Chapter 12
Toxic Substance Management
1. Scope.
A. Purpose. This chapter establishes U.S. Geological Survey (USGS or Bureau) policy and responsibilities for compliance with requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for managing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), asbestos, and lead containing materials. USGS facilities must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements regarding PCB management.
B. Background.
(1) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations ban the use of PCB's in any manner not totally enclosed. Regulations also prohibit PCB manufacturing, processing, importation, and distribution in commerce except for disposal. Although the manufacturing of new equipment using PCB's is prohibited, the regulations allow for the continued use of some PCB-containing equipment already in service through the end of its useful life, unless otherwise prohibited. Useful life is generally interpreted to be until equipment fails. Additionally, PCB's are recognized as hazardous substances (HS) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) for purposes of spill reporting.
(2) Asbestos is a general term used to describe several mineral silicates that are separable into fibers. Although there are many asbestos minerals, only six are of commercial importance: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Major uses of asbestos are for asbestos cement sidings, floor tiles, fireproofing, high temperature insulation, asbestos cloth, friction materials such as brake linings and clutch facings, various gasket materials, and other miscellaneous products. Materials with more than one percent asbestos are called asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
(a) Hazard. Asbestos exposure is a major health hazard. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can produce severe lung damage in the form of disabling or fatal fibrosis of lungs. Asbestosis means fibrosis of lungs due to inhaled asbestos fibers. Asbestos has also been found to be a causal factor in development of cancer of the lungs as well as the gastrointestinal tract. It can take 20-40 years between first exposure to asbestos and the appearance of cancer.
(b) Detection. Asbestos fibers cannot be seen without a microscope and have no odor or taste. These fibers may float in the air for 24 hours or more after disturbance. Trained personnel using specialized air-sampling techniques and equipment can only detect these fibers.
(c) Exposure. Some examples of tasks which can generate airborne asbestos having potential to exceed permissible exposure limits (PEL) are the fabrication, installation, repair or removal ("rip-out") of asbestos insulation materials, power sawing of asbestos-containing fire retardant building materials, brake relining and repair work, and removal of floor tiles or mastics containing asbestos. Personnel performing these tasks must be protected from exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.
(d) Substitution. Although asbestos-free substitute materials are being used, asbestos material may still be encountered in USGS in such applications as gaskets and pipe hanger liners. Some brake pads contain asbestos, and in some cases they are the only brake pads available for older vehicles.
(3) The abundance, low melting point, high molecular weight, high density, and malleability of lead make it a useful structural material. When added to resins, grease, or rubber, lead compounds act as antioxidants (inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen or peroxides). Common uses for lead and lead compounds include ballast, radiation shielding, ammunition, paint filler and hardener, rubber antioxidant, an acoustical insulation component, solder for electrical components and pipe joints, high voltage cable shielding, batteries, roof flashing, and weights. While not an absolute indicator, red, forest green, chrome yellow, and traffic yellow paints typically contain lead components such as lead oxides and lead chromates.
(4) Significant lead exposures can occur during lead melting and casting; ballast handling; clean-up of firing ranges; use of indoor firing ranges; spraying, sanding, grinding, burning, and abrasive blasting of lead-containing materials and paint; soldering with torches; high voltage cable repair; abrasive blasting with smelting slag; lead-acid battery reclaiming; machining lead; working on gasoline engine components (which have used leaded gasoline); and wearing or shaking lead-contaminated protective clothing.
(5) Lead has long been a recognized health hazard. Lead can damage the nervous system, blood-forming organs, kidneys, and reproductive system. Chronic (long-term) lead exposure initially damages the blood-forming and reproductive organs, with higher levels of exposure causing peripheral nerve and central nervous system damage. Lead interferes with the formation of hemoglobin in blood and will cause anemia. Lead causes cellular kidney damage that reduces urine output and leads to water retention and kidney failure. Reduced sperm counts and decreased fertility have been found in workers chronically exposed to lead. Lead poisoning in children can be extremely serious because in addition to the above-mentioned effects, it may also seriously impair their ability to learn.
2. Authorities/References.
A. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 (15 U. S. C. 2601 et seq.)
B. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 (42 U. S. C. 6901 et seq.)
