A Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization; Notice of Availability, 50366-50369 [2018-21747]

Download as PDF 50366 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 194 / Friday, October 5, 2018 / Notices index.html. NDWAC 2004. National Drinking Water Advisory Council. National Drinking Water Advisory Council Report on the CCL Classification Process to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, May 18, 2004. Available at https:// www.epa.gov/ccl/national-drinkingwater-advisory-council-report-cclclassification-process. Dated: September 27, 2018. David P. Ross, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water. [FR Doc. 2018–21748 Filed 10–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–9985–16–Region 4] Public Water System Supervision Program Revision for the State of North Carolina Notice is hereby given that the State of North Carolina is revising its approved Public Water System Supervision Program. North Carolina has adopted drinking water regulations for the Revised Total Coliform Rule. EPA has determined that North Carolina’s regulations are no less stringent than the federal rule and the revision otherwise meets applicable Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Therefore, EPA intends to approve this revision to the State of North Carolina’s Public Water System Supervision Program. DATES: Any interested person may request a public hearing. A request for a public hearing must be submitted by November 5, 2018, to the Regional Administrator at the EPA Region 4 street address shown below. The Regional Administrator may deny frivolous or insubstantial requests for a hearing. However, if a substantial request for a public hearing is made by November 5, 2018, a public hearing will be held. If no timely and appropriate request for a hearing is received and the Regional Administrator does not elect to hold a hearing on his own motion, this determination shall become final and effective on November 5, 2018. Any request for a public hearing shall include the following information: the name, address, and telephone number of the individual, organization, or other entity requesting a hearing; a brief statement of the requesting person’s interest in the Regional Administrator’s determination and a brief statement of daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:11 Oct 04, 2018 Jkt 247001 Documents relating to this determination are available for inspection between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding legal holidays) at the following offices: Public Water Supply Section, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, 512 North Salisbury Street, Archdale Building, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604; and the Drinking Water Section, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. ADDRESSES: Dale Froneberger, EPA Region 4, Drinking Water Section, by mail at the Atlanta street address given above, by telephone at (404) 562–9446, or by email at froneberger.dale@epa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of intended approval. AGENCY: SUMMARY: the information that the requesting person intends to submit at such hearing; and the signature of the individual making the request, or, if the request is made on behalf of an organization or other entity, the signature of a responsible official of the organization or other entity. The State of North Carolina has submitted a request that EPA approve a revision to the State’s Safe Drinking Water Act Public Water System Supervision Program to include the authority to implement and enforce the Revised Total Coliform Rule. For the request to be approved, EPA must find the state regulations codified at Title 15A NCAC Subchapter 18C to be no less stringent than the federal rule codified at 40 CFR part 141. EPA reviewed North Carolina’s application using the federal statutory provisions (Section 1413 of the Safe Drinking Water Act), federal regulations (at 40 CFR parts 141 and 142), state regulations, state policies and procedures for implementing the rule, regulatory crosswalk, and EPA regulatory guidance to determine whether the request for revision is approvable. EPA determined that the North Carolina regulations are no less stringent than the corresponding federal rule and the revision otherwise meets applicable Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Therefore, EPA intends to approve this revision. If EPA does not receive a timely and appropriate request for a hearing and the Regional Administrator does not elect to hold a hearing on his own motion, this approval shall become final and effective on November 5, 2018. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Section 1413 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended (1996), and 40 CFR part 142. PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: September 25, 2018. Onis ‘‘Trey’’ Glenn, III, Regional Administrator, Region 4. [FR Doc. 2018–21752 Filed 10–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2017–0586; FRL–9983–38] A Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization; Notice of Availability Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). AGENCY: ACTION: Notice. This Notice announces the availability of a document: A Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization. The document lays out EPA’s near-term approach for identifying potential chemicals for prioritization, the initial step in evaluating the safety of existing chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The document also includes a longer-term risk-based approach for considering the larger TSCA active chemical universe. EPA is opening a public docket to accept comments on this approach, which will inform a public meeting to be held in early 2019. This docket will remain open until November 15, 2018. In a related but separate action, EPA is opening 74 public dockets, one for each of the 73 remaining chemicals on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments that have not received manufacturer requests for EPA evaluation and an additional general docket for chemicals not on the Work Plan. These dockets will be open until December 1, 2019. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information on A Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization document contact: Susanna Blair, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (202) 564–4371; email address: susanna.blair@epa.gov. For general information contact: The TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 422 South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202) 554– 1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@ epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\05OCN1.SGM 05OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 194 / Friday, October 5, 2018 / Notices C. What is the Agency’s authority for this action? I. General Information A. Does this action apply to me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including chemical manufacturers, processors and users, consumer product companies, non-profit organizations in the environmental and public health sectors, state and local government agencies, and members of the public interested in the environmental and human health assessment and regulation of chemical substances. