Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 31 for Significant New Alternatives Policy Program, 32241-32249 [2016-12117]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 99 / Monday, May 23, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
human health or environmental effects
on minority, low-income or indigenous
populations. This action is not subject
to Executive Order 12898 because it
disapproves state permitting provisions
that are inconsistent with federal laws
for the regulation and permitting of
GHG emissions.
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report, which includes a
copy of the rule, to each House of the
Congress and to the Comptroller General
of the United States. The EPA will
submit a report containing this action
and other required information to the
U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. A major rule cannot take effect
until 60 days after it is published in the
Federal Register. This action is not a
‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA,
petitions for judicial review of this
action must be filed in the United States
Court of Appeals for the appropriate
circuit by July 22, 2016. Filing a petition
for reconsideration by the Administrator
of this final rule does not affect the
finality of this action for the purpose of
judicial review nor does it extend the
time within which a petition for judicial
review may be filed, and shall not
postpone the effectiveness of such rule
or action. This action may not be
challenged later in proceedings to
enforce its requirements. (See section
307(b)(2)).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Incorporation by
reference, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone,
Particulate matter, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur
oxides, Volatile organic compounds.
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1. The authority citation for part 52
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
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§ 52.172
Approval status.
With the exceptions set forth in this
subpart, the Administrator approves
Arkansas’s state implementation plan
under section 110 of the Clean Air Act.
Furthermore, the Administrator finds
that the plan satisfies all applicable
requirements of Parts C and D, Title I,
of the Clean Air Act as amended in
1990, except as noted below.
(a) 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS: The SIP
submitted March 28, 2008 is
disapproved for CAA element
110(a)(2)(D)(ii).
(b) 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS: The SIPs
submitted March 28, 2008 and
September 16, 2009 are disapproved for
CAA element 110(a)(2)(D)(ii).
(c) GHGs: The revisions to the
Arkansas SIP definition of ‘‘CO2
Equivalent Emissions’’ at Regulation 19,
Chapter 2 to implement the GHG
Biomass Deferral as submitted on
November 6, 2012 are disapproved.
Subpart GG—New Mexico
requirements at OAC 252:100–7–2.1 as
submitted on February 6, 2012.
(b) Revisions to the Oklahoma PSD
program in OAC 252:100–8–31
establishing PSD permitting
requirements for sources that are
classified as major and thus required to
obtain a PSD permit based solely on
their potential GHG emissions (‘‘Step 2
sources’’) at paragraph (E) of the
definition of ‘‘subject to regulation’’ as
submitted on February 6, 2012.
(c) Revisions to the Oklahoma SIP
definitions of ‘‘carbon dioxide
equivalent emissions’’ at OAC 252:100–
1–3 and ‘‘subject to regulation’’ at OAC
252:100–8–31 to implement the GHG
Biomass Deferral as submitted on
January 18, 2013.
[FR Doc. 2016–11965 Filed 5–20–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 82
[EPA–HQ–OAR–2003–0118; FRL–9946–88–
OAR]
RIN 2060–AG12
3. Section 52.1622 is revised to read
as follows:
■
§ 52.1622
Approval status.
With the exceptions set forth in this
subpart, the Administrator approves
New Mexico’s state implementation
plan under section 110 of the Clean Air
Act. Furthermore, the Administrator
finds that the plan satisfies all
applicable requirements of Parts C and
D, Title I, of the Clean Air Act as
amended in 1990, except as noted
below.
(a) The revisions to the New Mexico
SIP definition of ‘‘Subject to
Regulation’’ at 20.2.74.7 (AZ)(2)(a)
NMAC to implement the GHG Biomass
Deferral as submitted on January 8, 2013
are disapproved.
(b) [Reserved]
4. Section 52.1922 is revised to read
as follows:
■
§ 52.1922
40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows:
■
2. Section 52.172 is revised to read as
follows:
■
Subpart LL—Oklahoma
Dated: May 11, 2016.
Ron Curry,
Regional Administrator, Region 6.
PART 52—APPROVAL AND
PROMULGATION OF
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
Subpart E—Arkansas
32241
Approval status.
With the exceptions set forth in this
subpart, the Administrator approves
Oklahoma’s state implementation plan
under section 110 of the Clean Air Act.
Furthermore, the Administrator finds
that the plan satisfies all applicable
requirements of Parts C and D, Title I,
of the Clean Air Act as amended in
1990, except as noted below.
(a) Revisions to the Oklahoma SIP
establishing Minor NSR GHG permitting
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Protection of Stratospheric Ozone:
Determination 31 for Significant New
Alternatives Policy Program
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Determination of acceptability.
AGENCY:
This determination of
acceptability expands the list of
acceptable substitutes pursuant to the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA) Significant New Alternatives
Policy (SNAP) program. This action lists
as acceptable additional substitutes for
use in the refrigeration and air
conditioning sector.
DATES: This determination is effective
on May 23, 2016.
ADDRESSES: EPA established a docket
for this action under Docket ID No.
EPA–HQ–OAR–2003–0118
(continuation of Air Docket A–91–42).
All electronic documents in the docket
are listed in the index at
www.regulations.gov. Although listed in
the index, some information is not
publicly available, i.e., Confidential
Business Information (CBI) or other
information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. Publicly available
docket materials are available either
electronically at www.regulations.gov or
in hard copy at the EPA Air Docket
(Nos. A–91–42 and EPA–HQ–OAR–
2003–0118), EPA Docket Center (EPA/
DC), William J. Clinton West, Room
SUMMARY:
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3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW.,
Washington, DC 20460. The Public
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The telephone
number for the Public Reading Room is
(202) 566–1744, and the telephone
number for the Air Docket is (202) 566–
1742.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gerald Wozniak by telephone at (202)
343–9624, by email at wozniak.gerald@
epa.gov, or by mail at U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Mail
Code 6205T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue
NW., Washington, DC 20460. Overnight
or courier deliveries should be sent to
the office location at 1201 Constitution
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20004.
For more information on the Agency’s
process for administering the SNAP
program or criteria for the evaluation of
substitutes, refer to the initial SNAP
rulemaking published in the Federal
Register on March 18, 1994 (59 FR
13044). Notices and rulemakings under
the SNAP program, as well as other EPA
publications on protection of
stratospheric ozone, are available at
EPA’s Ozone Layer Protection Web site
at www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection
including the SNAP portion at
www.epa.gov/snap/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
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I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
II. Section 612 Program
A. Statutory Requirements and Authority
for the SNAP Program
B. EPA’s Regulations Implementing
Section 612
C. How the Regulations for the SNAP
Program Work
D. Additional Information about the SNAP
Program
Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for New
Acceptable Substitutes
I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
This action presents EPA’s most
recent decision to list as acceptable
several substitutes in the refrigeration
and air conditioning sector. New
substitutes are:
• CO2 in several refrigeration and air
conditioning end-uses;
• Hydrofluoroolefin 1 (HFO)1336mzz(Z) in several refrigeration and
air conditioning end-uses;
• HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)
(proposed designation R-514A) in two
refrigeration and air conditioning enduses; and
1 Hydrofluoroolefins
are unsaturated
hydrofluorocarbons having at least one double
bond.
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• R-513A in retail food refrigeration—
food processing and dispensing
equipment.
For copies of the full list of acceptable
substitutes for ozone depleting
substances (ODS) in all industrial
sectors, visit the SNAP portion of EPA’s
Ozone Layer Protection Web site at
www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-sector.
Substitutes listed as unacceptable;
acceptable, subject to narrowed use
limits; or acceptable, subject to use
conditions are also listed in the
appendices to 40 CFR part 82, subpart
G.
The sections below discuss each
substitute listing in detail. Appendix A
contains tables summarizing today’s
listing decisions for these new
substitutes. The statements in the
‘‘Further Information’’ column in the
tables provide additional information,
but are not legally binding under section
612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). In
addition, the ‘‘Further Information’’
column may not include a
comprehensive list of other legal
obligations you may need to meet when
using the substitute. Although you are
not required to follow recommendations
in the ‘‘Further Information’’ column of
the table to use a substitute consistent
with section 612 of the CAA, some of
these statements may refer to obligations
that are enforceable or binding under
federal or state programs other than the
SNAP program. In many instances, the
information simply refers to standard
operating practices in existing industry
standards and/or building codes. When
using these substitutes, EPA strongly
encourages you to apply the information
in this column. Many of these
recommendations, if adopted, would
not require significant changes to
existing operating practices.
You can find submissions to EPA for
the substitutes listed in this document,
as well as other materials supporting the
decisions in this action, in Docket EPA–
HQ–OAR–2003–0118 at
www.regulations.gov.
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
1. Carbon Dioxide (R-744)
EPA’s decision: EPA finds carbon
dioxide (CO2) acceptable as a substitute
for use in:
• Ice skating rinks (new equipment)
• Centrifugal chillers (new equipment)
• Positive displacement chillers 2 (new
equipment)
• Industrial process air conditioning
(new equipment)
2 Examples of positive displacement chillers
include reciprocating, screw, and scroll chillers.
EPA has previously used those terms in
acceptability listings for this end-use.
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Carbon dioxide is also known as R744 when used as a refrigerant. Its
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry
Number (CAS Reg. No.) is 124–38–9.
You may find the redacted
submissions in Docket EPA–HQ–OAR–
2003–0118 at www.regulations.gov
under the names, ‘‘SNAP Information
Notice for CO2 (R-744) in Ice Skating
Rinks’’ and ‘‘SNAP Information Notice
for CO2 (R-744) in Chillers and
Industrial Process Air Conditioning.’’
EPA performed assessments to examine
the health and environmental risks of
this substitute when used in these enduses. These assessments are available in
Docket EPA–HQ–OAR–2003–0118
under the following names:
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes in Ice
Skating Rinks Substitute: Carbon
Dioxide (CO2 or R-744)’’
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes in
Commercial and Industrial Heat
Pumps Substitute: Carbon Dioxide
(CO2 or R-744)’’
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in
Chillers and Industrial Process AirConditioning Substitute: Carbon
Dioxide (CO2 or R-744)’’
EPA previously listed CO2 as an
acceptable refrigerant in a number of
other refrigeration and air conditioning
end-uses, including industrial process
refrigeration, and in the case of motor
vehicle air conditioning as acceptable
subject to use conditions, (e.g., January
13, 1995, 60 FR 3318; September 30,
2009, 74 FR 50129; June 16, 2010, 75 FR
34017; June 6, 2012, 77 FR 33315;
August 10, 2012, 77 FR 47768; October
21, 2014, 79 FR 62863).
Environmental information: CO2 has
an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of
zero.3 The 100-year global warming
potential (GWP) of CO2 is one.4
EPA’s regulation codified at 40 CFR
part 82, subpart F exempts CO2
refrigerant from the venting prohibition
under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA
(March 12, 2004, 69 FR 11946).5 The
CAA and EPA’s venting regulations
prohibit the intentional venting or
release of substitutes for class I or class
II ODS during the repair, maintenance,
service or disposal of refrigeration and
3 EPA assumes that compounds containing no
chlorine, bromine, or iodine have an ODP of zero.
4 Unless otherwise stated, all GWPs in this
document are 100-year values from: IPCC, 2007:
Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis.
Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change [Solomon, S., Qin, D., Manning,
M., Chen, Z., Marquis, M., Averyt, K.B., Tignor M.,
and Miller, H.L. (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY,
USA. This document is accessible at www.ipcc.ch/
publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/contents.html.
5 For more information, including definitions, see
40 CFR part 82 subpart F.
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air conditioning appliances, unless EPA
expressly exempts a particular
substitute refrigerant from the venting
prohibition, as for CO2.
CO2 is excluded from the definition of
volatile organic compounds (VOC)
under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR
51.100(s)) addressing the development
of state implementation plans (SIPs) to
attain and maintain the national
ambient air quality standards (NAAQS).