C. Asbestos (General Industry Standards), 29 CFR 1910.1001
D. Asbestos (Construction Standards), 29 CFR 1926.1101
E. Asbestos Hazard Evaluation and Response Act, 40 CFR 763
F. National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) - Asbestos, 40 CFR 61, Subpart M
G. Lead (General Industry Standards), 29 CFR 1910.1025
H. Lead (Construction Standards), 29 CFR 1926.62
3. Duties. Environmental program implementation is the direct responsibility of management.
A. PCB Management Program.
(1) Use and Reuse. PCB's at any concentration may be used in transformers (other than railroad) and for purposes of servicing, including rebuilding these transformers for the remainder of their useful lives (40 CFR 761.30). The following requirements are applicable to the use and reuse of PCB's:
(a) USGS facilities must not use or store for reuse large PCB capacitors, PCB transformers, or electromagnets that pose an exposure risk to human food or animal feed. Exposure risk exists if PCB's released in any way have a potential pathway to human food or animal feed. For PCB capacitors, if there is no exposure risk, use these capacitors only within a restricted-access electrical substation or a restricted-access indoor installation. At least every 3 months, visually inspect for leaks all PCB transformers or electromagnets in use, or in storage for reuse. Initiate cleanup and repair of leaks within 48 hours of discovery. Inspect all leaking PCB transformers daily until the leak has been repaired. In situations where transformers have 100 percent secondary spill containment, or have been serviced for purposes of reducing the PCB concentration and contain less than 60,000 parts per million PCB's, visual inspections may be reduced to once every 12 months (40 CFR 761.30).
(b) As of October 1, 1990, facilities could no longer use network PCB transformers with secondary voltages equal to or greater than 480 volts, including 480/277-volt systems in, or near, commercial buildings. Such PCB transformers must have been converted to either PCB contaminated or non-PCB status by removal and replacement.
(c) As of October 1, 1990, all radial PCB transformers and lower secondary voltage network PCB transformers (i.e., secondary voltages below 480 volts) used in, or near, commercial buildings must have been equipped with electrical protection to avoid transformer failures caused by high-current faults. In addition to this protection, all radial PCB transformers with higher secondary voltages (i.e., 480 volts and above, including 480/277 volt systems) used in, or near, commercial buildings must have electrical protection to avoid transformer failures caused by sustained low-current faults. Radial transformers that are not provided with electrical protection must have been removed from service by October 1, 1990. Lower secondary voltage network transformers (described above) that are not provided with electrical protection must have been removed from service by October 1, 1993.
(d) It is prohibited to install PCB transformers which have been placed into storage for reuse or which have been removed from another location in or near commercial buildings.
(e) Facilities must register all PCB transformers (including pole-mounted PCB transformers and those stored for reuse) with any fire department able to respond to a fire.
(2) Markings.
(a) Per 40 CFR 761. 40, mark as illustrated below, the following PCB items that were in existence on or after July 1, 1978:
(i) All PCB transformers and PCB large high-voltage capacitors (LHVC) in use or removed from use.
(ii) Electric motors using PCB coolants, hydraulic systems, and heat transfer systems containing PCB's of 50 ppm or greater.
(iii) PCB large low voltage capacitors (LLVC) when they are removed from service.
(iv) PCB article containers.
(v) Each storage area used to store PCB's and PCB items.
(vi) PCB transformer locations.
CAUTION CONTAINS PCB's (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)A toxic environmental contaminant requiring special handling and disposal in accordance with US Environmental Protection Agency Regulations 40-CFR 761--For Disposal Information contact the nearest US EPA Office__________________________________In case of accident or spill call toll free the US Coast Guard National Response Center 800 424-8802Also Contact Tel No
(b) Mark PCB storage areas and transport vehicles with special labels in accordance with 40 CFR 761.40, and the Department of Transportation's (DOT) hazardous material transportation regulations.
(c) Mark the date when PCB liquids, PCB containers, nonliquid PCB's, and PCB items are removed from service and placed in the storage facility.
(3) Storage.
(a) Per the requirements in 40 CFR 761.65, the following storage requirements apply to PCB's at concentrations of 50 ppm or greater and PCB items with PCB concentrations of 50 ppm or greater:
(1) The storage facility must have adequate roof and walls to prevent rainwater from reaching the stored PCB's and PCB items.
(2) The facility must have an adequate floor with a continuous 6-inch high curb.
(3) The facility cannot have drain valves, floor drains, expansion joints, sewer lines, or other openings that would permit liquids to flow from the curbed area.
(4) The facility cannot be located at a site that is below the 100-year floodwater elevation.
(b) Nonleaking PCB items or leaking PCB items placed in nonleaking containers with an oil absorbent material may be put into temporary storage facilities (those not meeting the requirements of a permanent facility) for up to 30 days (consult with State and local laws and regulations applicable to PCB item storage, as some allow longer storage times for certain PCB items). Containers with nonliquid PCB-contaminated soil, rags, or debris from spills and PCB containers with 50 to 500 ppm liquid PCB (as determined by a laboratory) may also be stored in temporary facilities. However, the EPA requires that the date of removal from service be attached to all items in temporary storage. A Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan must be prepared for the temporary storage area if it is used to store containers holding between 50 and 500-ppm PCB-contaminated liquids. Any container used for the storage of PCB's and PCB items must meet the requirements of 40 CFR 761.65(c).
(c) PCB items may be stored for up to 1 year in a permanent PCB storage facility, provided it meets the applicable, minimum criteria as specified in 40 CFR 761.65.
(d) Facilities must not store combustible materials within 15 feet of any PCB transformer or its enclosure.
(4) Disposal.
(a) Dispose of PCB's and PCB items with concentrations of 50 ppm or greater within 1 year of the date that storage began.
(b) For PCB fluids containing more than 500 ppm of PCB's, disposal is generally via high-temperature incinerators permitted by the EPA. PCB-contaminated mineral oil (less than 500 ppm PCB) may be burned in high-efficiency boilers, provided that specific EPA requirements are met and EPA and appropriate State and local approval is obtained. Hazardous waste landfills, approved by the EPA for PCB disposal, may be used for disposal of specific PCB items such as transformers, large capacitors, and debris from PCB spills (40 CFR 761.60). PCB transformers must be emptied of fluid and rinsed with appropriate solvent before they can be moved to landfills.
(5) Emergency Response and Reporting.
(a) Immediately report by telephone to the National Response Center (NRC) fire-related incidents involving PCB transformers at (800) 424-8802. The owner of the PCB transformer also must take measures to contain and control any potential releases of PCB's and incomplete combustion products into water. Fires involving PCB's can generate extremely toxic reaction products (e.g., dioxins). Immediately evacuate a building in which a PCB fire occurs.
(b) PCB's are a hazardous substances under TSCA and CERCLA, requiring spills to be reported as follows: A spill of a reportable quantity (RQ) of PCB (RQ = 1 lb) or greater must be reported to the appropriate response organizations and regulatory agencies. Releases of a mixture containing PCB's must be reported only when the amount of the PCB component released exceeds the RQ. If the concentration of PCB's in the mixture is unknown, the release must be reported if the total amount of the mixture spilled is 1 pound (lb) or more (see 40 CFR 761.125).
(6) Notification of PCB Waste Activity. Facilities that generate PCB wastes must notify the EPA and obtain an EPA identification number for PCB waste generators. It is illegal for a PCB waste generator to process, store, dispose of, transport, or offer transportation for PCB wastes without having obtained an EPA identification number. PCB generators must notify the EPA of such activities by filing EPA Form 7710-53 (40 CFR 761.202). Generators that do not store PCB's or PCB items for over 30 days and that do not operate a PCB storage facility subject to the requirements of 40 CFR 761.65(b), or 40 CFR 761.65(c)(7), are exempted from notifying the EPA. Exempt generators must use the generic identification number "40 CFR 761" or a number assigned to the activity by the EPA or a State under RCRA.
(7) PCB Recordkeeping. The EPA requires that the following records be kept as applicable:
(a) Records of inspections, maintenance, and repairs of PCB transformers and electromagnets in use, or stored for reuse, must be maintained at the facility at least 3 years after disposal of the PCB transformer or electromagnet.
(b) Each owner or operator of a facility using or storing at any one time at least 45 kg (99.4 lb) of PCB's in PCB containers, 1 or more PCB transformers, or 50 or more large PCB capacitors must maintain annual records and a written annual document log of PCB waste disposal activities. These records and the log must be retained for 3 years after the facility ceases using or storing PCB's and PCB items in quantities described above. The document log must be completed by July 1 for the previous calendar year. Annual records must include all signed manifests for the calendar year and all certificates of disposal.
(c) The written document log must contain the following specific inventory information for each type of PCB item:
(i) Name, address, and EPA identification number of the facility and the calendar year covered by the annual document log;
(ii) Manifest number of every manifest generated by the facility during the calendar year.
(iii) Total number by specific type of PCB articles, PCB article containers, PCB containers, PCB transformers, and any PCB's and PCB items in PCB containers.
