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„RUDNA GORA” LANDFILL IN JAWORZNO THE PRESENT LEGALAND ORGANIZATIONAL SITUATIONStobiecki T., Stobiecki S.Institute of Plant Protection - National Research Institute Sosnicowice Branch, Sosnicowice,Poland

Figure 1. Location of the Rudna Gora landfill

Organika Azot Chemical Plant started operationsand production in 1921. It produced a wide rangeof products of inorganic and organic chemistryas well as plant protection products. There are noavailable data about any waste or waste storagelocations from that time up to 1967. Waste wasprobably being placed around at the plant and its

surroundings. In 1967 the plant started to fill upthe landfill located in a basin of a former sandpitquarry – so called Field A and Field B. Anotherpart of the landfill is Field K, which covers anarea of around 6 ha and belongs to the town ofJaworzno. „Field K” was mainly a landfill formunicipal and mining waste, but it also stored

7-9 September 2011, Gabala, Republic of Azerbaijan 259

Abstract “Rudna Gora” landfill issue was alreadydiscussed during previous International HCH andPesticide Forums in Moldova and CzechRepublic. The landfill belongs mainly to theOrganika Azot Chemical Plant and it is thelargest site in Poland containing pesticide wasteincluding POPs. The main substances that pollutethe land and surface and groundwater are α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, isomers of DDT, aldrin,endrin, heptachlor, cyanides and metals.

The huge scale of the problem, lack of aninventory of all storage places and a complicatedlegal and ownership situation make it verydifficult to solve the problem. The article presents previous and current efforts

and the legal situation concerning thecontaminated sites. It also presents the mainobstacles and steps that need to be taken.

Key words: Pesticide waste, Rudna Goralandfill, POPs, remediation, water and soilcontamination, removal of contaminants, wasteliquidation, legal aspects.

IntroductionThe landfill is located in southern Poland, in thebasin of the Vistula River, which is the majorsource of pollution for waters of the Baltic Sea.Very close to the landfill runs the Wawolnicastream, which flows into the Przemsza River,which, in turn, is a tributary to the Vistula River.(Fig. 1.)

Figure 2. Locations of places of storage.

Figure 3 General view of the landfill.

Because of its location in the basin of the VistulaRiver, the landfill was placed on the list of “hotspots” drafted under the Helsinki Convention on

the protection of Baltic Sea. It is also animportant problem in the light of the StockholmConvention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Previous activities around the landfill areaPractical measures to cap the spread ofcontaminants from the landfill are limited to theefforts undertaken by the Organika-Azot

Chemical Plant and partly by the Town ofJaworzno. Beside the monitoring of thePrzemsza river, Wawolnica stream and somepiezometers, the Plant set up a network of

Stobiecki T., Stobiecki S.

11th International HCH and Pesticides Forum260

cyanide waste coming from the Chemical Plantand 10 000 tons of inactive HCH isomers. Themain part is officially named Rudna Gora CentralWaste Landfill and it takes up an area of 14 ha.Operation of this part of the landfill began in1972. Inventoried amount of hazardous wastestored since 1967 is estimated at 195 000 tons butthe estimate does not include amounts placed in

there from 1921 to 1967. That is why so called “Rudna Gora problem” isnot only a problem of Rudna Gora Central WasteLandfill. In order to solve the problem we musttake into account all waste deposited in the valleyof the stream i.e. Field A, B, K, Rudna Gora, plantsurroundings and other unidentified areas. (Fig. 2.)

Figure 4. Diversion trench, wetlands and gate.

The role of Provincial MarshalThe Marshal’s Office is a unit of localgovernment. It is in charge of drafting theProvincial Waste Management Plan, including aplan for disposing of substances of particular riskfor the environment. The Marshal is responsiblefor the plan implementation and deliveringprogress reports. Unfortunately current WasteManagement Plant for the Silesian Province doesnot include information on how to dispose of thewaste stored at the RG landfill. The Marshal’s decree issued in March 2011established a “Hazardous Waste Task Force forthe Organika-Azot Chemical Plant in Jaworzno”,headed by the Director of the EnvironmentalProtection Department under the ProvincialMarshal’s Office. The team is composed ofrepresentatives of the Marshal’s Office, SilesianProvince Office, City Council of Jaworzno,Organika-Azot Chemical Plant, Institute of Plant

Protection and Institute for Ecology of IndustrialAreas. A representative of the ProvincialInspectorate for Environmental Protection is alsopresent during the meetings of the team.The main Task Force responsibilities are tofacilitate exchange of information between theinterested parties, identify key issues, resolveformal and legal issues related to the propertyrights, liabilities of the parties, funding, etc.,create a viable organizational plan to resolve thelandfill problem and to coordinate activitiesrelated to the landfill site.So far the Task Force met three times and thenext meeting is scheduled for 11.10.2011. Theyhave collected data on the landfill, the partiespresented their arguments and the Task Forceformulated the key issues. A decision was takento prepare a binding legal report that wouldclarify the basic issues with respect to propertyownership, liability and funding that are required

„RUDNA GORA” LANDFILL IN JAWORZNO THE PRESENT LEGAL AND ORGANIZATIONALSITUATION


drainage trenches around the site designed tocapture much of the leachate from the landfill,built a leachate pumping station and provided atemporary cover over the major part of thelandfill. In 2003-2004 the Plant modernized itsproduction sewage treatment technology and in2009, the existing pumping station wasmodernized to intercept all leachates captured inthe drainage trenches and direct them to thecompany’s sewage treatment facility. Now, allleachates intercepted from the landfill aretreated. A few years ago Field K (owned by thecity) was covered with a layer of soil, trees have

been planted and now the area is considered tobe reclaimed.In addition to the above efforts, a lot of practicalresearch and scientific work were carried out.This work aimed to determine the geological andhydrogeological conditions, the impact range andconcentration of contaminants. Studies have alsobeen undertaken to find possible practicalmeasures to stop the pollution. The Rudna Gora(RG) landfill and its surroundings were a kind oftesting ground for research but so far no concretesolution has been indicated.

Stobiecki T., Stobiecki S.


before any further actions can be taken. Duringthe next meeting the parties will decide on thescope and form of the report, the contractorselection process and report on funding options.The Task Force indicates the necessity to identifythe final solution.

FOKS ProjectUnder the initiative of the Central Institute ofMining in Katowice (project coordinator) withthe Town of Jaworzno, collaborating with theOrganika Azot Chemical Plant, the partiesengaged in the FOKS (Focus On Key Sources)international research project, with most of thefunding provided by the EU RegionalProgramme “Central Europe”. The partners ofthis project include the Central Institute ofMining, Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas,the Town of Jaworzno, the Town of Stuttgart,Germany, the Town of Milan, Italy, the TrevisoProvince, Italy and the Institute of Public Health,Ostrava, Czech Republic. The project completion was expected in Octoberof 2011 but it is being extended and the finalconference is planned for March 2012. The maingoals of the project, which is focused on the keypollution sources are to identify and assessenvironmental risks for underground water, tocreate tools to help select the technology thatwould stop emission of contaminants from thelandfill and would be optimal in terms of costsand effectiveness and to select the technologyending the emission of contaminants from thelandfill. FOKS Technological Forum was held inMay 2011, where companies presented differenttechnologies that could be used for the RGLandfill.High hopes are placed in FOKS, but as of nowits final outcome is still unclear. Will it result inpointing out the technology that would end therelease of contaminants from the landfill, be cost-effective and provide the desired outcome, orwill it be another study with inconclusive resultsand a need for further research?

Current legal situationOwnership issues seem to be the major problemwhich makes it impossible to take any action.Waste is stored at sites belonging to differentowners (Organika Azot Chemical Plant, town of

Jaworzno, Jaworzno Power Plant, Coal Mine,and private land). There are ongoing competenceand jurisdiction disputes about who is legallybound to pay for starting to take any steps.However, the basic, essential question is whatshould be done to reduce the harmful effects oflandfill sites.Some tips are provided in the NationalImplementation Plan for the StockholmConvention (December 2010) on persistentorganic pollutants. The document states that inthe existing situation a solution involving thedisposal (irreversible transformation) of wastecannot be proposed, due to the high risksassociated with processing of the large amountof waste and the enormous costs. Recommendedsolution is to prevent further penetration of water,groundwater and rainwater into the stored wasteand treatment of any leachate from the landfill orfrom the neighborhood locations with theamounts and types of POPs indicating that thepollutants originated in the landfill. The current administrative decision regarding thelandfill is a valid “Remedy Decision” issued bythe Silesian Province Governor and last updatedon 01.12.2008 obligating the Organika AzotChemical Plant to do the following: participatein the FOKS Project designed to select the mostcost effective and optimal technology that wouldend the release of contaminants from the landfill– deadline: 31.12.2011; develop a remediationproposal based on the outcome of FOKS project- deadline: 31.12.2012 and complete the siteremediation project as envisioned in the FOKSproposal – deadline: 31.12.2015. As we can see,great hopes are placed in the results of the FOKS.

Problems identified by the Town of JaworznoThe institutions in charge of environmentalprotection fail to take any administrative actionsthat would get us closer to resolving the landfillproblem. Correspondence between the office ofthe city and local authorities (marshal’s office,county offices) and the national government(Ministry of the Environment) and theinstitutions responsible for protecting theenvironment do not provide an explanation of theproblem and shift the responsibility from partyto party. Another issue is the ongoing

1. National Implementation Plan for theStockholm Convention. Warszawa 2010.

2. National Implementation Plan for theStockholm Convention Sadowski M. et al.2004: National Programme of ImplementingStockholm Convention, Project No: GF/POL/01/004: Enabling activities to facilitate earlyaction on the implementation of theStockholm Convention on Persistent OrganicPollutants, Warszawa.

3. Stobiecki S., 2007: Danger: obsolete pesticides.May 2, 2007, Public Hearing in EuropeanParliament, 5 pp.

4. Stobiecki S., Silowiecki A., Stobiecki T.,Waleczek K., Sliwinski W., 2007: Disposal ofpesticide waste in Poland – current state,Proceedings 9th International HCH andPesticides Forum, September 20-22, 2007,Chisnau, Republic of Moldova, p. 125-128.

5. Stobiecki S., Waleczek K., Stobiecki T.,Stadniczuk M., 2009: The biggest P.O.P.cleanup problem In Poland – „Rudna Gora”industrial landfill for hazardous waste.Proceedings 10th International HCH andPesticides Forum, 2009. Masaryk University,Brno, Czech Republic: p. 72-77.

References

„RUDNA GORA” LANDFILL IN JAWORZNO THE PRESENT LEGAL AND ORGANIZATIONALSITUATION


“scattering” of property rights over the pollutedarea (the Plant keeps selling parcels of land). In the present legal situation there is a lack ofeffective enforcement of responsibilities imposedby the regulations. Two things are crucial:inventory and guidelines because there is no fulland adequate research of the premises of theChemical Plant and adjacent areas with respectto where the waste is stored and there is a needfor a “task guidelines” for the entire area thatwould establish the rules, order and manner ofremediating individual sections.

Summary and conclusionsHuge costs of remedial activities necessitateprioritizing and defining areas which, ifremediated, would bring the best results for theenvironment. Therefore it is crucial to take careof them first. The first steps of any effort shouldbe: research and inventory of other places ofhazardous waste storage around the WawolnicaStream and obtain a legal opinion as to who isliable for organizing remedial activities for theregion.

Using the results of FOKS Project the optimaltechnology to stop the release of contaminantsfrom the site should be selected with a viableproposal and a price list for the project.Remediation proposal should be comprehensiveand include the entire area, with remediationactivities being supervised by a single entity.The institutions in charge should start remedialactivities. Current legal regulations make itimpossible to do any remedial steps withoutforcing the Organika-Azot Company to declarebankruptcy and dissolve but it will result infurther environmental deterioration (the wastewater treatment facility will be shut down) andput a costly burden on the national treasury. ThePresident of the Town of Jaworzno cannot usefunds from EU or any other source to pay for thecleanup of the landfill belonging to a privatecompany. It is possible that any viable solution would firstrequire changing current laws.

RESULT OF WORKSHOP FOR THE NEW INTEGRAL AND PHASEDAPPROACH OF POPS SITE ASSESSMENTBoudewijn FokkeTauw bv Bodem Consultants & Engineers


Sound environnemental site managementPOPs contaminated sites can have severeenvironmental impact. Therefore there is a needfor cost effective, sustainable solutions for POPssite assessment and management. This requiresa thorough understanding of the risks andsuitable site remediation and cleanuptechnologies.

The first phase of POPs pesticides siteenvironmental sound management is thepreliminary site assessment. The preliminary siteassessment results in:

• A preliminary Site Conceptual Model(CSM)

• A preliminary risk assessment• Gap analysis

The preliminary CSM has to define the source ofthe contamination, the path of the contaminationand the receptors of the contaminants. Thepreliminary site assessment should be carried outwith available data, a site walk over andinterviews of key stakeholders. This phaseshould be a low cost and no time consumingoperation of as many sites as possible. Based onthe preliminary CSM a gap analysis reveals theinformation needed to complete the CSM.