Flammability information: CO2 is not
flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Potential
health effects of exposure to this
substitute at lower concentrations
include loss of concentration, headache
and shortness of breath. The substitute
may also irritate the skin or eyes or
cause frostbite. At sufficiently high
concentrations, it may cause central
nervous system depression. The
substitute could cause asphyxiation if
air is displaced by vapors in a confined
space. For additional information
concerning potential health risks of CO2,
see EPA’s final rule under the SNAP
program for use of CO2 as a refrigerant
in motor vehicle air conditioning
systems (June 6, 2012, 77 FR 33315) and
EPA’s risk screens in docket EPA–HQ–
OAR–2003–0118.
To mitigate these potential health
risks in the workplace, CO2 has an 8
hour/day, 40 hour/week permissible
exposure limit (PEL) of 5,000 ppm
required by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA). It also
has a 15-minute recommended shortterm exposure limit (STEL) of 30,000
ppm established by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH). EPA recommends that
users follow all requirements and
recommendations specified in the
manufacturer’s safety data sheet (SDS),
in the American Society for Heating,
Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 15, and
other safety precautions common to the
refrigeration and air conditioning
industry. We also recommend that users
of CO2 adhere to NIOSH’s STEL and to
ASHRAE 15, and we expect that users
will meet OSHA’s PEL. EPA anticipates
that users will be able to address
potential health risks by complying with
the PEL and by following requirements
and recommendations in the SDS, in
ASHRAE 15, and other safety
precautions common in the refrigeration
and air conditioning industry.
Comparison to other substitutes in
these end-uses: CO2 has an ODP of zero,
comparable 6 to or lower than other
6 This is in contrast to the historically used ODS
hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-22 with an ODP of
0.055. Throughout this document, ODP values cited
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substitutes listed as acceptable in these
end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero
to 0.098.
In ice skating rinks, many substitutes
listed as acceptable have higher GWPs
than the GWP of one for CO2. HFC-134a,
R-404A, THR-03 and other HFC blends
have GWPs ranging from 920 to 3,990;
other substitutes listed as acceptable for
ice skating rinks that have a comparable
or lower GWP include ammonia
absorption and ammonia vapor
compression with a GWP of zero.
In centrifugal and positive
displacement chillers, most other
substitutes listed as acceptable have
higher GWPs than CO2, such as R-450A,
R-513A, HFC-134a, R-404A and other
HFC blends, with GWPs ranging from
approximately 600 to 3,990.7 CO2’s
GWP of one is comparable to or lower
than that of several other acceptable
substitutes for new equipment within
these end-uses including ammonia
absorption and ammonia vapor
compression, HFO-1234ze(E), and for
centrifugal chillers only, trans-1-chloro3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-1-ene, with GWPs in
the range of zero to seven.
In industrial process air conditioning,
most other substitutes listed as
acceptable have higher GWPs than CO2,
such as R-513A, R-450A, HFC-134a, R404A and other HFC blends with GWPs
ranging from approximately 600 to
3,990. CO2’s GWP of one is comparable
to or lower than several other acceptable
substitutes for new equipment in
industrial process air conditioning
including ammonia absorption and
ammonia vapor compression with a
GWP of zero and HFO-1234ze(E) with a
GWP of one to six.
Flammability and toxicity risks of this
substitute are comparable to or lower
than the flammability and toxicity risks
of other available substitutes in the
same end-uses. Flammability risks are
low, as discussed above. The toxicity
risks are similar to those for many other
refrigerants and, as with those other
refrigerants, can be minimized by use
consistent with the OSHA PEL, NIOSH
STEL, ASHRAE 15 and other industry
for class I and class II ODS are from EPA’s
regulations at appendix A to subpart A of 40 CFR
part 82.
7 In a proposed rule published April 18, 2016 (81
FR 22809), EPA proposed to change the status of
a number of substitutes from acceptable to
unacceptable for use in new centrifugal chillers and
in new positive displacement chillers. Those
substitutes had GWPs ranging from 920 to 3,990 in
both end-uses. If EPA takes final action as
proposed, there would still be several substitutes
that remain acceptable and that have higher GWPs
than CO2, including HFO-1234ze(E), IKON B, R450A, R-513A, and THR-02 for both end-uses, and
for centrifugal chillers also IKON A and trans-1chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene, with GWPs
ranging from approximately 30 to 630.
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32243
standards, recommendations in the SDS,
and other safety precautions common in
the refrigeration and air conditioning
industry.
EPA finds CO2 acceptable in these
end-uses listed above, because the
overall environmental and human
health risk posed by CO2 is lower than
or comparable to the risks posed by
other available substitutes in the same
end-uses.
2. HFO-1336mzz(Z) (Opteon® MZ)
EPA’s decision: EPA finds HFO1336mzz(Z) acceptable as a substitute
for use in:
• Centrifugal chillers (new equipment)
• Positive displacement chillers (new
equipment)
• Industrial process air conditioning
(new equipment)
• Non-mechanical heat transfer (new
and retrofit equipment)
HFO-1336mzz(Z) is also known as
(Z)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene and
cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene (CAS
Reg. No. 692–49–9), and goes by the
trade name of Opteon® MZ.
You may find the redacted
submission in Docket EPA–HQ–OAR–
2003–0118 at www.regulations.gov
under the name, ‘‘SNAP Information
Notice for Opteon® MZ.’’ EPA
performed assessments to examine the
health and environmental risks of this
substitute in these end-uses. These
assessments are available in docket
EPA–HQ–OAR–2003–0118 under the
following name:
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use
in Chillers and Industrial Process Air
Conditioning Substitute: HFO1336mzz(Z) (Opteon® MZ).’’
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use
in Heat Transfer Substitute: HFO1336mzz(Z) (Opteon® MZ).’’
We have previously listed HFO1336mzz(Z) as an acceptable foam
blowing agent in a number of foam
blowing end-uses (October 21, 2014, 79
FR 62863; July 16, 2015, 80 FR 42053).
Environmental information: HFO1336mzz(Z) has an ODP of zero. It has
a 100-year GWP of about nine.8 HFO1336mzz(Z) is a VOC and it is not
exempted from the definition of VOC
under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR
51.100(s)) addressing the development
of SIPs to attain and maintain the
NAAQS. The manufacturer has
petitioned EPA to exempt HFO1336mzz(Z) from the definition of VOC
under those regulations, based on its
8 Baasandorj, M., Ravishankara, A.R., Burkholder,
J.B., Atmospheric Chemistry of (Z)-CF3CHÕCHCF3:
OH Radical Reaction Rate Coefficient and Global
Warming Potential, Journal of Physical Chemistry
A, 2011, 115, 10,539–10,549, 2011.
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claim that the chemical exhibits low
photochemical reactivity. Knowingly
venting or releasing this refrigerant is
limited by the venting prohibition under
section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at
40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
Flammability information: HFO1336mzz(Z) is not flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Potential
health effects of this substitute include
skin or eye irritation or frostbite. At
sufficiently high concentrations, the
substitute may cause irregular heartbeat.
The substitute could cause asphyxiation
if air is displaced by vapors in a
confined space. EPA issued a
Significant New Use Rule under the
Toxic Substances Control Act on June 5,
2015, to require persons to submit a
Significant New Use Notice to EPA at
least 90 days before they manufacture or
process HFO-1336mzz(Z) for uses other
than those described in the
Premanufacture Notice (80 FR 32003,
32005).
EPA anticipates that HFO-1336mzz(Z)
will be used consistent with the
recommendations specified in the SDS.
The Workplace Environmental Exposure
Limit (WEEL) committee of the
Occupational Alliance for Risk Science
(OARS) recommends a WEEL for the
workplace of 500 ppm on an 8-hour
time-weighted average (TWA).9 EPA
anticipates that users will be able to
meet the WEEL and address potential
health risks by following requirements
and recommendations in the SDS and
other safety precautions common to the
refrigeration and air conditioning
industry.
Comparison to other substitutes in
these end-uses: HFO-1336mzz(Z) has an
ODP of zero, comparable 10 to or lower
than other acceptable substitutes in
these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from
0 to 0.02.
In centrifugal and positive
displacement chillers, most other
substitutes listed as acceptable have
higher GWPs than HFO-1336mzz(Z),
such as R-450A, R-513A, HFC-134a, R404A and other HFC blends with GWPs
ranging from approximately 600 to
3,990.11 HFO-1336mzz(Z)’s GWP of
9 The documentation may be viewed at
www.tera.org/OARS/HFO-1336mzzZ%20WEEL%20FINAL.pdf.
10 In contrast, the historically used ODS CFC-11,
CFC-12 and HCFC-22 have ODPs ranging from
0.055 to 1.0.
11 In a proposed rule published April 18, 2016 (81
FR 22809), EPA proposed to change the status of
a number of substitutes from acceptable to
unacceptable for use in new centrifugal chillers and
in new positive displacement chillers. Those
substitutes had GWPs ranging from 920 to 3,990 in
both end-uses. If EPA takes final action as
proposed, there would still be several substitutes
that remain acceptable and that have higher GWPs
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about nine is comparable to or higher
than several other acceptable substitutes
for new equipment within these enduses including ammonia absorption and
ammonia vapor compression, HFO1234ze(E), and for centrifugal chillers
only, trans-1-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoroprop1-ene, with GWPs in the range of zero
to seven.
In industrial process air conditioning,
most other substitutes listed as
acceptable have higher GWPs than HFO1336mzz(Z), such as R-513A, R-450A,
HFC-134a, R-404A and other HFC
blends with GWPs ranging from
approximately 600 to 3,990. HFO1336mzz(Z)’s GWP of about nine is
comparable to or higher than several
other acceptable substitutes for new
equipment in industrial process air
conditioning including ammonia
absorption and ammonia vapor
compression with a GWP of zero and
HFO-1234ze(E) with a GWP of one to
six.
In non-mechanical heat transfer, most
other substitutes listed as acceptable
have higher GWPs such as HFC-245fa,
HFC-134a and HFC-125 with GWPs
ranging from 1,030 to 3,500. HFO1336mzz(Z)’s GWP of about nine is
comparable to or higher than those of
several other acceptable substitutes in
the same end-use, such as trans-1chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-1-ene, HFO1234ze(E), CO2 and ethane, with GWPs
in the range of one to seven.
Flammability and toxicity risks of this
substitute are comparable to or lower
than the flammability and toxicity risks
of other available substitutes in the
same end-uses. Flammability risks are
low, as discussed above. Toxicity risks
can be minimized by use consistent
with the OARS WEEL, ASHRAE 15 and
other industry standards,
recommendations in the SDS, and other
safety precautions common in the
refrigeration and air conditioning
industry.
EPA finds HFO-1336mzz(Z)
acceptable in the end-uses listed above,
because the overall environmental and
human health risk posed by HFO1336mzz(Z) is lower than or comparable
to the risks posed by other available
substitutes in the same end-uses.
3. HFO-1336mzz(Z)/
dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)
(Proposed R-514A, Opteon® XP30)
EPA’s decision: EPA finds the blend
HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2dichloroethylene (74.7/25.3) acceptable
as a substitute for use in:
than HFO-1336mzz(Z), including IKON B, R-450A,
R-513A, and THR-02 for both end-uses, and for
centrifugal chillers also IKON A, with GWPs
ranging from approximately 30 to 630.
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• Centrifugal chillers (new and
retrofit equipment)
• Positive-displacement chillers (new
and retrofit equipment)
This refrigerant is a weighted blend of
74.7 percent HFO-1336mzz(Z) and 25.3
percent trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (CAS
Reg. No. 156–60–5). ASHRAE has
proposed a designation of R-514A for
this refrigerant blend. This blend is
marketed under the trade name Opteon®
XP30.
