Los Alamos discloses improper PCB disposal

Contact: Linn Tytler, ltytler@lanl.gov, (505) 667-7000 (03-141)

Recent News Los Alamos scientist named Asian American Engineer of the Year Los Alamos scientist featured in NASA science update Los Alamos muon detector could thwart nuclear smugglers Wojciech H. Zurek named Phi Beta Kappa visiting scholar Four Los Alamos physicists honored by American Physical Society Los Alamos National Laboratory organizations earn seven out of 13 NNSA Pollution Prevention awards Carter Hydrick returns to the Bradbury Science Museum Feb. 15 Laboratory supports summer science program New NASA IBEX mission to carry Los Alamos instrument Beason takes top threat reduction post at Los Alamos

LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Oct. 15, 2003 -- Los Alamos National Laboratory officials today disclosed improper disposal of approximately one quart of liquid, low-level radioactive polychlorinated biphenyl oil that had been solidified through absorption and then disposed of at Area G within Technical Area 54 on Sept. 10, 2003. Area G is a low-level PCB contamination disposal facility; however, the oil was solidified contrary to Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Laboratory officials notified Region 6 EPA officials of the improper disposal on Oct. 10.

"The Toxic Substances Control Act requires that such liquids, even if solidified, be stored or that they be incinerated by a facility licensed for such disposal," said Beverly Ramsey, leader of the laboratory's Risk Reduction and Environmental Stewardship Division. "The improper disposal at Area G was reported to EPA as required by that agency's conditions for disposal approval as soon as it was discovered.

"We are awaiting instruction from EPA," Ramsey continued. "In the interim, we are examining the shaft in which the material was disposed by remote camera to determine if it can be retrieved."

Because the material was solidified and is contained both in the original plastic bottle and in a secondary container packed with additional absorbent, there is little likelihood that PCBs could migrate from the shaft. However, laboratory officials acknowledge the improper disposal and take full responsibility for whatever remedial action might be ordered by the EPA.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to defense, energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.

Additional news releases related to Organization/Operations

Additional news releases from the Risk Reduction and Environmental Stewardship (RRES) Division