The second phase of the POPs pesticides siteenvironmental sound management is the siteassessment. This phase consists of the detailedsite survey to fill in the gaps of the preliminaryCSM to clearly define and quantify the source,the path and receptors. This phase is a costly andtime consuming phase and therefore only thesites with expected direct risks (identified withinthe preliminary risk assessment) should beassessed first. The second phase of the POPspesticides site environmental sound managementresults in:

• A complete CSM• A full scope risk assessment

The third phase of the POPs pesticides siteenvironmental sound management is the site

management consisting of:• Design the mitigations measures to

eliminate these direct risks• Design mitigation measures to contain the

remaining risks• Carry out the mitigation measures to

eliminate the direct risks• Carry out the mitigation measures

containing the remaining risks

Using an integral, phased approach from thepreliminary site assessment to design the detailedCSM with a full scope risk assessment, followedby a risk based site cleanup operation isconsidered as best practice for soundenvironmental site management.

Different site categoriesA POPs site can have one or more sources ofcontamination. For instance a site can have acontaminated storage building and/or a stockpileof POPs pesticides and/or buried pesticides at theback of this storage building and/or a hotspot ofspilled pesticides in front of an off/on loadingplatform. The site with all these elements hasmultiple sources of contaminants. It is mentionedthat at site where pesticides were handled oftenmultiple sources occur. These sites consist ofmore than one category. Each category requiresa different approach of assessment and cleanup.

Because the preliminary site assessment with thepreliminary Conceptual Site Model asdeliverable is a crucial phase in the process ofsound environmental site management, theworkshop focused on the making of preliminaryConceptual Site Model. For this exerciseStanislav Stobiecki presented the baselineinformation and a photo report of the RudnaGora land fill. The participants were asked tomake a preliminary Conceptual Site Model byusing simple elements (see figure 1) presented inthe digital hand outs. The groups made apreliminary Conceptual Site Model and themodels were presented and discussed. Figure 2

Figure 1. Set Of Elements

Figure 2. Example Of Preliminar CSM Made During The Workshop

The conclusions of the workshop were:• Standardization of the site inventory and

investigation process while still allowing asite specific approach.

• Use of Conceptual Site Model supports sitemanagement.

• Use of Conceptual Site Model makes theprocess and the results of site assessment

more transparent for local stakeholders. • The completion of Conceptual Site Model

is a cyclic/stepwise process• A cyclic/stepwise process to complete a

Conceptual Site Model helps to make:○ Investigation efforts more cost-efficient ○ Supports site management.

RESULT OF WORKSHOP FOR THE NEW INTEGRAL AND PHASED APPROACH OF POPS SITEASSESSMENT


is an example of a pretested and discussedpreliminary Conceptual Site Model of the Rudna

Gora landfill in Poland.

Project Background The Institute of Ecopreneurship (Basel,Switzerland) together with the RegionalEnvironmental Centre of Central Asia (CAREC)launched in 2004 the implementation of theregional project “ToxCare” related to themanagement of hazardous substances andgoods. The project is financed by the SwissGovernment, Federal Office for Environment, aspart of its efforts to foster cooperation andenvironmental protection within the GEFConstituency that unites Azerbaijan,Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Switzerland,Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The project is aimed at supporting Central Asiancountries in their effort to build national as wellas local capacities in the area of management ofhazardous substances, materials and wastes andis expected to lead to an increase of investmentsin the waste management sector in Central Asiancountries. Landfill site in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Objectives and Methodology The primary objective of the project is to increasethe knowledge and expertise of countryrepresentatives from the Central Asian region inthe area of management of hazardous substances,

materials and wastes. The project includes twomajor components: (1) the training program inthe area of management of hazardous waste andchemical substances, and (2) implementation ofpilot projects in cooperation with organizations(industries, municipalities and institutions)interested in the development of hazardous wastemanagement systems and/or in implementationof a technical project on the handling ofhazardous substances and goods. Condensor storage in Tajikistan: PCB

Technical objectives of the ToxCare Concept:1. Treat, sanitize and dispose/eliminate safely

existing hazardous waste and toxic chemicalresidues (heavy metals, Pop’s, etc.)

2. Introduce “Cleaner Production” (CP) tominimize waste production and to increaseproduct quality and cost efficiency

The ToxCare project implies the transfer ofknow-how and modern technologies fromSwitzerland to the countries of Central Asia andthe promotion of national and local capacitybuilding in the area of hazardous substances andgoods management. ToxCare projectmethodology is based on the strategies of cleanerproduction and life cycle management targeted

ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF PCBS– AN INTERNATIONAL OVERVIEW

TOX-CARE PROJECT IN CENTRAL ASIA: MANAGEMENT OFHAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND GOODS: A SUB-REGIONALPROJECT FOR CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES: CONSULTING,TRAINING AND DEMONSTRATION-PROJECTSMaurice JuJUniversity of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences

SESSION 7.


at the reduction of wastes and pollution atsource by improving technological processes,the substitution of toxic materials, and the use ofmore advanced production and disposaltechnologies. The project also considers issues ofsafe hazardous wastes disposal since it is quiteoften impossible to completely avoid theirformation in the production process. Advancedexperience and up-to-date technologies related todisposal and deployment of hazardous wastes arealso necessary for today’s companies interestedin ensuring environmental safety and productionreliability, in bringing up their image and also inorder to meet the requirements of internationalconventions, recommendations and standards ofthe World Trade Organization.

Workshops and training Trainings and workshops have been organizedwithin the framework of the projectimplementation for public officials responsiblefor policy-making in the area of wastemanagement and chemical safety, forconsultants, company representatives and non-governmental organizations. Regionalworkshops have been held annually in severalCentral Asian countries. The format of theseworkshops makes it possible for the participantsto exchange experiences in resolving practicalissues of toxic wastes management. The agendaof ToxCare workshops is includingcomprehensive consideration of wastemanagement issues as well as safe handling ofchemical substances and materials, currentplanning and hazardous substances managementpractices; ways to reduce waste formation at

source; rules of labelling, environmentallyreliable methods for waste disposal; integrationof the waste management systems into theoverall management and many other specificaspects of professional training and expertise.Practical case study in a company in Almaty

Participation in the Project Participation in the project permits to acquireknowledge and practical skills in developing andimplementing management systems that meetstate-of-the-art overall practices of managinghazardous substances and materials. Participationalso allows to get to know the requirements ofinternational standards. Participation in theproject may be of special interest to companiesconfronting problems in dealing with hazardouswastes, as well as companies that haveimplemented the ISO 9001/ ISO14001/ OHSAS18001 management system.

Activities 2004 - 2009:Since 2004 twelve workshops have beenorganised in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan andTajikistan. More then 300 participants from allconstituency member countries have been trainedon various topics (see list below): Workshops:

• Almaty: Management of HazardousSubstances and Goods in (2004, 05, 06, 08)

• Bishkek: Management of Health CareWaste (2006, 2007)

• Dushanbe: Hazardous waste, Health CareWaste, POP’s in (2007)

• Astana: Management of Health Care Waste(2008)

• Almaty: Management of hazardous wastefor the oil and gas industry (2008)

• Almaty: Sustainable development (2008)• Almaty: Cleaner production and waste

prevention (2009)• Dushanbe: Safe PCB and obsolete pesticides

management (2009)

Demonstration projects (technology transfer)A unique feature of this project is that it is fullygeared to address the needs of the participantsand to foster the development of a long-termpartnerships with participants. The project

TOX-CARE PROJECT IN CENTRAL ASIA: MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND GOODS: A SUB-REGIO -NAL PROJECT FOR CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES: CONSULTING, TRAININGAND DEMONSTRATION-PROJECTS


framework includes the selection of severalcompanies that are interested in updating orsetting up management systems regarding toxicwastes or hazardous substances and that are alsoprepared to implement pilot projects. Severaldemonstration and pilot projects have beenorganised in order to transfer the know how inapplied applications directly to the demand of thelocal partners.

• Kazakhstan: feasibility study on PCBcontaminations in the Ust Kamenogorskcondensor plant

• Kazakhstan: Technical advise to theMinistry of Environnment on elaboration ofnormative act on solid waste mgmt (Eco-Code) (2005)

• Kyrgyzstan: support for the development ofa national strategy on health care wastemanagement in Bishkek

• Kyrgyzstan: implementation of a HealthCare Waste Management System inNational Hospital in Bishkek (2008, 09)

Practical training in National Hospital, Bishkek

Technology and Know-how transfer and onsite in cooperation with Swiss companiesThe purpose of the ToxCare Project is to transferknow-how and technologies. It also allows toestablish contacts and partnerships withcompanies that produce environmentally reliabletechnologies, both from Switzerland and othercountries where waste management policy andtechnologies are most advanced. Participation inthe project opens up possibilities to not onlyupdate one’s professional knowledge regardingthe management of wastes and hazardoussubstances. The project also stipulates theimplementation of specific projects on the

management of hazardous wastes, substancesand materials. Workshops, training units and thedemonstration projects are executed in closecooperation with Swiss companies and partlyalso with international companies.

Exhibition on environmental technologies inAstana, June 2008It is one of the major mid term objectives of theToxCare-project to initiate the technologytransfer for prevention and remediation ofenvironmental emissions to Central Asia.Therefore several Swiss companies havepresented their program at the exhibition forenvironmental technologies in June 2008 inAstana. The following topics were covered bythe represented companies:

• Aquaren AG: Waste Water Treatment:industrial and municipal

• Rocanda AG: Municipal Waste: Recyclingand Treatment

• Granit SA: Landfill Gas Recovery• R. Schelker Umweltberatung: Health Care

Waste Management• ETI Umwelttechnik AG: POP’s

management: PCB- analytics, inventories,storage and final disposal

• Josef Egli AG: Hazardous WasteIncineration plants

Kazakh Minister of Environment (second fromright) visiting the ToxCare project at anexhibition in Astana.1st forum on sustainable development of theEurasian continent in Astana (June 2008)In June the ToxCare project was presented at the1st forum on sustainable development of theEurasian continent. The forum was chaired by

Maurice Jutz


the Kazakh prime minister. Beside all theenvironmental ministers of the Central Asiancountries the vice president of Iran and most ofthe European ambassadors in Kazakhstan werepresent. Several interesting contacts have beenestablished with authorities, technology transfercentre, educational institutions and privatecompanies. The visit of the environmentalminister at the exhibition stand was a highlight.He confirmed the need and interest Kazakhinstitutions to cooperate closely withinternational partners.

Conference at 1st forum on sustainabledevelopment of the Eurasian continent in Astana2008

Cooperation with local and internationalorganisationsA major concern of the ToxCare project planningis to integrate the activities in the framework ofongoing local activities and to create synergiesof the specific Swiss and international know howin cooperation with the local activities. Besidethe involved Ministries of the respectivecountries (mainly Ministries of Health andEnvironment) the ToxCare project is cooperatingwith the following national and internationalorganisations:

• Swiss Embassy, Tashkent and SwissGeneral Consulate, Almaty

• Swiss Development Cooperation and SwissRed Cross, Bishkek

• WB (World Bank), Astana, Bishkek• UNDP (United Nations Development

Programme), Astana and Bishkek• WHO (World Health Organisation),

Copenhagen and Bishkek

• GTZ (Gesellschaft für technischeZusammenarbeit), Bishkek

• EtLog (Health EnviroTech & LogisticsGmbH), Berlin

• CAREC (Central Asia RegionalEnvironmental Centre), Almaty

• Chair of Public Association “Foundation tosupport civil initiatives”, Dushanbe

• IHPA - International HCH and PesticidesAssociation, Holte

• Green Cross, Tashkent

Activities 2010/2011 and outlookIn 2010 the demonstration project on Health CareWaste Management in the National Hospital inBishkek, Kyrgyzstan will be transferred to theManagement of the hospital under the guidanceand control of the Ministry of Health. In 2010/2011 in Uzbekistan a Risk Assessmentproject at 10 regional Obsolete Pesticides burialsites will be implemented. The results will beevaluated in a final workshop. Results expected:Uzbekistan will obtain a national priority list sodecisions can be made where to take urgentmeasures and where mid- and long-termmeasures have to be taken in order to reduce therisks of these sites. For the following years the ToxCare concept shallbe transferred to the other members of the SwissGEF constituency, as there are Azerbaijan andTurkmenistan. In both countries there is a specificneed for training and technology and know-howtransfer in the field of save POP’s management.First evaluations have shown that the managementof Health Care Waste and PCB/Pesticidesmanagement is of specific interest. Inceptionmissions will be organised in order to discuss thepossible approach and integration of ToxCareactivities in the actions of the national plans. ForTajikistan the possible project follow-up onpesticides will be a first priority topic.