You may find the redacted
submission in Docket EPA–HQ–OAR–
2003–0118 at www.regulations.gov
under the name, ‘‘SNAP Information
Notice for Opteon® XP30.’’ EPA
performed assessments to examine the
health and environmental risks of this
substitute in this end-use. These
assessments are available in docket
EPA–HQ–OAR–2003–0118 under the
following name:
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes in
Chillers Substitute: HFO-1336mzz(Z)/
trans-1,2-dichloroethylene Blend
(74.7/25.3) (Opteon® XP30).’’
Environmental information:
Environmental information on HFO1336mzz(Z) is described above in listing
A.2 of this document. Trans-1,2dichloroethylene has an ODP of
approximately 0.00024 12 and the blend
would have a weighted ODP value of
(approximately 0.00006). We are
unaware of a calculated GWP value for
trans-1,2-dichloroethylene in the peerreviewed literature, but we expect its
GWP is less than five based on its
structure and its atmospheric lifetime of
12.7 days.13 The blend is expected to
have a weighted 100-year GWP of
approximately seven. Trans-1,2dichloroethylene is a VOC and it is not
exempted from the definition of VOC
under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR
51.100(s)) addressing the development
of SIPs to attain and maintain the
NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing
this refrigerant is limited by the venting
prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of
the CAA, codified at 40 CFR
82.154(a)(1).
Flammability information: Although
the trans-dichloroethylene component
of this blend is flammable, HFO1336mzz(Z) is not flammable, and HFO1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
blend (74.7/25.3) as formulated and in
the worst-case fractionation formulation
is not flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Potential
health effects of HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans12 Patten and Wuebbles, 2010. ‘‘Atmospheric
Lifetimes and Ozone Depletion Potentials of trans1-chloro-3,3,3-trichloropropylene and trans-1,2dichloroethylene in a three-dimensional model.’’
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 10867–10874, 2010.
13 Patten and Wuebbles, 2010. Op cit.
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1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)
include skin or eye irritation or
frostbite. At sufficiently high
concentrations, the substitute may cause
irregular heartbeat. The substitute could
cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by
vapors in a confined space.
EPA anticipates that HFO1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
blend (74.7/25.3) will be used consistent
with the recommendations specified in
the SDS. Trans-dichloroethylene has an
8 hour/day, 40 hour/week PEL of 200
ppm required by OSHA. The WEEL
committee of OARS recommends a
WEEL for the workplace of 500 ppm on
an 8-hour TWA for HFO-1336mzz(Z).14
The manufacturer recommends an
acceptable exposure limit (AEL) for the
blend of 323 ppm on an 8-hour TWA.
EPA anticipates that users will be able
to meet the PEL, WEEL, and the AEL
and address potential health risks by
following requirements and
recommendations in the SDS and other
safety precautions common to the
refrigeration and air conditioning
industry.
Comparison to other substitutes in
these end-uses: HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)
has an ODP of approximately 0.00006,
comparable 15 to or lower than other
acceptable substitutes in these end-uses,
with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.02.
In centrifugal and positivedisplacement chillers, most other
substitutes listed as acceptable have
higher GWPs than HFO-1336mzz(Z)/
trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/
25.3), such as R-450A, R-513A, HFC134a, R-404A and other HFC blends
with GWPs ranging from approximately
600 to 3,990.16 HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)’s
GWP of about seven is comparable to or
higher than several other acceptable
substitutes for new equipment within
these end-uses, including ammonia
absorption and ammonia vapor
compression, HFO-1234ze(E) and, for
14 The documentation may be viewed at
www.tera.org/OARS/HFO-1336mzzZ%20WEEL%20FINAL.pdf.
15 In contrast, the historically used ODS CFC-11,
CFC-12, and HCFC-22 have ODPs ranging from
0.055 to 1.
16 In a proposed rule published April 18, 2016 (81
FR 22809), EPA proposed to change the status of
a number of substitutes from acceptable to
unacceptable for use in new centrifugal chillers and
in new positive displacement chillers. Those
substitutes had GWPs ranging from 920 to 3,990 in
both end-uses. If EPA takes final action as
proposed, there would still be several substitutes
that remain acceptable and that have higher GWPs
than HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
blend (74.7/25.3), including IKON B, R-450A, R513A, and THR-02 for both end-uses, and for
centrifugal chillers also IKON A, with GWPs
ranging from approximately 30 to 630.
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centrifugal chillers only, trans-1-chloro3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-1-ene, with GWPs in
the range of zero to seven.
Flammability and toxicity risks of this
substitute are comparable to or lower
than the flammability and toxicity risks
of other available substitutes in the
same end-uses. Flammability risks are
low, as discussed above. Toxicity risks
can be minimized by use consistent
with the OSHA PEL, OARS WEEL, the
manufacturer’s recommended AEL,
ASHRAE 15 and other industry
standards, recommendations in the SDS,
and other safety precautions common in
the refrigeration and air conditioning
industry.
EPA finds HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)
acceptable in the end-uses listed above,
because the overall environmental and
human health risk posed by this
substitute is lower than or comparable
to the risks posed by other available
substitutes in the same end-uses.
4. R-513A
EPA’s decision: EPA finds R-513A
acceptable as a substitute for use in:
• Retail food refrigeration—refrigerated
food processing and dispensing
equipment (new and retrofit
equipment)
R-513A, marketed under the trade
name Opteon® XP10, is a weighted
blend of 44 percent HFC-134a, which is
also known as 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane
(CAS Reg. No. 811–97–2); and 56
percent HFO-1234yf, which is also
known as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene
(CAS Reg. No. 754–12–1).
You may find the redacted
submission in Docket EPA–HQ–OAR–
2003–0118 at www.regulations.gov
under the name, ‘‘SNAP Information
Notice for Opteon® XP 10.’’ EPA
performed assessments to examine the
health and environmental risks of this
substitute. These assessments are
available in Docket EPA–HQ–OAR–
2003–0118 under the following name:
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in
Retail Food Refrigeration Substitute:
R-513A’’
Environmental information: R-513A
has an ODP of zero. Its components,
HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf, have GWPs
of 1,430 and one to four,17 respectively.
If these values are weighted by mass
percentage, then R-513A has a GWP of
about 630. The components of R-513A
are both excluded from the definition of
VOC under CAA regulations (see 40
CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the
development of SIPs to attain and
17 Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Nielsen et al., 2007.
Op. cit.
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32245
maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly
venting or releasing this refrigerant
blend is limited by the venting
prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of
the CAA, codified at 40 CFR
82.154(a)(1).
Flammability information: R-513A as
formulated and in the worst-case
fractionation formulation is not
flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Potential
health effects of exposure to this
substitute include drowsiness or
dizziness. The substitute may also
irritate the skin or eyes or cause
frostbite. At sufficiently high
concentrations, the substitute may cause
irregular heartbeat. The substitute could
cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by
vapors in a confined space.
The AIHA has established WEELs of
1,000 ppm and 500 ppm as an 8-hour
TWA for HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf,
respectively, the components of R-513A.
The manufacturer of R-513A
recommends an AEL of 653 ppm on an
8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA
anticipates that users will be able to
meet each of the AIHA WEELs and the
manufacturer’s AEL, and address
potential health risks by following
requirements and recommendations in
the SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other
safety precautions common to the
refrigeration and air conditioning
industry.
Comparison to other substitutes in
this end-use: R-513A has an ODP of
zero, comparable 18 to or lower than
other listed substitutes in this end-use,
with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.098.
R-513A’s GWP of about 630 is
comparable to or lower than most other
substitutes in retail food refrigeration—
refrigerated food processing and
dispensing, including R-450A, HFC134a, R-404A, R-407C, and a number of
HFC blends, with GWPs ranging from
approximately 600 to 3,920.19 R-513A’s
GWP of about 630 is higher than those
of some other acceptable substitutes in
new retail food refrigeration—
refrigerated food processing and
dispensing units, including ammonia
vapor compression with a secondary
18 This is in contrast to the historically used ODS
CFC-12, R-502A, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging
from 0.055 to 1.0.
19 In a proposed rule published April 18, 2016 (81
FR 22809), EPA proposed to change the status of
a number of substitutes from acceptable to
unacceptable for use in new retail food
refrigeration—refrigerated food processing and
dispensing units. Those substitutes had GWPs
ranging from 1,770 to 3,990. If EPA takes final
action as proposed, there would still be several
substitutes that remain acceptable and that have
higher GWPs than R-513A, including FOR12A,
FOR12B, HFC-134a, R-426A, RS-24 (2002
formulation), SP34E, THR-02 and THR-03, with
GWPs ranging from approximately 920 to 1,510.
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loop and CO2 with GWPs of zero and
one, respectively; these alternatives
with lower GWP are not listed as
acceptable for use in retrofit equipment.
Flammability and toxicity risks are
comparable to or lower than
flammability and toxicity risks of other
available substitutes in the same enduse. Flammability risks are low, as
discussed above. Toxicity risks can be
minimized by use consistent with the
AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 and other
industry standards, recommendations in
the SDS, and other safety precautions
common in the refrigeration and air
conditioning industry.
EPA finds R-513A acceptable in the
end-use listed above, because the
overall environmental and human
health risk posed by R-513A is lower
than or comparable to the risks posed by
other available substitutes in the same
end-use.
3. Petition Process
II. Section 612 Program
5. Outreach
A. Statutory Requirements and
Authority for the SNAP Program
Section 612(b)(1) states that the
Administrator shall seek to maximize
the use of federal research facilities and
resources to assist users of class I and
II substances in identifying and
developing alternatives to the use of
such substances in key commercial
applications.
Section 612 of the CAA requires EPA
to develop a program for evaluating
alternatives to ozone-depleting
substances. EPA refers to this program
as the Significant New Alternatives
Policy (SNAP) program. The major
provisions of section 612 are:
1. Rulemaking
Section 612(c) requires EPA to
promulgate rules making it unlawful to
replace any class I substance (CFC,
halon, carbon tetrachloride, methyl
chloroform, methyl bromide,
hydrobromofluorocarbon, and
chlorobromomethane) or class II
substance (HCFC) with any substitute
that the Administrator determines may
present adverse effects to human health
or the environment where the
Administrator has identified an
alternative that (1) reduces the overall
risk to human health and the
environment, and (2) is currently or
potentially available.
sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with RULES
2. Listing of Unacceptable/Acceptable
Substitutes
Section 612(c) requires EPA to
publish a list of the substitutes
unacceptable for specific uses and to
publish a corresponding list of
acceptable alternatives for specific uses.
The list of ‘‘acceptable’’ substitutes is
found at www.epa.gov/snap/substitutessector and the lists of ‘‘unacceptable,’’
‘‘acceptable subject to use conditions,’’
and ‘‘acceptable subject to narrowed use
limits’’ substitutes are found in the
appendices to 40 CFR part 82 subpart G.
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Section 612(d) grants the right to any
person to petition EPA to add a
substance to, or delete a substance from,
the lists published in accordance with
section 612(c). The Agency has 90 days
to grant or deny a petition. Where the
Agency grants the petition, EPA must
publish the revised lists within an
additional six months.
4. 90-Day Notification
Section 612(e) directs EPA to require
any person who produces a chemical
substitute for a class I substance to
notify the Agency not less than 90 days
before new or existing chemicals are
introduced into interstate commerce for
significant new uses as substitutes for a
class I substance. The producer must
also provide the Agency with the
producer’s unpublished health and
safety studies on such substitutes.
6. Clearinghouse
Section 612(b)(4) requires the Agency
to set up a public clearinghouse of
alternative chemicals, product
substitutes, and alternative
manufacturing processes that are
available for products and
manufacturing processes which use
class I and II substances.
B. EPA’s Regulations Implementing
Section 612
On March 18, 1994, EPA published
the initial SNAP rule (59 FR 13044)
which established the process for
administering the SNAP program and
issued EPA’s first lists identifying
acceptable and unacceptable substitutes
in the major industrial use sectors
(subpart G of 40 CFR part 82). These
sectors are the following: Refrigeration
and air conditioning; foam blowing;
solvents cleaning; fire suppression and
explosion protection; sterilants;
aerosols; adhesives, coatings and inks;
and tobacco expansion. These sectors
comprise the principal industrial sectors
that historically consumed the largest
volumes of ODS.
