Availability of Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment and Data Needs Assessment Documents for Flame Retardant Clusters; Notice and Public Comment Periods, 49997-49999 [2015-20370]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 159 / Tuesday, August 18, 2015 / Notices any time or in response to the stated agenda of planned meeting of the Board. All written statements shall be submitted to the DFO for the Board, and this individual will ensure that the written statements are provided to the membership for their consideration. Contact information for the Board’s DFO can be obtained from the GSA’s FACA Database—https:// www.facadatabase.gov/. The DFO, pursuant to 41 CFR 102– 3.150, will announce planned meetings of the Board. The DFO, at that time, may provide additional guidance on the submission of written statements that are in response to the stated agenda for the planned meeting in question. Dated: August 12, 2015. Aaron Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2015–20293 Filed 8–17–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy Meeting of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors Department of the Navy, DoD. Notice of Partially Closed Meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: The U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors will meet to make such inquiry, as the Board shall deem necessary, into the state of morale and discipline, the curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, and academic methods of the Naval Academy. The executive session of this meeting from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on September 28, 2015, will include discussions of new and pending administrative/minor disciplinary infractions and non-judicial punishment proceedings involving Midshipmen attending the Naval Academy to include but not limited to individual honor/ conduct violations within the Brigade; the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. For this reason, the executive session of this meeting will be closed to the public. DATES: The open session of the meeting will be held on September 28, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The executive session held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. will be the closed portion of the meeting. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. The meeting will be handicap accessible. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:02 Aug 17, 2015 Jkt 235001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Commander Eric Madonia, USN, Executive Secretary to the Board of Visitors, Office of the Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402–5000, (410) 293–1503. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice of meeting is provided per the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.). The executive session of the meeting from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on September 28, 2015, will consist of discussions of new and pending administrative/minor disciplinary infractions and non-judicial punishments involving midshipmen attending the Naval Academy to include but not limited to, individual honor/ conduct violations within the Brigade. The discussion of such information cannot be adequately segregated from other topics, which precludes opening the executive session of this meeting to the public. Accordingly, the Department of the Navy/Assistant for Administration has determined in writing that the meeting shall be partially closed to the public because the discussions during the executive session from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. will be concerned with matters protected under sections 552b(c) (5), (6), and (7) of title 5, United States Code. Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552b. Dated: July 11, 2015. N.A. Hagerty-Ford Commander, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–20376 Filed 8–17–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Science; Department of Energy; Notice of Renewal of the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel Pursuant to Section 14(a)(2)(A) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, App. 2, and section 102–3.65, title 41, Code of Federal Regulations and following consultation with the Committee Management Secretariat, General Services Administration, notice is hereby given that the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel has been renewed for a two-year period. The Panel will provide advice to the Director, Office of Science (DOE), and the Assistant Director, Mathematical & Physical Sciences Directorate (NSF), on long-range planning and priorities in the national high-energy physics program. The Secretary of Energy has determined that renewal of the Panel is essential to conduct business of the Department of Energy and the National Science PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 49997 Foundation and is in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed by law upon the Department of Energy. The Panel will continue to operate in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463), the General Services Administration Final Rule on Federal Advisory Committee Management, and other directives and instructions issued in implementation of those acts. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Kogut at (301) 903–1298. Issued in Washington DC on August 12, 2015. Erica De Vos, Acting Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–20354 Filed 8–17–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2014–0068, 2014–0730, 2015–0081, 2015–0491; FRL–9929–31] Availability of Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment and Data Needs Assessment Documents for Flame Retardant Clusters; Notice and Public Comment Periods Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: EPA is announcing the availability and opening of a 60-day public comment period for TSCA Work Plan Chemical problem formulation and initial assessment documents for three flame retardant clusters. EPA is also making available and opening a 120-day public comment period for the TSCA Work Plan Chemical data needs assessment document for the Brominated Phthalates flame retardant cluster. Based on experience in conducting TSCA Work Plan Chemical assessments and public input, starting in 2015 EPA will publish a problem formulation and initial assessment, or a data needs assessment, for each TSCA Work Plan assessment as a stand-alone document to facilitate public input prior to conducting further risk analysis. EPA believes publishing problem formulation and initial assessment documents for TSCA