Nanotechnology Now

Our NanoNews Digest Sponsors
Heifer International



Home > Nanotechnology Columns > Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. > EPA Regulatory Agenda Includes Notices Concerning Nanoscale Materials

Lynn L. Bergeson
Managing Director
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

Abstract:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in a February 13, 2012, Federal Register notice the availability of its Fall 2011 Regulatory Agenda.

February 19th, 2012

EPA Regulatory Agenda Includes Notices Concerning Nanoscale Materials

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in a February 13, 2012, Federal Register notice the availability of its Fall 2011 Regulatory Agenda. EPA's Regulatory Agenda includes several notices concerning nanoscale materials:

Test Rule for Certain Nanoscale Materials -- EPA states that it is developing a test rule under Section 4(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to require manufacturers (defined by statute to include importers) and processors of the multiwall carbon nanotube described in Premanufacture Notice (PMN) P-08-199, certain clays (e.g., kaolin (including halloysite) and bentonite (including montmorillonite)), alumina, and spray-applied nanomaterials to conduct testing for health effects, ecological effects, and environmental fate, as well as provide material characterization data. See http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=201110&RIN=2070-AJ47 EPA intends to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in March 2012.

Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) -- EPA is developing a SNUR for nanoscale materials under TSCA Section 5(a)(2). The SNUR would require persons who intend to manufacture, import, or process this/these chemical substance(s) for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by this proposed rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. In addition, according to the notice, EPA is developing a proposal to require reporting and recordkeeping under TSCA Section 8(a), which would require that persons who manufacture these nanoscale materials notify EPA of certain information, including production volume, methods of manufacture and processing, exposure and release information, and available health and safety data. The notice regarding a TSCA Section 8(a) rulemaking was previously separate, but EPA states "those two efforts were combined into a single rulemaking." EPA submitted a proposed rule regarding TSCA Section 8(a) reporting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review on November 22, 2010, where it remains. According to the notice, EPA intends to publish an NPRM in March 2012. See http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=201110&RIN=2070-AJ54

Bookmark:
Delicious Digg Newsvine Google Yahoo Reddit Magnoliacom Furl Facebook

NanoNews-Digest
The latest news from around the world, FREE




  Premium Products
NanoNews-Custom
Only the news you want to read!
 Learn More
NanoStrategies
Full-service, expert consulting
 Learn More











ASP
Nanotechnology Now Featured Books




NNN

The Hunger Project