The PCB Wastes site covered eight separate locations across the U.S.-administered Trust Territory and several independent Pacific islands near Palikir, Federated States of Micronesia. Polychlorinated biphenyls, commonly known as PCBs, were found stored improperly in drums and transformers at these locations. An initial assessment was completed in October 1981, and a formal investigation in 1982 confirmed the problem. The site was added to EPA's National Priorities List in September 1983.
EPA carried out a removal action from November 1983 to April 1984. Workers blended and burned PCB fluids on site and shipped other PCB and hazardous wastes off site for proper disposal. After cleanup, EPA sampled soils at each location and found contamination at only one subsite. Crews removed those contaminated soils and confirmed that conditions met cleanup goals. Construction was completed on March 7, 1986.
The main health concern is people ingesting or touching PCB-contaminated soil. EPA assessments show that human exposure is currently under control across the entire site, with no unacceptable exposure pathways remaining. Groundwater is not a contamination concern here. Physical cleanup construction is complete, though the site has not yet met all criteria for full readiness for its anticipated use.
EPA deleted the site from the National Priorities List on March 7, 1986. Community members with questions can contact the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator, the main point of contact for public questions, or the Remedial Project Manager, who handles technical coordination.