The Department of Ecology recently published research on how to make choices while selecting building materials that limit PCBs and other toxins from entering the waterway during construction.

Washington Department of Ecology is excited to share a new resource to help property owners, public entities, developers, and others play an active role in removing PCB sources across the State.

The Department of Ecology, in partnership with the National Estuary Program, has published How to Find and Address PCBs in Building Materials and How to Estimate Abatement Project Costs for PCBs in Building Materials. These materials are intended to help property owners and consultants:

• Identify and characterize PCBs in building materials.
• Remove PCB sources safely when demolishing and renovating.
• Understand the potential costs associated with these activities.
• Protect stormwater from PCB sources prior to their safe removal.

Understand the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) and Washington state regulatory requirements.

The Department of Ecology hosts this information and more on this webpage. They plan to provide training and publish other materials focused on highlighting important aspects of the guidance in early 2023.

Did you know?

This work was funded by the Stormwater Strategic Initiative to conduct research that could lead to alternatives assessments for high priority chemicals of concert to Puget Sound. The final products are now available and include a chemical hazard profile that can be used by manufacturers to reformulate safer products. Read more about the project here.