(iv) Total weight in kilograms of PCB's in PCB article containers and PCB transformers, total weight in kilograms of contents of PCB containers, PCB article containers, and total weight PCB capacitors remaining in service at the facility at the end of the calendar year.
(d) A record of each telephone call or some form of verification must be kept to confirm receipt of PCB's transported by an independent transporter.
(e) Manifesting PCB Wastes. A generator who relinquishes control over PCB wastes for commercial offsite disposal must prepare a manifest using EPA Form 8700-22, or the appropriate State manifest. If the generator uses an independent transporter to ship the waste and the generator does not receive a signed copy of the manifest from the disposer or commercial storage facility within 35 days of shipment, the generator must contact the transporter and/or disposer to determine the disposition of the waste. If the generator does not receive a manifest from the disposal facility within 45 days of shipment, then the generator must file an exception report with the EPA regional office. The generator must retain copies of the manifests for at least 3 years after the facility ceases using or storing PCB's or PCB items (40 CFR 761.207).
(f) Certificates of Disposal and 1-Year Exception Reports. For each shipment of manifested PCB waste, the disposer is obligated to prepare a certificate of disposal that must be sent to the generator within 30 days of the date of disposal (40 CFR 761.218). A generator who manifests PCB's or PCB items to a disposer of PCB waste must submit a 1-Year Exception Report to the EPA regional administrator whenever the following criteria are met (40 CFR 761.215):
(i) The generator has not received a certificate of disposal within 13 months from the date of removal from service; and
(ii) The generator receives a certificate of disposal for a disposal date more than 1 year after the date of removal from service.
(8) PCB Transformers in Commercial Buildings. PCB transformers in commercial buildings must be registered with building host owners. Host facilities will inform tenants as to the location and type of any PCB transformers in or near all buildings they occupy. USGS policy is to treat USGS assembly buildings, educational properties, institutional properties (including museums, hospitals, clinics), residential properties (living quarters), stores, office buildings (including administrative buildings), and transportation centers (including airport terminal buildings, bus stations, or train stations) as commercial buildings.
(9) PCB Equipment Removal Policy. The USGS policy is to eliminate PCB's from all USGS-owned electrical distribution systems and equipment hydraulic fluids and cooling and lubricating oils using the following procedures.
(a) Transformers
(i) Determine by gas chromatography or another appropriate method the PCB concentration for all pad-mounted and pole-mounted transformers. Transformers shall be marked in accordance with Federal, State, and/or local requirements. Note PCB test results (in ppm) for each transformer in the facility records.
(ii) By October 2005, eliminate all transformers containing 50 ppm or more PCB's. To reduce future potential liabilities, accomplish transformer elimination by replacement, or by removal with load transfer to other non-PCB transformers.
(b) Capacitors.
(i) Establish an accurate inventory of PCB capacitors based on manufacturing information. Label large PCB capacitors and large non-PCB capacitors in accordance with Federal, State, and local requirements. Note the PCB classification of each large capacitor in facility records.
(ii) By October 2005, eliminate all large PCB capacitors.
(c) Elimination Plan. Complete and maintain a facility PCB elimination plan until all PCB's and PCB items have been removed from the facility. The plan must include the proposed date of removal and the requested source of funding for each PCB item and can be included as a part of the facility environmental management plan.
(d) Procurement. All future procurement of transformers or any other equipment containing dielectric or hydraulic fluid must be accompanied by a manufacturer's certification that the equipment contains no detectable PCB's or that the equipment contains less than 2 ppm PCB's at time of shipment. Affix labels to such newly procured transformers and equipment stating that they are "non-PCB" (i.e., no detectable levels of PCB present).
B. Asbestos Management Program.
(1) Asbestos Operations. Asbestos removal or containment operations can be controlled so they are not hazardous to USGS personnel. However, they must be identified, properly monitored and evaluated by an industrial hygienist. Control of asbestos is a mandatory requirement.
(2) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). PEL for asbestos is 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc) of air, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure. This is referred to as the PEL-TWA. Fibers are defined as rod-shaped particles having a length-to-width ratio of three (or more) to one (3:1), and an overall length greater than 5 micrometers.
(3) Excursion Limit (EL). The EL is 1.0 f/cc as averaged over a sampling period of 30 minutes. This is referred to as the PEL-EL. No employee shall be exposed to airborne fibers in excess of either PEL.