For further information please contact:Prof. Maurice Jutz, Institute for Ecopreneurship,Switzerland: [email protected] Yeskendirov, Central Asia SustainabilityPartnership, Kazakhstan: [email protected]

TOX-CARE PROJECT IN CENTRAL ASIA: MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND GOODS: A SUB-REGIO -NAL PROJECT FOR CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES: CONSULTING, TRAININGAND DEMONSTRATION-PROJECTS


1. General Information and Hazard Potentialof PCBs

1.1. POPs and PCBs Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have beenidentified by the international community forimmediate international action by means of theStockholm Convention. The pesticide DDT,highly toxic Dioxins and Furans (unintentionallyformed by-products as a result of incompletecombustion or chemical reactions) as well asPCBs count among the POPs. PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyl) is one of theleading members in the group of POPs. PCB hasserious health and environmental effects, whichcan include carcinogenicity, reproductiveimpairment, immune system changes and alsothe loss of biological diversity. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have beenmanufactured worldwide by a number ofcompanies in all industrialized countries andwere mostly used as cooling and isolating agentsin transformers and capacitors. From thetechnical point of view, the characteristics ofPCBs were quite advantageous, thus they founda wide range of applications such as dielectric,cooling and hydraulic fluids as well as fluids forthermal transmission in transformers, capacitors,hydraulic machines etc.Only years later, it was realized that PCBchemicals have serious health and environmentaleffects, which include carcinogenicity,reproductive impairment, immune systemchanges and loss of biological diversity. The Stockholm Convention on PersistentOrganic Pollutants (POPs) counts PCBs amongthe 21 substances targeted for worldwideelimination. The challenge to implement itstargets is two-fold: The existing PCBs and allequipment contaminated with PCBs have to beeliminated in an environmentally sound mannerwithout producing hazards for humans or theenvironment until 2025.Most of the existing PCB-contaminated

equipment is still in use in the developingcountries. The financial burden for safe andenvironmentally sound replacement of the PCBcontaminated equipment is very high, especiallyfor developing countries. For this reason,alternative solutions are needed to keep the costlow. Transformers can be decontaminated and theequipment can be used until the end of itstechnical life-time. The technology must comply with the highestsafety and environmental standards and must becapable of reducing the PCB contamination levelof those pieces of equipment suitable for re -classification below the legally permitted levelof 50 ppm as well as assure that the PCB levelremains below that limit. The PCBs Elimination Network (PEN) waslaunched in February 2010. The PEN is anarrangement built on the platform of theclearinghouse mechanism, providing support todeveloping country Parties and Parties witheconomies in transition to reach the goals of theStockholm Convention in relation to PCBs. ThePEN shall implement its work on informationexchange being mindful of the obligations of theBasel Convention on the transboundarymovement of hazardous waste and its disposaland of the Rotterdam Convention on the priorinformed consent procedure for certainhazardous chemicals and pesticides ininternational trade.

1.2. Definition and History of PCBsPolychlorinated biphenyls, commonly known asPCBs, are a group of chlorinated aromatichydrocarbons characterized by the biphenylstructure (two phenyl rings (C6H5)2) and at leastone chlorine atom substituted for hydrogen. Thechlorine atoms can be attached at any of the tenavailable sites.

PCB MANAGEMENT FROM A PRACTICAL POINT OF VIEWUrs WagnerEnvironmental Technology Ltd, P. O. Box 176, CH-7007 Chur / Switzerland


Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are colourlessliquids and a class of chlorinated organiccompounds formed by the addition of chlorine tobiphenyl, which is a dual ring structurecomprising two carbon benzene rings linked by asingle carbon bond. Depending on the number ofchlorine atoms in their molecules their physical,chemical, and toxicological properties varyconsiderably. A total of 209 PCB compounds with the samebasic organic structure but with a varying numberof chlorine substituents are possible, but only

approximately 70 of these compounds have beenfound in commercial mixtures. PCBs are fire-resistant, have a low volatility, and are stable andpersistent, making them well suited for industrialuse but also problematic in the environment.

From the technical point of view, thecharacteristics of PCBs were quite advantageous.

Picture 1. PCB Molecule

As mentioned above, there are theoretically 209different PCB congeners, although only about 70of these have been found in technical mixtures.Approximately 10 of these congeners are ofimportance today. The 6 lead congeners are thenumbers 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180; and insome countries also 118. The PCB congener 118is dioxin-like and very likely to be carcinogenic.It therefore needs special attention when forexample sampling and analysing indoor air.However, at this stage the National PCBInventory is focusing on electrical equipmentonly and therefore such investigations are not yetrelevant in Moldowa. Polychlorinated Biphenyls were synthesised forthe first time in 1866 by Schmidt and Schultz,but commercial production started in 1929 by theAmerican company Swan Chemical under thetrade name AROCLOR. The companyrecommended the use of PCBs as a material forprotective layers, water resistance, fireprotection, glues, and electric insulation. Therewere times when it was even envisaged to use

PCBs as an additive in chewing gums. Depending on the number of chlorine atoms inthe molecule, PCBs have different physical,chemical and toxic characteristics.Polychlorinated Biphenyls are colourless liquidswith strong odour. They are stable on highertemperatures. PCBs can only be combustedunder extreme and carefully controlledconditions. The current regulations require thatPCBs are burnt at a temperature of 1200°C for atleast two seconds. PCBs are poorly soluble inwater and have low volatility stability on acidsand alkaline, oxidation and other chemicalreactions. They are semi-degradable; their half-life time depends on the chlorination level andranges between 10 and 15 years. They are highlysoluble in lipids, hydrocarbons and organiccompounds. As a result, PCBs may bio-accumulate in fatty tissues of humans and otherliving organisms. The bioaccumulation shows upto 70’000 times higher concentrations in speciesat the top of the food chain.

Table 1. Characteristics of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCB MANAGEMENT FROM A PRACTICAL POINT OF VIEW


Chart 1. Total World Production of PCBs in tonnes I

The total world production of PCBs between1929 and 1989 was approximately 1.5 milliontons. After the US had banned the production andsale of PCBs in 1976, except for closed systems,

it continued at a rate of 16’000 tonnes per yearfrom 1980 to 1984 and approximately 10’000tonnes per year from 1984 to 1989.

Chart 2. Total World Production of PCBs in tonnes II

The largest quantities of PCBs were produced inthe USA, in Germany, Russia and France.Approximately 200’000 tons of the total worldproduction originated from other countries like

Slovakia, Japan, the UK, Spain, Italy and Poland. The following table shows some of the brandnames used for the various applications of PCBs.

Urs Wagner


In the process of the global distillation(evaporation and deposition) PCBs can betransported over long distances to regions wherethey have never been used or produced before.For example, traces of PCBs can be in the Arctic.This process of evaporation, movement with theair streams, condensation and deposition on theground is well known as the «grasshoppereffect».

After the 2ndWorld War PCB production startedin Europe and in the late 1960s maximumproduction was reached with over 60’000 tonsproduced per year. After 1983 production ofPCBs was stopped in most countries, except forsome Eastern European countries. The RussianFederation, for example, only stopped productionbetween 1987 and 1993 [AMAP, Oslo, 2000].There are rumours, that PCBs are still producedin North Korea.

Table 2. Extract of Brand Names for PCBs



1.3. PCB Production in the Former USSR PCB production in Russia was terminatedbetween 1987 and 1993. There is no calculationof the total amount of PCB production and usein the former USSR available. PCB wasproduced at two sites. The largest facility was the«Orgsteklo» Ltd. Production Amalgamation

(located in Dzerzhinsk in Nizhni NovgorodOblast, approximately 300 km east of Moscow);and the second was the «Orgsintez» Ltd.Production Amalgamation (at Novomoskovsk inTula Oblast, ca. 200 km south of Moscow). PCBwas produced under three brand names:

Table 3. Trade names of PCBs produced in the former USSR

Table 4. Trade name of special mixtures

Table 5. Uses of Sovol

Minor production of special mixtures took place during the early days of PCB production.

Sovol and Sovtol production at the «Orgsteklo»(Dzerzhinsk) facility began in 1939. The TCBproduction in 1968. Sovtol-10 production wasshut-down in 1987, TCB and Sovol in 1990. Atthe «Orgsintez» (Novomoskovsk) facility, Sovoland Sovtol production was launched in 1971, andfull-size operation started in 1972. «Orgzintez»Ltd. stopped production of Sovtol in 1990 andproduction of Sovol in 1993. There was noproduction of TCB at «Orgsintez». Retrospective analysis of production figuresshowed that during the period from 1939 to 1993,the factories produced a total of about 180’000tons of the three main PCB brands. Between 1990 and 1993, production of PCB atthese facilities ceased entirely. According toavailable information, the only exporter of PCB

(Sovtol-10) was Orgsintez Ltd. InNovomoskovsk, which during the period 1981-1989 exported 39.5 tons to certain countries(Cuba, Vietnam, Pakistan). Import figures are notavailable. One estimate sets a maximum importof 4,000 tonnes TCB annually for 1980-1983, butthis number is based only on a decrease inproduction capacity at the Orgsteklo plant andnot a documented industrial demand for TCB. Sovol The plasticiser Sovol was used in anumber of industries, especially paint andvarnish production as well as in the manufactureof various lubricants. No application in theproduction of hydraulic oil was identified. Theuse of approx. 53’000 tons from the totalproduction of Sovol was estimated as it is shownin Tabel 6.

Urs Wagner


According to estimates, the remaining 127’000 tonnes of PCB were used as follows:

Table 6. Uses of Sovol

Table 7. Use of TCB

Of the total produced 70’000 tons TCB, 40’000tons were used for production of industrialcapacitors. The remaining 30’000 tons were usedfor production of non-industrial capacitors (e. gfor household appliances), which were producedonly in Armenia. The non-industrial capacitorshave not been traced. According to data received from capacitorproduction enterprises, approx. 60% (24’000tons) of TCB used for capacitors were deliveredto Russian Companies. Of these 24’000 tons, it isestimated that some 14’000 tons of TCB are inindustrial capacitors still in Russia today,

whereas 10’000 tons have already been releasedinto the environment by improper disposal. Capacitors An average amount of PCB incapacitors was estimated from questionnaireresponses where this information was provided.These capacitors had an average TCB content of17.2 kg.

1.4 Application and Remobilisation Due to their characteristics PCB mixtures (eitherpure or together with other substances) have beenused in open and closed systems:

Table 8. Applications in «Closed Systems»



TCB

TCB was used exclusively for capacitorproduction. Four enterprises produced capacitors

in the former USSR. The amounts used, relativeto the total TCB produced at «Orgsteklo»(70’000 tons), were approximately:

Picture 2. Closed Systems, Transformer Picture 3: Closed Systems, Capacitors

Furthermore PCBs were also used in «opensystems» such as in paints, in the car industry,

sealants in the construction industry, etc.

Table 9. Applications in «Partially Open Systems»

Table 10. Applications in «Open Systems»

Experiences in Switzerland show that manypublic buildings, constructed between 1955 and

1983, often contain open systems of PCBs suchas elastic sealants (caulks) and paint applications,

Urs Wagner


Picture 4. Partially Open Systems, Vacuum Pump Picture 5. Partially Open Systems, Liquid Filled Cables

Picture 6. Open Systems, e.g. Sealants

Picture 8. PCB Pollution in Glaciers Picture 9: PCBs in the Food Chain

Global atmospheric and ocean currents havedispersed PCBs throughout the whole planet.

PCBs can be found in air, water, soil, plants,animals, and humans.

1.5 PCB in the Mining Industry In many countries the mining industry regardlessof underground mines or open pits is an industrialsector which needs special attendance aregarding PCB. Abandonment of Polychlorinated Biphenyl

(PCB)-containing electrical equipment in surfaceor underground mines can result in PCBcontamination of ground and surface waterswhich can contribute to local human healthhazards and to the already existing PCBcontamination of the ocean which is consideredto be the final sink for PCBs. PCBs used as



specifically corrosive protection. These opensystems are not usually defined as hazardouswaste at the time of disposal, so PCBs often findtheir way into the environment. Open systems emit PCBs directly in theenvironment and influence the PCB content inindoor air. Buildings frequented by many people(e.g. schools, hospitals, etc.) or with long

duration of stay (e.g. flats) pose the greatest risks. The Stockholm Convention requires in Annex A,Part II (f) that efforts should be made to identifysuch other articles containing more than 0.005 %PCBs (e.g. cable-sheaths, cured caulk andpainted objects) and manage them in accordancewith paragraph 1 of Article 6.

Picture 7. Open Systems, e.g. Corrosive Protection

1.6 Impact of PCBs on the Human Health andthe Environment PCBs have a long and documented history ofadverse effects in wildlife. They have beenassociated with poor reproductive success andimpaired immune function. An example of thiscan be seen with captive harbour seals in theArctic. A major flood in the Saginaw River basinin Michigan in 1986 allowed PCB contaminantsto spread through the ecosystem and thefollowing year’s hatch rate of Caspian terns inthe area dropped by more than 70 per cent. Hatching chicks showed developmentaldeformities, and none survived more than fivedays [WFPHA, 2000]. In Switzerland, the otterbecame extinct because of PCB inducedinfertility.