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES B. What action is the Agency taking? EPA is taking three actions: Announcing the availability of a document, announcing the opening of a docket to accept comments on the longer-term strategy described in the document, and announcing the opening of chemical-specific public dockets and a general docket to collect information on potential candidate chemicals for prioritization for risk evaluation under TSCA. This Notice announces the availability of a document: A Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization. The document lays out EPA’s near-term approach for identifying potential chemicals for prioritization, the initial step in evaluating the safety of existing chemicals under TSCA. The document also includes a longer-term approach for considering the larger TSCA active chemical universe. The document is available at EPA’s website at https:// www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managingchemicals-under-tsca/prioritizingexisting-chemicals-risk-evaluation. EPA is opening a public docket to accept comments on this longer-term approach, which will inform a public meeting to be held in early 2019. This docket, identified by docket ID EPA– HQ–OPPT–2018–0659, will remain open until November 15, 2018. In a separate but related action, EPA is opening 74 public dockets, one for each of the 73 remaining chemicals on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments that have not received manufacturer requests for EPA evaluation and an additional general docket for chemicals not on the Work Plan. These dockets will be open until December 1, 2019. More details about these dockets is in Unit II.B. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:11 Oct 04, 2018 Jkt 247001 As amended in June 2016, TSCA requires that EPA prioritize and evaluate existing chemical substances and manage identified risks (15 U.S.C. 2605). This Notice is issued pursuant to the authority in TSCA section 6(b), 15 U.S.C. 2605(b). II. Background The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, amending the TSCA of 1976, was signed into law on June 22, 2016. The amendments required that EPA establish procedures for prioritizing and evaluating risks from existing chemical substances. EPA announced its final procedures on June 22, 2017 (see https://www.epa.gov/assessing-andmanaging-chemicals-under-tsca/federalregister-notice-proceduresprioritization), and the final procedural rule addressing the prioritization process published in the Federal Register on July 20, 2017 (82 FR 33753) (FRL–9964–24). A. A Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization The document described in this Notice lays out EPA’s near-term approach for identifying potential chemicals for prioritization, the initial step in evaluating the safety of existing chemicals under TSCA. Building on the Agency’s commitment to work with the public to select the next chemicals for risk evaluation, this approach reflects public input received at a December 2017 meeting (82 FR 51415) (FRL–9970– 34) and through the public docket for that meeting (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2017– 0587). By December 2019, EPA must designate at least 20 chemical substances as High-Priority for risk evaluation, and 20 chemical substances as Low-Priority for which risk evaluation is not currently warranted. The information set forth in the document, A Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization, describes the general approaches EPA may consider for identifying existing chemicals as potential candidates for prioritization. The goal of these approaches is to identify potential candidates from which EPA will select candidates for prioritization, consistent with its regulations at 40 CFR 702.5. The document describes the near-term approach that EPA anticipates using to inform the identification of potential candidates for the initial 20 HighPriority and 20 Low-Priority chemical PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50367 substances that must be identified pursuant to TSCA section 6(b)(2)(B). The document also presents a longerterm approach that EPA is considering. EPA encourages public comments on these approaches and has opened dockets to receive public comments. The document presents internal guidance for EPA, and neither constitutes rulemaking by EPA nor can be relied on to create a substantive or procedural right enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States. It provides recommendations and does not impose any legally binding requirements. Similarly, statements about what EPA expects or intends to do reflect general principles to guide EPA’s activities and not judgments or determinations as to what EPA will do in any particular case. B. Dockets To Collect Information on Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization for Risk Evaluation As explained in the Procedures for Prioritization of Chemicals for Risk Evaluation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act Final rule published in the Federal Register on July 20, 2017 (82 FR 33753) (FRL–9964–24), EPA intends to foster a dialogue with stakeholders by publishing a notice explaining why it chose to initiate the prioritization process on particular chemical substances and to seek relevant information from the public. In support of that intention, EPA is opening 74 public dockets, one for each of the 73 remaining chemicals on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments that have not received manufacturer requests for EPA evaluation and an additional general docket for the public to suggest chemicals EPA should prioritize for risk evaluation. By providing the public with a venue for submitting use, hazard, and exposure information on these chemicals, EPA is facilitating the sharing of information by stakeholders and the general public that could update the information EPA currently has on the chemicals on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments. EPA will use this data to inform TSCA prioritization and risk evaluation for these chemicals. EPA is also opening dockets for input on chemicals not on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments. EPA expects that the dockets will increase transparency of the process. The list of chemical dockets is in this section. Additional information, such as the docket numbers for each chemical, the chemical’s Chemical Abstract E:\FR\FM\05OCN1.SGM 05OCN1 daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES 50368 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 194 / Friday, October 5, 2018 / Notices Services Registry Number, and the EPA points of contact can be found at https:// www.epa.govADDURLXXX. EPA is opening these dockets to receive information from the public. Information should be submitted by December 1, 2019. When you submit your information, please identify the docket identification (ID) number associated with the relevant chemical. Additional instructions on providing information or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available in each docket and at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. When preparing and submitting your information, see the tips at https:// www2.epa.gov/dockets/commentingepa-dockets#tips. The