Feds deny Washington's request for stricter PCB standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has denied a request from the Washington Department of Ecology to set tighter limits for harmful chemicals used in manufacturing that find their way into the state’s waterways.

Ecology petitioned the federal government last month to lower the allowable limit for polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, in consumer products. The current federal standard for PCBs is less strict than Washington’s clean water standard, which businesses and manufacturers say is impossible to meet with current technology.

That can result in some chemicals leftover from manufacturing flowing into rivers and other waterways. Studies show PCBs can harm fish and pose health risks for humans.

State lawmakers passed a bill unanimously last year requiring Ecology to petition the EPA to reexamine the federal PCB limits under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/04/05/feds-deny-washingtons-request-for-stricter-pcb-standards/