Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs); Disposition of Request Submitted Under TSCA Section 21

This document announces EPA's reasons for denying a request submitted by the Basel Action Network, the Sierra Club, and the Center for Biological Diversity (petitioners), requesting that EPA take certain actions to protect human health and the marine environment from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that leach from ships sunk through the U.S. Navy's sinking exercises (SINKEX) program. As noted in a letter dated July 10, 2012, EPA denied the request for rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The reasons for the denial are discussed in this document. EPA will respond separately to the petitioners' request for revisions to the general permit for the transport of target vessels under SINKEX issued by EPA under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA).

Agency Contact: For technical information contact: Peter Gimlin, National Program Chemicals Division (7404T), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: