Reclassification of PCB and PCB-Contaminated Electrical Equipment

EPA is amending the requirements for reclassifying transformers, electromagnets, switches, and voltage regulators that contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from PCB status (<gr-thn-eq>500 parts per million (ppm)) to PCB-Contaminated (<gr-thn-eq>50 but <500 ppm) or non-PCB (<50 ppm) status; or from PCB- Contaminated to non-PCB status. This rule brings the reclassification requirements into conformance with data and Agency experience gained since EPA last revised this regulation in 1982. The rule reduces the regulatory and economic burden of reclassification, and reduces the risk from PCBs to health and the environment by encouraging the phase- out and removal of PCBs from electrical equipment.