Navigating the Complex Cleanup Requirements of PCBs
While discussions about emerging contaminants have taken much of the focus from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), they continue to exist today in electrical equipment and older construction materials, such as caulks and paints. The utilization of PCBs continues despite the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declaration in 1978 that prohibited most applications of the contaminant.
A prevalent misconception in the industry is that PCB concentrations from discharges below 50 parts per million (EPA’s acceptable level for authorized use) do not necessitate federal coordination. However, various factors—the date of discharge, the source material concentrations, and the distinction between authorized and unauthorized uses—must be considered to accurately determine the regulatory framework needed to manage associated impacts.
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Q&A: Cultural Resources Management
What are cultural resources and when should you engage a CRM professional?
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TECH FOCUS: Harnessing 3D Visualization Software for Optimized Environmental Remediation
Understanding the subsurface is crucial for accurately characterizing contaminated sites, optimizing remediation strategies, and reducing client risks. Advancements in 3D visualization software are revolutionizing environmental remediation by offering powerful tools to enhance conceptual site model (CSM) development and remedial design.