EPA Proposes to Renew US Ecology’s PCB Landfill Permit; Public Comment Period Begins

Press release:

For Immediate Release: August 10, 2012

Media Contact:  Margot Perez-Sullivan, (415) 947-4149, perezsullivan.margot@epa.gov

EPA Proposes to Renew US Ecology’s PCB Landfill Permit; Public Comment Period Begins

SAN FRANCISCO – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting comments on its proposed PCB permit for US Ecology, Inc., a hazardous waste management facility located outside Beatty, Nevada. EPA’s proposed permit will allow US Ecology to continue commercial storage, treatment and disposal of PCB wastes. The company has disposed of PCBs at this location since 1978.

The 45-day comment period begins August 10 and ends September 24. The EPA is hosting an informational Public Meeting and Hearing on September 13 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Beatty Community Center located at 100 A Avenue South in Beatty, Nevada.

Production of PCBs was banned in the United States in 1979. PCBs remain present in some products and materials produced before the 1979 ban. Products that may contain PCBs include: electrical transformers and capacitors, other electrical equipment, and fluorescent light ballasts. EPA regulates the treatment, storage and disposal of PCBs under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

If you are a person with a disability, and require reasonable accommodations for the informational public meeting and hearing, please contact Phillip Kum at kum.philip@epa.gov or (415) 947-3566. If possible, please submit your request 5 to 10 days in advance.

For more information on the proposed permit and how to submit public comments, please go to: www.epa.gov/region9/pcbs/usecology/ 

 For more information on PCB regulation, as well as the Toxic Substances Control Act enforcement in general, please visit the EPA’s website at: http://epa.gov/region9/toxic/pcb/index.htm

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