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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Policy and Guidance

Trichloroethene is listed as a priority pollutant under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and has a Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) maximum contaminant limit of 5 µg/L. It is regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as a spent solvent process waste and as a characteristically toxic waste (any material leaching greater than 0.5 mg/L). The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires reporting of releases of TCE above 100 pounds (about 8 gallons), while the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) lists TCE as a chemical requiring reporting under its community right-to-know provisions. Guidance documents that address dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLS) will generally have a section that addresses TCE and other chlorinated solvents.

Adobe PDF LogoCompilation of Information Relating to Early/Interim Actions at Superfund Sites and the TCE IRIS Assessment
U.S. EPA, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation, 3 pp, 27 Aug 2014

In response to requests from U.S. EPA Regional offices, this memorandum compiles information regarding existing EPA guidance on early or interim actions at Superfund sites. The memo also provides current information about the toxicity of TCE. The information referenced in this document may be used to support Superfund decision-making at sites with actual or potential inhalation exposures to TCE.

Integrated DNAPL Site Strategy: Technical/Regulatory Guidance
Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Integrated DNAPL Site Strategy Team.
IDSS-1, 209 pp, 2011

Complete restoration of many DNAPL sites will require prolonged treatment and involve several remediation technologies. Making efficient progress requires an adaptive management strategy and might also require transitioning from one remedy to another as the optimum range of a technique is passed. Targeted monitoring should be used, and reevaluation should be done periodically. This guide was developed to assist site managers in developing an integrated DNAPL site management strategy.

Adobe PDF LogoNational Primary Drinking Water Regulations, 40 CFR 141.61: Maximum Contaminant Levels for Organic Contaminants
U.S. EPA, Office of Water.

Adobe PDF LogoResource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Regulations, 40 CFR 261
U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste.

Adobe PDF LogoToxic Chemical Release Reporting: Community-Right-to-Know, 40 CFR 372
U.S. EPA, Office Emergency and Remedial Response.

Adobe PDF LogoLocating and Estimating Air Emissions from Sources of Perchloroethylene and Trichloroethylene
U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
EPA 450/2-89/013, 1989

Adobe PDF LogoSoil Screening Guidance: User's Guide
U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
Directive 9355.4-23, 1996
Contact: David Cooper, cooper.davide@epa.gov