ETI has been managing PCBs worldwide since 1982. In 1992 the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal came into force and has played an important role in ETI's range of services since. The prohibition of the 12 most important chemicals called the POPs (e.g. PCBs) is regulated by the Stockholm Convention, which entered into force on 17 May 2004.
ETI's international services comprise: Practically orientated consulting, on-the-job training, capacity building, field and laboratory analysis, site survey, clean-up, handling, transport and environmentally sound disposal of hazardous wastes.
Awareness raising activities is one of the most important tools to help managing PCBs. Emissions of PCB into the environment as well as exposures to PCBs are often caused by utter ignorance. The creation of awareness by PCB flyers or a PCB documentary film is a very effective tool to fight the problem at its source.
Regarding consulting activities for government departments, the formulation of National Action Plans is one of the primary activities and competences of ETI. Our experience covers inventory taking, PCB databases, risk assessment, priority setting and PCB Management in general.
The absence of technologies or disposal capacities is not always the main problem in developing and transition countries. In these countries, it is rather often a problem of identification and complete inventory of pollutants and wastes. Once the wastes and their hazard have been localised, the risks can be controlled.
After an inventory the planning and financing of the disposal and - if necessary - replacement parts can be commenced with. An export of the hazardous waste for disposal is often the most ecological solution. The Basel Convention regulates the transboundary movements of waste. 162 contraction countries and parties have ratified the convention so far.
A disposal of pesticides or PCB containing equipment often also involves site surveys or even subsequent clean-ups. In such cases ETI provides full service packages:
ETI carries out turnkey projects covering sampling, field and laboratory analysis, contact to the competent authorities, clean-up with local employees (capacity building), monitoring after the clean-up, reporting, etc. ETI's Project Managers and Field Engineers are used to work according to Swiss quality standards, even in very difficult environments.
Know-how transfer is another important part of our international activities. After a thorough training, various activities like the identification of hazards, inventory or safety precautions can be carried out by local employees without further assistance.
Easy-to-use instruments (e.g. test kits) allow additional independence and efficiency. Thus, the responsibility of the countries is increased and finances can be saved.
Capacity building and on-the-spot training of employees is particularly important during projects in developing and transition countries. Furthermore, competent authorities, operators and owners of equipment/plants, delegates from industries and associations are informed and sensitised during workshops.