Polychlorinated biphenyl
(PCB) Management Program
Program Manager Contact Information:
PCB Program Manager | 252-466-3631
The intent of the Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Management Program is to properly manage the usage, storage, and disposal of PCBs under the Toxic Substances Control Act, 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 761, and United States Marine Corps (USMC) policy. Equipment that may contain PCBs includes transformers, capacitors, heat transfer systems, hydraulic systems, electromagnets, switches and voltage regulators, circuit breakers, reclosures, light ballasts and cables. It is USMC policy to eliminate PCBs from all USMC-owned electrical distribution systems and equipment containing hydraulic fluids, cooling, and lubricating oils after the remainder of their useful lives. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point has eliminated all PCB equipment and PCB-contaminated transformers from the Air Station.
Marine Corps policy requires that all Marine Corps installations and activities comply with all applicable environmental requirements, which may include Federal, state, local, Department of Defense (DoD), Department of the Navy (DON), Marine Corps, and MCAS Cherry Point rules, regulations, and requirements. Legal and other environmental requirements related to the PCB Management Program are maintained on the EM Portal.
A complete description of the responsibilities of the PCB Management Program is available on the EM Portal. Major components of the PCB Management Program include:
- PCB management
- PCB disposal
PCB Management
The PCB Management Program Manager is responsible for ensuring that the PCB Management Plan and PCB Elimination Plan are kept up-to-date and properly implemented. Currently, there are no known PCBs located at MCAS Cherry Point, so this activity would typically consist of an annual review to verify that no new PCBs have been discovered.
PCB Disposal
PCB items with concentrations greater than or equal to 50 parts per million (ppm) must be dated when removed from service and must be disposed of within one year of that date. If PCB items are located in the Public Works Department (PWD) permitted storage facility (PWD overflow lot), the PCBs must be shipped for disposal within 30 days or moved to a compliant long-term (>30 day) storage area. PCBs must be shipped offsite for disposal using a manifest. Annual records and a log of disposal activities must be maintained when using or storing at any one time at least 45 kilograms of PCB in PCB containers, at least one PCB transformer, or 50 or more PCB capacitors. The records and log must be maintained for three years after the facility ceases using or storing PCBs and PCB items in these quantities.
The PCB Management Program Manager also coordinates with the Hazardous Waste Program Manager to ensure that the transport, storage, and disposal of PCB-containing items are conducted in accordance with hazardous waste manifest requirements. Copies of records, manifests, and certificates of disposal prepared by Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Disposition Services are maintained by the PCB Management Program Manager.
The Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) and contractors are trained to check light fixtures for the possible presence of PCBs. If a blue sticker is not on the light, it is an indication that the lights were not retrofitted and may contain PCBs. Training contractors to identify potential PCBs is part of the ROICC contract. Contractor requirements are enforced by the ROICC.
The risk of negative environmental impacts from MCAS Cherry Point operations may be assessed by analyzing the practices that occur at the facility. Aspects are the characteristics of these practices that can cause an impact to the environment or other resources. It is Marine Corps policy that all Marine Corps installations identify and assess the environmental risk of the practices and aspects associated with each environmental program. Significant practices and/or aspects associated with this program include:
When necessary, objectives and targets (O&T) are developed in order to minimize the environmental risks posed by the facility’s practices and to track progress towards achieving environmental goals. Any O&Ts related to the Polychlorinated Biphenyls Management Program and their associated actions to improve performance are maintained on the EM Portal. Currently, there are no O&Ts associated with this program.
PCB items with concentrations greater than 50 ppm must be stored per the requirements in 40 CFR 761.65. Temporary storage (no longer than 30 days) can be used to store non-leaking and contained leaking PCB and PCB items. PCB and PCB items must be disposed of within one year when stored in a permanent storage facility. Specific requirements for permanent storage facilities are found in 40 CFR 761. All PCB items in storage shall be checked for leaks at least once every 30 days. Transformers in use must be inspected every three months. Records of all inspections and also of maintenance on PCB transformers and electromagnets must be maintained for three years.
Because no PCBs are expected to be found on site, there should be no PCB items in the designated PCB storage area. If a PCB contaminated material were found and put into storage prior to off-site disposal, the PCB Management Program Manager would ensure that proper inspections are performed. The PCB Management Program Manager must also ensure that demolition of any buildings, or discovery of old equipment, that may contain PCBs are identified and managed appropriately.
The PCB Management Program is evaluated under each triennial Benchmark Environmental Compliance Evaluation (ECE). Findings and corrective actions from these audits are maintained on the EM Portal.