Work Plan assessments will increase transparency about EPA’s thinking and analysis process, provide opportunity for the public to comment on EPA’s approach, and give EPA the opportunity to receive additional information/data prior to EPA conducting detailed risk analysis SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM 18AUN1 asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 49998 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 159 / Tuesday, August 18, 2015 / Notices and risk characterization. There are three clusters of flame retardant on the TSCA Work Plan for which there are problem formulation and initial assessment documents: Brominated Bisphenol A, Chlorinated Phosphate Esters, and Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides. In addition, there is a data needs assessment document for the Brominated Phthalates flame retardant cluster. There is a separate docket assigned to each TSCA Work Plan Chemical flame retardant cluster. DATES: Comments on the three problem formulation and initial assessment documents (Brominated Bisphenol A (TBBPA), Chlorinated Phosphate Esters (CPE), and Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides (HBCD)) must be received on or before October 19, 2015. Comments on the data needs assessment document for Brominated Phthalates (TBB & TBPH) must be received on or before December 16, 2015. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number for the corresponding TSCA Work Plan chemicals as identified in this document, by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. • Mail: Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001. • Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the instructions at https:// www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information contact: Stanley Barone, Risk Assessment Division (7403M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (202) 564–1169; email address: barone.stan@epa.gov. For general information contact: The TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 422 South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202) 554– 1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@ epa.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:02 Aug 17, 2015 Jkt 235001 to submit comments via https:// www.regulations.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this action apply to me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including those interested in environmental and human health; the chemical industry; chemical users; consumer product companies and members of the public interested in the assessment of chemical risks. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA? 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD–ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD–ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD–ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. Tips for preparing your comments. When preparing and submitting your comments, see the commenting tips at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/ comments.html. II. What action is the Agency taking? EPA is announcing the availability of and opening of a public comment period for three problem formulation and initial assessment documents, and a data needs assessment document, for the following TSCA Work Plan Chemicals: Brominated Bisphenol A; Chlorinated Phosphate Esters; Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides; and Brominated Phthalates flame retardant clusters. This Federal Register Notice identifies the individual Work Plan Chemical problem formulation and initial assessment documents and the data needs assessment document by title, docket ID number, and chemical or chemicals covered. Use the specific docket ID number provided in this Federal Register Notice to locate a copy of the chemical-specific document, as well as PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 A. Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2015–0068 Title: TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment: Chlorinated Phosphate Esters Cluster. Chemicals covered: Ethanol, 2-chloro-, phosphate (3:1) (TCEP) (CASRN: 115-96-8); 2-Propanol, 1chloro-, 2,2’,2’’-phosphate (TCPP) (CASRN: 13674-84-5); and 2-Propanol, 1,3-dichloro-, phosphate (3:1) (TDCPP) (CASRN: 13674-87-8). Summary: Chlorinated phosphate esters are high production volume chemicals that have been used as flame retardants in furniture foams, textiles, paints and coatings. EPA initiated scoping and problem formulation to determine the feasibility of conducting a quantitative risk assessment. During problem formulation, EPA reviewed previous assessments by EPA and other organizations and additional published studies on the exposure and hazard for members of the CPE cluster. EPA examined likely exposure and hazard scenarios based on current production, use, and fate information to identify scenarios amenable to a risk analysis. B. Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2015–0081 Title: TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment: Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides Cluster. Chemicals covered: Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD, CASRN 25637-99-4); 1,2,5,6,9,10Hexabromocyclododecane (CASRN 3194-55-6); and 1,2,5,6Tetrabromocyclooctane (CASRN 319457-8). Summary: Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides have been used as a flame retardant in: extruded and expanded polystyrene foams (EPS/XPS), polystyrene (PS) products, textiles, paints and coatings. EPA initiated scoping and problem formulation to determine the feasibility of conducting a quantitative risk assessment. During problem formulation, EPA reviewed previous assessments by EPA and other organizations and additional published studies on the exposure and hazard for members of this flame retardant cluster. EPA examined likely exposure and hazard scenarios based on current production, use, and fate information to identify scenarios amenable to a risk analysis. During problem formulation, EPA identified inhalation, dermal and lifetime exposure assessments as data gaps that add uncertainty to EPA’s risk E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM 18AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 159 / Tuesday, August 18, 2015 / Notices assessment of HBCD. EPA welcomes comment on addressing these data gaps. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES C. Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2014–0730 Title: TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment: Tetrabromobisphenol A and Related Chemicals Cluster. Chemicals covered: Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA, CASRN 79-94-7); TBBPAbis(dibromopropyl ether) (CASRN 21850-44-2); TBBPA-bis(ally ether) (CASRN 25327-89-3); and TBBPAbis(methyl ether) (CASRN 37853-61-5). Summary: Tetrabromobisphenol A is a compound commonly used as a flame retardant in plastics/printed circuit boards for electronics and has been found in children’s products and other consumer products. EPA initiated scoping and problem formulation to determine the feasibility of conducting a quantitative risk assessment. During problem formulation, EPA reviewed previous assessments by EPA and other organizations and additional published studies on the exposure and hazard for members of this flame retardant cluster. EPA examined likely exposure and hazard scenarios based on current production, use, and fate information to identify scenarios amenable to a risk analysis. D. Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2014–0491 Title: TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Data Needs Assessment: Brominated Phthalates Cluster. Chemicals covered: 1,2Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 3,4,5,6tetrabromo-, 1,2-bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (TBPH) (CASRN 26040–51–7); Benzoic acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-, 2-ethylhexyl ester (TBB) (CASRN: 183658-27-7); 1,2Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 3,4,5,6tetrabromo-, 1-[2-(2hydroxyethoxy)ethyl] 2-(2hydroxypropyl) ester (CASRN: 2056635-2); 1,2-Benzene dicarboxylic acid, 3,4,5,6-tetrabromo-, mixed esters with diethylene glycol and propylene glycol (CASRN: 77098-07-8); 1,2Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-bis(2,3dibromopropyl) ester (CASRN: 7415-863); Chemical A—Chemical Identity claimed confidential by manufacturer; Chemical B—Chemical Identity claimed confidential by manufacturer. Summary: The Brominated Phthalates Cluster is a group of seven chemicals at least two of which, TBB and TBPH, are found in commercial flame retardant formulations. During problem formulation, EPA reviewed previous assessments by EPA and other VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:02 Aug 17, 2015 Jkt 235001 organizations and additional published studies on the exposure and hazard for members of the Brominated Phthalates Cluster. This review identified critical data gaps and uncertainties that limit EPA’s ability to conduct a quantitative risk assessment for any of the chemicals in the Brominated Phthalates cluster. Specifically, the review identified numerous gaps in toxicity data and exposure data, testing conducted on limited commercial mixtures but not all constituents of the mixtures, and uncertain attribution of toxicity for commercial mixtures. As an initial step toward conducting a robust risk assessment, EPA is releasing a ‘‘Data Needs Assessment’’ for the Brominated Phthalates Cluster. This Data Needs Assessment is intended to guide the collection of additional data and information to fill the critical data gaps and reduce uncertainties identified during problem formulation. If you have any questions about any of these problem formulation and initial assessment documents and the data needs assessment document, or the Agency’s programs in general, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq. Dated: August 12, 2015. Wendy C. Hamnett, Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. [FR Doc. 2015–20370 Filed 8–17–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board). ACTION: Notice of information collection to be submitted to OMB for review and approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. AGENCY: In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) (collectively, the agencies) may not conduct or sponsor, and the respondent is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. On May 6, 2015, the Board, under the auspices of the Federal Financial SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 49999 Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) and on behalf of the agencies, published a notice in the Federal Register (80 FR 26050) requesting public comment on the extension, without revision, of the Report of Assets and Liabilities of U.S. Branches and Agencies of Foreign Banks (FFIEC 002), the Report of Assets and Liabilities of a Non-U.S. Branch that is Managed or Controlled by a U.S. Branch or Agency of a Foreign (Non-U.S.) Bank (FFIEC 002S), and the Country Exposure Report for U.S. Branches and Agencies of Foreign Banks (FFIEC 019), which are currently approved information collections. The comment period for this notice expired on July 6, 2015. The agencies received one comment expressing support for the renewal of the FFIEC 002 and FFIEC 002S. The Board hereby gives notice that it plans to submit to OMB on behalf of the agencies a request for approval of the extension, without revision, of the FFIEC 002, FFIEC 002S, and FFIEC 019. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before September 17, 2015. ADDRESSES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments to the agency listed below. All comments will be shared among the agencies. You may submit comments, identified by FFIEC 002, FFIEC 002S, or FFIEC 019, by any of the following methods: • Agency Web site: https:// www.federalreserve.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on https://www.federalreserve.gov/apps/ foia/proposedregs.aspx. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Email: regs.comments@ federalreserve.gov. Include the OMB control numbers in the subject line of the message. • FAX: (202) 452–3819 or (202) 452– 3102. • Mail: Robert deV. Frierson, Secretary, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20551. All public comments are available from the Board’s Web site at https:// www.federalreserve.gov/apps/foia/ proposedregs.aspx as submitted, unless modified for technical reasons. Accordingly, your comments will not be edited to remove any identifying or contact information. Public comments may also be viewed electronically or in paper form in Room 3515, 1801 K Street NW. (between 18th and 19th Streets NW.), Washington, DC 20006, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Additionally, commenters may send a copy of their comments to the OMB E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM 18AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 159 (Tuesday, August 18, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49997-49999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20370]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0068, 2014-0730, 2015-0081, 2015-0491; FRL-9929-31]


