Public Notice: United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 6, Dallas, Texas Re-Authorization Approval for Storage and Incineration Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) At Clean Harbors Deer Park, LLC, La Porte, Texas

Summary

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 office in Dallas, Texas, proposes to re-authorize the current storage and disposal facility, Clean Harbors Deer Park, located at 2027 Independence Parkway South, La Porte, Texas, for the commercial storage and disposal of liquid and solid PCBs. Clean Harbors Deer Park, LLC requests approval to operate their existing storage facility with a current maximum PCB inventory of 892,415 gallons and 6,150 cubic yards and to dispose of PCBs in their “Train 1” incinerator. The facility is also requesting approval to increase their PCB storage capacity by 718,358 gallons and 1,650 cubic yards, for a maximum PCB inventory of 1,610,773 gallons and 7,800 cubic yards.

The EPA has the authority to issue approvals for commercial storage and disposal of PCBs by incineration under Section 6(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act and in accordance with regulations promulgated pursuant to 40 CFR § 761.65 and 40 CFR § 761.70 respectively. After reviewing all the information submitted by the facility, the EPA finds that all requirements for the operation of a PCB commercial storage and disposal facility have been met. Clean Harbors Deer Park will commence a PCB Trial Burn on or before May 31, 2026, as required in 40 CFR § 761.70. For general information on PCBs and the EPA’s PCB regulatory program, visit https://www.epa.gov/pcbs/learn-about-polychlorinated-biphenyls.
The EPA has determined under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act that historic properties will not be affected by the proposed reauthorization. The EPA has determined under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act that the proposed reauthorization will not affect any listed species or designated critical habitat.

This notice opens a 45-day comment period, starting June 30, 2025, and ending on August 14, 2025, during which requests may be made for a Public Hearing. The decision to hold a hearing is at the discretion of the EPA and will be based on factors such as the degree of public interest, the substance of comments, and whether a hearing is needed to clarify relevant issues. If the EPA determines that a Public Hearing should be convened, a 30-day advance notice of the date, time, and place of the Hearing will be published. To obtain a copy of the proposed approval documentation please visit https://www.epa.gov/pcbs/epa-region-6-polychlorinated-biphenyls.