"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 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.
Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and the Washington Division of URS for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.