(4) Personnel Notification. Any monitored individual shall be notified in writing about results of the monitoring within 15 working days after receipt of exposure data. Any individual found to have been exposed at any time during the course of their employment or assignment to airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers in excess of either PEL, shall be notified in writing of their exposure as soon as practical but not later than 5 days after receipt of exposure data. Notification shall contain corrective action being taken to reduce employee exposure below the PEL-TWA or PEL-EL.
(5) Control Methods.
(a) Work Clearance. Due to the inability to detect and contain asbestos without specialized monitoring and training, USGS facilities and organizations are prohibited from initiating any maintenance, renovation, demolition, or self-help project without first contacting the facility manager for work clearance.
(b) Containment. If suspected asbestos containing material is discovered and it is broken, chipped, or in friable condition (can be crumbled by hand), personnel will evacuate area, seal room to prevent entry, and immediately contact the facility manager and safety coordinator.
(c) Work Protocol. At no time may suspected ACM be dry-swept. Contractors must submit a health and safety plan detailing procedures they will employ to protect USGS personnel and the facility safety coordinator must review the plan.
(6) Warning Signs and Labels.
(a) Warning signs shall be displayed at each location where airborne asbestos fibers may exceed the PEL-TWA. An example of the warning sign is:
(b) Facility and/or organizational Collateral Duty Environmental Program Coordinator will approve the signs before they are displayed.
(c) Warning labels shall be affixed to containers of raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris and other products containing asbestos fibers. Warning labels must be printed in letters of sufficient size and contrast as to be readily visible and legible. These labels must include the following information:
(7) Disposal.
(a) Only approved sealed, impermeable bags (or other closed, impermeable container) marked with the standard asbestos warning label shall be used for the disposal of asbestos waste (e.g., waste generated from an asbestos rip-out operation, scrap material from asbestos gaskets, asbestos contaminated PPE). Impermeable bags marked in this way must not be used to carry clean PPE or tools, to dispose of general trash, or to store asbestos material.
(b) Asbestos waste will be adequately wetted down and placed in a sealed, impermeable bag. Bags will be sealed with duct tape.
(8) Spilled or Uncontrolled Asbestos.
(a) Asbestos Spill. An asbestos spill is the inadvertent or uncontrolled release of asbestos fibers into the atmosphere. For example, personnel removing a piece of equipment may damage and break open pipe insulation on the overhead, causing pieces of insulation to fall to the ground and fibers being released into the atmosphere.
(b) Any individual that causes or discovers a spill shall:
(i) Secure work and move out of area to a distance of at least 15 feet.
(ii) Warn others in the area of the spill and secure space or have it guarded to prevent other personnel from entering area.
(iii) Ensure any ventilation or air conditioning affecting the immediate spill area is turned off.
(iv) Contact the immediate supervisor. If supervisor is not available, contact the facility or organizational safety coordinator.
(9) Uncontrolled Asbestos. Asbestos material that is not properly sealed, stored, or contained, but from which there is no obvious evidence of release of fibrous material into the atmosphere. Small tears in asbestos cloth covering on pipe insulation, damaged asbestos gaskets, and broken pieces of vinyl asbestos tile lying loose on the floor are a few examples of uncontrolled asbestos releases. Consult with facility and/or environmental coordinator for appropriate procedures to follow in the event uncontrolled asbestos is discovered.
C. Lead Management Program.
(1) Mechanical vacuum capture will be the primary means of controlling exposure to lead. Dust should be collected as much as possible by local exhaust ventilation at the point of generation and be captured by high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Emissions will not be exhausted into another workspace. Recirculation of HEPA filtered air from lead operations is not recommended. At no time will a non-HEPA vacuum be used in lead operations.
(2) The facility or organizational environmental coordinator in collaboration with the facility manager will identify specific vacuum and ventilation requirements for dust producing activities.
(3) Ventilation systems used to control exposure to lead are required to be evaluated by an industrial hygienist quarterly and within five days of any significant change in either the work process or equipment.
(4) Warning Signs and Caution Labels. Warning signs shall be posted at each location where airborne lead may exceed the PEL-TWA of 50 ug/m3. These signs may contain a listing of required PPE, but at a minimum they must state:
(5) Housekeeping. Compressed air will not be used to clean work surfaces or personnel clothing. Vacuuming with HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners or washing down with trisodium phosphate-based cleaners are recommended. Wet sweeping, shoveling, or brushing will only be used when other housekeeping methods are ineffective or not feasible. At no time will dry sweeping be employed. Cleaning materials, boundary materials, and wastewater shall be treated as lead contaminated hazardous materials.