Section 612 of the CAA requires EPA
to list as acceptable those substitutes
that do not present a significantly
greater risk to human health and the
environment as compared with other
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substitutes that are currently or
potentially available.
C. How the Regulations for the SNAP
Program Work
Under the SNAP regulations, anyone
who plans to market or produce a
substitute to replace a class I substance
or class II substance in one of the eight
major industrial use sectors must
provide the Agency with notice and the
required health and safety information
on the substitute at least 90 days before
introducing it into interstate commerce
for significant new use as an alternative
(40 CFR 82.176(a)). While this
requirement typically applies to
chemical manufacturers as the entity
likely to be planning to introduce the
substitute into interstate commerce,20 it
may also apply to importers,
formulators, equipment manufacturers,
and end users 21 when they are
responsible for introducing a substitute
into commerce. The 90-day SNAP
review process begins once EPA
receives the submission and determines
that the submission includes complete
and adequate data (40 CFR 82.180(a)).
The CAA and the SNAP regulations, 40
CFR 82.174(a), prohibit use of a
substitute earlier than 90 days after
notice has been provided to the agency.
The Agency has identified four
possible decision categories for
substitute submissions: Acceptable;
acceptable subject to use conditions;
acceptable subject to narrowed use
limits; and unacceptable (40 CFR
82.180(b)).22 Use conditions and
narrowed use limits are both considered
‘‘use restrictions’’ and are explained
below. Substitutes that are deemed
acceptable without use conditions may
be used for all applications within the
relevant end-uses within the sector and
without limits under SNAP on how they
may be used. Substitutes that are
acceptable subject to use restrictions
may be used only in accordance with
those restrictions. Substitutes that are
20 As defined at 40 CFR 82.104, ‘‘interstate
commerce’’ means the distribution or transportation
of any product between one state, territory,
possession or the District of Columbia, and another
state, territory, possession or the District of
Columbia, or the sale, use or manufacture of any
product in more than one state, territory, possession
or District of Columbia. The entry points for which
a product is introduced into interstate commerce
are the release of a product from the facility in
which the product was manufactured, the entry into
a warehouse from which the domestic manufacturer
releases the product for sale or distribution, and at
the site of United States Customs clearance.
21 As defined at 40 CFR 82.172, ‘‘end-use’’ means
processes or classes of specific applications within
major industrial sectors where a substitute is used
to replace an ODS.
22 The SNAP regulations also include ‘‘pending,’’
referring to submissions for which EPA has not
reached a determination, under this provision.
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found to be unacceptable may not be
used after the date specified in the
rulemaking adding such substitute to
the list of unacceptable substitutes.23
After reviewing a substitute, the
Agency may make a determination that
a substitute is acceptable only if certain
conditions in the way that the substitute
is used are met to minimize risks to
human health and the environment.
EPA describes such substitutes as
‘‘acceptable subject to use conditions.’’
Entities that use these substitutes
without meeting the associated use
conditions are in violation of EPA’s
SNAP regulations (40 CFR 82.174(c)).
For some substitutes, the Agency may
permit a narrowed range of use within
an end-use or sector. For example, the
Agency may limit the use of a substitute
to certain end-uses or specific
applications within an industry sector.
The Agency generally requires a user of
a substitute subject to narrowed use
limits to demonstrate that no other
acceptable substitutes are available for
their specific application.24 EPA
describes these substitutes as
‘‘acceptable subject to narrowed use
limits.’’ A person using a substitute that
is acceptable subject to narrowed use
limits in applications and end-uses that
are not consistent with the narrowed
use limit is using the substitute in
violation of section 612 of the CAA and
EPA’s SNAP regulations (40 CFR
82.174(c)).
The section 612 mandate for EPA to
prohibit the use of a substitute that may
present risk to human health or the
environment where a lower risk
alternative is available or potentially
available 25 provides EPA with the
23 As defined at 40 CFR 82.172, ‘‘use’’ means any
use of a substitute for a Class I or Class II ozonedepleting compound, including but not limited to
use in a manufacturing process or product, in
consumption by the end-user, or in intermediate
uses, such as formulation or packaging for other
subsequent uses. This definition of use
encompasses manufacturing process of products
both for domestic use and for export. Substitutes
manufactured within the United States exclusively
for export are subject to SNAP requirements since
the definition of use in the rule includes use in the
manufacturing process, which occurs within the
United States.
24 In the case of the July 20, 2015, final rule, EPA
established narrowed use limits for certain
substitutes over a limited period of time for specific
MVAC and foam applications, on the basis that
other acceptable alternatives would not be available
for those specific applications within broader enduses, but acceptable alternatives were expected to
become available over time, e.g., after military
qualification testing for foam blowing agents in
military applications or after development of
improved servicing infrastructure in a destination
country for MVAC in vehicles destined for export.
25 In addition to acceptable commercially
available substitutes, the SNAP program may
consider potentially available substitutes. The
SNAP program’s definition of ‘‘potentially
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authority to change the listing status of
a particular substitute if such a change
is justified by new information or
changed circumstance.
As described in this document and
elsewhere, including the initial SNAP
rule published in the Federal Register at
59 FR 13044 on March 18, 1994, the
SNAP program evaluates substitutes
within a comparative risk framework.
The SNAP program compares new
substitutes both to the ozone-depleting
substances being phased out under the
Montreal Protocol on Substances that
Deplete the Ozone Layer and the CAA,
and to other available or potentially
available alternatives for the same enduses. The environmental and health risk
factors that the SNAP program considers
include ozone depletion potential,
flammability, toxicity, occupational and
consumer health and safety, as well as
contributions to global warming and
other environmental factors.
Environmental and human health
exposures can vary significantly
depending on the particular application
of a substitute—and over time,
information applicable to a substitute
can change. This approach does not
imply fundamental tradeoffs with
respect to different types of risk, either
to the environment or to human health.
Over the past twenty years, the menu of
substitutes has become much broader
and a great deal of new information has
been developed on many substitutes.
Because the overall goal of the SNAP
program is to ensure that substitutes
listed as acceptable do not pose
significantly greater risk to human
health and the environment than other
available substitutes, the SNAP criteria
should be informed by our current
overall understanding of environmental
and human health impacts and our
experience with and current knowledge
about available and potentially available
substitutes. Over time, the range of
substitutes reviewed by SNAP has
changed, and, at the same time,
scientific approaches have evolved to
more accurately assess the potential
environmental and human health
impacts of these chemicals and
alternative technologies. The Agency
publishes its SNAP program decisions
in the Federal Register. EPA uses
notice-and-comment rulemaking to
place any alternative on the list of
prohibited substitutes, to list a
available’’ is ‘‘any alternative for which adequate
health, safety, and environmental data, as required
for the SNAP notification process, exist to make a
determination of acceptability, and which the
agency reasonably believes to be technically
feasible, even if not all testing has yet been
completed and the alternative is not yet produced
or sold.’’ (40 CFR 82.172).
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substitute as acceptable only subject to
use conditions or narrowed use limits,
or to remove a substitute from either the
list of prohibited or acceptable
substitutes.
In contrast, EPA publishes ‘‘notices of
acceptability’’ or ‘‘determinations of
acceptability,’’ to notify the public of
substitutes that are deemed acceptable
with no restrictions. As described in the
preamble to the rule initially
implementing the SNAP program (59 FR
13044; March 18, 1994), EPA does not
believe that rulemaking procedures are
necessary to list alternatives that are
acceptable without restrictions because
such listings neither impose any
sanction nor prevent anyone from using
a substitute.
Many SNAP listings include
‘‘comments’’ or ‘‘further information’’ to
provide additional information on
substitutes. Since this additional
information is not part of the regulatory
decision, these statements are not
binding for use of the substitute under
the SNAP program. However, regulatory
requirements so listed are binding under
other regulatory programs (e.g., worker
protection regulations promulgated by
OSHA). The ‘‘further information’’
classification does not necessarily
include all other legal obligations
pertaining to the use of the substitute.
While the items listed are not legally
binding under the SNAP program, EPA
encourages users of substitutes to apply
all statements in the ‘‘further
information’’ column in their use of
these substitutes. In many instances, the
information simply refers to sound
operating practices that have already
been identified in existing industry and/
or building codes or standards. Thus
many of the statements, if adopted,
would not require the affected user to
make significant changes in existing
operating practices.
D. Additional Information about the
SNAP Program
For copies of the comprehensive
SNAP lists of substitutes or additional
information on SNAP, refer to EPA’s
Ozone Depletion Web site at:
www.epa.gov/snap. For more
information on the agency’s process for
administering the SNAP program or
criteria for evaluation of substitutes,
refer to the initial SNAP rulemaking
published March 18, 1994 (59 FR
13044), codified at 40 CFR part 82,
subpart G. SNAP decisions and the
appropriate Federal Register citations
are found at: www.epa.gov/snap/snapregulations.
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List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: May 17, 2016.
Sarah Dunham,
Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs.
Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for
New Acceptable Substitutes
REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING
End-use
Substitute
Decision
Further information 1
Centrifugal chillers (new only) ...
Carbon dioxide (CO2 or R-744)
Acceptable
HFO-1336mzz(Z)
((Z)1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2ene).
Acceptable
CO2 has no ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global
warming potential (GWP) of 1.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
has established a required 8-hour (8-hr) time-weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for CO2 of
5,000 ppm. The National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) has established a 15-minute recommended short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 30,000 ppm.
CO2 is nonflammable.
EPA recommends that users follow all requirements and recommendations specified in American Society for Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
standard 15.
HFO-1336mzz(Z) (CAS Reg. No. 692–49–9) has no ODP and
a 100-year GWP of roughly 9.
Centrifugal chillers (new and
retrofit equipment).
HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2dichloroethylene blend (74.7/
25.3) (proposed R-514A).
Acceptable
Heat transfer (new and retrofit
equipment).
HFO-1336mzz(Z)
((Z)1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2ene).
Acceptable
Carbon dioxide (CO2 or R-744)
Acceptable
Industrial process air conditioning (new only).
sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with RULES
Ice skating rinks (new only) ......
Carbon dioxide (CO2 or R-744)
Acceptable
HFO-1336mzz(Z)
((Z)1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2ene).
Positive displacement chillers
(new only).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:03 May 20, 2016
Carbon dioxide (CO2 or R-744)
Jkt 238001
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Acceptable
Acceptable
Fmt 4700
This compound is nonflammable.
The Occupational Alliance for Risk Science (OARS) recommends a Workplace Environmental Exposure Limit
(WEEL) of 500 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO-1336mzz(Z).
HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)
has an ODP value of approximately 0.00006 and an estimated 100-year GWP of approximately 7. This substitute is
a blend of 74.7 percent HFO-1336mzz(Z), also known as
(Z)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-but-2-ene
and
cis-1,1,1,4,4,4hexafluorobut-2-ene (CAS Reg. No. 692–49–9), and 25.3
percent trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (CAS Reg. No. 156–60–
5).
The blend is nonflammable.
OSHA has established an 8-hr TWA PEL of 200 ppm for
trans-dichloroethylene. OARS recommends a WEEL of 500
ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO-1336mzz(Z). The manufacturer
recommends an acceptable exposure limit (AEL) for the
workplace for HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
blend (74.7/25.3) of 323 ppm (8-hr TWA).
HFO-1336mzz(Z) (CAS Reg. No. 692–49–9) has no ODP and
a 100-year GWP of roughly 9.
This compound is nonflammable.
OARS recommends a WEEL of 500 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO1336mzz(Z).
CO2 has no ODP and a GWP of 1.
OSHA has established an 8-hr TWA PEL for CO2 of 5,000
ppm. NIOSH has established a 15-minute TWA recommended STEL of 30,000 ppm.
CO2 is nonflammable.
