PCBs are commonly found in electrical equipment manufactured prior to 1980 including light ballasts, transformers and capacitors. They can also be found in hydraulic equipment, electromagnets, heat transfer equipment and bridge bearings.

The Regulations set specific deadlines for ending the use of PCBs in concentrations at or above 50 mg/kg, eliminating all PCBs and equipment containing PCBs currently in storage and limiting the period of time PCBs can be stored before being destroyed. These requirements, together with the more stringent release limits, will further reduce releases of PCBs into the environment.

It is expected that the deadlines for ending the use and storage of PCBs will result in the removal of 90% of the PCBs still in use and 100% of the PCBs currently in storage by the end of 2009. The remaining PCBs, comprising equipment in use containing low level concentrations of PCBs (i.e. less than 500 mg/kg) will be eliminated by 2025.

Important dates to remember;

December 31, 2009 – Elimination of low level PCBs (50-500 mg/kg) in equipment on sites located on or within 100 metres of a “Sensitive Site” (drinking water treatment plant, feed or food processing plant, child care facility, school, hospital or senior citizen care facility).

December 31, 2009 – Elimination of high level PCBs (>500 mg/kg) in equipment on all sites. High level PCBs were common in transformers and capacitors manufactured prior to 1977.

December 31, 2009 – Any PCBs in storage (not in service) must be sent for destruction. This includes light ballasts, transformer oil and any other PCB equipment.

December 31, 2025 – Elimination of light ballasts and pole top transformers and other equipment with low-level PCBs (50-500 mg/kg).

March 31 of every year – Reports must be submitted annual to Environment Canada detailing the PCB inventory (location, type, quantity and concentration), extension applications, stored items, destruction details. Reports must be retained for a minimum of five years. Note: For 2009, an extension until May 29, 2009 was granted by Environment Canada.

For PCB Fact Sheets, please refer to this link at Environment Canada, PCB Fact Sheets.

For assistance with testing, inventorying and reporting, please contact: Sean Douglas, Senior Project Manager, 604-244-8101 ext. 225.