EPA Issues Proposed Rule to Mandate Amalgam Separators

On September 23, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to control dental amalgam effluent that will be published in the Federal Register. The rule would require most dentists to install best available control technology, amalgam separators, and adhere to best management practices, for controlling the discharge of dental amalgam down the drain to the publically owned treatment works (POTWs). EPA is also proposing to streamline oversight requirements for the dental sector to the state and local level as well as eliminate discharge monitoring requirements.

Once the proposed rule is published, interested stakeholders will have sixty days to submit comments. Additionally, a public hearing will be conducted on November 10, 2014, in Washington D.C. The rulemaking process is expected to last a year, with the final rule taking effect in September 2015.

Click here for links to the pre-publication Federal Register Notice and a fact sheet on the new rule. To see a summary of the rule click here.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.