EPA ANNOUNCES NEW FINAL SIGNIFICANT RULES FOR CHEMICALS

By TONI ELLINGTON

On July 8, 2014, the EPA finalized significant new rules for the use of 13 chemicals commonly used in manufacturing and operations of various types.  The chemicals can be found in 40 C.F.R. part 721, subpart E.  The chemicals involved are types of carbon nanotubes, fatty acids, thermalized wasted plastic, polyphosphoric acids, zinc carboxylate salt, or polycarboxylic acids.  

Companies using these chemicals must now submit consent orders to the EPA for approval at least 90 days in advance of any major manufacturing or processing activity which uses the chemicals.  Obtaining a consent order is a requirement under section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act for certain types of substances.  

Complete information can be found at 79 F.R. 38464.  Comments can be submitted at Regulations.gov. The rules become effective on September 8, 2014.

For further information, contact Toni Ellington at 504-599-8500.