How do PCBs get into the human body? PCBs are mainly taken in via the stomach-intestine tract. In Switzerland, the average PCBintake through the mouth (food and drink) is 3-4µg per day and person. The tolerable daily intake(TDI) established by the WHO (World HealthOrganization) for humans is 30-60 µg PCBs, i.e.even a lifelong intake of 30-60 µg PCBs shouldnot cause any damage (based on a person’sweight of 60 kg). Furthermore PCBs areabsorbed through the skin and the lungs. Human exposure to PCBs may occur throughingestion of contaminated food and/or water,inhalation of PCB vapors in the air and throughdirect dermal contact. After absorption, PCBscirculate in the blood throughout the body andare deposited in fatty tissues and a variety oforgans, including liver, kidneys, lungs, adrenalglands, brain, heart and skin.

Urs Wagner


dielectrics in transformers, capacitors, andfluorescent light ballasts are common throughoutindustry worldwide. PCBs are not the only chemicals used in mines.Underground repair facilities have usedchlorinated solvents such as trichloroethane,tetrachloroethene, and methylene chloride forcleaning and degreasing equipment. The releaseof these solvents, in addition to constituting theirown threats of ground water contamination, canmobilize PCBs. Some mines maintain their ownlandfills which contain improperly disposedPCBs and solvents. Underground and surface mines and theattendant crushing, milling, and smeltingfacilities may use PCB-containing electricalequipment. PCBs transformers are usuallygrouped in substations underground. PCB

capacitors are in similar locations. PCBcapacitors can be in electric locomotives. In coalmines, PCB capacitors can be in wheel or skid-mounted power centre. The extent andcomplexity of underground mines presentopportunities for abandonment or illegal disposalof hazardous wastes. The presence of hazardouswastes may not be evident until they are foundin the local ground water. Abandonedunderground electrical equipment may remainintact and not release PCBs for a very long time.Testing waters issuing from abandoned minesmay not indicate whether or not PCBs are presentin intact electrical equipment. In the mining sector, PCBs are most likely to befound in the following electrical devices andapplications:

Another result of the incident was a higherpercentage of miscarriages or deformations. Theabsorption through the skin and the respiring ofPCB vapours and contaminated dust particles donot cause such immediate symptoms in general.They are however the main cause of possiblelong-term damage. Much of the information on acute toxicity ofPCBs comes from serious food contaminationincidents in Yusho, Japan, Yusheng (Taiwan) andBelgium. As PCBs are highly lipid soluble, theybioaccumulate as they progress up the foodchain. As a result, high levels of PCBs exposure

can occur through ingestion of game animals orfish and ingestion of breast milk from motherswho draw a daily diet from game meat and fish.This risk is present among people who live nearhazardous waste sites and consume game meatand fish that they catch by themselves. Some ofthe human health effects are associated with PCBexposures, like:

� immunotoxicity - immunosuppression,increased sensitivity towards infectiousdiseases, increased incidences of ear andupper respiratory tract infections, lower rateof successful immunization;



Are PCBs acutely toxic? Generally immediate risks posed by PCBs arevery rare. PCBs are not acutely toxic, i.e. highquantities have to be taken in until immediateeffects can be noticed. However PCBs bio -accumulate in the human body and are onlyexcreted to a very small extent even over manyyears. Therefore extensive safety measures mustalways be taken when handling PCBs.

What are the hidden (latent) risks of PCBs? It is difficult to estimate the long-term effect of achronic PCB contamination in small doses.Influences on the thyroid hormones and possibleeffects on the development of the brain arediscussed. Large doses of PCBs in the humanbody can cause damage to liver, kidneys, andbrain. In addition PCBs are thought to influencethe reproductive system and cause deformationsto unborn children.

Are PCBs carcinogenic? Carcinogenic effects of PCBs on rodents havebeen proven, however have not yet beenconfirmed in humans. Based on this researchPCBs are generally categorised as carcinogenic(World Federation of Public Health Associations,May 2000).

What are the symptoms of an acutepoisoning? Foodstuffs were contaminated with Kanechlor400 (a PCB mixture with approx. 48 % chlorinecontent) during an incident in Yusho/Japan in1968. The following symptoms were noticed:Swollen lids, chloroacne, skin pigmentations,sight defects, numbness in arms and legs,weakness and tiredness. Later also blindness,hepatitis, diarrhoea, changes in the menstrualcycle, headaches and hair loss could be observed.

Picture 10. Typical Chlonacne Picture 11. Sympton Hair Loss

Picture 12. Intake via Skin

Urs Wagner


� reproductive/developmental effects – failureto conceive, decreased birth weight,impairment of neurological development;

� neurological/behavioural effects – impairedlearning ability, attention and cognitivedeficits, deficiencies in psychomotordevelopment, learning and memory deficits,impaired visual recognition, and

� cancer – postulated that PCBs may beassociated with liver, gastrointestinal andskin cancer

Three distinct types of human exposure to POPsand PCBs can be documented: � High-dose acute exposure can result from

accidental fires or explosions involvingelectrical capacitors or other PCB-containingequipment, or highly contaminated food. Thiscan cause chloracne (a painful, disfiguringskin illness), liver damage, nausea, dizziness,eye irritation, and bronchitis.

� Mid-level chronic exposure ispredominantly due to the occupationalexposure and in some cases due to theproximity of environmental storage sites orhigh consumption of a POPs contaminateddietary source, such as fish or other marineanimals.

� Chronic, low-dose exposure ischaracteristic for the general populationworld-wide as a consequence of the existingglobal background levels of POPs with

variations due to diet, geography, and levelof industrial pollution. Low level andpopulation-wide effects are more difficultto study. People are exposed to multiplePOPs during their lifetime and most peopletoday carry detectable levels of a number ofPOPs in their body [WFPHA, 2000].

Why are fires particularly dangerous? People are particularly at risk if PCBs areexposed to heat and/or fires. Dioxins and Furans(Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins, PCDD, andPolychlorinated Dibenzofurans, PCDF) areunintentionally formed and released fromthermal processes involving PCBs as a result ofincomplete combustion or chemical reactions.These substances are highly toxic, even in verysmall doses (also known as Seveso poison). As a result of manufacturing processes, evensome applications of PCBs can be slightlycontaminated with PCDF (Furans). This appliesto cooling fluids in capacitors and PCBcontaining paints.

2. Safety

2.1. Exposure to PCBs There are three possibilities for PCBs to get intothe human body: Through stomach and intestine,through the skin and through respiration.

Picture 13. Intake via Respiration Picture 14. Intake viaStomach/Intestine

Foodstuff shall not be stored or consumednear PCB containing equipment or PCBcontaminated materials. After handling

PCBs containing equipment or PCBcontaminated materials, hands shall alwaysbe washed with warm water and soap.

To protect skin from direct contact withPCBs, the appropriate Personal Protective

Equipment(PPE) must always be worn.

Protection with respiratory masks with afilter for organic vapours and dusts is a

must when facing major spills or activitieswith contaminated dust involved.

Hazard potential of PCBs - The PCB decomposition products in fires («Dioxins») are regarded as a major hazard - PCBs are only very slightly volatile and the greatest danger is therefore that of absorption of the

substance through the body surface (e.g. as a result of splashes, leakage) - PCBs adhere to dust so that this substance can enter the respiratory organs via dust particles - Since PCB accumulates in the human body and is excreted only to a very small extent, extensive

safety measures should always be taken when handling PCB (protective clothing, etc.)

Basic personal protection for works with liquid PCBs - Suitable respiratory protective device - Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with respiratory protective device - Plastic or Neoprene gloves, Tyvek or other protective clothing, boots - Eyewash bottle with clean water

Immediate action during transport - Notify specialists and police or fire brigade - Move vehicle away from rivers and lakes to open ground and stop the engine - No smoking, no naked lights - Mark roads and warn other road user - Keep public away from danger area - Keep upwind

2.2. Skin The biggest risk for people handling PCBs liesin the exposition of the skin, because it absorbs

the substance very quickly. It is thereforeimportant to avoid direct contact to PCBs byskin.

2.3. Respiration PCBs are not very volatile, therefore the dangerof absorbing PCB when facing small amounts ofPCB can be neglected, as long as the ventilationis sufficient. If there is a spill of a bigger size,then a respiratory mask with a filter for organic

vapours and dusts should be worn. PCBs adhereto dust though, so when the situation implies thatdust (e. g. from drilling in concrete) could becontaminated with PCBs, a respiratory maskwith a filter for organic vapours and dusts mustbe worn.

Table 11. Basic Emergency Guidelines



2.1. Stomach and Intestine Picture As explained earlier, a very small amount ofPCBs is absorbed by the stomach and theintestine from the food we eat. When working

with PCB containing equipment and PCBcontaminated materials, it is vital to obey thefollowing rules to prevent an increased intake ofPCBs:

Spillage - Put on protective equipment before entering danger area - Stop leaks if possible (e.g. with SEDIMIT) - Contain or absorb leaking liquid with suitable material (absorbents or sand or earth) - Prevent substance entering sewers and workpits - Advise an expert and police

Fire - Keep equipment and/or container(s) cool by spraying with water if exposed to fire - Extinguish secondary fire, extinguish with foam or dry chemical - In case of fire, warn everybody, «Toxic hazard» - Advise an expert and fire brigade

First aid - Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash affected skin with soap and water - If substance came into the eyes, wash out with plenty of water, require medical assistance - Person who have inhaled the gas or fumes produced in a fire or who have come into contact with

the substance may not show immediate symptoms. They should be taken to a doctor with theTransport Emergency Card. Patient must be kept under medical supervision for at least 24 hours.

Picture 15. Inflated Capacitor Picture 16. Exploded Capacitor Picture 17. Contamination

If such damage is found, the room in which theincident has occurred, must be immediatelylocked and air circulation must as far as possiblebe avoided by sealing ventilation openings. Ifelectrical installations that have to be shut downare present in the room where the damage hasoccurred, the room may be entered brieflywearing respiratory protection. If the incident has

arisen in a capacitor battery in an open air plant,actions for immediate clean-up must be taken.The competent authority or, in case of a fire, thefire brigade or chemical response must beinformed immediately. Contact with the liquidmust be avoided.

The same proceedings are recommended if thereis an incident with a transformer.

Urs Wagner


2.4. Incidents with PCB Capacitors An inflation of a capacitor as shown in picture12 is a sign for an increased risk of an internalfailure that can lead to an explosion of thecapacitor causing a severe contamination of the

surroundings by PCBs, but as well by Dioxinsand Furans! It is therefore highly recommendedto phase out such inflated capacitors as soon aspossible.

One-way gloves for the sampling of liquidsshould be made of Nitrile or Vinyl. Latex, or

Butyl rubber gloves should not be used asPCBs might penetrate through them!

All working material must be cleaned eitherwith technical acetone or disposed of ashazardous waste, including PPE. Only metaland glass can be cleaned entirely. Synthetic

material and plastic, wood, etc. cannot becleaned and have to be disposed of ashazardous waste.

In areas with spills: The contaminated areashall be marked and fenced off if possible.Clothing and footwear shall be changed whenentering or leaving the contaminated area in adesignated place (compartment). If possiblethe leak shall be located and sealed e.g. with a

sealing paste. Furthermore, the leaking deviceshall be placed in a steel basin or drip traywhen out of service otherwise absorbent padsshall be placed around and replacementforeseen as soon as possible.

2.5. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) The choice of the adequate personalprotective equipment depends highly on

the tasks to be performed and theassociated risks.

Table 12. has very bad quality and should be improved!

When confronted with leaking equipment orequipment in bad technical condition during theinventory, it must be ensured that the leak can be

stopped or that the entrainment of thecontamination can be prevented.



2.6. Protection of the Environment When handling PCBs all necessary safetyprecautions need to be taken in order to preventcontamination of the environment.

When taking samples of PCB suspectedequipment or material work must be conductedtidily to prevent spreading of sample material.

Picture 18. PCB Pyramid

The aim of the inventory is to identify, quantify andkeep records of the equipment and the materialsprone to containing or being contaminated with

PCBs. These bits of information are indispensablewhen preparing a plan for PCB management, whichshould encompass the entire cycle, as follows:

Urs Wagner


In case of leakage due to damaged equipment,uncontrolled spillage must be prevented by theappropriate positioning of a drip tray as a primarymeasure. Small leaks should be sealed andsuitable safety equipment must be used whilecarrying out this work. It is therefore advisableto always keep suitable material (drip tray, rubbergloves, sealing material) in the vicinity of suchequipment. Visibly contaminated soil or concrete should beremoved as quickly as possible in order to avoidfurther contamination. Surfaces of objects(vehicles, sidewalks, buildings, etc.) should becleaned by using oil absorbent materials and bywiping the surface with solvents. After thecleaning the surfaces must be analytically testedto check the cleaning success. Used cleaningmaterials should be placed in drums for disposal.

