By: R. Scott Stoldt, CPG, LPG, PG – Director of Investigation & Remediation Services
IDEM’s 2019 Screening Level Tables (Table A-6 and A-7), effective March 4, 2019, are now available on IDEM’s Screening and Closure Levels web page located at http://www.in.gov/idem/cleanups/2392.htm.
On an annual basis, IDEM compares its risk-based screening levels against the most recent updates the U.S. EPA applies to its own regional levels. Changes to state and federal screening and closure levels can affect environmental liabilities for companies across Indiana with respect to how the primary risk driving chemicals, specific industries or ongoing site characterizations could be affected, positively or negatively. For 2019, the changes are relatively minor.
It is notable that updated Table A-6 includes the same list of chemicals shown in the 2018 Tables with the addition of new screening levels for the following 7 chemicals: lanthanum, anhydrous lanthanum chloride, lanthanum chloride heptahydrate, lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate, lanthanum acetate hydrate, tert-butyl acetate, and weathered toxaphene. Additionally, the name for propyzamide was changed to pronamide. The 2019 Table A-6 also incorporates toxicity updates from the U.S. EPA for 15 chemicals; however, as provided by IDEM, the updates are for chemicals that do not commonly drive risk.
As with prior changes, there is a 6-month transition period, which ends this year on September 4, 2019, per IDEM’s Remediation Closure Guide. Accordingly, 2018 screening levels remain applicable if a remediation or corrective action work plan is submitted by a responsible party during the transition period. After the transition period has ended, 2019 screening levels become enforced.
Wilcox Environmental Engineering continually monitors ever-changing regulations at both the state and federal levels. Prompt awareness permits us to analyze changes for our clients and thus maximize the benefits of positive change, or conversely, minimize the impact of negative change to their specific environmental liabilities.