is limited to projects that can be completed within a couple of years, at a budget of $2 million or less.

EPA officials admit it is too early to tell if remediation is necessary. Federal investigators plan to visit the site by the end of November to develop a course of action following more soil and water sampling in the neighborhood.
 

Online Now: Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management Training

Master the rules that impact your Massachusetts facility in 2020 with Lion’s Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Management online course. You’ll complete training at your own pace using real-world examples that help you retain more of what you need to know to ensure compliance in the Bay State.

This online course is packed with robust resources you can keep and use when you need them. Plus, we make it easy for you to ask questions and get answers from expert trainers during the course.
 

Tags: environmental, EPA, haz waste, hazardous waste, mass haz waste, Massachusetts, massachusetts hazardous waste, new england, RCRA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

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

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

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.