chemicals as listed on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments and the respective docket numbers are: • Acetaldehyde (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0497). • Acrylonitrile (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0449). • tert-Amyl methyl ether (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0463). • Antimony and Antimony Compounds (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0470). • Arsenic and Arsenic Compounds (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0472). • Barium Carbonate (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0473). • Benzenamine (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0474). • Benzene (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0475). • Bisphenol A (BPA) (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0500). • 1,3-Butadiene (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0451). • Butanamide, 2,2′-[(3,3′dichloro[1,1′- biphenyl]- 4,4′diyl)bis(azo)]bis[N- (4-chloro-2,5 dimethoxyphenyl)-3-oxo- (Pigment Yellow 83) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0477). • Butanamide, 2-[(4- methoxy-2nitrophenyl) azo]-N-(2methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo- (Pigment Yellow 65) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0478). • Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) 1,2Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1- butyl 2(phenylmethyl) ester (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0501). • 4-sec-Butyl-2,6-di-tert- butylphenol (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0495). • Cadmium and Cadmium Compounds (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0479). • Chromium and Chromium Compounds (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0480). • Cobalt and Cobalt Compounds (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0481). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:11 Oct 04, 2018 Jkt 247001 • Creosotes (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0502). • Cyanide Compounds (Limited to dissociable compounds) (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0482). • Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (1,2Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2- dibutyl ester) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0503). • o-Dichlorobenzene (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0444). • p-Dichlorobenzene (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0446). • 3,3′-Dichlorobenzidine (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0494). • 3,3′-Dichlorobenzidine dihydrochloride (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0493). • 1,1-Dichloroethane (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0426). • 1,2-Dichloroethane (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0427). • trans-1,2- Dichloroethylene (EPA– HQ–OPPT–2018–0465). • 1,2-Dichloropropane (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0428). • Dicyclohexyl phthalate (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0504). • Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0433). • Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) (1,2Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2- bis(2methylpropyl) ester) (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0434). • Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) (1,2Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2diisodecyl ester) (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0435). • Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) (1,2Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2diisononyl ester) (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0436). • 1,2-Dimethoxyethane (Monoglyme) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0429). • 2-Dimethylaminoethanol (EPA– HQ–OPPT–2018–0489). • Di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) (1,2Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2- dioctyl ester) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0437). • Ethanone, 1- (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8octahydro-2,3,5,5- tetramethyl-2naphthalenyl)- (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0483). • Ethanone, 1- (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8octahydro-2,3,8,8- tetramethyl-2naphthalenyl)- (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0484). • Ethanone, 1- (1,2,3,4,6,7,8,8aoctahydro- 2,3,8,8- tetramethyl-2naphthalenyl)- (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0485). • Ethanone, 1- (1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8aoctahydro- 2,3,8,8- tetramethyl-2naphthalenyl)- (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0486). • Ethylbenzene (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0487). • Ethylene dibromide (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0488). PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • bis(2-Ethylhexyl) adipate (EPA– HQ–OPPT–2018–0499). • 2-Ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5tetrabromobenzoate (TBB) (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0491). • bis(2-Ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0498). • Formaldehyde (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0438). • 2,5-Furandione (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0471). • 1-Hexadecanol (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0469). • 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0430). • 2-Hydroxy-4-(octyloxy) benzophenone (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0492). • Lead and Lead Compounds (EPA– HQ–OPPT–2018–0452). • Long-chain chlorinated paraffins (C18–20) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0439). • Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (C14–17) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0440). • 4,4′-Methylene bis(2- chloroaniline) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0464). • 4,4′-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2, 6dibromophenol] (TBBPA) (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0462). • Molybdenum and Molybdenum Compounds (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0453). • Naphthalene (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0454). • 2- Naphthalenecarboxylic acid, 4[(4-chloro-5- methyl-2-sulfophenyl) azo]-3-hydroxy-, calcium salt (1:1) (Pigment Red 52) (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0460). • Nickel and Nickel Compounds (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0455). • N-Nitroso- diphenylamine (EPA– HQ–OPPT–2018–0456). • Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NP/NPEs) (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0442). • Octamethylcyclotetra- siloxane (D4) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0443). • 4-tert-Octylphenol (4-(1,1,3,3Tetramethylbutyl)- phenol) (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0496). • p,p′- Oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0457). • Phosphoric acid, triphenyl ester (TPP) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0458). • Phthalic anhydride (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0459). • Styrene (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0461). • Tribromomethane (Bromoform) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0466). • 1,1,2-Trichloroethane (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0421). • Triglycidyl isocyanurate (EPA–HQ– OPPT–2018–0467). • Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0476). E:\FR\FM\05OCN1.SGM 05OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 194 / Friday, October 5, 2018 / Notices • Vinyl chloride (EPA–HQ–OPPT– 2018–0448). • m-Xylene (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0441). • o-Xylene (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0445). • p-Xylene (EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018– 0447). In addition, EPA is interested in the public’s input on chemicals not on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments for consideration as potential candidates for prioritization under TSCA. EPA welcomes the submittal of information to the docket that would support the consideration of the chemicals suggested, such as information on use, hazard, and exposure. EPA is opening docket number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2018–0592 for this purpose. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq. Dated: September 27, 2018. Jeffery T. Morris, Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. [FR Doc. 2018–21747 Filed 10–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION RIN 3064–ZA02 Request for Information on FDIC Communication and Transparency Overview of Request for Information Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). ACTION: Notice and Request for Information. AGENCY: The FDIC is seeking comments and information from interested parties on the FDIC’s communication methods and related initiatives to promote efficiency and increase transparency. DATES: Comments must be received by December 4, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN 3064–ZA02, by any of the following methods: • Agency website: https:// www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/federal/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the Agency website. • Email: Comments@fdic.gov. Include the RIN 3064–ZA02 in the subject line of the message. • Mail: Robert E. Feldman, Executive Secretary, Attention: Comments, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20429. • Hand Delivery: Comments may be hand-delivered to the guard station at the rear of the 550 17th Street NW daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:11 Oct 04, 2018 Jkt 247001 building (located on F Street) on business days between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Public Inspection: All comments received must include the agency name and RIN for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without change to https://www.fdic.gov/ regulations/laws/federal/—including any personal information provided—for public inspection. Paper copies of public comments may be ordered from the FDIC Public Information Center, 3501 North Fairfax Drive, Room E–1002, Arlington, VA 22226 by telephone at (877) 275–3342 or (703) 562–2200. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tanya Otsuka, Counsel, (202) 898–6816, taotsuka@FDIC.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FDIC is responsible for maintaining stability and public confidence in the nation’s financial system by insuring deposits, examining and supervising financial institutions for safety and soundness and consumer protection, making large and complex financial institutions resolvable, and managing receiverships. In order to accomplish this mission, the FDIC must be able to communicate efficiently and effectively with financial institutions. As described further below, the FDIC is soliciting comment on how to streamline and improve communication with insured depository institutions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (‘‘FDIC’’ or ‘‘Agency’’) is issuing this request for information to seek public input on how to make the FDIC’s communication with insured depository institutions (IDIs) more effective, streamlined, and clear. While the FDIC’s communication with financial institutions is essential to fulfill its statutory mandate, the FDIC recognizes that the amount of information the Agency provides to banks can create challenges for institutions. For example, staying current on relevant communications may be particularly difficult for community banks. Accordingly, the FDIC is soliciting comment on how to maximize efficiency and minimize burden associated with obtaining information on FDIC laws, regulations, policies, and other materials relevant to IDIs. Current Forms of Communication The FDIC uses many forms of communication to inform IDIs about regulations, policies and guidance, industry data and educational materials, and other news and updates. Some PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50369 forms of communication may be used to disseminate more than one type of information, and some materials may be distributed through multiple channels. These forms of communication include, but are not limited to: Regulations, Policies, Procedures, and Guidance • Federal Register: The FDIC publishes in the Federal Register proposed and final rules, requests for information, and other notices, including statements of policy and certain guidance or interpretations.1 • Unified Agenda: Twice each year through the Unified Agenda process, the FDIC makes available an agenda of regulations to inform the public of its regulatory actions and to enhance public participation in the rulemaking process.2 The agenda contains information about FDIC’s current and projected rulemakings, existing regulations under review, and completed rulemakings. • Financial Institution Letters (FILs): The FDIC uses FILs to distribute information to all or a subset of FDICinsured institutions, which letters are also posted on the FDIC website in chronological order. FILs may announce new regulations and policies, new FDIC publications, and a variety of other matters of principal interest to those responsible for operating a bank or savings association. • Statements of Policy: The FDIC may use statements of policy to advise the public prospectively of the manner in which the FDIC proposes to exercise its authorities or view certain matters under applicable law. • Examination Manuals • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or Questions and Answers (Q&As) • Memoranda • Supervisory Guidance Documents, Statements, and Advisories • FDIC Open Board Meetings News and Updates • • • • Press Releases FDIC Consumer News Annual Reports Newsletters (e.g., Regional Newsletters, Money Smart News) • Consumer Alerts • Regulatory Calendar 1 The FDIC posts documents published in the Federal Register chronologically on the FDIC website. See https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/ federal/. 2 Publication of the agenda is in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act. See 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. E:\FR\FM\05OCN1.SGM 05OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 194 (Friday, October 5, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50366-50369]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21747]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2017-0586; FRL-9983-38]


A Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals 
for Prioritization; Notice of Availability

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This Notice announces the availability of a document: A 
Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for 
Prioritization. The document lays out EPA's near-term approach for 
identifying potential chemicals for prioritization, the initial step in 
evaluating the safety of existing chemicals under the Toxic Substances 
Control Act (TSCA). The document also includes a longer-term risk-based 
approach for considering the larger TSCA active chemical universe. EPA 
is opening a public docket to accept comments on this approach, which 
will inform a public meeting to be held in early 2019. This docket will 
remain open until November 15, 2018. In a related but separate action, 
EPA is opening 74 public dockets, one for each of the 73 remaining 
chemicals on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical 
Assessments that have not received manufacturer requests for EPA 
evaluation and an additional general docket for chemicals not on the 
Work Plan. These dockets will be open until December 1, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    For technical information on A Working Approach for Identifying 
Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization document contact: 
Susanna Blair, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number: (202) 564-4371; email address: 
[email protected].
    For general information contact: The TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 
422 South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202) 
554-1404; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 50367]]

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of 
interest to a wide range of stakeholders including chemical 
manufacturers, processors and users, consumer product companies, non-
profit organizations in the environmental and public health sectors, 
state and local government agencies, and members of the public 
interested in the environmental and human health assessment and 
regulation of chemical substances. Since others also may be interested, 
the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that 
may be affected by this action.