(6) Personnel Notification. Within 5 working days after receipt of a health hazard evaluation, each worker will be notified in writing of his or her exposure.
4. Responsibilities.
A. Bureau Safety Manager (BSM).
(1) Provides information and advice to the regions regarding proposed and final rules and regulations pertaining to PCB's, asbestos, and lead-based paint. Uniformly applies USGS policy as set forth in this Handbook.
(2) Monitors the status of facility inventories and PCB, asbestos, and lead-management programs.
(3) Assists regions in resolving disputes with Federal, State, local, and foreign regulatory agencies as required.
(4) Conducts special environmental compliance and protection studies with regard to PCB's, asbestos, and lead to assist in establishing policy or initiating actions.
(5) Ensures, through site assistance visits and the Environmental Compliance Auditing Program, USGS cooperation and compliance with Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies with regard to PCB, asbestos, and lead regulations.
B. Regional Directors.
(1) Ensure that all regional activities comply with current Federal, State, and local PCB, asbestos, and lead requirements.
(2) Program and budget for personnel, equipment, materials, training, and monitoring to ensure compliance with PCB, asbestos, and lead requirements.
(3) Submit project documentation and funding requests for PCB, asbestos, and lead management facilities that are required to maintain compliance with applicable existing and emerging regulations and permits.
C. Regional Safety Managers (RSM) and Regional Safety Officers (RSO).
(1) Identify and submit though the Regional Director project documentation and funding requests for PCB, asbestos, and lead management facilities that are required to maintain compliance with applicable existing and emerging regulations and permits.
(2) Evaluate compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing PCB, asbestos, and lead management.
(4) Ensure appropriate PCB, asbestos, and lead reports and other required data are signed and submitted to the EPA and State and local agencies.
(5) Ensure facilities have prepared and updated the facility PCB elimination plan, as required.
(6) Ensure that coordination occurs as appropriate with the BSM in matters relating to PCB, asbestos, and lead management.
D. Organizational Managers and Supervisors.
(1) Ensure project documentation and funding requests for PCB, asbestos, and lead management facilities required to maintain compliance with applicable existing and emerging regulations and permits are submitted through the RSM.
(2) Program and budget for personnel, equipment, materials, training, and monitoring required to comply with PCB, asbestos, and lead management requirements.
(3) Pay appropriate Federal, State, and local fees.
(4) Ensure that all required Federal, State, and local permits are applied for and obtained.
(5) Submit and sign, as appropriate, PCB reports and other required data to the EPA, and State and local agencies.
(6) Budget and fund the operation and maintenance of facilities and equipment necessary to handle, store, transport, treat, and dispose of USGS PCB, asbestos, and lead contaminated items in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local requirements.
(7) Ensure PCB spills are properly reported when the spill exceeds the reportable quantities established in Federal regulations. Immediately report fire-related incidents involving PCB transformers to the National Response Center regardless of quantity.
(8) Ensure that all PCB transformers and equipment are registered with appropriate fire departments.
(9) Ensure a PCB elimination plan is prepared and updated, as required.
(10) Ensure that coordination occurs as appropriate with the RSO in matters relating to PCB, asbestos, and lead management.
(11) Ensure all supervisors and workers involved in asbestos removal operations complete State approved Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) training.
(12) Ensure records of the results of asbestos surveys are maintained indefinitely.
(13) Ensure all individuals of asbestos exposure are notified.
E. Collateral Duty Environmental Program Coordinators.
(1) Coordinate the registration all PCB transformers and equipment with appropriate fire departments.
(2) Coordinate the preparation and update of PCB elimination plan, as required.
(3) Coordinate with the RSM or RSO in matters relating to PCB, asbestos, and lead management.
(4) Take prompt action to coordinate the containment and corrective actions for asbestos discrepancies when notified of their existence.
(5) Coordinate for State-approved AHERA training, for all supervisors and workers involved in asbestos removal operations.
(6) Provide coordination for asbestos awareness training for personnel who do not ordinarily work with asbestos in performance of their duties.
5. Additional Resources.
A. Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance
B. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C. EPA Rules and Regulations
D. Federal Facilities Enforcement Office (FFEO)
E. EPA Office of Federal Activities - NEPA Review and International Enforcement/Compliance
F. The Yellow Book: Guide to Environmental Enforcement and Compliance at Federal Facilities