Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pose a significant environmental concern. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 1.5 billion pounds of PCBs were produced in the United States before production ended in the late 1970s. Because of their flame-resistant and insulating properties, PCBs were frequently added to paints used on buildings, ships, and other structures. As these paints deteriorate or chip away, they present human and environmental health issues. They can leach into the environment and typically require intensive remediation techniques (i.e., dig and haul for soils and sediments; hydraulic blasting for painted metal surfaces). However, the U. S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has developed and patented a technology to extract and destroy PCBs in various media through application directly to the contaminated surface. ( http://nasaksc.rti.org/Bimetallic.cfm ) TEA has recently signed a licensing agreement with NASA to produce, distribute, and continue developmental work on the patented Activated Metal Treatment System (AMTS) technology. The technology has been demonstrated at multiple sites, including NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and Badger Army Ammunition Plant. Because of the wide spread use of PCB-laden products prior to 1978, the need for a viable remediation technology is significant. Sites with potential PCB issues include:

• Military installations
• Industrial sites
• Schools
• Shipyards

For more information on this new technology, contact Dr. Greg Booth ( gbooth@teainconline.com ) or Dr. Brad Droy ( bdroy@teainconline.com ) at 225-767-3880.