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  The Smithsonian's current Five-Year Prospectus provides for the appropriation of $3.5 million dollars during the period of fiscal year 1987 to 1990, inclusive, for the replacement of PCB transformers. A replacement plan has been prepared in order of priority, together with cost estimates. These estimates include the cost of disposing of PCB fluid and contaminated transformers in accordance with EPA regulations. The plan will be revised if the retrofill technique currently under evaluation becomes fully acceptable to the Institution or if other funding sources become available to share replacement costs.

  Among numerous fire protection improvements over the years, the Smithsonian has taken significant steps to keep fires away from Transformers. These steps have included in closing transformers with fire-rated construction so that a fire outside the room cannot reach the transformer, or providing fire detection to give early warning of a developing fire so that it can be kept away from a transformer, and providing sprinkler protection in areas where fire hazards may threaten transformers. More recent measures have included repairs performed by Sub-Station Test Company to correct leaks on various PCB-filled transformers; implementation of inspections to detect and document new transformer leaks; and institution of proper storage, documentation and labeling practices for PCB dielectric fluid and associated contaminated materials.

  In addition, the firm of Gage-Babcock and Associates, Inc. (engineers and consultants in fire protection, safety and security) is under contract to develop fire protection plans for fires in and/or around PCV equipment, using the Natural History Building as a prototype. These plans will be adapted to other buildings.