EPA recommends that users follow all requirements and recommendations specified in ASHRAE standard 15.
CO2 has no ODP and a GWP of 1.
OSHA has established an 8-hr TWA PEL for CO2 of 5,000
ppm. NIOSH has established a 15-minute TWA recommended STEL of 30,000 ppm.
CO2 is nonflammable.
EPA recommends that users follow all requirements and recommendations specified in ASHRAE standard 15.
HFO-1336mzz(Z) (CAS Reg. No. 692–49–9) has no ODP and
a 100-year GWP of roughly 9.
This compound is nonflammable.
OARS recommends a WEEL of 500 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO1336mzz(Z).
CO2 has no ODP and a GWP of 1.
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\23MYR1.SGM
23MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 99 / Monday, May 23, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
32249
REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING—Continued
End-use
Substitute
HFO-1336mzz(Z)
((Z)1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2ene).
Acceptable
Positive displacement chillers
(new and retrofit equipment).
HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2dichloroethylene blend (74.7/
25.3) (proposed R-514A).
Acceptable
Retail food refrigeration (new
and retrofit refrigerated food
processing and dispensing
equipment).
R-513A .....................................
Acceptable
1 Observe
OSHA has established an 8-hr TWA PEL for CO2 of 5,000
ppm. NIOSH has established a 15-minute TWA recommended STEL of 30,000 ppm.
CO2 is nonflammable.
EPA recommends that users follow all requirements and recommendations specified in ASHRAE standard 15.
HFO-1336mzz(Z) (CAS Reg. No. 692–49–9) has no ODP and
a 100-year GWP of roughly 9.
This compound is nonflammable.
OARS recommends a WEEL of 500 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO1336mzz(Z).
HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)
has an ODP value of approximately 0.00006 and an estimated 100-year GWP of approximately 7. This substitute is
a blend of 74.7 percent HFO-1336mzz(Z), also known as
(Z)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-but-2-ene
and
cis-1,1,1,4,4,4hexafluorobut-2-ene (CAS Reg. No. 692–49–9), and 25.3
percent trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (CAS Reg. No. 156–60–
5).
The blend is nonflammable.
OSHA has established an 8-hr TWA PEL of 200 ppm for
trans-dichloroethylene. OARS recommends a WEEL of 500
ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO-1336mzz(Z). The manufacturer
recommends an AEL for the workplace for the HFO1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3) of
323 ppm (8-hr TWA).
R-513A has no ODP and a 100-year GWP of approximately
630. This substitute is a blend of HFC-134a, which is also
known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 811–97–
2); and HFO-1234yf, which is also known as 2,3,3,3tetrafluoroprop-l-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754–12–1).
This blend is nonflammable.
The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm and 500 ppm
(8-hr TWA) for HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf, respectively.
The manufacturer recommends an AEL for the workplace for
R-513A of 653 ppm (8-hr TWA).
recommendations in the manufacturer’s SDS and guidance for all listed refrigerants.
[FR Doc. 2016–12117 Filed 5–20–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 622
[Docket No. 150303208–6394–02]
RIN 0648–BE70
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of
Mexico, and South Atlantic; SnapperGrouper Fishery Off the Southern
Atlantic States; Amendment 35
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with RULES
Further information 1
Decision
NMFS issues regulations to
implement Amendment 35 to the
Fishery Management Plan for the
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:03 May 20, 2016
Jkt 238001
Atlantic Region (FMP) (Amendment 35),
as prepared and submitted by the South
Atlantic Fishery Management Council
(Council). Amendment 35 and this final
rule removes black snapper, mahogany
snapper, dog snapper, and schoolmaster
from the FMP and the regulations, and
revises regulations regarding the golden
tilefish longline endorsement program.
The purpose of this final rule is to
ensure that only snapper-grouper
species requiring Federal management
are included in the Snapper-Grouper
FMP, improve the consistency of
management of snapper-grouper species
in waters off south Florida across state
and Federal jurisdictional boundaries,
and to align regulations for golden
tilefish longline endorsements with the
Council’s original intent for establishing
the longline endorsement program.
This final rule is effective June
22, 2016.
DATES:
Electronic copies of
Amendment 35 may be obtained from
the Southeast Regional Office Web site
at https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Amendment 35 includes a draft
environmental assessment, a Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) analysis, a
regulatory impact review, and a Fishery
Impact Statement.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nikhil Mehta, telephone: 727–824–
5305; email: nikhil.mehta@noaa.gov.
The
snapper-grouper fishery of the South
Atlantic is managed under the FMP, and
includes black snapper, mahogany
snapper, dog snapper, schoolmaster,
and golden tilefish. The FMP was
prepared by the Council and is
implemented through regulations at 50
CFR part 622 under the authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
(Magnuson-Stevens Act).
On February 5, 2016, NMFS
published a notice of availability for
Amendment 35 and requested public
comment (81 FR 6222). On March 4,
2016, NMFS published a proposed rule
for Amendment 35 and requested public
comment (81 FR 11502). The Secretary
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\23MYR1.SGM
23MYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 99 (Monday, May 23, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32241-32249]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12117]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 82
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118; FRL-9946-88-OAR]
RIN 2060-AG12
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 31 for
Significant New Alternatives Policy Program
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Determination of acceptability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This determination of acceptability expands the list of
acceptable substitutes pursuant to the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. This
action lists as acceptable additional substitutes for use in the
refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
DATES: This determination is effective on May 23, 2016.
ADDRESSES: EPA established a docket for this action under Docket ID No.
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 (continuation of Air Docket A-91-42). All
electronic documents in the docket are listed in the index at
www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, i.e., Confidential Business Information (CBI)
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
at www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the EPA Air Docket (Nos. A-
91-42 and EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118), EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), William J.
Clinton West, Room
[[Page 32242]]
3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460. The Public
Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the Air
Docket is (202) 566-1742.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerald Wozniak by telephone at (202)
343-9624, by email at wozniak.gerald@epa.gov, or by mail at U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 6205T, 1200 Pennsylvania
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460. Overnight or courier deliveries
should be sent to the office location at 1201 Constitution Avenue NW.,
Washington, DC 20004.
For more information on the Agency's process for administering the
SNAP program or criteria for the evaluation of substitutes, refer to
the initial SNAP rulemaking published in the Federal Register on March
18, 1994 (59 FR 13044). Notices and rulemakings under the SNAP program,
as well as other EPA publications on protection of stratospheric ozone,
are available at EPA's Ozone Layer Protection Web site at www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection including the SNAP portion at www.epa.gov/snap/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
II. Section 612 Program
A. Statutory Requirements and Authority for the SNAP Program
B. EPA's Regulations Implementing Section 612
C. How the Regulations for the SNAP Program Work
D. Additional Information about the SNAP Program
Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes
I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
This action presents EPA's most recent decision to list as
acceptable several substitutes in the refrigeration and air
conditioning sector. New substitutes are:
CO2 in several refrigeration and air
conditioning end-uses;
Hydrofluoroolefin \1\ (HFO)-1336mzz(Z) in several
refrigeration and air conditioning end-uses;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Hydrofluoroolefins are unsaturated hydrofluorocarbons having
at least one double bond.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/
25.3) (proposed designation R-514A) in two refrigeration and air
conditioning end-uses; and
R-513A in retail food refrigeration--food processing and
dispensing equipment.
For copies of the full list of acceptable substitutes for ozone
depleting substances (ODS) in all industrial sectors, visit the SNAP
portion of EPA's Ozone Layer Protection Web site at www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-sector. Substitutes listed as unacceptable; acceptable,
subject to narrowed use limits; or acceptable, subject to use
conditions are also listed in the appendices to 40 CFR part 82, subpart
G.
The sections below discuss each substitute listing in detail.
Appendix A contains tables summarizing today's listing decisions for
these new substitutes. The statements in the ``Further Information''
column in the tables provide additional information, but are not
legally binding under section 612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). In
addition, the ``Further Information'' column may not include a
comprehensive list of other legal obligations you may need to meet when
using the substitute. Although you are not required to follow
recommendations in the ``Further Information'' column of the table to
use a substitute consistent with section 612 of the CAA, some of these
statements may refer to obligations that are enforceable or binding
under federal or state programs other than the SNAP program. In many
instances, the information simply refers to standard operating
practices in existing industry standards and/or building codes. When
using these substitutes, EPA strongly encourages you to apply the
information in this column. Many of these recommendations, if adopted,
would not require significant changes to existing operating practices.
You can find submissions to EPA for the substitutes listed in this
document, as well as other materials supporting the decisions in this
action, in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at www.regulations.gov.
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
1. Carbon Dioxide (R-744)
EPA's decision: EPA finds carbon dioxide (CO2) acceptable as a
substitute for use in:
Ice skating rinks (new equipment)
Centrifugal chillers (new equipment)
Positive displacement chillers \2\ (new equipment)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Examples of positive displacement chillers include
reciprocating, screw, and scroll chillers. EPA has previously used
those terms in acceptability listings for this end-use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industrial process air conditioning (new equipment)
Carbon dioxide is also known as R-744 when used as a refrigerant.
Its Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CAS Reg. No.) is 124-
38-9.
You may find the redacted submissions in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-
0118 at www.regulations.gov under the names, ``SNAP Information Notice
for CO2 (R-744) in Ice Skating Rinks'' and ``SNAP
Information Notice for CO2 (R-744) in Chillers and
Industrial Process Air Conditioning.'' EPA performed assessments to
examine the health and environmental risks of this substitute when used
in these end-uses. These assessments are available in Docket EPA-HQ-
OAR-2003-0118 under the following names:
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Ice Skating Rinks Substitute:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2 or R-744)''
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Commercial and Industrial Heat
Pumps Substitute: Carbon Dioxide (CO2 or R-744)''
``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Chillers and
Industrial Process Air-Conditioning Substitute: Carbon Dioxide
(CO2 or R-744)''
EPA previously listed CO2 as an acceptable refrigerant
in a number of other refrigeration and air conditioning end-uses,
including industrial process refrigeration, and in the case of motor
vehicle air conditioning as acceptable subject to use conditions,
(e.g., January 13, 1995, 60 FR 3318; September 30, 2009, 74 FR 50129;
June 16, 2010, 75 FR 34017; June 6, 2012, 77 FR 33315; August 10, 2012,
77 FR 47768; October 21, 2014, 79 FR 62863).
Environmental information: CO2 has an ozone depletion
potential (ODP) of zero.\3\ The 100-year global warming potential (GWP)
of CO2 is one.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ EPA assumes that compounds containing no chlorine, bromine,
or iodine have an ODP of zero.
\4\ Unless otherwise stated, all GWPs in this document are 100-
year values from: IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: The Physical
Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
[Solomon, S., Qin, D., Manning, M., Chen, Z., Marquis, M., Averyt,
K.B., Tignor M., and Miller, H.L. (eds.)]. Cambridge University
Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. This
document is accessible at www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/
en/contents.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPA's regulation codified at 40 CFR part 82, subpart F exempts
CO2 refrigerant from the venting prohibition under section
608(c)(2) of the CAA (March 12, 2004, 69 FR 11946).\5\ The CAA and
EPA's venting regulations prohibit the intentional venting or release
of substitutes for class I or class II ODS during the repair,
maintenance, service or disposal of refrigeration and
[[Page 32243]]
air conditioning appliances, unless EPA expressly exempts a particular
substitute refrigerant from the venting prohibition, as for
CO2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ For more information, including definitions, see 40 CFR part
82 subpart F.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CO2 is excluded from the definition of volatile organic
compounds (VOC) under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing
the development of state implementation plans (SIPs) to attain and
maintain the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS).
Flammability information: CO2 is not flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to
this substitute at lower concentrations include loss of concentration,
headache and shortness of breath. The substitute may also irritate the
skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high concentrations,
it may cause central nervous system depression. The substitute could
cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a confined space.