3. Inventory The inventory is the initial stage in themanagement of PCB contaminated equipment

and it should be generated in the most ecologicalway. Implementing the following generalactivities will support a reliable PCB datacollection:

– Assessment of the national PCB situation – Legal assessment of national regulations – Identification of possible stakeholders

(incl. small consumers) – Awareness raising workshops for possible

stakeholders capacity building – Preliminary inventory – Public information – Adaptation of national regulations – Information of the identified stakeholders – Detailed inventory (physical inspection,

sampling, analysis, database) – Infrastructure (handling, transport, interim

storage, disposal)

The single steps toward ESM handling anddisposal of PCB containing equipment can besummarized and visualized in a PCB pyramid:

4. Sampling

4.1 General Sampling Proceedings

Therefore the following points must beparticularly considered: Risk of CrossContamination Contamination is easily spreadfrom one sample to another. When using one-way material (e.g. Kleenex, pipettes, metalscoops, etc.) it must be ensured that a new

product is used for every new sample. If this isnot possible, the used equipment must always becleaned before another sample is taken. Ifpossible solvents (e.g. technical acetone) shouldbe used for this purpose.

Confusion of Samples In order to prevent aconfusion of samples, it is crucial to clearly markthe sample containers immediately when asample has been taken. The identical data mustalso be recorded in a sampling report. A labelmust be affixed to the sampling containers.

Picture 19. Chemical lifecycle of PCBs

The main source of error the sampling processit self

Picture 28. Label (Example)

Inventory Form The sampling report must befilled in immediately. If it is completed at a laterstage important information could be lost or

forgotten.Following a possible design of the inventoryforms according to the UNEP draft is shown:



Picture 29: Label for Sample Vial

Urs Wagner




Urs Wagner


4.1.1 Sampling of Transformers Safety Precautions In order to prevent the skinfrom coming into contact with PCBs, one-wayprotective gloves must be worn. The eyes mustbe protected against possible oil splashes bywearing goggles. Position of Sampling The sample can be takenby using the drain tap, which usually is at thebottom of the transformer. If a transformer hasbeen disconnected from power for over 72 hoursthe sample should generally be taken from thebottom, as PCB sinks to the lower level becauseof its higher density. Sometimes the gasket getsdamaged when the drain tap is opened. It istherefore advisable to always have a spare gasketready. Alternatively transformers can be sampled viathe oil filling cap by using a hand pump(consider: a new hand pump must be used foreach transformer). Oil samples from theexpansion receptacle cannot always be regardedas representative, because the oil does notcirculate and thus it is not really mixed.

Size of the Analysis If a PCB inventory demandsan analysis of the cooling fluid, the owner has thepossibility to test the oil quality at the same time.This is dependent on the age and condition of theequipment. Such a preventive maintenance

allows an assessment of the technical conditionof the transformer and thus helps preventpossible damages/ failures resulting from e.g.acidity or increased dampness.

The following steps must be followed whensampling a transformer:

– Place a drip tray under the drain tap,– Drain off the required amount of oil into the

sampling bottle – quantity depending on theintended analysis, and

– Carefully retighten the seal. – Then affix a label both on the sampling

bottle and on the transformer with the sameserial number as can be found on the eco-card. The eco card contains the followinginformation: • Site (Substation) • Manufacturer of Transformer • Power (KVA) or (MVA) • Serial number • Year of manufacture • Date of sampling • Name of person in charge.

Remark: Sampling is also an opportunity tocollect information for the database. In case theperson taking samples is also responsible fordatabase collection a note referring to chapter“Database” can be useful.

Usually, transformers are sampled when theyare in use and thus when they are live.Corresponding protective measures andsafety regulations must be known andconsidered at any time!

Oil quality analyses must only be run after anegative PCB result, otherwise the laboratoryequipment will be contaminated with PCB.

Picture 30. Place Drip Tray under Drain Tap Picture 31. Open Drain Tap/Valve



If the oil quality shall also be tested, thefollowing steps have to be considered:

– Sampling via drain tap: Drain off 1 to 2litres of oil first in order to clean the drainfrom particles which might have accumu-lated in that area,

– Amount of oil required: 0.5 to 1 litres, – Leave the oil for 24 hours, in order to

allow particles and water to settle, – Take sample from the upper third of the oil

for the analysis using a pipette, and – Return the drained 1 to 2 litres of oil back

into the transformer (only if the oil fillingcap is out of reach of the high voltage, oth-erwise shut off the transformer before re-filling the drained oil)

All wastes must be disposed of in anenvironmentally sound manner – the disposalmethod always depends on the analysis result.

4.1.2 Sampling of Cooling Fluids Sample Container If only the PCB content of the

oil is analysed, 20 ml glass vials can be usedprovided analysis is performed on site. If theanalysis is performed elsewhere and the sampleshave to be transported over long distances, 30 mlglass bottles should be used as sample containersbecause they are more robust. If a holder of atransformer also wants to have the quality of theoil tested, a 500 ml glass bottle should be used. Often transformers have already been phased out,temporarily stored and drained at the time a PCBinventory is compiled. In such cases, it needs tobe decided on site, how the sampling shall beperformed. But even if a device has been drained,there should be still be some oil present in thepassive part of the transformer due to theleaching in the days and week after the draining.Usually there is not enough oil to sample it viathe drain tap, as the oil layer is deeper then thevalve. In such cases, the device needs to besampled through an opening in the top. Stifftubes (e.g. glass or PE) can be used to take a sample ofthe oil at the bottom of the transformer.

If there is no oil at all left in the device, solidmaterials from the active part of the transformercould to be sampled and analysed (wood orinsulation paper). However, such analysis canonly be performed in a laboratory.

Due to practical reasons it might be advisable tolabel such drained transformers as PCB-suspected and note it accordingly in the physicalsite inspection report (respectively inventoryquestionnaire) and leave it for futureinvestigations.

Picture 32. Sampling Picture 33. Affix Label

IMPORTANT: Experience has shown thatnumerous transformers that were sold as PCBfree equipment actually do contain PCB. Inthe 70s transformer manufacturers and oilsuppliers often were not informed about therisks and the potential of cross contaminationof PCB by using identical cisterns, transportcontainers, pipe systems and fittings formineral oil and PCBs. Therefore many newtransformers were unintentionallycontaminated by PCBs. Some transformerswere also contaminated by the user duringrefills or maintenance work.

Urs Wagner


Picture 34: Identification of Capaciter Fluid Picture 35: Tag Information on Transformer

Some Russian capacitors were marked with ayellow triangle. This yellow triangle indicatesthe presence of hazardous substances (PCB).Most power capacitors produced in the formerUSSR can be divided into three groups, butother types exist:

– KC type capacitors contain synthetic oil;usually PCB;

– KM type capacitors contain mineral oilsand is not considered to contain PCB;

– KЭ type capacitors are of recent date andare not considered to contain PCB.

Power capacitors which were manufactured inthe former USSR were produced in either thecapacitor factory of Ust-Kamenogorsk (todayKazakhstan) or in Serpukhov (today Russia).

Ust Kamenogorsk Capacitor Plant Brand Brand of “Kondensator”, Serpukhov

If a designation is missing and relevantinformation from the manufacturer is notavailable, the only way to test the dielectric liquidis to drill a hole in the casing on the top or cutthe isolator and retrieve an oil sample. This canbe done by (e.g.) using a pipette (using onlyonce). After this exercise the capacitor isunusable and as it is now damaged it must bestored in appropriate containers (e.g. in an UN-approved steel drum). Therefore it is advisableto only sample capacitors that are already out ofservice. If there is a series of the same capacitors,it is usually sufficient to sample only two devices

out of the series.

Thus only phased out capacitors can undergo thisprocedure. Capacitors still in service andmanufactured before 1993, with missinginformation about the dielectric liquid have to belabelled as PCB suspected equipment.

However, it was also said that there are noreliable information available by when the PCBproduction has been stopped in Countries likee.g. China and North Korea. There are rumorsthat in North Korea PCB are still producednowadays.



4.1.3 Sampling of Capacitors Power capacitors are built into hermeticallyclosed containers and there is no direct accessto the cooling liquid.

In many cases, the manufacturer provided

information about the type of dielectric liquid,either with identification on the nameplate orwith a separate tag confirming that the contentsare harmful for the environment. Such capacitorsdo not need further investigation. They definitelycontain PCBs and must be treated accordingly.

Picture 37. Small Sized Capacitors Picture 38. Sampling of Small Sized Capacitors

Urs Wagner


Preferably a mixed sample originating from thetwo capacitors with the lowest serial numbersshould be analysed. Caution should be taken ifthe analysis reveals PCB, even if it is only aslight contamination. Such contamination couldhave been caused during the production e.g.when using the same pumps for mineral oil andPCB oil. In such cases all capacitors of one seriesmust be analytically tested.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)The PPE for these activities consist of protectivegloves and goggles. Respiratory protection is notnecessary when taking single samples. If severalsamplings are carried out at short intervalslightrespiratory protection is recommended.

Sampling of Small Sized Capacitors Usuallycapacitors of a smaller size do not contain PCBas a floating liquid in the casing, but rather as animpregnating agent of the insulation layers in the

capacitor. It is therefore not possible to drill ahole in the casing and take an oil sample with apipette.

Prepare the working place with oil carpet and atray (metal if available). The personal protectionprotective equipment comprises gloves, safetygoggles and in case of poor ventilation arespiratory mask. Firstly, a circle has to be cutaround the top end of the capacitor casing nearthe contacts using a small iron saw. Once the tophas been lifted, it is usually possible to pull outthe active part. With a tool remove about 1 cm

3of

the insulation and conductor layers and placethem in a 60 ml glass vial. The samples can thenbe prepared in the laboratory and analysed by gaschromatography.

All tools and materials that came in contact withthe capacitors have to be cleaned e.g. withacetone, or disposed of as hazardous waste.

PCB analysis can be divided into two categories:Specific and non-specific methods. Specificmethods include gas chromatography (GC) andmass spectrometry (MS) which analyse forparticular PCB molecules. Non-specific methodsidentify classes of compounds such aschlorinated hydrocarbons, to which PCBsbelong. These non-specific methods include PCBfield screening tests like CLOR-N-OIL andCLOR-N-SOIL test kits as well as the L2000 DXfield analyser.

First two non-specific tests will be described

which are however ABSOLUTELY NOTrecommended to be used due to uncertainties inresults and high potential of polluting water andair!

Density Tests The easiest way to verify whetheror not oil contains heavy concentrations of PCBsis a simple density test: à Use a 10 ml glass vial à pour some water intothe vial à add some dielectric liquid If the oillayer is at the bottom of the vial the density ofthe oil is > 1. In such a case there is no doubt thatthe PCB concentration is rather high. If the oillayer remains on top of the water layer it can beassumed that it is a mineral oil with a density of< 1. However, this is only a first indication whichmust be verified by a specific method and it doesnot work with contaminated oil.

Picture 39: Sampling and Screening

Introduction to Field Screening Test Kits andLaboratory Analysis

The general sampling and screening proceedingof potentially PCB containing devices is asfollows:

In general PCB specific methods are more ac-curate than non-specific methods but they aremore expensive, take longer to run, qualifiedstaff is needed, and they cannot be used onsite.



Beilstein Method A piece of copper oxide fastened to a platinumwire is moistened with the oil to be tested andheld in the outer zone of a Bunsen flame. As soonas the carbon has burned away, the presence ofchlorine is indicated by the greenish or greenish-blue colour of the flame. This colour is producedby volatilizing copper chloride and its intensityand duration depends on the amount of chlorinepresent.

5.1 PCB Screening Test Kits

Chlorine Detection Test Kits

There are a variety of different brands of chlorine

detection test kits available: Immunoassaytechnology ENVIROGARD by Millipore,KWIK-SKRENE by the General ElectricCompany and CLOR-N-OIL and CLOR-N-SOILby Dexsil. The Dexsil tests generally distinguishbetween the PCB test kits for oil (e.g. CLOR-N-OIL) and for soils (e.g. CLOR-N-SOIL). The two Dexsil tests rely on the same principle:The chlorine atoms are chemically stripped awayfrom the PCB, the total chlorine concentration isdetermined and indicated by a colorimetricreaction. Three different test levels are available:20 ppm, 50 ppm and 500 ppm. Each kit is usedin the same way. The end point for each has beenadjusted so that it changes colour at the requiredlevel. The kit is a «GO / NO GO» type of testwhere the result is either positive or negative.

Picture 40. Density Test with oil in water Picture 41. Beilstein Method with oil in a copper wire

This test may only be performed in alaboratory by experienced chemists. There is arisk that highly toxic dioxins areunintentionally formed and released.

Picture 42. CLOR-N-OIL Picture 43. CLOR-N-OIL 50 pmm

Instrumental Detection of the ChlorineConcentration Instrumental detections of the

chlorine concentration are methods that useinstruments or analysers to determine the

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Picture 44. L2000 PCB/Chloride Analyser Picture 45. Sampling of Contaminated Area

The L2000DX can be used in the field orlaboratory by non-technical personnel. An oilsample requires about five minutes to run whilewater, soil and surface tests take about tenminutes each. This eliminates the need to waitdays or even weeks for laboratory results. Crewsworking at a site can take immediate action tosecure equipment, isolate a site, or removecontaminated soil. Instrument calibration is required at thebeginning of each day (takes about 2 minutes).After calibrating, a reagent blank is tested toensure the analysis is being run properly and toprovide a baseline for accurate low-level results.Blank subtraction can be incorporated into the

method and is automatically updated uponcalibration. The preparation steps involveextracting the chlorinated organics from the soil,water or wipe material, (not required for PCB intransformer oil), and reacting the sample with asodium reagent to transform the chlorinatedorganics into chloride. The resulting chloride isquantified by the L2000DX Analyzer. Severalsamples can be prepared concurrently, thenanalysed in less than a minute per sample.Samples can be prepared and analysed at a latertime. One operator can complete about 65 oil tests,or 45 soil or surface wipe tests in an eight hourday.

