PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyl) contamination and hazardous chemical spills are serious threats to both residential and commercial properties across South Carolina. Whether caused by aging building materials, industrial operations, leaking equipment, or accidental spills, hazardous chemicals can lead to long-term environmental damage and significant health risks.

Proper PCB removal and hazardous chemical cleanup requires strict adherence to EPA, OSHA, and South Carolina DHEC regulations, specialized cleanup techniques, and certified experts trained in safe remediation practices.

Below, we break down everything homeowners, facility managers, and business owners need to know about hazardous chemical and PCB remediation — from identifying contamination to safely restoring your property and preventing future risks.

Hazardous materials can make their way into homes, buildings, and industrial properties in a variety of ways. In South Carolina, the most common sources include:

Aging Electrical Equipment

PCBs were widely used in:

• Transformers
• Capacitors
• Ballasts (especially in fluorescent lighting)
• Industrial electrical equipment

As these components degrade, PCBs can leak into surrounding building materials or soil.

Industrial & Commercial Chemical Spills

Manufacturing facilities, auto shops, warehouses, labs, and chemical storage sites can experience spills from:

• Solvents
• Petroleum products
• Acids & corrosives
• Heavy metals
• VOCs (volatile organic compounds)

These contaminants can spread quickly, impacting air quality and groundwater.

Improper Chemical Storage or Disposal

Leaking chemical containers, outdated storage methods, or illegal dumping can contaminate:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Mechanical rooms
• Surrounding property soil
  
  

Construction Disturbance

Renovations or demolition can unintentionally expose hidden contaminants such as:

• PCB-containing caulk or paint
• Asbestos combined with chemical residues
• Lead-based coatings with industrial solvents
  
  

Natural Events

Flooding, storm surge, or fire can mobilize hazardous contaminants into previously unaffected areas.

Understanding the source of contamination is the first step in developing a safe removal and remediation strategy.

Different contaminants require different remediation methods. The most common include:

PCB Contamination

Found in:

• Electrical components
• Older building caulking
• Industrial flooring & coatings
• Soil around former industrial equipment
  Exposure can lead to cancer risk, neurological damage, and environmental toxicity.

Petroleum & Fuel Contamination

Examples:

• Diesel
• Gasoline
• Hydraulic fluids
• Oil spills
  These can release harmful vapors and contaminate soil and groundwater.

Solvent & VOC Contamination

Includes chemicals such as:

• TCE
• PCE
• Acetone
• Xylene
  These vapors can travel through air and porous materials, causing indoor air quality issues.

Corrosive Chemicals

Acids, oxidizers, and caustic substances can cause:

• Structural degradation
• Severe health hazards
• Airborne chemical exposure

Heavy Metal Contamination

Common metals include:

• Lead
• Arsenic
• Mercury
• Chromium

 These can contaminate soil, dust, and indoor surfaces, especially in older or industrial buildings.

Identifying the type of contamination is critical for determining the proper cleanup protocol.

Professional PCB and hazardous chemical removal follows strict safety, health, and environmental guidelines. The typical remediation process includes:

1. Assessment & Testing

Includes:

• Site inspection
• Sampling (air, surface, soil, water)
• Laboratory analysis
• Regulatory reporting (if required)

2. Containment

To prevent spread, contractors install:

• Negative air pressure systems
• HEPA air scrubbers
• Physical barriers
• Spill control measures

3. Removal of Contaminants

Depending on the substance, removal may include:

• Physical removal of PCB caulk, coatings, or building materials
• Soil excavation
• Chemical neutralization
• Absorption and extraction
• Vacuum systems for liquid spills

4. Cleaning & Decontamination

Technicians use:

• HEPA vacuuming
• Chemical cleaning agents
• Encapsulation products
• Surface decontamination technologies

5. Proper Disposal

Waste must be handled according to:

• EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
• South Carolina DHEC disposal regulations
• Hazardous waste manifest requirements

6. Verification Testing

Post-remediation testing ensures:

• Compliance with regulatory limits
• Safe reoccupation of the space
• No remaining chemical hazards

7. Restoration & Reconstruction

After contamination is removed, damaged building materials are repaired or replaced to restore the property to pre-loss condition.

Professional Advantages

• Rapid emergency response
• Certified hazardous materials technicians
• Advanced remediation equipment
• Complete documentation for insurance & compliance
• Strict adherence to EPA, OSHA & DHEC regulations
• Safety-first approach for families & employees

Local Expertise You Can Trust

EAS Environmental understands the challenges of working in:

• Coastal regions (Charleston, Mount Pleasant)
• Urban areas (Columbia, Greenville)
• Industrial hubs (North Charleston, Rock Hill)

We tailor every cleanup to South Carolina’s environmental and regulatory requirements.

• PCBs are federally regulated and require certified removal.
• Even low levels of exposure can cause long-term health issues.
• South Carolina DHEC enforces strict rules for hazardous waste management.
• Verification testing is mandatory before a building can be declared safe.
• Professional cleanup reduces liability and environmental risk.