For additional information concerning potential health risks of
CO2, see EPA's final rule under the SNAP program for use of
CO2 as a refrigerant in motor vehicle air conditioning
systems (June 6, 2012, 77 FR 33315) and EPA's risk screens in docket
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118.
To mitigate these potential health risks in the workplace,
CO2 has an 8 hour/day, 40 hour/week permissible exposure
limit (PEL) of 5,000 ppm required by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA). It also has a 15-minute recommended short-term
exposure limit (STEL) of 30,000 ppm established by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). EPA recommends
that users follow all requirements and recommendations specified in the
manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS), in the American Society for
Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Standard 15, and other safety precautions common to the refrigeration
and air conditioning industry. We also recommend that users of
CO2 adhere to NIOSH's STEL and to ASHRAE 15, and we expect
that users will meet OSHA's PEL. EPA anticipates that users will be
able to address potential health risks by complying with the PEL and by
following requirements and recommendations in the SDS, in ASHRAE 15,
and other safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air
conditioning industry.
Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: CO2
has an ODP of zero, comparable \6\ to or lower than other substitutes
listed as acceptable in these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to
0.098.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS
hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-22 with an ODP of 0.055. Throughout
this document, ODP values cited for class I and class II ODS are
from EPA's regulations at appendix A to subpart A of 40 CFR part 82.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In ice skating rinks, many substitutes listed as acceptable have
higher GWPs than the GWP of one for CO2. HFC-134a, R-404A,
THR-03 and other HFC blends have GWPs ranging from 920 to 3,990; other
substitutes listed as acceptable for ice skating rinks that have a
comparable or lower GWP include ammonia absorption and ammonia vapor
compression with a GWP of zero.
In centrifugal and positive displacement chillers, most other
substitutes listed as acceptable have higher GWPs than CO2,
such as R-450A, R-513A, HFC-134a, R-404A and other HFC blends, with
GWPs ranging from approximately 600 to 3,990.\7\ CO2's GWP
of one is comparable to or lower than that of several other acceptable
substitutes for new equipment within these end-uses including ammonia
absorption and ammonia vapor compression, HFO-1234ze(E), and for
centrifugal chillers only, trans-1-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-1-ene,
with GWPs in the range of zero to seven.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ In a proposed rule published April 18, 2016 (81 FR 22809),
EPA proposed to change the status of a number of substitutes from
acceptable to unacceptable for use in new centrifugal chillers and
in new positive displacement chillers. Those substitutes had GWPs
ranging from 920 to 3,990 in both end-uses. If EPA takes final
action as proposed, there would still be several substitutes that
remain acceptable and that have higher GWPs than CO2,
including HFO-1234ze(E), IKON B, R-450A, R-513A, and THR-02 for both
end-uses, and for centrifugal chillers also IKON A and trans-1-
chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene, with GWPs ranging from
approximately 30 to 630.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In industrial process air conditioning, most other substitutes
listed as acceptable have higher GWPs than CO2, such as R-
513A, R-450A, HFC-134a, R-404A and other HFC blends with GWPs ranging
from approximately 600 to 3,990. CO2's GWP of one is
comparable to or lower than several other acceptable substitutes for
new equipment in industrial process air conditioning including ammonia
absorption and ammonia vapor compression with a GWP of zero and HFO-
1234ze(E) with a GWP of one to six.
Flammability and toxicity risks of this substitute are comparable
to or lower than the flammability and toxicity risks of other available
substitutes in the same end-uses. Flammability risks are low, as
discussed above. The toxicity risks are similar to those for many other
refrigerants and, as with those other refrigerants, can be minimized by
use consistent with the OSHA PEL, NIOSH STEL, ASHRAE 15 and other
industry standards, recommendations in the SDS, and other safety
precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
EPA finds CO2 acceptable in these end-uses listed above,
because the overall environmental and human health risk posed by
CO2 is lower than or comparable to the risks posed by other
available substitutes in the same end-uses.
2. HFO-1336mzz(Z) (Opteon[supreg] MZ)
EPA's decision: EPA finds HFO-1336mzz(Z) acceptable as a substitute
for use in:
Centrifugal chillers (new equipment)
Positive displacement chillers (new equipment)
Industrial process air conditioning (new equipment)
Non-mechanical heat transfer (new and retrofit equipment)
HFO-1336mzz(Z) is also known as (Z)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene
and cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene (CAS Reg. No. 692-49-9), and
goes by the trade name of Opteon[supreg] MZ.
You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``SNAP Information Notice for
Opteon[supreg] MZ.'' EPA performed assessments to examine the health
and environmental risks of this substitute in these end-uses. These
assessments are available in docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the
following name:
``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Chillers and
Industrial Process Air Conditioning Substitute: HFO-1336mzz(Z)
(Opteon[supreg] MZ).''
``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Heat Transfer
Substitute: HFO-1336mzz(Z) (Opteon[supreg] MZ).''
We have previously listed HFO-1336mzz(Z) as an acceptable foam
blowing agent in a number of foam blowing end-uses (October 21, 2014,
79 FR 62863; July 16, 2015, 80 FR 42053).
Environmental information: HFO-1336mzz(Z) has an ODP of zero. It
has a 100-year GWP of about nine.\8\ HFO-1336mzz(Z) is a VOC and it is
not exempted from the definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 40
CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and
maintain the NAAQS. The manufacturer has petitioned EPA to exempt HFO-
1336mzz(Z) from the definition of VOC under those regulations, based on
its
[[Page 32244]]
claim that the chemical exhibits low photochemical reactivity.
Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant is limited by the
venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40
CFR 82.154(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ Baasandorj, M., Ravishankara, A.R., Burkholder, J.B.,
Atmospheric Chemistry of (Z)-CF3CH[boxH]CHCF3: OH Radical Reaction
Rate Coefficient and Global Warming Potential, Journal of Physical
Chemistry A, 2011, 115, 10,539-10,549, 2011.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flammability information: HFO-1336mzz(Z) is not flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of this
substitute include skin or eye irritation or frostbite. At sufficiently
high concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a
confined space. EPA issued a Significant New Use Rule under the Toxic
Substances Control Act on June 5, 2015, to require persons to submit a
Significant New Use Notice to EPA at least 90 days before they
manufacture or process HFO-1336mzz(Z) for uses other than those
described in the Premanufacture Notice (80 FR 32003, 32005).
EPA anticipates that HFO-1336mzz(Z) will be used consistent with
the recommendations specified in the SDS. The Workplace Environmental
Exposure Limit (WEEL) committee of the Occupational Alliance for Risk
Science (OARS) recommends a WEEL for the workplace of 500 ppm on an 8-
hour time-weighted average (TWA).\9\ EPA anticipates that users will be
able to meet the WEEL and address potential health risks by following
requirements and recommendations in the SDS and other safety
precautions common to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ The documentation may be viewed at www.tera.org/OARS/HFO-1336mzz-Z%20WEEL%20FINAL.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: HFO-1336mzz(Z)
has an ODP of zero, comparable \10\ to or lower than other acceptable
substitutes in these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from 0 to 0.02.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ In contrast, the historically used ODS CFC-11, CFC-12 and
HCFC-22 have ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In centrifugal and positive displacement chillers, most other
substitutes listed as acceptable have higher GWPs than HFO-1336mzz(Z),
such as R-450A, R-513A, HFC-134a, R-404A and other HFC blends with GWPs
ranging from approximately 600 to 3,990.\11\ HFO-1336mzz(Z)'s GWP of
about nine is comparable to or higher than several other acceptable
substitutes for new equipment within these end-uses including ammonia
absorption and ammonia vapor compression, HFO-1234ze(E), and for
centrifugal chillers only, trans-1-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-1-ene,
with GWPs in the range of zero to seven.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ In a proposed rule published April 18, 2016 (81 FR 22809),
EPA proposed to change the status of a number of substitutes from
acceptable to unacceptable for use in new centrifugal chillers and
in new positive displacement chillers. Those substitutes had GWPs
ranging from 920 to 3,990 in both end-uses. If EPA takes final
action as proposed, there would still be several substitutes that
remain acceptable and that have higher GWPs than HFO-1336mzz(Z),
including IKON B, R-450A, R-513A, and THR-02 for both end-uses, and
for centrifugal chillers also IKON A, with GWPs ranging from
approximately 30 to 630.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In industrial process air conditioning, most other substitutes
listed as acceptable have higher GWPs than HFO-1336mzz(Z), such as R-
513A, R-450A, HFC-134a, R-404A and other HFC blends with GWPs ranging
from approximately 600 to 3,990. HFO-1336mzz(Z)'s GWP of about nine is
comparable to or higher than several other acceptable substitutes for
new equipment in industrial process air conditioning including ammonia
absorption and ammonia vapor compression with a GWP of zero and HFO-
1234ze(E) with a GWP of one to six.
In non-mechanical heat transfer, most other substitutes listed as
acceptable have higher GWPs such as HFC-245fa, HFC-134a and HFC-125
with GWPs ranging from 1,030 to 3,500. HFO-1336mzz(Z)'s GWP of about
nine is comparable to or higher than those of several other acceptable
substitutes in the same end-use, such as trans-1-chloro-3,3,3,-
trifluoroprop-1-ene, HFO-1234ze(E), CO2 and ethane, with
GWPs in the range of one to seven.
Flammability and toxicity risks of this substitute are comparable
to or lower than the flammability and toxicity risks of other available
substitutes in the same end-uses. Flammability risks are low, as
discussed above. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with
the OARS WEEL, ASHRAE 15 and other industry standards, recommendations
in the SDS, and other safety precautions common in the refrigeration
and air conditioning industry.
EPA finds HFO-1336mzz(Z) acceptable in the end-uses listed above,
because the overall environmental and human health risk posed by HFO-
1336mzz(Z) is lower than or comparable to the risks posed by other
available substitutes in the same end-uses.
3. HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)
(Proposed R-514A, Opteon[supreg] XP30)
EPA's decision: EPA finds the blend HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-
dichloroethylene (74.7/25.3) acceptable as a substitute for use in:
Centrifugal chillers (new and retrofit equipment)
Positive-displacement chillers (new and retrofit
equipment)
This refrigerant is a weighted blend of 74.7 percent HFO-1336mzz(Z)
and 25.3 percent trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (CAS Reg. No. 156-60-5).
ASHRAE has proposed a designation of R-514A for this refrigerant blend.
This blend is marketed under the trade name Opteon[supreg] XP30.
You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``SNAP Information Notice for
Opteon[supreg] XP30.'' EPA performed assessments to examine the health
and environmental risks of this substitute in this end-use. These
assessments are available in docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the
following name:
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Chillers Substitute: HFO-
1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene Blend (74.7/25.3) (Opteon[supreg]
XP30).''
Environmental information: Environmental information on HFO-
1336mzz(Z) is described above in listing A.2 of this document. Trans-
1,2-dichloroethylene has an ODP of approximately 0.00024 \12\ and the
blend would have a weighted ODP value of (approximately 0.00006). We
are unaware of a calculated GWP value for trans-1,2-dichloroethylene in
the peer-reviewed literature, but we expect its GWP is less than five
based on its structure and its atmospheric lifetime of 12.7 days.\13\
The blend is expected to have a weighted 100-year GWP of approximately
seven. Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is a VOC and it is not exempted from
the definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s))
addressing the development of SIPs to attain and maintain the NAAQS.
Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant is limited by the
venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40
CFR 82.154(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ Patten and Wuebbles, 2010. ``Atmospheric Lifetimes and
Ozone Depletion Potentials of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-
trichloropropylene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene in a three-
dimensional model.'' Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 10867-10874, 2010.
\13\ Patten and Wuebbles, 2010. Op cit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flammability information: Although the trans-dichloroethylene
component of this blend is flammable, HFO-1336mzz(Z) is not flammable,
and HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3) as
formulated and in the worst-case fractionation formulation is not
flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of HFO-
1336mzz(Z)/trans-
[[Page 32245]]
1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3) include skin or eye irritation
or frostbite. At sufficiently high concentrations, the substitute may
cause irregular heartbeat. The substitute could cause asphyxiation if
air is displaced by vapors in a confined space.
EPA anticipates that HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
blend (74.7/25.3) will be used consistent with the recommendations
specified in the SDS. Trans-dichloroethylene has an 8 hour/day, 40
hour/week PEL of 200 ppm required by OSHA. The WEEL committee of OARS
recommends a WEEL for the workplace of 500 ppm on an 8-hour TWA for
HFO-1336mzz(Z).\14\ The manufacturer recommends an acceptable exposure
limit (AEL) for the blend of 323 ppm on an 8-hour TWA. EPA anticipates
that users will be able to meet the PEL, WEEL, and the AEL and address
potential health risks by following requirements and recommendations in
the SDS and other safety precautions common to the refrigeration and
air conditioning industry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ The documentation may be viewed at www.tera.org/OARS/HFO-1336mzz-Z%20WEEL%20FINAL.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: HFO-1336mzz(Z)/
trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3) has an ODP of
approximately 0.00006, comparable \15\ to or lower than other
acceptable substitutes in these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero
to 0.02.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ In contrast, the historically used ODS CFC-11, CFC-12, and
HCFC-22 have ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In centrifugal and positive-displacement chillers, most other
substitutes listed as acceptable have higher GWPs than HFO-1336mzz(Z)/
trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3), such as R-450A, R-513A,
HFC-134a, R-404A and other HFC blends with GWPs ranging from
approximately 600 to 3,990.\16\ HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-
dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3)'s GWP of about seven is comparable
to or higher than several other acceptable substitutes for new
equipment within these end-uses, including ammonia absorption and
ammonia vapor compression, HFO-1234ze(E) and, for centrifugal chillers
only, trans-1-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-1-ene, with GWPs in the range
of zero to seven.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ In a proposed rule published April 18, 2016 (81 FR 22809),
EPA proposed to change the status of a number of substitutes from
acceptable to unacceptable for use in new centrifugal chillers and
in new positive displacement chillers. Those substitutes had GWPs
ranging from 920 to 3,990 in both end-uses. If EPA takes final
action as proposed, there would still be several substitutes that
remain acceptable and that have higher GWPs than HFO-1336mzz(Z)/
trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/25.3), including IKON B, R-
450A, R-513A, and THR-02 for both end-uses, and for centrifugal
chillers also IKON A, with GWPs ranging from approximately 30 to
630.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flammability and toxicity risks of this substitute are comparable
to or lower than the flammability and toxicity risks of other available
substitutes in the same end-uses. Flammability risks are low, as
discussed above. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with
the OSHA PEL, OARS WEEL, the manufacturer's recommended AEL, ASHRAE 15
and other industry standards, recommendations in the SDS, and other
safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning
industry.
EPA finds HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-dichloroethylene blend (74.7/
25.3) acceptable in the end-uses listed above, because the overall
environmental and human health risk posed by this substitute is lower
than or comparable to the risks posed by other available substitutes in
the same end-uses.
4. R-513A
EPA's decision: EPA finds R-513A acceptable as a substitute for use
in:
Retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and
dispensing equipment (new and retrofit equipment)
R-513A, marketed under the trade name Opteon[supreg] XP10, is a
weighted blend of 44 percent HFC-134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2
tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-2); and 56 percent HFO-1234yf,
which is also known as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754-
12-1).
You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``SNAP Information Notice for
Opteon[supreg] XP 10.'' EPA performed assessments to examine the health
and environmental risks of this substitute. These assessments are
available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the following name:
``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Retail Food
Refrigeration Substitute: R-513A''
Environmental information: R-513A has an ODP of zero. Its
components, HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf, have GWPs of 1,430 and one to
four,\17\ respectively. If these values are weighted by mass
percentage, then R-513A has a GWP of about 630. The components of R-
513A are both excluded from the definition of VOC under CAA regulations
(see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and
maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant
blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of
the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Nielsen et al., 2007. Op. cit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flammability information: R-513A as formulated and in the worst-
case fractionation formulation is not flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a
confined space.
The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm and 500 ppm as an 8-
hour TWA for HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf, respectively, the components of
R-513A. The manufacturer of R-513A recommends an AEL of 653 ppm on an
8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates that users will be able to
meet each of the AIHA WEELs and the manufacturer's AEL, and address
potential health risks by following requirements and recommendations in
the SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other safety precautions common to the
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
Comparison to other substitutes in this end-use: R-513A has an ODP
of zero, comparable \18\ to or lower than other listed substitutes in
this end-use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.098.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502A, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
R-513A's GWP of about 630 is comparable to or lower than most other
substitutes in retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing
and dispensing, including R-450A, HFC-134a, R-404A, R-407C, and a
number of HFC blends, with GWPs ranging from approximately 600 to
3,920.\19\ R-513A's GWP of about 630 is higher than those of some other
acceptable substitutes in new retail food refrigeration--refrigerated
food processing and dispensing units, including ammonia vapor
compression with a secondary
[[Page 32246]]
loop and CO2 with GWPs of zero and one, respectively; these
alternatives with lower GWP are not listed as acceptable for use in
retrofit equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\19\ In a proposed rule published April 18, 2016 (81 FR 22809),
EPA proposed to change the status of a number of substitutes from
acceptable to unacceptable for use in new retail food
refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and dispensing units.
Those substitutes had GWPs ranging from 1,770 to 3,990. If EPA takes
final action as proposed, there would still be several substitutes
that remain acceptable and that have higher GWPs than R-513A,
including FOR12A, FOR12B, HFC-134a, R-426A, RS-24 (2002
formulation), SP34E, THR-02 and THR-03, with GWPs ranging from
approximately 920 to 1,510.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the
same end-use. Flammability risks are low, as discussed above. Toxicity
risks can be minimized by use consistent with the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15
and other industry standards, recommendations in the SDS, and other
safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning
industry.
EPA finds R-513A acceptable in the end-use listed above, because
the overall environmental and human health risk posed by R-513A is
lower than or comparable to the risks posed by other available
substitutes in the same end-use.
II. Section 612 Program
A. Statutory Requirements and Authority for the SNAP Program
Section 612 of the CAA requires EPA to develop a program for
evaluating alternatives to ozone-depleting substances. EPA refers to
this program as the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.
The major provisions of section 612 are:
1. Rulemaking
Section 612(c) requires EPA to promulgate rules making it unlawful
to replace any class I substance (CFC, halon, carbon tetrachloride,
methyl chloroform, methyl bromide, hydrobromofluorocarbon, and
chlorobromomethane) or class II substance (HCFC) with any substitute
that the Administrator determines may present adverse effects to human
health or the environment where the Administrator has identified an
alternative that (1) reduces the overall risk to human health and the
environment, and (2) is currently or potentially available.
2. Listing of Unacceptable/Acceptable Substitutes
Section 612(c) requires EPA to publish a list of the substitutes
unacceptable for specific uses and to publish a corresponding list of
acceptable alternatives for specific uses. The list of ``acceptable''
substitutes is found at www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-sector and the
lists of ``unacceptable,'' ``acceptable subject to use conditions,''
and ``acceptable subject to narrowed use limits'' substitutes are found
in the appendices to 40 CFR part 82 subpart G.
3. Petition Process
Section 612(d) grants the right to any person to petition EPA to
add a substance to, or delete a substance from, the lists published in
accordance with section 612(c). The Agency has 90 days to grant or deny
a petition. Where the Agency grants the petition, EPA must publish the
revised lists within an additional six months.
4. 90-Day Notification
Section 612(e) directs EPA to require any person who produces a
chemical substitute for a class I substance to notify the Agency not
less than 90 days before new or existing chemicals are introduced into
interstate commerce for significant new uses as substitutes for a class
I substance. The producer must also provide the Agency with the
producer's unpublished health and safety studies on such substitutes.
5. Outreach
Section 612(b)(1) states that the Administrator shall seek to
maximize the use of federal research facilities and resources to assist
users of class I and II substances in identifying and developing
alternatives to the use of such substances in key commercial
applications.
6. Clearinghouse
Section 612(b)(4) requires the Agency to set up a public
clearinghouse of alternative chemicals, product substitutes, and
alternative manufacturing processes that are available for products and
manufacturing processes which use class I and II substances.
B. EPA's Regulations Implementing Section 612
On March 18, 1994, EPA published the initial SNAP rule (59 FR
13044) which established the process for administering the SNAP program
and issued EPA's first lists identifying acceptable and unacceptable
substitutes in the major industrial use sectors (subpart G of 40 CFR
part 82). These sectors are the following: Refrigeration and air
conditioning; foam blowing; solvents cleaning; fire suppression and
explosion protection; sterilants; aerosols; adhesives, coatings and
inks; and tobacco expansion. These sectors comprise the principal
industrial sectors that historically consumed the largest volumes of
ODS.
Section 612 of the CAA requires EPA to list as acceptable those
substitutes that do not present a significantly greater risk to human
health and the environment as compared with other substitutes that are
currently or potentially available.
C. How the Regulations for the SNAP Program Work
Under the SNAP regulations, anyone who plans to market or produce a
substitute to replace a class I substance or class II substance in one
of the eight major industrial use sectors must provide the Agency with
notice and the required health and safety information on the substitute
at least 90 days before introducing it into interstate commerce for
significant new use as an alternative (40 CFR 82.176(a)). While this
requirement typically applies to chemical manufacturers as the entity
likely to be planning to introduce the substitute into interstate
commerce,\20\ it may also apply to importers, formulators, equipment
manufacturers, and end users \21\ when they are responsible for
introducing a substitute into commerce. The 90-day SNAP review process
begins once EPA receives the submission and determines that the
submission includes complete and adequate data (40 CFR 82.180(a)). The
CAA and the SNAP regulations, 40 CFR 82.174(a), prohibit use of a
substitute earlier than 90 days after notice has been provided to the
agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ As defined at 40 CFR 82.104, ``interstate commerce'' means
the distribution or transportation of any product between one state,
territory, possession or the District of Columbia, and another
state, territory, possession or the District of Columbia, or the
sale, use or manufacture of any product in more than one state,
territory, possession or District of Columbia. The entry points for
which a product is introduced into interstate commerce are the
release of a product from the facility in which the product was
manufactured, the entry into a warehouse from which the domestic
manufacturer releases the product for sale or distribution, and at
the site of United States Customs clearance.
\21\ As defined at 40 CFR 82.172, ``end-use'' means processes or
classes of specific applications within major industrial sectors
where a substitute is used to replace an ODS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Agency has identified four possible decision categories for
substitute submissions: Acceptable; acceptable subject to use
conditions; acceptable subject to narrowed use limits; and unacceptable
(40 CFR 82.180(b)).\22\ Use conditions and narrowed use limits are both
considered ``use restrictions'' and are explained below. Substitutes
that are deemed acceptable without use conditions may be used for all
applications within the relevant end-uses within the sector and without
limits under SNAP on how they may be used. Substitutes that are
acceptable subject to use restrictions may be used only in accordance
with those restrictions. Substitutes that are
[[Page 32247]]
found to be unacceptable may not be used after the date specified in
the rulemaking adding such substitute to the list of unacceptable
substitutes.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\22\ The SNAP regulations also include ``pending,'' referring to
submissions for which EPA has not reached a determination, under
this provision.
\23\ As defined at 40 CFR 82.172, ``use'' means any use of a
substitute for a Class I or Class II ozone-depleting compound,
including but not limited to use in a manufacturing process or
product, in consumption by the end-user, or in intermediate uses,
such as formulation or packaging for other subsequent uses. This
definition of use encompasses manufacturing process of products both
for domestic use and for export. Substitutes manufactured within the
United States exclusively for export are subject to SNAP
requirements since the definition of use in the rule includes use in
the manufacturing process, which occurs within the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
After reviewing a substitute, the Agency may make a determination
that a substitute is acceptable only if certain conditions in the way
that the substitute is used are met to minimize risks to human health
and the environment. EPA describes such substitutes as ``acceptable
subject to use conditions.'' Entities that use these substitutes
without meeting the associated use conditions are in violation of EPA's
SNAP regulations (40 CFR 82.174(c)).
