California Landfill Violates PCB Disposal Rules

Environmental testing solutions for hazardous waste, including PCBs, are available for municipalities, industry and the general public from LA Testing.

Los Alamitos, CA

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a type of organic compound that has been classified as persistent organic pollutants due to its toxicity. Production of PCBs in the United States was halted in the late 1970s, but prior to then it was used in some electronics and building materials.

According to the EPA, PCBs have been shown to cause cancer and numerous other serious health effects in animals. These include issues with the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other negative health effects.

Last month the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified the company running a hazardous waste landfill near Kettleman City, California that the landfill has violated disposal regulations for PCBs. Kettleman City sits in California’s San Joaquin Valley and area residents have reported unusually high levels of birth defects in the small farming community. The population of approximately 1,500 has witnessed 10 babies born in the last three years with birth defects.

The landfill management company has 60 days to correct the problem or the EPA will cease utilizing the landfill for cleanup projects involving PCBs. The violations could also hurt plans to obtain permits to expand the existing landfill site.

LA Testing, one of California’s largest environmental testing laboratory networks, provides analysis for all types of toxic waste, including PCBs. “LA Testing can help identify the types and quantities of toxic pollutants in waste and other debris before they enter landfills,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “Landfill operators, municipalities, environmental professionals and even homeowners can utilize our testing laboratories to answer their environmental questions.”

PCB samples at LA Testing are analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) equipped with dual electron capture detectors (ECD) following EPA methodologies. To learn more about PCB testing or other environmental services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail