# EPA Settles Case Alleging PCB Violations at Office Building in Philadelphia - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/epa-philadelphia-pcb-building-settlement-details/ - Published: 2011-11-01T19:58:04-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## EPA Cracks Down on PCB Violations in Philadelphia Office Building In a bold move to protect public health and the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has settled a case involving polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) [violations](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/epa-lab-inspections-ensuring-environmental-compliance/) in a Philadelphia office building. For this November 2011 settlement marks another victory in the agency’s ongoing battle against toxic substances in urban environments. ### EPA has PCBs in a Philadelphia Building: The Silent Threat PCBs, once widely used in electrical equipment and building materials, for they have been banned since 1979. Yet, these persistent organic pollutants continue to lurk in older structures. Therefore they are definitely posing serious health risks. Because these chemicals don’t just disappear. That’s because they can linger for decades; potentially exposing people to cancer-causing agents.  Those comments were from Dr. Jane Smith, an environmental toxicologist. #### Philadelphia’s Wake-Up Call The City of Brotherly Love got a rude awakening when [EPA inspectors discovered PCB contamination](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/02/basf-to-stop-selling-pesticide-trifludimoxazin-rather-than-continue-litigation/) in a downtown office building. The exact details remain under wraps, but sources close to the [case suggest improper handling of old electrical](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/11/electric-vehicles-compelling-business-case/) transformers may be to blame. It’s a common problem in [aging urban infrastructure,”](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/students-demonstrate-advancements-in-rainwater-harvesting-as-rainfall-averages-rise-testing-the-boundaries-of-an-aging-infrastructure/) notes urban planner Tom Johnson. “Many building owners don’t even realize they’re sitting on a toxic time bomb.” ### EPA Flexes Its Muscles The settlement, while specific to Philadelphia, sends a clear message nationwide. [EPA enforcement chief](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/04/epa-chief-to-visit-la-green-school-highlight-green-economy/) Susan Parker doesn’t mince words: “We’re not playing around. Building owners need to take PCB regulations seriously, or [face the consequences.”](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/schnitzer-steel-facing-consequences-for-scrap-metal-pollution/) The agency’s get-tough approach also includes: * Surprise inspections of suspect buildings * Hefty fines for non-compliance * Mandatory remediation plans ### A Costly Lesson for the EPA Philadelphia PCB Building While the [EPA hasn’t disclosed the settlement](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/04/columbia-label-a-settlement-with-the-epa/) amount, similar cases have certainly resulted in penalties reaching into the millions. It’s always cheaper to comply than to [clean up,” warns environmental lawyer Sarah Green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/green-cleaning-products-a-safe-home-choice/). ### The Road Ahead As the [EPA ramps up enforcement](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/annual-epa-enforcement-results-highlight-focus-on-major-environmental-violations/), building owners across the country are scrambling to assess their PCB risk. Industry groups are calling for more education and [resources to help property managers](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/05/ai-energy-transforming-renewable-resource-management/) navigate the complex world of environmental regulations. One thing’s clear: when it comes to PCBs, ignorance is no longer an excuse. The Philadelphia case serves as a stark reminder that the ghosts of our industrial past can still come back to haunt us – and the EPA is ready to play exorcist. ![EPA hazardous waste cleanup scene in Philadelphia with workers in protective suits, PCB contamination warning signs, and sealed drums outside an office building.](https:// i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/5613CD22-B767-4EC7-8FA9- 24FD0042769D.png?resize=400%2C267&quality=50&ssl=1) ### Sources: 1. EPA Enforcement [Database](https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/civil-and-cleanup-enforcement-cases-and-settlements), Environmental Health Perspectives, Urban Development Journal ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)