PCB Cleanup and Disposal
O6 Environmental safely manages the extraction, collection, containment, disposal, and destruction of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) waste in order to restore contaminated sites to beneficial use and eliminate risks to human health and the environment.
PCBs are synthetic, non-flammable chemicals widely used in hundreds of products throughout the 20th century due to their stability, versatility, heat resistance, and insulating properties. More than 1.4 billion pounds of PCBs were produced between 1930-1979, when they were reclassified as environmental pollutants and banned by the EPA.
Though no longer manufactured, millions of pounds of PCBs still exist today, the majority of which are in old electric and industrial equipment such as transformers, capacitors, and hydraulic systems. PCBs are toxic and bioaccumulative, meaning their concentration increases in the fish, birds, and animals who consume them.
Once released, PCBs are often carried hundreds or even thousands of miles away from their point of origin. Exposure to PCBs increases risks of certain cancers, as well as critical disorders within the immune, endocrine, reproductive, and neurological systems. Though PCBs are biodegradable, the process takes an incredible amount of time, allowing them to persist in soil, sediment, and groundwater for decades.
Types of PCB Cleanups
Due to their toxicity and persistence, PCB cleanup and disposal is a highly regulated process. O6 has the knowledge, equipment, and skills necessary to remediate PCBs on your property. Our familiarity with the dangers, complexities, and techniques involved in managing hazardous waste allow us to remove toxins in compliance with stringent regulatory guidelines, protecting your staff and shielding you from potential liability. We’re equipped to handle an extensive range of PCB exposure, including:
Site Remediation
We provide comprehensive cleanup at contaminated sites where PCBs have been released into the environment, utilizing soil remediation, groundwater treatment, and surface water cleanup to remove or contain PCBs.
Spill Response
Our teams respond immediately in the event of an accidental spill or release of PCBs ‒ containing, cleaning, and decontaminating affected areas to minimize exposure risks, prevent further contamination, and mitigate environmental impact.
Building Remediation
O6 manages cleanup of buildings and structures contaminated with PCBs, such as schools, industrial facilities, and commercial properties, either by removing or encapsulating materials containing PCBs, such as caulking, insulation, and electrical equipment.
Equipment Decontamination
We decontaminate electrical equipment and machinery containing PCBs to prevent further release or spread of pollutants, cleaning, flushing, or disposing of contaminated equipment in accordance with EPA guidelines.
Waterbody Remediation
Our teams clean water bodies contaminated with PCBs, such as rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Common methods include dredging, sediment removal, and water treatment to reduce PCB levels and restore ecological balance.
In-situ Treatment
Under some conditions, O6 treats PCB contamination directly at the source, without the need for excavation or removal. In-situ treatment methods include chemical oxidation, thermal desorption, and soil vapor extraction to remediate contaminated soil or groundwater.
PCB Disposal
PCBs at concentrations equal to or greater than 50 parts per million (ppm) are regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Strict guidelines govern the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of TSCA PCBs to prevent environmental contamination and human exposure. Complying with TSCA regulation is crucial in order to avoid legal penalties and protect public health and the environment.
PCBs at concentrations below 50 ppm are exempt from TSCA regulations. But while they may be exempt from federal regulations, non-TSCA PCBs may still be subject to state or local laws regulating their handling and disposal. In these cases, responsible management plays a critical role in minimizing risks both to the environment and public health.
PCB Disposal Options
Landfill Disposal
PCB-containing materials are disposed of in specially designated landfills equipped to handle hazardous waste.
Incineration
PCB-containing materials are burned at high temperatures in specialized incinerators, totally destroying them.
Chemical Treatment
PCBs are chemically treated to detoxify or degrade them into less harmful substances.
On-Site Remediation
PCB contaminated materials are treated and remediated directly at the source, without being transported off-site.
Contact O6 Environmental for PCB Cleanup and Disposal Services
PCB contamination presents a serious risk not only to your business and employees, but the environment and surrounding community as well. For the past 20 years, companies, municipalities, and developers have trusted O6 Environmental to remove, contain, transport, and dispose of PCB materials. Our experience, resources, and equipment allows us to safely restore sites contaminated with PCBs according to EPA regulations, without risk of spills or exposure.
Contact us today to learn more about our PCB cleanup and disposal services and how we can help revitalize your property while managing risks to the environment and community.
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