Comments Sought, Panel to Meet on CCA-Treated Wood

Danielle Jackson

Washington, D.C. -- Several draft guidelines for sampling and analyzing chemical residues from chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated playground equipment have been released for public review and comment. Prior to sampling and analysis, a 30-day comment period, from Sept. 22 to Oct. 22, is open to solicit public input on the study's design.

Developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the guidelines will be used specifically in EPA and CPSC studies to analyze arsenic, chromium and copper from and adjacent to CCA-treated playground equipment because of specific concerns related to the use of CCA-treated wood and possible risks to children.

In a related story, a panel of independent scientists will meet on Oct. 22-25, 2001, to review the CCA-treated wood issues being considered by the EPA. The Scientific Advisory Panel will provide input regarding the EPA's development of a preliminary evaluation of risks to children from contact with CCA-treated wood and associated CCA-contaminated soil.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Va.

Additional information about the meeting and the EPA's request for public comments can be retrieved by the Federal Register published on Sept. 19 and Sept. 20 at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html.

For more information on CCA-related issues, visit Waste Age's Special Report at www.industryclick.com/microsites/index.asp?srid=10070&magazineid=121&SiteID=27.