Table 16. Advantages and Disadvantages of Field Screening Tests



chlorine concentration in the samples. TheL2000DX relies on the same basic chemistry asthe CLOR-N-OIL test kits, however instead of acolorimetric reaction, the L2000DX uses an ionspecific electrode to quantify the contaminationin the sample. Sample analysis is available fortransformer oils, soils, water and surface wipes.The usable measurement range for oils and soils

is 2 to 2000 ppm, 20 ppb to 2000 ppm for waterand 2 to 2000 µg/100 cm2 for wipe samples. The L2000DX Analyzer is pre-programmed withconversion factors for all major Aroclors andmost chlorinated pesticides and solvents. Thebuilt-in methods include corrections forextraction efficiencies, dilution factors and blankcontributions.

To save analysis costs and time it is advisable touse screening tests whenever applicable.Nevertheless it has to be considered that thesemethods test for the presence of chlorine in thesample being examined. As a result otherchlorinated compounds, which can be part of thesample, could cause false positive results becausethe analysis method assumes all chlorinatedcompounds are PCBs. False negative results arenot possible as if there is no chlorine present, PCBscannot be present either.

In this case the sample for gas chromatographyanalysis is to be kept and forwarded to theappropriate laboratory. If results of a GC analysisshow a significantly lower result than thescreening tests there is no reason to be alarmed.The tests are standardised for Aroclor 1242 withchlorine content of 42 %. Analyses with higherchlorinated PCB samples (e.g. Aroclor 1260 withchlorine content of 60 %) consequently show ahigher result than the true PCB content. Thus thescreening tests are always on the safe side.

6. Maintenance of Equipment Containing PCB The maintenance of a device should beperformed according to the procedures issued bythe manufacturer and by the correspondingstandard manuals of the electric industryassociations. In the following, a general view ofthe key elements of the maintenance of PCB

containing transformers and capacitors ispresented.

6.1 Best Working Practices When performing light repair or maintenancework on PCB containing equipment, thefollowing safety precautions for the protection ofthe employees and the environment have to betaken: – Direct contact of the skin with PCB

contaminated materials must be avoided bywearing gloves and safety goggles. Accordingto the type of work to be performed, protectiveclothing and a respiratory mask must also beput at the workers’ disposal,

– The working area must be adequatelyventilated,

– Spills must be prevented in every case byusing drip trays or adequate plastic tarps,

– Every contact of PCBs with a flame or anyother heat source over 300 °C and use of agrinder must absolutely be avoided (risk ofhighly toxic Dioxins and Furans),

– All used tools and other working materialsthat got in contact with PCBs must bedisposed of as PCB contaminated waste in anenvironmentally sound manner or otherwisehave to be decontaminated with anappropriate solvent (technical acetone). Theonly possible materials to be decontaminatedare steel, glass, and ceramics, and

– Operations which involve draining, rewindingof coil, etc. may only be performed bycompanies approved for such task.

Picture 46. L2000 use in the Laboratory Picture 47. Use of Clor-N-Soll on Site

Thus, if a test kit or the L2000 DX analysershows a positive screening result (PCB > 50ppm) verification by gas chromatography isalways necessary.

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Picture 48. Transformer Maintenance Picture 49. Active transformer part in service station

Picture 50. Bad Example I (open air storage) Picture 51. Bad Example II (no tip trays)

PCB containing devices should be packed safelyand in compliance with the applicable laws assoon as they have been phased out, even if theirdisposal takes place at a later stage. Irrespectiveof the quality of the temporary storage, the finaland environmental sound disposal of the wastemust be scheduled and coordinated that storagewill not exceed twelve months. Generally,electrical equipment should only be phased outand stored, once an appropriate method of disposalhas been chosen.

When setting up a temporary storage for PCBwastes it is important to choose an appropriatestorage site/area. Locations close to rivers,groundwater, residential or farming areas, andecological reserves or for example food

processing industries CANNOT be consideredsuitable. If possible, the interim storage shouldbe specifically designed for PCB containingequipment and wastes.

The Basel Convention recommended proceduresfor the storage of PCB waste are:

– Ventilating a site to the outside air isconsidered when exposure to vapours forthose who work in the site is a concern.Adequate ventilation ensures that the airinside the site is breathable, non explosive,and has contaminant concentrations belowapplicable human health exposure limits. Ifmechanical exhaust ventilation to the outsideair is used an organic vapour capture system



7. Temporary Storage Considerations

PCB containing wastes should generally not bestored on sites that are not specifically designedfor interim storage of hazardous wastes. Usually,there is no appropriate infrastructure to guarantee

a safe storage. Uncontrolled and inexpert interimstorages as shown in the pictures below endangerpeople and the environment, and result inunnecessary additional costs.

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(e.g. activated carbon) should be consideredto minimize the release of contaminants tothe environment.

– Completely sealing a site so that no vapourscan escape to outside air is considered whenenvironmental concerns are paramount andthere is minimal entry into the site byhumans. If a site is sealed with no ventilationthen all persons entering the site must wearrespiratory protection at all times and mayneed to use supplied air. In a sealed site theoxygen level, contaminant level andexplosive atmosphere must be determinedbefore each entry. An entry system may needto be installed that prevents the escape ofinside air when the site is accessed. Aninternal air treatment system may be used toreduce the build-up of contaminant andexplosive vapours.

– Dedicated buildings or containers should bein good condition and made of hard plastic ormetal, not wood, fibreboard, drywall, plasteror insulation.

– The roof of dedicated buildings or containersand surrounding land should be sloped so asto provide drainage away from the site.

– Dedicated buildings or containers should beset on asphalt, concrete or durable (e.g. 6 mil)plastic sheeting.

– The floors of storage sites inside buildingsshould be concrete or durable (e.g. 6 mil)plastic sheeting. Concrete should be coatedwith a durable epoxy.

– Storage sites should have a fire alarm system. – Storage sites inside buildings should have a

fire suppression system; preferably a non-water system. If the fire suppressant is waterthen the floor of the storage room should becurbed and the floor drainage system shouldnot lead to the sewer or storm-sewer ordirectly to surface water but should have it’sown collection system such as a sump.

– Liquid wastes should be placed incontainment trays or a curbed, leak-proofarea. The liquid containment volume shouldbe at least 125% of the liquid waste volumetaking into account the space taken up bystored items in the containment area. Thecurbing or sides of the containment must be

high enough, or the wastes kept back fromthe edge of the curbing far enough, that a leakin any drum or container would not “jet” overthe edge of the curb or side.

– Contaminated solids such as lamp ballasts,small capacitors, other small equipment,contaminated debris, contaminated clothingand spill cleanup material and contaminatedsoil should be stored in containers such asbarrels or pails, steel waste containers (loggerboxes) or in specially constructed trays orcontainers. Large volumes of soil or othercontaminated material may be stored in bulkin dedicated shipping containers, buildings orvaults as long as they meet the safety andsecurity requirements as described herein.

– A complete inventory of the PCB, PCT andPBB wastes in the storage site should becreated and kept up to date as waste is addedor disposed. A copy of the inventory shouldbe kept at the site, another copy kept in thecorporate offices and a copy filed with theemergency response plan.

– The outside of the storage site should belabelled as a PCB, PCT and/or PBB site.Specific labelling requirements vary byjurisdiction but the intent is to notify anyoneapproaching the site of the contents of thesite.

– All containers of materials in the site shouldbe labelled with hazard labels that clearlyindicate the contents of the container.

– The site should be subjected to routineinspection for leaks, degradation of containermaterials, vandalism, integrity of fire alarmsand fire suppression systems and generalstatus of the site.

– Rusting or degrading drums or equipmentbodies should be placed inside larger “overpack” drums instead of attempting to transferthe fluid to a new container.

When setting up a temporary storage for PCBwastes it is important to choose an appropriatestorage site/area. Locations close to rivers,groundwater, residential or farming areas, andecological reserves or for example foodprocessing industries CANNOT be consideredsuitable.

Packing� Capacitors must always stand upright. The

insulators are the weakest parts. Never lifta capacitor by holding the insulators, theycan easily break off.

� Capacitors must be stored on steel driptrays and leaking devices should be sealed.It is advisable to add absorbents to the steeltrays.

� It is possible to put capacitors andcontaminated solids into containers thatare not UN approved. However, suchcontainers must be checked for damageand leaks before use and cannot be utilizedfor transports. After use, the containersmust be regarded as contaminated and alsobe disposed of as hazardous waste!

Building� The floor of a temporary storage must be

solid and tight. The storage must be walledand protected against the weather on allsides.

� All entrances to the storage must bemarked with an appropriate warning, andaccess for unauthorized people must beforbidden.

� The area must be fenced and controlled.� Display emergency procedures and best

working practices

� The building should have some openingsfor permanent ventilation (ventilationsystems with filters).

� Increased risks of fires must be excluded(no wooden shed, no storage ofinflammable goods in the same building orin the neighbourhood). A smoke and firealarm system should be installed.

� Fire extinguishers (powder) and absorbents(e.g. sawdust) must be available and easyaccessible.

� The building should be separated indifferent areas (reception, handling,separate storage of different wastecategories, equipment, etc.)

� No food storage or food processingcompanies in the neighbourhood.

Control� The temporary on site storage must be

authorized by the CompetentEnvironmental Authority.

� The regional fire brigade must be informedabout the temporary storage and the kindand quantity of the goods/wastes (bymeans of copies of storage lists).

� Depending on the size of the storage andthe kind and condition of the storedgoods/wastes, daily, weekly or monthlyvisual inspections should be scheduled.

Minimum Requirements for Temporary Storage Site

All goods/wastes must be clearly marked givinginformation about the kind of waste, the date ofpacking, the weight, the origin and furtherimportant data. An up to date storage list must beaccessible at any time. Temporary storageCANNOT be accepted as long-term solution.Therefore it is advisable that the interim storagesshall not be designed too large.

8. Disposal Considerations To select the most appropriate technology severalrateable and non-rateable criteria have to be

considered. Among “non-rateable”, or relativecriteria, are included public acceptability, riskand environmental impacts, which depend on thespecific geographic site location. The rateablecriteria may include the applicability of themethod (in accordance with its developmentstatus), overall cost, minimum achievableconcentration, clean-up time required, reliability,maintenance, post treatment cost and ability to usesoil after treatment. The difference between technologies that onlyseparate and/or concentrate a pollutant (e.g.



If possible, the interim storage should bespecifically designed for PCB containing

equipment and wastes.

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solvent extractions, thermal desorption) andthose which destroy the contaminant (e.g.incineration, dechlorination or biodegradation)must be considered. Those technologies that onlyimmobilize contaminants (e.g. landfill systems,stabilization and vitrification) should also beclearly differentiated. The technologies presented cover a wide rangeof degree of treatment and recovery oftransformer components, a factor which must betaken into account in comparing technologies.Decontamination is never completely applied toall components, and this means that a residueremains which must be incinerated. In the bestcase this will be just the porous parts (wood andpaper) unless the solvent technique is applied forlong process times, and a product finallyobtained which may be sent for land filling if theresidual PCB levels are legally acceptable. Inother words, the total cost of treatment, includingthe cost of final disposal of residues, must betaken into consideration. Whatever technology is chosen, it has to beperformed by a company which is approved forthis task by the respective authority, respectively,if the PCB waste is exported, approved by thecompetent authority in the concerned country.

8.1. Conclusions Incineration, is the most widely available andused technology for PCB destruction andremains a final solution. Because the incineration is not a “cleantechnology” cost-factor and its non-availabilityin many countries, alternative technologies arewidely used. Some of those technologies have the advantagenot only of lower cost, but also of being able totreat economically much lower volumes of wastematerial. Although oil decontamination can be achievedwith technologies allowing complete destructionof PCBs, the carcass of transformers andcapacitors can present problems because of thepresence of a small amount of porous, organicmaterials which are costly to treat to obtaincomplete decontamination. In December 2004, the United Nations

Environment Programme published an updatedversion of the inventory of worldwide PCBDestruction Capacity. It can be downloaded fromthe Internet: http://www.chem.unep.ch/pops/pcb_activities/pcb_dest/PCB_Dest_Cap_SHORT.pdf On the following pages an extract of non-combustion as well as incineration technologiesis briefly presented.

