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TCLP and its impact on PVC
Author(s) -
Grumbles Thomas G.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of vinyl technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.295
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1548-0585
pISSN - 0193-7197
DOI - 10.1002/vnl.730100307
Subject(s) - toxicity characteristic leaching procedure , hazardous waste , waste management , hazard , environmental science , engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) is the revised original EPA test method “Extraction Procedure” (EP) designed to eliminate its recognized shortcomings. TCLP, like its predecessor EP, is used to identify those wastes which pose a hazard to human health and the environment if improperly managed. The objective of both procedures is to identify wastes which pose hazards due to their potential to leach significant levels of specific toxic chemicals. The new test is designed to improve the leaching of organic constituents and expands the toxicity characteristic list to include 38 additional chemicals. The expanded criteria list of hazardous constituents includes vinyl chloride monomer. This means if a PVC sample does not pass the TCLP test it becomes a hazardous waste when discarded The regulatory burden and disposal costs then increase significantly, perhaps exponentially, Adoption of TCLP now may require PVC users to obtain Federal or State permits to install facilities to comply with regulatory standards. Indications are that EPA may promulgate the final rule in 1988, but exclude waste water.