G ove r n men t Re lat ions
EPA Amalgam Separators Rule
Do you need to install an amalgam separator in your dental office?
Follow the flow chart which best describes your practice:
I already have an amalgam
separator installed
I do not have an amalgam
separator currently installed
Offices with installed separators
will be grandfathered in until
July 14, 2027 or the lifetime of the
unit, whichever comes first.
I am opening a brand new office
Newly opened offices that
began operating on or after
July 14, 2017 must immediately
install a compliant separator
Am I exempt?
Must file a One-Time compliance
report by October 12, 2020
or within 90 days after transfer
of ownership
I exclusively practice at least
one of these specialties: oral
pathology; oral & maxillofacial
radiology; oral & maxillofacial
surgery; orthodontics;
periodontics; prosthodontics
Must file a One-Time compliance
report within 90 days of installation
I operate a mobile dental unit
or discharge wastewater
into a private septic system
You are exempt and not required to install a separator;
no further action is required
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NOV E M B E R/DE CE M BER 2017 | P EN N S YLVA N IA D EN TA L J O UR NAL
I do not place dental
amalgam and only remove
amalgam in limited,
emergency or unanticipated
circumstances (estimated
less than 5% of procedures
per year)
You are exempt and
not required to install
a separator
I do not fall into any of the
categories to the left
Non-exempt offices must
install a compliant separator
by July 14, 2020.
Must file a One-Time
compliance report by
October 12, 2020 or within
90 days after transfer
of ownership