8.2. Overview Decontamination Methods(extract only)

Dechlorination Chemical Dechlorination is based on reactionswith either an organically bound alkali metal oran alkali metal oxide or hydroxide.Dechlorination processes are well developed forthe treatment of liquid PCBs and PCBcontaminated oil. The chlorine content isconverted to inorganic salts which can beremoved from the organic fraction by filtration.Reactions take place under inert atmosphere.Some companies provide mobile treatmentplants, which can be used on an operatingtransformer in the field. There are several typesof this technology:

The Base Catalysed Dechlorination Process(BCD) The Base Catalysed Dechlorinationprocess (BCD) is a batch process operated in aseries of stages and can treat PCB wastes up to100’000 mg/kg. Solvent washing is required forthe transformer components. Capacitors must beshredded first and can then be treated with theBCD process. A reduction of chlorinatedorganics to less than 2 mg/kg is achievable.

Eco Logic Process The Eco Logicdecontamination technology is a high temperature,but non-incinerative process which involves thegas-phase chemical reduction of organiccompounds by hydrogen at temperatures of 850°C or greater. The process is made up of severalsteps. In the first reactor the various products tobe treated are rendered into a suitable form forprocessing. The gas-phase reaction occurs in themain reactor. The third step is the gas scrubbingsystem; the fourth one concerns the compressionof the product gases and the storage unit. In the



case of solid contaminated wastes such aselectrical equipment, these must first be openedor punched to give access. They are then treatedin the first reactor to desorb the contaminants. Itis these latter which pass into the main reactor.Contaminated liquids can be injected directlyinto the main reactor for conversion.

PCB Gone The process developed by S D Myerscalled PCB Gone is very specific in the scheduledwastes it is able to treat, as it is designed to treatPCB contaminated transformer oils withconcentrations below 10’000 mg/kg without theneed to remove the transformer or take thetransformer out of service. Concentrations below2 ppm are achievable. It involves circulating thetransformer fluid through a filtration system untilthe residual PCB concentrations are below thoserequired. The continued circulation of the fluidthrough the transformer largely flushes the PCBsfrom the transformer windings and other internalcomponents. The treated oil is then suitable forcontinued use. Leaching from the porous parts ofthe transformer such as wood and paperinsulation can occur and the transformer mayrequire another treatment after some time.

Retrofilling Similar to the PCB gone process Retro filling isdesigned to reduce PCB concentrations to a levelwhich will legally allow the transformer toremain in service. Retro filling of a transformermeans emptying the equipment of its dielectricfluid, and replacing it with a new non-PCB oil.Since the inside of a transformer is complex, thisoperation can be quite long. A more seriousproblem is related to the fact that the transformerusually contains wooden and possibly papercomponents. These materials are porous and retain thecontaminated oil. It is thus not possible, in arelatively short time, to remove all the PCB oil.The result is that when a new, clean oil is placedin the transformer, there is a gradual leaching outof residual PCBs from the porous components.Over a period of months, the measured PCBlevel in the new transformer oil can slowly riseagain, perhaps above the levels which wereattended to achieve. The time required for theleaching action to be finished, thus stopping any

release of PCBs into the transformer oil dependson the size and structure of the equipment. A testof the PCB content after a retrofilling must beperformed after 9 months of the transformerbeing in use. In some cases it may be necessaryto carry out several retrofilling operations toachieve the desired level.

A decision about the viability of doing aretrofilling operation will take into considerationlocal factors. These are basically the cost ofcarrying out the retrofilling operation (theremight be more than one operation necessary),including disposal costs for the contaminatedmaterials produced by the retrofilling as well asat the end of the useful life of the transformer, tobe set against the cost of buying a newtransformer, if the original one is discarded. Onewill also take into consideration the higherefficacy of the new transformer.

8.3. Overview Disposal Methods (extract only)

High Temperature Incineration Hazardous waste incinerators have a mainchamber (also called the primary chamber) forburning PCBs and POPs such as unwanted andobsolete pesticides and an after burning chamber.The secondary chamber is used for extending theresidence time for maximum destruction of thematerial and its thermal oxidation into gases andnon non-flammable solids.

Downstream of the secondary chamber is the gastreatment system. This comprises rapidquenching systems that quickly cool the gas tosafe temperatures at which formation of Dioxinsand Furans does not occur and the use of wetscrubbers. In addition incinerators are beingfitted with Dioxin removal facilities such ascatalytic reduction, packed tower absorbers,precipitators and other reactive absorbers.

The chemistry of incineration is the controlledhigh temperature oxidation of primarily organiccompounds to produce carbon dioxide and water.Inorganic substances such as salts, acids andmetallic compounds may also be produced fromthese wastes. Incineration processes formanagement of hazardous wastes are highly

Urs Wagner


complex and require control of the kinetics ofchemical reactions under non steady stateconditions.

Incineration in Cement Kilns Principally, cement kilns should be suitable todestroy PCBs. However, trial runs must firstclarify the questions of exhaust gases from thekilns and their impact on the environment. Ifcement kilns are used to incinerate wastes, thestandards of the applicable regulation have to bemet. One can refer to the regulation 94/67/EG ofthe European Counsel on the incineration of toxicwastes. To be able to comply with this regulation avery high technical standard is necessary (modernkiln, chlorine bypass, control of the retention timeand the temperature of the gases). However, thisarrangement remains untested for PCB wastes. Thecement industry specifies that their fuel stockcontains less than 50 ppm and has indicated thatthey do not intend to accept PCB wastes.

Plasma Arc Plasma systems technology uses a plasma arcdevice (often called a plasma torch) to createextremely high temperatures up to 10´000°C fordestruction of highly toxic wastes such as PCBs,POPs and others. Plasma Arc systems useelectrical energy as their energy source and thusis expensive.

Underground Land filling A dumping of PCB containing wastes is strictlyprohibited. To be able to store hazardous wastesin an underground land fill site, strict geologicalrequirements must be met. In addition, the sitemust be licensed to store PCB containing wastes.The cooling fluid of transformers must bedrained off before the storage and disposed of byanother method. Especially when considering thepersistence of PCBs, this method cannot beregarded as a (final) solution, and is mainlyoffered in former salt mines in Germany.

In Situ Vitrification In situ Vitrification (ISV) is a commerciallyavailable technology used for contaminated siteremediation and waste treatment. It is a mobile,thermal treatment process that uses electricity toheat and melt contaminated soils, sludge andother earthen materials. The treatment results inthe permanent destruction of organiccontaminants and the permanent immobilisationof inorganic contaminants within the highintegrity vitreous product.

Bioremediation Bioremediation refers to the use of micro-organisms to break down organic chemicalcompounds that contaminate soil. The key to theprocess is the identification of an appropriateorganism to perform the bioremediation process.The effects of moisture content, temperature,oxygen levels, food sources are required to beunderstood so that successful application can beachieved. In situ bioremediation treats the soilonsite and eliminates the need to transfer the soilelsewhere for treatment. Generally unsuitable forheavily contaminated pesticide sites but willwork on low levels of POPs and PCBs.

Emerging Technologies There are a number of emerging technologies,which are not presented in the frame of thishandbook. There is a GEF supported “review ofemerging, innovative technologies for thedestruction and decontamination of POPs and theidentification of promising technologies for theuse in developing countries” available in theinternet:http://www.chem.unep.ch/pops/pcb_activities/PCB_proceeding/Presentations/PCB%20Global%20McDowall.pdf and http://www.chem.unep.ch/Pops/pcb_activities/default.htm#Guidance

Glossary



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10. Useful Links



11. Capacitor Registers

11.1. List on PCB Capacitors Codes of Products from the Former USSR

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11.2. Extract of Capacitor Register / 1997 Australian and New Zealand Environment andConservation Council (ANZECC)



12. PEN Application Form Russian

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ENVIRONMENTAL SOUND PCB MANAGEMENT IN MOLDOVABarbarasa I.1, Plesca V.1, Cupcea L.1, Wagner U.K.2, Arion V.31 POPs Sustainable Management Office, Ministry of Environment, Chisinau, Republic ofMoldova2 ETI Environmental Technology International Ltd., Chur, Switzerland3 Technical University of Moldova, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova


Abstract Republic of Moldova has taken a proactive posi-tion with respect to adoption and compliancewith global environmental treaties and conven-tions, particularly related to POPs issue, whichis assigned a high priority by the government. Asthe basis for implementation of the StockholmConvention on POPs, Moldova developed andadopted in October 2004 the National Imple-mentation Plan (NIP), which prioritizes the man-agement of significant and potentially high riskPOPs stockpiles of obsolete pesticides and PCBcontaining or contaminated electrical equipment.An important component of this priority was thedevelopment of a comprehensive inventory ofsuch equipment, and of the necessary system tocontrol and monitor the equipment through to itsultimate disposal.

This paper describes the organization,coordination and carrying out at the nationallevel of the inventory of PCBs in dielectric oilsfrom power equipment, conducted in 2008-2011with the financial and technical support of theGlobal Environmental Facility and CanadianInternational Development Agency through theWorld Bank and the Moldovan NationalEnvironmental Fund.

Oil samples were taken and analysis made on thePCB content from about 30,000 units of powerequipment, owned by eight companies ofgeneration, transmission and distribution ofelectricity, as well as by consumers. An inventory registration system and nationaldatabase for electrical equipment containing orcontaminated with PCBs above a concentrationof 50 ppm have been developed and will servefor its further management and gradualelimination, as required by the internationalagreements and national legislation.

Key words: persistent organic pollutants (POPs),polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), POPsmanagement, Stockholm Convention on POPs.

IntroductionPolychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are one of theleading members in the group of POPs identifiedby the international community for immediateinternational action by means of the StockholmConvention. Until 2000 Moldova has had anunusually high amount of PCBs requiringdisposal because in the Soviet era it was theenergy hub transmitting electricity to Balkans.Most of the PCBs were concentrated in electricalpower installations, where there are PCBscontained in dielectric oils in transformers andespecially in capacitors. Moldova started solvingthe PCB issues in 2004 after ratification of theConvention and approval of the NIP, with its ownmeans and international support.In the aftermath the Regulation onPolychlorinated Biphenyls was developed andapproved by the Government; all 18,660electrical capacitors containing PCB found in thecountry (934 tons, including highly polluted soil)have been dismantled/excavated, shipped anddestroyed abroad; remediation works at thebiggest transformer station have been carried out;a modern laboratory has been equipped with highresolution equipment which is used formonitoring and identification of PCB inenvironment components.A task of major importance which ends inMoldova is the national inventory of PCB as abasis for risk evaluation, priority setting andevaluation of appropriate cleaning or disposaltechnologies. It covers circa 30,000 units ofelectrical equipment owned by 8 companies ofproduction, transport and distribution ofelectricity, as well as by more than 4,000consumers.

Objectives of the inventory The inventory of PCBs in Moldova was launchedin September 2008 under the Persistent OrganicPollutants Stockpiles Management andDestruction Project, financed by the GlobalEnvironment Facility (GEF) through the WorldBank.

The goal of the inventory was to create a reliabledatabase that would describe the electric po werequipment which con tains dielectric oil of PCBstype in concentrations higher than 50 ppm for avolume of more than 5 litres. The PCB inventorycan therefore be regarded as a basis for all futurePCB management decisions.The objectives of the inventory were:

a) identification of the holders of electricalequipment with dielectric oil, mainly in theelectricity sector;

b) sampling and laboratory analysis ofdielectric oil;

c) informing the holders of electricalequipment with dielectric oil about theimpact of PCBs and the necessity of theinventory;

d) establishing a database containinginformation on PCB equipment.

Organizing and coordinating the inventoryprocessA Steering Committee, which was established inNovember 2008, includes representatives of theMinistry of Environment, the Ministry ofEconomy (energetic sector), electricityenterprises and consumers, is responsible forcoordination and supervision of the inventory inaccordance with national regulations andprocedures, and for providing the necessary

support in organizing the project implementationprocess and carrying out field works.Full management related to the PCB inventoryin the energy sector, focused on closed sys tems(i.e. power electrical transformers and capacitors),was ensured by the POPs SustainableManagement Office, Ministry of Environment,assisted by two consultants, one local and oneinternational, as well as the State EnergyInspectorate, which plays an important role in theinventory of the electrical equipment owned bysmall consumers and private companies. The basic document that has guided the process

was the Regulation on Polychlorinated Biphenylsapproved by the Government in February 2009.To facilitate the practical acti vities carried out bythe personnel involved in the inventory processthe hand book Environmental Sound PCB Mana -gement in Electrical Equip ment was developedand published; it describes all stages of inventoryand mana gement of potential PCB conta minatedequipment, including require ments of theinternational conventions and national legalframework, general information and hazardpotential of PCBs, identi fication and monitoringof PCB, PCB management, mainte nance ofequipment containing PCB, safety, emergencyactions and clean up, phase out, packing,temporary storage, transport and disposal.

The results of the inventory

Inventory of PCBs in the electricity companiesThe inventory in the electricity sector covers fourpower production companies, one power

310 11th International HCH and Pesticides Forum

Barbarasa I., Plesca V., Cupcea L., Wagner U.K., Arion V.

