The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently imposed tighter restrictions on several hazardous chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), and carbon tetrachloride (CTC).

These chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pose significant risks to both public health and the environment. Exposure to TCE, PCE, and CTC can affect not only workers handling these substances but also nearby communities. The potential health consequences underscore the importance of addressing these risks to protect our environment and safeguard public health for future generations.

Soil vapor intrusion (VI) is a growing concern, particularly in areas where hazardous chemicals have contaminated groundwater or soil. According to the EPA, about 20% of U.S. residents live in areas where vapor intrusion could potentially affect indoor air quality. This issue is especially pressing in areas where VOCs like TCE and PCE have been used in industrial or commercial applications. In fact, studies have shown that soil vapor intrusion is responsible for up to 30% of indoor air contamination in some contaminated sites.

These new regulations are part of a broader effort to mitigate the risks associated with these chemicals, common in vapor intrusion (VI) and soil vapor management scenarios. In this blog, we explain these restrictions, their implications, and how we can help you ensure compliance.

The New Vapor Intrusion Restrictions

Due to the significant health risks of TCE, PCE, and CTC—such as carcinogenicity, neurological effects, and environmental persistence—the EPA has placed stricter controls on these chemicals. Key elements of the new vapor intrusion restrictions include:

  1. Lower permissible exposure limits: Regulatory standards now require tighter control over concentrations in indoor and occupational air environments.
  2. Enhanced remediation requirements: Stricter guidelines mandate thorough cleanup of sites contaminated by these chemicals.
  3. Increased regulatory scrutiny: Industries must adhere to more rigorous reporting and compliance measures.

Implications for Vapor Intrusion

Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as TCE, PCE, or CTC, migrate from contaminated soil or groundwater into indoor air. The new EPA restrictions heighten the urgency and complexity of addressing VI in affected areas. Here are some key impacts:

  • Higher Risk Profiles: The lower thresholds mean more sites may now be classified as high-risk, increasing the need for immediate attention.
  • Increased Testing Requirements: Property owners and environmental professionals must conduct more frequent and detailed testing to meet compliance standards.
  • Enhanced Mitigation Measures: Mitigation systems, such as sub-slab depressurization or vapor barriers, may need upgrades to address stricter limits.
  • Health & Legal Risks: Non-compliance with these regulations exposes stakeholders to legal liabilities, regulatory fines, and potential harm to human health.

Implications for Soil Vapor Management

Soil vapor management involves controlling or mitigating the release of VOCs from contaminated soils. The updated EPA guidelines bring several challenges:

  1. Revised Site Assessments: Environmental consultants and site managers must adopt updated protocols to assess soil vapor risks and adjust remediation strategies accordingly.
  2. Continuous Monitoring: Real-time or ongoing monitoring may be necessary to ensure compliance and protect workers and surrounding communities.
  3. Treatment Innovations: Advanced remediation techniques, such as in-situ chemical oxidation or enhanced bioremediation, are increasingly needed to meet the new standards.

How to Navigate the New Regulations

The new EPA restrictions on TCE, PCE, and CTC underscore the need for proactive, specialized expertise in vapor intrusion and soil vapor management. To effectively address these updated requirements, you need a partner who not only understands the technical aspects of contamination and remediation but also keeps pace with evolving regulations. A trusted environmental consulting firm can help you navigate these complexities by offering comprehensive site assessments, advanced mitigation solutions, and ongoing compliance support. With the right partner, you can ensure the health and safety of affected communities, reduce your exposure to legal risks, and avoid costly non-compliance issues with the latest regulatory standards. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you meet these challenges head-on, providing tailored solutions that safeguard your projects and the environment.

Sources

  1. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – TCE and PCE Regulatory Guidelines: www.epa.gov
  2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) – TCE, PCE, and CTC Fact Sheets: atsdr.cdc.gov
  3. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Workplace Exposure Limits: cdc.gov/niosh
Will Rice headshot

Will Schoonover Rice

Business Development, Enthalpy Analytical
Will Rice has worked as an environmental professional for over 15 years. In his current Business Development role with Enthalpy Analytical, he applies a technical emphasis on vapor intrusion. In his work supporting site investigations, he maintains open communication and collaboration with regulators as well as private and public entities to ensure policies are applied as intended. Will also shares his expertise with several collaborative work groups, including the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) Vapor Intrusion Committee team and the Education Committee of the Association of Vapor Intrusion Professionals (AVIP), allowing him to participate in public input on best practices and policy. He is part of a design and fabrication team for a patent-pending vapor sampling technology with a unique leak check system. He regularly presents his on work across the country and hopes to aid in nationwide standardization and optimization.

Work with experts who deliver reliable laboratory data and insights.

Request a quote or email us your analytical testing or permitting question and one of our team members will be in touch shortly!