B. What action is the Agency taking?

    EPA is taking three actions: Announcing the availability of a 
document, announcing the opening of a docket to accept comments on the 
longer-term strategy described in the document, and announcing the 
opening of chemical-specific public dockets and a general docket to 
collect information on potential candidate chemicals for prioritization 
for risk evaluation under TSCA.
    This Notice announces the availability of a document: A Working 
Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for 
Prioritization. The document lays out EPA's near-term approach for 
identifying potential chemicals for prioritization, the initial step in 
evaluating the safety of existing chemicals under TSCA. The document 
also includes a longer-term approach for considering the larger TSCA 
active chemical universe. The document is available at EPA's website at 
https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/prioritizing-existing-chemicals-risk-evaluation.
    EPA is opening a public docket to accept comments on this longer-
term approach, which will inform a public meeting to be held in early 
2019. This docket, identified by docket ID EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0659, will 
remain open until November 15, 2018.
    In a separate but related action, EPA is opening 74 public dockets, 
one for each of the 73 remaining chemicals on the 2014 Update to the 
TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments that have not received 
manufacturer requests for EPA evaluation and an additional general 
docket for chemicals not on the Work Plan. These dockets will be open 
until December 1, 2019. More details about these dockets is in Unit 
II.B.

C. What is the Agency's authority for this action?

    As amended in June 2016, TSCA requires that EPA prioritize and 
evaluate existing chemical substances and manage identified risks (15 
U.S.C. 2605). This Notice is issued pursuant to the authority in TSCA 
section 6(b), 15 U.S.C. 2605(b).

II. Background

    The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, 
amending the TSCA of 1976, was signed into law on June 22, 2016. The 
amendments required that EPA establish procedures for prioritizing and 
evaluating risks from existing chemical substances. EPA announced its 
final procedures on June 22, 2017 (see https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/federal-register-notice-procedures-prioritization), and the final procedural rule addressing the 
prioritization process published in the Federal Register on July 20, 
2017 (82 FR 33753) (FRL-9964-24).

A. A Working Approach for Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for 
Prioritization

    The document described in this Notice lays out EPA's near-term 
approach for identifying potential chemicals for prioritization, the 
initial step in evaluating the safety of existing chemicals under TSCA. 
Building on the Agency's commitment to work with the public to select 
the next chemicals for risk evaluation, this approach reflects public 
input received at a December 2017 meeting (82 FR 51415) (FRL-9970-34) 
and through the public docket for that meeting (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2017-0587). 
By December 2019, EPA must designate at least 20 chemical substances as 
High-Priority for risk evaluation, and 20 chemical substances as Low-
Priority for which risk evaluation is not currently warranted.
    The information set forth in the document, A Working Approach for 
Identifying Potential Candidate Chemicals for Prioritization, describes 
the general approaches EPA may consider for identifying existing 
chemicals as potential candidates for prioritization. The goal of these 
approaches is to identify potential candidates from which EPA will 
select candidates for prioritization, consistent with its regulations 
at 40 CFR 702.5.
    The document describes the near-term approach that EPA anticipates 
using to inform the identification of potential candidates for the 
initial 20 High-Priority and 20 Low-Priority chemical substances that 
must be identified pursuant to TSCA section 6(b)(2)(B). The document 
also presents a longer-term approach that EPA is considering. EPA 
encourages public comments on these approaches and has opened dockets 
to receive public comments.
    The document presents internal guidance for EPA, and neither 
constitutes rulemaking by EPA nor can be relied on to create a 
substantive or procedural right enforceable by any party in litigation 
with the United States. It provides recommendations and does not impose 
any legally binding requirements. Similarly, statements about what EPA 
expects or intends to do reflect general principles to guide EPA's 
activities and not judgments or determinations as to what EPA will do 
in any particular case.

B. Dockets To Collect Information on Potential Candidate Chemicals for 
Prioritization for Risk Evaluation

    As explained in the Procedures for Prioritization of Chemicals for 
Risk Evaluation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act Final rule 
published in the Federal Register on July 20, 2017 (82 FR 33753) (FRL-
9964-24), EPA intends to foster a dialogue with stakeholders by 
publishing a notice explaining why it chose to initiate the 
prioritization process on particular chemical substances and to seek 
relevant information from the public. In support of that intention, EPA 
is opening 74 public dockets, one for each of the 73 remaining 
chemicals on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical 
Assessments that have not received manufacturer requests for EPA 
evaluation and an additional general docket for the public to suggest 
chemicals EPA should prioritize for risk evaluation.
    By providing the public with a venue for submitting use, hazard, 
and exposure information on these chemicals, EPA is facilitating the 
sharing of information by stakeholders and the general public that 
could update the information EPA currently has on the chemicals on the 
2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments. EPA will 
use this data to inform TSCA prioritization and risk evaluation for 
these chemicals.
    EPA is also opening dockets for input on chemicals not on the 2014 
Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments. EPA expects that 
the dockets will increase transparency of the process.
    The list of chemical dockets is in this section. Additional 
information, such as the docket numbers for each chemical, the 
chemical's Chemical Abstract

[[Page 50368]]

