Los Alamos National Laboratory
 
 
LANL  Environment  Waste

Contacts

  • Environmental Communication & Public Involvement
    P.O. Box 1663
    MS J591
    Los Alamos, NM 87545
    Phone: 505-667-0216
    FAX: 505-665-1812
    envoutreach@lanl.gov

Overview

Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Overview

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a United States law, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1976 that regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals. TSCA specifically regulates polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) products and is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

TSCA was enacted by Congress to give EPA the ability to track the 75,000 industrial chemicals currently produced or imported into the United States. EPA repeatedly screens these chemicals and can require reporting or testing of those that may pose an environmental or human-health hazard. EPA can ban the manufacture and import of those chemicals that pose an unreasonable risk.

Acting under the TSCA and other laws, the EPA has published regulations for PCB disposal and set limits for PCB contamination of the environment. It has engaged in protracted negotiations with U.S. companies for remediation of sites contaminated with PCBs.

Compliance

TSCA Compliance

Compliance is evaluated on a calendar quarter or annual basis, depending upon the requirements of the regulation.