Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a family of man-made chemicals that contain 209 individual compounds with varying levels of toxicity. Because of their insulating and nonflammable properties, PCBs have been widely used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment. The manufacture and use of PCBs in new products stopped in the United States in 1977, because of evidence that PCBs accumulated in the environment and could cause human health hazards. The University of Massachusetts took steps to abate PCBs on campus particularly in transformers and light ballast applications. As part of a LGRC (Lederle Graduate Research Center) facade repair and waterproofing project, it was discovered that PCBs were used in some of the sealant caulking material. When this was validated, the proper regulatory authorities (Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency) were notified. The work involving the sealant material was stopped and an environmental engineering firm (Environmental Health and Engineering (EH&E) of Newton, MA) was retained to assist in evaluating the situation and to make recommendations for engineering controls and remediation.
PCB Remediation Plans and Related Reports
Following pdf documents are related to PCB remediation projects:
- Webster Windows Final PCB Remediation Plan 03/11
- SW Residential Concourse PCB Remediation Plan 6/25/10
- SW Residential Concourse 120 Day Release Abatement Measure Status Report 10/14/10
- Crampton Hall Release Abatement Plan 7/12/11
- Du Bois Library Project Status Update 10/15/10
- Du Bois Elevator PCB Communication 6/4/10
- Du Bois Elevator PCB Communication 5/19/10
- Du Bois Elevator Communication Plan 4/8/10
- Du Bois Elevator PCB Approval 4/8/10
- Du Bois Elevator PCB Remediation Plan 3/24/10
Woodard & Curran Window Glazing Documents
- LGRC PCBs in Interior Window Glazing Sealants - Informational Meeting Presentation by W&C 11/18/10
- Interior Window Glazing Report to EPA 7/10/09
- LGRC Air Monitoring Results 5/26/09
- LGRC Summer Data Report - Window Glazing and Existing Indoor Sample 05/15/09
- LGRC Glazing Material Observations and Sampling Data 5/14/09
Soil Remediation Documents
- LGRC EPA - PCB Cleanup and Disposal Approval 3/25/09
- LGRC Soils Self-Implementing On-Site Cleanup and Disposal Plan (SIP) 03/09
- LGRC Soil Remediation Activity Schedule for 4/17, 4/20 4/16/09
- LGRC Soil Remediation Activity Schedule for 4/24, 4/27 4/23/09
- LGRC Soil Remediation Activity Schedule for 4/28, 4/30 4/27/09
Project Communication
EPA Alternative Decontamination Approval
- LGRC LR and Tower A EPA Response to Proposed Cleanup Plan 6/22/07
- LGRC EH&E Presentation Slides 5/23/07
- LGRC EH&E Project Synopsis of PCB issue at LGRC 5/15/07
- LGRC EH&E Addendum to Proposed Abatement Plan 3/22/07
- LGRC EH&E Additional Indoor Sample Results 2/21/07
- LGRC EH&E Proposed Abatement Plan 2/21/07
- LGRC EH&E UMass Immediate Response Action Status Report 11/15/06
PCB Test Data Related to LGRC Facade Repairs and Waterproofing Project
PCB Test Data Samplings
- LGRC LR Air and Wipe Samples 6/5/07, 6/6/07
- LGRC EH&E Panel Caulking and Concrete Core Samples 8/21/06
- Bulk Samples from Dumpster Site 8/21/06
- LGRC Tower C Exterior Panel Caulking 8/21/06
- LGRC Tower B Exterior Panel Caulking 8/22/06
- LGRC EH&E Wipe Samples - Tower A amd Low-Rise 8/22/06
- LGRC Air Samples 8/21/06
- LGRC EH&E Wipe Samples - Low-Rise Library 9/6/06
- LGRC LR Library Dust Thimble Results 9/6/06
- LGRC LR Air Samples 9/6/06