Launching workshop of PCB inventory

Meeting of the Steering Committee

transpor tation company and three powerdistribution companies. By February 2009, inventory teams were createdat each company (from the energy sector), andwere trained on the modality of sampling andsupplied with the necessary equipment. A specialinventory form containing infor mation about thetype of equipment, its owner, placement etc., wasfilled in for each sample according to the PCBregulation.The samples are examined in two stages: At thefirst stage, all samples are screened with the helpof the L2000DX Analyzer.To train personnel in the use of the analyzer andto ensure the quality of data, a training workshoptook place with the participation of internationalexperts. Three analytical centers were establishedat selected electricity companies and one withinthe State Hydrometeorological Service whichwere responsible for screening of samples takenfrom small consumers and other privatecompanies. To quantify PCBs in positive

samples, analysis by gas-chromatography wasundertaken by the State HydrometeorologicalService. Inventory of PCBs in other sectors

3117-9 September 2011, Gabala, Republic of Azerbaijan

ENVIRONMENTAL SOUND PCB MANAGEMENT IN MOLDOVA

Training of the inventory teams

L2000DX Analyzer

Inventory of PCBs – Power Generation Sector

Food processing, construction, light industry,telecommunication enterprises, water supply andtreatment companies and public institutionsrepresent the second major group of holders ofpotentially PCB-contaminated electricalequipment. The risk of exposure in thesecompanies could be much higher than in theelectricity sector, as these entities do not havetrained maintenance or repair staff.

To identify holders and carry out the inventory,

three trained consultants were equipped with allnecessary tools and automobiles andaccompanied by the territorial energy inspectorduring site visits. Samples are taken by theperson responsible for the equipment under thesupervision of the consultant, who fills in theinventory form, takes pictures and registers theGPS data of the equipment. The selected samplesare analyzed by the laboratory of the StateHydrometeorological Service. The inventory process is expected to be

312 11th International HCH and Pesticides Forum

Barbarasa I., Plesca V., Cupcea L., Wagner U.K., Arion V.

Inventory of PCBs – Power Distribution Sector

completed by the end of 2011. These activitieswere possible due to the financial support fromGEF, Canadian POPs Trust Fund and theNational Ecological Fund of Moldova, whichallocated an amount of US$ 550,000.Based on the results of the inventory a data basewill be established as well as a National PCBsManagement Plan on the placement of theequipment containing PCBs or contaminatedwith PCBs.

In the period on 25-29 April 2011 in Geneva theV-th Conference of Parties of the StockholmConvention took place, where the results of theimplementation of the convention for a period often years were evaluated, the current situationwas identified and the objectives for the nextperiod were set up. At this event theperformances of the implementation of theConvention in Moldova were highly appreciated.The Republic of Moldova, as one of the firstcountries in the world to get significant results inthis field, obtained two awards: the POPs StarAward for the implementation of the conventionand the Award for the elimination of the PCBs(PEN Network Award). For more information, please contact: POPs Sustainable management Office

Ministry of Environment 9 Cosmonautilor str. Room 614AChisinau, MD2005 Republic of Moldova; Phone: +373 22 226849; Fax: +373 22 226254e-mail: [email protected], web page: www.moldovapops.md

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ENVIRONMENTAL SOUND PCB MANAGEMENT IN MOLDOVA

Inventory results from holders outside the electricity sector

Inspected equipment is then labeled with redlabels for contaminated equipment and green

for PCB free units.

PCB- FROM IDENTIFICATION TO DISPOSAL-CASE STUDY INMACEDONIASuzana Andonova1, Aleksandar Mickovski1, Marin Kocov1, Emilija Kupeva2,Antonio Nedelkov1

1 POPs Unit/Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. 2 Division for Chemicals and Industrial Accidents / Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning


AbstractRepublic of Macedonia ratified the StockholmConvention on March 19th 2004. National Im-plementation Plan on reduction and eliminationof POPs was prepared in 2004. To meet the obli-gations of the Convention, detailed inventory ofPOPs chemicals was classified as number onepriority.

In the framework of its cooperation with Centraland Eastern Europe the Swiss Governmentrepresented by the State Secretariat for EconomicAffairs (seco), financed one of the priorityinfrastructure projects in the energy and watersector in Macedonia. Switzerland planed topursue its economic cooperation with Macedoniaby the implementation of the «Efficient EnergyDistribution Programme», which was consistedof the following Components:

� Numeric metering system for active,reactive energy and power (Component I)

� Replacement and addition of capacitorbatteries and LV-capacitors in thedistribution system (Component II)

� Assistance on a technical, institutionaland policy level:• Energy efficiency (Component III)• Handling of Polychlorinated Biphenyls

(Component IV)This project part (Component IV) pursued toremove Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB)contaminated capacitors from the medium andlow voltage network and to provide additionalcapacitors batteries and accessories on mediumvoltage distribution network of Elektrostopanstvona Makedonija (ESM), Macedonia’s only powerutility.

POPs Unit within the Ministry of Environmentand Physical Planning was responsible forimplementation of the Component IV. It wasimplemented in the period 2003-2006.

The scope of work included the Project co-ordination, training, elaboration of an instructionbooklet and assistance during the inventory,removal, local transports, interim storage,collection of LV capacitors for export, loading ofContainers, transport and final disposal activities.

The POPs Unit conducted the training andinventory of PCB stocks and PCB contaminatedequipment. PCB Handbook for safe handling ofthe PCB equipment was prepared.

In total 119 samples were analyzed withL2000DX analyzer. The analyses with the non-specific methods showed that the concentrationof chlorine in 27 samples was above 50 ppm. Thesamples were either taken or received fromcompanies which were suspected to containequipment or stockpiles contaminated with PCB.

In order to conduct proper identification andlabeling of the inspected electrical equipment(transformers and capacitors) special labels weredesigned and printed.

For data collection and processing specialsoftware was prepared. The software can producereports on the capacitors and transformers,grouped according to their type, manufacturer,capacity, distributions, substations, year ofproduction, leakages, physical appearance, statusof operation, PCB content, quantity in ppm etc.

Inventory of Capacitors was prepared. Totalnumber of low voltage capacitors at ESM is 996.The total number of contaminated capacitors was494, 150 were suspected due to missing of thename plate and 352 capacitors did not containPCB.

Inventory of Transformers was prepared. Thetotal number of low voltage transformers is 1026.In addition inventory was performed at ESM andHEPS Mavrovo for high voltage transformers

PCB- FROM IDENTIFICATION TO DISPOSAL-CASE STUDY IN MACEDONIA


and at Rade Koncar for transformers that are formaintenance.

PCB stock was assessed. The total number ofmedium voltage capacitors at ESM was 614. Thetotal weight of the PCB contaminated stock is20.929 kg. The total number of low and mediumvoltage capacitors at Cement factory is 162. Thetotal weight of the PCB contaminated stock was7.731 kg.

Contaminated capacitors from ESM weretransported to Switzerland for incineration inaccordance to the Basel Convention provisions.(June, 2006)

In the frames of this project the POPs Unit wasalso responsible for providing awareness raisingactivities for Macedonian stakeholders. For thesepurposes, brochures and handbook wereprepared, as well as presenting the project inmedia in several occasions.

Key-words: persistent organic pollutants,PCBs, inventory, identification, labeling,temporary storage, transport

IntroductionRepublic of Macedonia signed the StockholmConvention on 23rd May 2001, and ratified it onMarch 19th 2004 (Official Gazette of theRepublic of Macedonia No.17/2004).Funded from the Global Environment Facility(GEF) and with the assistance of the UnitedNations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO), the Ministry of Environment andPhysical Planning prepared the first NationalImplementation Plan on reduction andelimination of POPs in the Republic ofMacedonia in December 2004.The first part of this document summarizes thecurrent status in Macedonia with regards toPOPs. This is the baseline inventory. The secondpart of the NIP details all the actions which needto be undertaken in order to meet all theobligations of the Convention.

Project BackgroundIn the frames of the project supported by theSwiss Government through SECO (Secretariatfor Economic Affairs) for ESM “EnergyEfficiency Distribution Program” to assist the

Republic of Macedonia to phase-out PCBequipment (PCB containing low voltagecapacitors) from national electric power company(Elektro Stopanstvo na Makedonija – ESM).

For the needs of the project ESM through SECOengaged Swiss agency ETI-EnvironmentalTechnology International Ltd.

Complementary to the project for EnergyEfficiency Distribution Program the POPs Unitwithin the Ministry of Environment and PhysicalPlanning was conducting all the phases of theproject, as follows:

1. Training on PCB identification andinventoryIn cooperation with ETI-Switzerland, the POP’sUnit organized training for identification andinventory of the equipment containing PCB,attended by 40 representatives from themanagerial team and the technical crew of theESM and fire fighting brigades.The first part of the training included:

• Stockholm Convention and the obligationsemerging from the ratification

• Activities of the POP’s Unit • History, nature and use of PCB• Harmful effect of PCB on the environment

and people• Inventory of the equipment containing

PCB• Taking samples from capacitors and

transformers• Security measures that need to be

undertaken when handling equipmentcontaining PCB

The second part of the training demonstrated:• Taking samples from concrete and bricks

(basically, there was a demonstration of theway of the handling the drill, the depth towhich it has to be drilled in order to take asample as well as cleaning of the drill bitswith acetone in order to avoid cross-contamination).

• Training of the representative from thePOPs Unit about the way of analyzing thesamples with the L2000DX analyzer andthe test kits.

2. PCB Manual and PCB Handbook For the needs of the training ETI prepared amanual for inventory and identification, whilethe POP’s Unit adapted the same to the needs ofthe ESM, translated into Macedonian languageand published it. The Manual was updated by ETI in consultationwith the POPs Office into PCB Handbook forsafe handling of the PCB equipment. TheHandbook was translated into Macedonianlanguage.The main purpose of the Handbook was toprovide the professionals who are in directcontact with equipment containing PCBs withknowledge, data, information, directions andrecommendations for safe handling of the PCBequipment. The Handbook was promoted duringthe Second Training Workshop for safe handlingof PCB equipment in 2006 according to the timetable activities of ESM and ETI.

3. Inventory Task teams for inventory were established at eachdistribution branch at ESM and they were trainedhow to do the inventory of the capacitors andtransformers and for that purpose they weregiven the adequate equipment. Inventory form for capacitors and transformerswere specially prepared to be filled with relevantdata.Field teams were also equipped with tree typesof labels defining the status of the equipmentrelating to PCB. Thereby, after the completedidentification each piece of equipment wasmarked with an adequate label.

- Inventory of Capacitors: Total number oflow voltage capacitors at ESM is 996. Thetotal number of contaminated capacitorswas 494, 150 were suspected due tomissing of the name plate and 352capacitors did not contain PCB.

- Inventory of Transformers: The totalnumber of low voltage transformers is1026. In addition inventory was performedat ESM and HEPS Mavrovo for highvoltage transformers and at Rade Koncarfor transformers that are for maintenance.

- PCB stock was assessed. The total numberof medium voltage capacitors at ESM was614. The total weight of the PCBcontaminated stock is 20.929 kg. The totalnumber of low and medium voltagecapacitors at Cement factory is 162. Thetotal weight of the PCB contaminatedstock was 7.731 kg.

4. Sampling and analysisThe procedure of sampling and analyses wasconsisted of:

1. Taking of samples2. Sampling of Capacitors3. Sampling of Transformers4. Sampling of soil, concrete and brick walls5. Analysing of samples (qualitative and

quantitative)

5. Data collection and processingFor data collection and processing specialsoftware was prepared. The software is designed in such a way that itcontains all data from the inventory cardboardsfor the capacitors and transformers as well asplace for entering the pictures. Therefore thesoftware can produce reports on the capacitorsand transformers, grouped according to theirtype, manufacturer, capacity, distributions,substations, year of production, leakages,physical appearance, status of operation, PCBcontent, quantity in ppm etc.

Suzana Andonova, Aleksandar Mickovski, Marin Kocov, Emilija Kupeva, Antonio Nedelkov


6. Repackaging and collection of the PCBequipment from different El.power stationsthroughout the country.

7. Transportation and incineration of PCBequipment -Contaminated capacitors from ESMwere transported to Switzerland for incinerationin accordance with the Basel Conventionprovisions. (June, 2006)

CONCLUSION:The Cooperation with SECO engaged Swissagency ETI-Environmental TechnologyInternational Ltd , was an excellent opportunityfor the country to start with the practical work tofulfill the obligations toward StockholmConvention provisions. The experience and know-how gained during theimplementation of the “Energy EfficientDistribution Programme-Component IV” is of

valuable importance for the POPs Unit tobecome capable and well trained to proceed inthe same manner with POPs and other types ofhazardous waste and hazardous chemicals. As follow up, the POPs Unit in August, 2006 alsoidentified, inventoried, packed and transportedmore than 4 tones of obsolete stocks of DDT,Cyclone B and Methyl Bromide and in 2011additional 8 tones of laboratory chemicals

including DDT were packed and prepared fortransportation, to be disposed in the incinerationplant in an environmentally sound manner.

PCB- FROM IDENTIFICATION TO DISPOSAL-CASE STUDY IN MACEDONIA