Services Registry Number, and the EPA points of contact can be found at 
https://www.epa.govADDURLXXX. EPA is opening these dockets to receive 
information from the public. Information should be submitted by 
December 1, 2019. When you submit your information, please identify the 
docket identification (ID) number associated with the relevant 
chemical. Additional instructions on providing information or visiting 
the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is 
available in each docket and at https://www.epa.gov/dockets. When 
preparing and submitting your information, see the tips at https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets#tips.
    The chemicals as listed on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan 
for Chemical Assessments and the respective docket numbers are:
     Acetaldehyde (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0497).
     Acrylonitrile (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0449).
     tert-Amyl methyl ether (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0463).
     Antimony and Antimony Compounds (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0470).
     Arsenic and Arsenic Compounds (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0472).
     Barium Carbonate (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0473).
     Benzenamine (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0474).
     Benzene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0475).
     Bisphenol A (BPA) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0500).
     1,3-Butadiene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0451).
     Butanamide, 2,2'-[(3,3'- dichloro[1,1'- biphenyl]- 4,4'-
diyl)bis(azo)]bis[N- (4-chloro-2,5 dimethoxyphenyl)-3-oxo- (Pigment 
Yellow 83) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0477).
     Butanamide, 2-[(4- methoxy-2-nitrophenyl) azo]-N-(2- 
methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo- (Pigment Yellow 65) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0478).
     Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) 1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic 
acid, 1- butyl 2(phenylmethyl) ester (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0501).
     4-sec-Butyl-2,6-di-tert- butylphenol (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-
0495).
     Cadmium and Cadmium Compounds (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0479).
     Chromium and Chromium Compounds (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0480).
     Cobalt and Cobalt Compounds (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0481).
     Creosotes (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0502).
     Cyanide Compounds (Limited to dissociable compounds) (EPA-
HQ-OPPT-2018-0482).
     Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 
1,2- dibutyl ester) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0503).
     o-Dichlorobenzene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0444).
     p-Dichlorobenzene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0446).
     3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0494).
     3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine dihydrochloride (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-
0493).
     1,1-Dichloroethane (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0426).
     1,2-Dichloroethane (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0427).
     trans-1,2- Dichloroethylene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0465).
     1,2-Dichloropropane (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0428).
     Dicyclohexyl phthalate (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0504).
     Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic 
acid, 1,2- bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0433).
     Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic 
acid, 1,2- bis-(2methylpropyl) ester) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0434).
     Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic 
acid, 1,2- diisodecyl ester) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0435).
     Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic 
acid, 1,2- diisononyl ester) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0436).
     1,2-Dimethoxyethane (Monoglyme) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0429).
     2-Dimethylaminoethanol (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0489).
     Di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic 
acid, 1,2- dioctyl ester) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0437).
     Ethanone, 1- (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8- octahydro-2,3,5,5- 
tetramethyl-2- naphthalenyl)- (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0483).
     Ethanone, 1- (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8- octahydro-2,3,8,8- 
tetramethyl-2- naphthalenyl)- (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0484).
     Ethanone, 1- (1,2,3,4,6,7,8,8a-octahydro- 2,3,8,8- 
tetramethyl-2- naphthalenyl)- (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0485).
     Ethanone, 1- (1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro- 2,3,8,8- 
tetramethyl-2- naphthalenyl)- (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0486).
     Ethylbenzene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0487).
     Ethylene dibromide (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0488).
     bis(2-Ethylhexyl) adipate (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0499).
     2-Ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5- tetrabromobenzoate (TBB) (EPA-HQ-
OPPT-2018-0491).
     bis(2-Ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) (EPA-
HQ-OPPT-2018-0498).
     Formaldehyde (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0438).
     2,5-Furandione (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0471).
     1-Hexadecanol (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0469).
     1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8- hexamethylcyclopenta 
[g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0430).
     2-Hydroxy-4-(octyloxy) benzophenone (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-
0492).
     Lead and Lead Compounds (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0452).
     Long-chain chlorinated paraffins (C18-20) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-
2018-0439).
     Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (C14-17) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-
2018-0440).
     4,4'-Methylene bis(2- chloroaniline) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-
0464).
     4,4'-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2, 6-dibromophenol] (TBBPA) 
(EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0462).
     Molybdenum and Molybdenum Compounds (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-
0453).
     Naphthalene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0454).
     2- Naphthalenecarboxylic acid, 4-[(4-chloro-5- methyl-2-
sulfophenyl) azo]-3-hydroxy-, calcium salt (1:1) (Pigment Red 52) (EPA-
HQ-OPPT-2018-0460).
     Nickel and Nickel Compounds (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0455).
     N-Nitroso- diphenylamine (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0456).
     Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NP/NPEs) (EPA-HQ-
OPPT-2018-0442).
     Octamethylcyclotetra- siloxane (D4) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-
0443).
     4-tert-Octylphenol (4-(1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl)- phenol) 
(EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0496).
     p,p'- Oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-
0457).
     Phosphoric acid, triphenyl ester (TPP) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-
0458).
     Phthalic anhydride (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0459).
     Styrene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0461).
     Tribromomethane (Bromoform) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0466).
     1,1,2-Trichloroethane (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0421).
     Triglycidyl isocyanurate (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0467).
     Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-
0476).

[[Page 50369]]

     Vinyl chloride (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0448).
     m-Xylene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0441).
     o-Xylene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0445).
     p-Xylene (EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0447).
    In addition, EPA is interested in the public's input on chemicals 
not on the 2014 Update to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments 
for consideration as potential candidates for prioritization under 
TSCA. EPA welcomes the submittal of information to the docket that 
would support the consideration of the chemicals suggested, such as 
information on use, hazard, and exposure. EPA is opening docket number 
EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0592 for this purpose.

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

    Dated: September 27, 2018.
Jeffery T. Morris,
Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.
[FR Doc. 2018-21747 Filed 10-4-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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