Availability of Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and 
Initial Assessment and Data Needs Assessment Documents for Flame 
Retardant Clusters; Notice and Public Comment Periods

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA is announcing the availability and opening of a 60-day 
public comment period for TSCA Work Plan Chemical problem formulation 
and initial assessment documents for three flame retardant clusters. 
EPA is also making available and opening a 120-day public comment 
period for the TSCA Work Plan Chemical data needs assessment document 
for the Brominated Phthalates flame retardant cluster. Based on 
experience in conducting TSCA Work Plan Chemical assessments and public 
input, starting in 2015 EPA will publish a problem formulation and 
initial assessment, or a data needs assessment, for each TSCA Work Plan 
assessment as a stand-alone document to facilitate public input prior 
to conducting further risk analysis. EPA believes publishing problem 
formulation and initial assessment documents for TSCA Work Plan 
assessments will increase transparency about EPA's thinking and 
analysis process, provide opportunity for the public to comment on 
EPA's approach, and give EPA the opportunity to receive additional 
information/data prior to EPA conducting detailed risk analysis

[[Page 49998]]

and risk characterization. There are three clusters of flame retardant 
on the TSCA Work Plan for which there are problem formulation and 
initial assessment documents: Brominated Bisphenol A, Chlorinated 
Phosphate Esters, and Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides. In addition, there is 
a data needs assessment document for the Brominated Phthalates flame 
retardant cluster. There is a separate docket assigned to each TSCA 
Work Plan Chemical flame retardant cluster.

DATES: Comments on the three problem formulation and initial assessment 
documents (Brominated Bisphenol A (TBBPA), Chlorinated Phosphate Esters 
(CPE), and Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides (HBCD)) must be received on or 
before October 19, 2015. Comments on the data needs assessment document 
for Brominated Phthalates (TBB & TBPH) must be received on or before 
December 16, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification 
(ID) number for the corresponding TSCA Work Plan chemicals as 
identified in this document, by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit 
electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business 
Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted 
by statute.
     Mail: Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution 
Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
     Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand 
delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the 
instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html.
    Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along 
with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information contact: 
Stanley Barone, Risk Assessment Division (7403M), Office of Pollution 
Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: 
(202) 564-1169; email address: barone.stan@epa.gov.
    For general information contact: The TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 
422 South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202) 
554-1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of 
interest to a wide range of stakeholders including those interested in 
environmental and human health; the chemical industry; chemical users; 
consumer product companies and members of the public interested in the 
assessment of chemical risks. Since others also may be interested, the 
Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may 
be affected by this action.

B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through 
regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark the part or all of the 
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or 
CD-ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM as 
CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the 
specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one 
complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as 
CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information 
claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. 
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with 
procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    2. Tips for preparing your comments. When preparing and submitting 
your comments, see the commenting tips at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html.

II. What action is the Agency taking?

    EPA is announcing the availability of and opening of a public 
comment period for three problem formulation and initial assessment 
documents, and a data needs assessment document, for the following TSCA 
Work Plan Chemicals: Brominated Bisphenol A; Chlorinated Phosphate 
Esters; Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides; and Brominated Phthalates flame 
retardant clusters. This Federal Register Notice identifies the 
individual Work Plan Chemical problem formulation and initial 
assessment documents and the data needs assessment document by title, 
docket ID number, and chemical or chemicals covered. Use the specific 
docket ID number provided in this Federal Register Notice to locate a 
copy of the chemical-specific document, as well as to submit comments 
via https://www.regulations.gov.

A. Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2015-0068

    Title: TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial 
Assessment: Chlorinated Phosphate Esters Cluster.
    Chemicals covered: Ethanol, 2-chloro-, phosphate (3:1) (TCEP) 
(CASRN: 115-96-8); 2-Propanol, 1-chloro-, 2,2',2''-phosphate (TCPP) 
(CASRN: 13674-84-5); and 2-Propanol, 1,3-dichloro-, phosphate (3:1) 
(TDCPP) (CASRN: 13674-87-8).
    Summary: Chlorinated phosphate esters are high production volume 
chemicals that have been used as flame retardants in furniture foams, 
textiles, paints and coatings. EPA initiated scoping and problem 
formulation to determine the feasibility of conducting a quantitative 
risk assessment. During problem formulation, EPA reviewed previous 
assessments by EPA and other organizations and additional published 
studies on the exposure and hazard for members of the CPE cluster. EPA 
examined likely exposure and hazard scenarios based on current 
production, use, and fate information to identify scenarios amenable to 
a risk analysis.

B. Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2015-0081

    Title: TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial 
Assessment: Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides Cluster.
    Chemicals covered: Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD, CASRN 25637-99-4); 
1,2,5,6,9,10-Hexabromocyclododecane (CASRN 3194-55-6); and 1,2,5,6-
Tetrabromocyclooctane (CASRN 3194-57-8).
    Summary: Cyclic Aliphatic Bromides have been used as a flame 
retardant in: extruded and expanded polystyrene foams (EPS/XPS), 
polystyrene (PS) products, textiles, paints and coatings. EPA initiated 
scoping and problem formulation to determine the feasibility of 
conducting a quantitative risk assessment. During problem formulation, 
EPA reviewed previous assessments by EPA and other organizations and 
additional published studies on the exposure and hazard for members of 
this flame retardant cluster. EPA examined likely exposure and hazard 
scenarios based on current production, use, and fate information to 
identify scenarios amenable to a risk analysis. During problem 
formulation, EPA identified inhalation, dermal and lifetime exposure 
assessments as data gaps that add uncertainty to EPA's risk

[[Page 49999]]

assessment of HBCD. EPA welcomes comment on addressing these data gaps.

C. Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0730

    Title: TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Initial 
Assessment: Tetrabromobisphenol A and Related Chemicals Cluster.
    Chemicals covered: Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA, CASRN 79-94-7); 
TBBPA-bis(dibromopropyl ether) (CASRN 21850-44-2); TBBPA-bis(ally 
ether) (CASRN 25327-89-3); and TBBPA-bis(methyl ether) (CASRN 37853-61-
5).
    Summary: Tetrabromobisphenol A is a compound commonly used as a 
flame retardant in plastics/printed circuit boards for electronics and 
has been found in children's products and other consumer products. EPA 
initiated scoping and problem formulation to determine the feasibility 
of conducting a quantitative risk assessment. During problem 
formulation, EPA reviewed previous assessments by EPA and other 
organizations and additional published studies on the exposure and 
hazard for members of this flame retardant cluster. EPA examined likely 
exposure and hazard scenarios based on current production, use, and 
fate information to identify scenarios amenable to a risk analysis.

D. Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0491

    Title: TSCA Work Plan Chemical Problem Formulation and Data Needs 
Assessment: Brominated Phthalates Cluster.
    Chemicals covered: 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 3,4,5,6-
tetrabromo-, 1,2-bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (TBPH) (CASRN 26040-51-7); 
Benzoic acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-, 2-ethylhexyl ester (TBB) (CASRN: 
183658-27-7); 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 3,4,5,6-tetrabromo-, 1-[2-
(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl] 2-(2-hydroxypropyl) ester (CASRN: 20566-35-2); 
1,2-Benzene dicarboxylic acid, 3,4,5,6-tetrabromo-, mixed esters with 
diethylene glycol and propylene glycol (CASRN: 77098-07-8); 1,2-
Benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-bis(2,3-dibromopropyl) ester (CASRN: 
7415-86-3); Chemical A--Chemical Identity claimed confidential by 
manufacturer; Chemical B--Chemical Identity claimed confidential by 
manufacturer.
    Summary: The Brominated Phthalates Cluster is a group of seven 
chemicals at least two of which, TBB and TBPH, are found in commercial 
flame retardant formulations. During problem formulation, EPA reviewed 
previous assessments by EPA and other organizations and additional 
published studies on the exposure and hazard for members of the 
Brominated Phthalates Cluster. This review identified critical data 
gaps and uncertainties that limit EPA's ability to conduct a 
quantitative risk assessment for any of the chemicals in the Brominated 
Phthalates cluster. Specifically, the review identified numerous gaps 
in toxicity data and exposure data, testing conducted on limited 
commercial mixtures but not all constituents of the mixtures, and 
uncertain attribution of toxicity for commercial mixtures. As an 
initial step toward conducting a robust risk assessment, EPA is 
releasing a ``Data Needs Assessment'' for the Brominated Phthalates 
Cluster. This Data Needs Assessment is intended to guide the collection 
of additional data and information to fill the critical data gaps and 
reduce uncertainties identified during problem formulation.
    If you have any questions about any of these problem formulation 
and initial assessment documents and the data needs assessment 
document, or the Agency's programs in general, please contact the 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.

    Dated: August 12, 2015.
Wendy C. Hamnett,
Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.
[FR Doc. 2015-20370 Filed 8-17-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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