The following are exerpts from a press release dated December 21, 2007 from The New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA)
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) is launching an initiative to ensure that its environmental engineering consultants are fully aware of the most current and comprehensive methods of evaluating properties where polychlorinated biphenyls, better known as PCBs, may be present.
The SDA's initiative to heighten awareness of PCB-containing materials and items stems from recent discussions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding a Consent Agreement and Final Order being finalized between SDA and EPA.
Steps by the SDA are geared toward ensuring that potential sources of PCBs are identified early in a demolition or construction project, that testing and disposal occur promptly after such potential sources are identified, and that the relevant authorities are properly notified of PCB-handling activities in a timely fashion.
Generally, the assessment of PCBs in building materials and fixtures is not a routine practice, nor is it currently required by law. However, the SDA has long required that its environmental consultants evaluate developed properties to identify certain building elements, namely older industrial lighting fixtures and electrical transformers, which are recognized as the most common sources of PCB-containing material.
According to the EPA, more than 1.5 billion pounds of PCBs were produced in the United States before manufacturing ended in the late 1970s. Due to their excellent electrical insulating properties and durability, PCBs were widely used in electrical equipment such as transformers. Use of PCBs was banned upon discovery of various human health effects. In discussions with SDA representatives, EPA inspectors disclosed that they now believe that PCBs might be present in more building materials than previously suspected.
Using EPA's recent PCB Inspection Manual as a comprehensive reference, the SDA is initiating training of its environmental engineering consultants and staff on the proper inspection, identification, notification and disposal practices for PCBs. This training is intended to alert consultants to the potential presence of PCBs in building materials, besides light fixtures and transformers, that are not commonly understood to contain PCBs.
The complete press release can be found at www.njsda.gov/Archive/2007/12/12.21.07/nr_12.21.07.htm
If you have PCB containing or contaminated building materials, please feel free to contact The Mack Group, LLC (MACK). MACK offers nationwide PCB contaminated building material removal services including PCB containing caulk, roofing materials, paints, ballasts, etc. The company also performs asbestos removal, asbestos abatement, surveys, testing and sampling, and disposal.
Contact Information:
The MACK Group, LLC
1500 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 209
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 973-759-5000
Fax: 973-759-5554
Web: http://www.mackgrp.com/
Email: sking@mackgrp.com
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