Prohibited Use of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Effective Date: 10/3/1983

U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

Notice No. 118

October 3, 1983

OCS Operations Safety Alert

Prohibited Use of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

This is a reminder to all Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lessees and operators that Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) No. 73-3 prohibits the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in OCS lease operations. Research has indicated that PCBs are very toxic and hazardous to the ecosystem. NTL No. 73-3, copy enclosed for reference became effective June 1, 1973, and sets forth requirements which remain applicable to the use of heat transfer fluids and PCBs in conducting OCS lease operations, including operations utilizing onshore facilities for OCS production.

[signed] D.W. Solanas

Regional Supervisor

Offshore Operations Support

Editorial Note: Following is the text of NTL 73-3, issued by the United States Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Gulf of Mexico Area, on February 16, 1973.

Notice to Lessees and Operators

The Use of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's)

Certain potential adverse environmental effects have been recognized in the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) in liquid heat transfer units. Until recently, the impact of the introduction of PCB's to the environment has gone unnoticed. However, present research on PCB's has indicated them to be chronically toxic to the ecosystem.

Effective June 1, 1973, the following requirements shall be applicable to the use of heat transfer fluids and PCB's in conducting OCS lease operations including operations utilizing onshore facilities for OCS production:

1. PCB's shall not be used in any heat transfer system.

2. All heat transfer systems presently using a PCB shall be drained by June 1, 1973, and the PCB properly disposed of.

3. Applications shall be submitted to this office for approval of the method and location of the PCB disposal.

4. Approval to use a heat transfer fluid shall be obtained from the appropriate District Engineer prior to its being placed in a heat transfer system. The application should identify the fluid to be used, its properties, the volume to be used, the service for which it will be utilized, and any additional fire safeguards considered to be necessary.

[signed] D.W. Solanas

Acting Oil and Gas Supervisor