For some substitutes, the Agency may permit a narrowed range of use
within an end-use or sector. For example, the Agency may limit the use
of a substitute to certain end-uses or specific applications within an
industry sector. The Agency generally requires a user of a substitute
subject to narrowed use limits to demonstrate that no other acceptable
substitutes are available for their specific application.\24\ EPA
describes these substitutes as ``acceptable subject to narrowed use
limits.'' A person using a substitute that is acceptable subject to
narrowed use limits in applications and end-uses that are not
consistent with the narrowed use limit is using the substitute in
violation of section 612 of the CAA and EPA's SNAP regulations (40 CFR
82.174(c)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\24\ In the case of the July 20, 2015, final rule, EPA
established narrowed use limits for certain substitutes over a
limited period of time for specific MVAC and foam applications, on
the basis that other acceptable alternatives would not be available
for those specific applications within broader end-uses, but
acceptable alternatives were expected to become available over time,
e.g., after military qualification testing for foam blowing agents
in military applications or after development of improved servicing
infrastructure in a destination country for MVAC in vehicles
destined for export.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The section 612 mandate for EPA to prohibit the use of a substitute
that may present risk to human health or the environment where a lower
risk alternative is available or potentially available \25\ provides
EPA with the authority to change the listing status of a particular
substitute if such a change is justified by new information or changed
circumstance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\25\ In addition to acceptable commercially available
substitutes, the SNAP program may consider potentially available
substitutes. The SNAP program's definition of ``potentially
available'' is ``any alternative for which adequate health, safety,
and environmental data, as required for the SNAP notification
process, exist to make a determination of acceptability, and which
the agency reasonably believes to be technically feasible, even if
not all testing has yet been completed and the alternative is not
yet produced or sold.'' (40 CFR 82.172).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As described in this document and elsewhere, including the initial
SNAP rule published in the Federal Register at 59 FR 13044 on March 18,
1994, the SNAP program evaluates substitutes within a comparative risk
framework. The SNAP program compares new substitutes both to the ozone-
depleting substances being phased out under the Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the CAA, and to other
available or potentially available alternatives for the same end-uses.
The environmental and health risk factors that the SNAP program
considers include ozone depletion potential, flammability, toxicity,
occupational and consumer health and safety, as well as contributions
to global warming and other environmental factors. Environmental and
human health exposures can vary significantly depending on the
particular application of a substitute--and over time, information
applicable to a substitute can change. This approach does not imply
fundamental tradeoffs with respect to different types of risk, either
to the environment or to human health. Over the past twenty years, the
menu of substitutes has become much broader and a great deal of new
information has been developed on many substitutes. Because the overall
goal of the SNAP program is to ensure that substitutes listed as
acceptable do not pose significantly greater risk to human health and
the environment than other available substitutes, the SNAP criteria
should be informed by our current overall understanding of
environmental and human health impacts and our experience with and
current knowledge about available and potentially available
substitutes. Over time, the range of substitutes reviewed by SNAP has
changed, and, at the same time, scientific approaches have evolved to
more accurately assess the potential environmental and human health
impacts of these chemicals and alternative technologies. The Agency
publishes its SNAP program decisions in the Federal Register. EPA uses
notice-and-comment rulemaking to place any alternative on the list of
prohibited substitutes, to list a substitute as acceptable only subject
to use conditions or narrowed use limits, or to remove a substitute
from either the list of prohibited or acceptable substitutes.
In contrast, EPA publishes ``notices of acceptability'' or
``determinations of acceptability,'' to notify the public of
substitutes that are deemed acceptable with no restrictions. As
described in the preamble to the rule initially implementing the SNAP
program (59 FR 13044; March 18, 1994), EPA does not believe that
rulemaking procedures are necessary to list alternatives that are
acceptable without restrictions because such listings neither impose
any sanction nor prevent anyone from using a substitute.
Many SNAP listings include ``comments'' or ``further information''
to provide additional information on substitutes. Since this additional
information is not part of the regulatory decision, these statements
are not binding for use of the substitute under the SNAP program.
However, regulatory requirements so listed are binding under other
regulatory programs (e.g., worker protection regulations promulgated by
OSHA). The ``further information'' classification does not necessarily
include all other legal obligations pertaining to the use of the
substitute. While the items listed are not legally binding under the
SNAP program, EPA encourages users of substitutes to apply all
statements in the ``further information'' column in their use of these
substitutes. In many instances, the information simply refers to sound
operating practices that have already been identified in existing
industry and/or building codes or standards. Thus many of the
statements, if adopted, would not require the affected user to make
significant changes in existing operating practices.
D. Additional Information about the SNAP Program
For copies of the comprehensive SNAP lists of substitutes or
additional information on SNAP, refer to EPA's Ozone Depletion Web site
at: www.epa.gov/snap. For more information on the agency's process for
administering the SNAP program or criteria for evaluation of
substitutes, refer to the initial SNAP rulemaking published March 18,
1994 (59 FR 13044), codified at 40 CFR part 82, subpart G. SNAP
decisions and the appropriate Federal Register citations are found at:
www.epa.gov/snap/snap-regulations.
[[Page 32248]]
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: May 17, 2016.
Sarah Dunham,
Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs.
Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Decision Further information \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centrifugal chillers (new only)..... Carbon dioxide (CO2 or Acceptable.......... CO2 has no ozone depletion
R-744). potential (ODP) and a
global warming potential
(GWP) of 1.
The Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
(OSHA) has established a
required 8-hour (8-hr)
time-weighted average
(TWA) permissible exposure
limit (PEL) for CO2 of
5,000 ppm. The National
Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH)
has established a 15-
minute recommended short-
term exposure limit (STEL)
of 30,000 ppm.
CO2 is nonflammable.
EPA recommends that users
follow all requirements
and recommendations
specified in American
Society for Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) standard 15.
HFO-1336mzz(Z) ((Z)- Acceptable.......... HFO-1336mzz(Z) (CAS Reg.
1,1,1,4,4,4- No. 692-49-9) has no ODP
hexafluorobut-2-ene). and a 100-year GWP of
roughly 9.
This compound is
nonflammable.
The Occupational Alliance
for Risk Science (OARS)
recommends a Workplace
Environmental Exposure
Limit (WEEL) of 500 ppm (8-
hr TWA) for HFO-
1336mzz(Z).
Centrifugal chillers (new and HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans- Acceptable.......... HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-
retrofit equipment). 1,2-dichloroethylene dichloroethylene blend
blend (74.7/25.3) (74.7/25.3) has an ODP
(proposed R-514A). value of approximately
0.00006 and an estimated
100-year GWP of
approximately 7. This
substitute is a blend of
74.7 percent HFO-
1336mzz(Z), also known as
(Z)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-
but-2-ene and cis-
1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-
2-ene (CAS Reg. No. 692-49-
9), and 25.3 percent trans-
1,2-dichloroethylene (CAS
Reg. No. 156-60-5).
The blend is nonflammable.
OSHA has established an 8-
hr TWA PEL of 200 ppm for
trans-dichloroethylene.
OARS recommends a WEEL of
500 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO-
1336mzz(Z). The
manufacturer recommends an
acceptable exposure limit
(AEL) for the workplace
for HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-
1,2-dichloroethylene blend
(74.7/25.3) of 323 ppm (8-
hr TWA).
Heat transfer (new and retrofit HFO-1336mzz(Z) ((Z)- Acceptable.......... HFO-1336mzz(Z) (CAS Reg.
equipment). 1,1,1,4,4,4- No. 692-49-9) has no ODP
hexafluorobut-2-ene). and a 100-year GWP of
roughly 9.
This compound is
nonflammable.
OARS recommends a WEEL of
500 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO-
1336mzz(Z).
Ice skating rinks (new only)........ Carbon dioxide (CO2 or Acceptable.......... CO2 has no ODP and a GWP of
R-744). 1.
OSHA has established an 8-
hr TWA PEL for CO2 of
5,000 ppm. NIOSH has
established a 15-minute
TWA recommended STEL of
30,000 ppm.
CO2 is nonflammable.
EPA recommends that users
follow all requirements
and recommendations
specified in ASHRAE
standard 15.
Industrial process air conditioning Carbon dioxide (CO2 or Acceptable.......... CO2 has no ODP and a GWP of
(new only). R-744). 1.
OSHA has established an 8-
hr TWA PEL for CO2 of
5,000 ppm. NIOSH has
established a 15-minute
TWA recommended STEL of
30,000 ppm.
CO2 is nonflammable.
EPA recommends that users
follow all requirements
and recommendations
specified in ASHRAE
standard 15.
HFO-1336mzz(Z) ((Z)- Acceptable.......... HFO-1336mzz(Z) (CAS Reg.
1,1,1,4,4,4- No. 692-49-9) has no ODP
hexafluorobut-2-ene). and a 100-year GWP of
roughly 9.
This compound is
nonflammable.
OARS recommends a WEEL of
500 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO-
1336mzz(Z).
Positive displacement chillers (new Carbon dioxide (CO2 or Acceptable.......... CO2 has no ODP and a GWP of
only). R-744). 1.
[[Page 32249]]
OSHA has established an 8-
hr TWA PEL for CO2 of
5,000 ppm. NIOSH has
established a 15-minute
TWA recommended STEL of
30,000 ppm.
CO2 is nonflammable.
EPA recommends that users
follow all requirements
and recommendations
specified in ASHRAE
standard 15.
HFO-1336mzz(Z) ((Z)- Acceptable.......... HFO-1336mzz(Z) (CAS Reg.
1,1,1,4,4,4- No. 692-49-9) has no ODP
hexafluorobut-2-ene). and a 100-year GWP of
roughly 9.
This compound is
nonflammable.
OARS recommends a WEEL of
500 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO-
1336mzz(Z).
Positive displacement chillers (new HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans- Acceptable.......... HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-1,2-
and retrofit equipment). 1,2-dichloroethylene dichloroethylene blend
blend (74.7/25.3) (74.7/25.3) has an ODP
(proposed R-514A). value of approximately
0.00006 and an estimated
100-year GWP of
approximately 7. This
substitute is a blend of
74.7 percent HFO-
1336mzz(Z), also known as
(Z)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-
but-2-ene and cis-
1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-
2-ene (CAS Reg. No. 692-49-
9), and 25.3 percent trans-
1,2-dichloroethylene (CAS
Reg. No. 156-60-5).
The blend is nonflammable.
OSHA has established an 8-
hr TWA PEL of 200 ppm for
trans-dichloroethylene.
OARS recommends a WEEL of
500 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFO-
1336mzz(Z). The
manufacturer recommends an
AEL for the workplace for
the HFO-1336mzz(Z)/trans-
1,2-dichloroethylene blend
(74.7/25.3) of 323 ppm (8-
hr TWA).
Retail food refrigeration (new and R-513A................. Acceptable.......... R-513A has no ODP and a 100-
retrofit refrigerated food year GWP of approximately
processing and dispensing 630. This substitute is a
equipment). blend of HFC-134a, which
is also known as 1,1,1,2-
tetrafluoroethane (CAS
Reg. No. 811-97-2); and
HFO-1234yf, which is also
known as 2,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-l-ene (CAS
Reg. No. 754-12-1).
This blend is nonflammable.
The AIHA has established
WEELs of 1,000 ppm and 500
ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFC-
134a and HFO-1234yf,
respectively. The
manufacturer recommends an
AEL for the workplace for
R-513A of 653 ppm (8-hr
TWA).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Observe recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS and guidance for all listed refrigerants.
[FR Doc. 2016-12117 Filed 5-20-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
