Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4, 70147-70149 [2020-24478]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 4, 2020 / Notices
accordance with procedures set forth in
40 CFR part 2.
2. Tips for preparing your comments.
When preparing and submitting your
comments, see the commenting tips at
https://www.epa.gov/dockets/
comments.html.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
C. How can I get copies of this
document and other related
information?
A copy of the draft PR Notice is
available in the docket, identified by
docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2020–
0260, at https://www.regulations.gov.
II. What guidance does this PR Notice
provide?
This draft PR Notice provides
guidance to the registrant concerning
the proposal to update and replace the
Pesticide Registration Notice (PRN)
2002–1, which identifies pests of
significant public health importance.
The list was first published in 2002,
fulfilling the requirement of FIFRA
section 28(d) to identify pests of
significant public health importance
(see the original list: https://
www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/
2014-04/documents/pr2002-1.pdf). EPA,
HHS and USDA believe that pests,
diseases and control techniques have
evolved since 2002. The list provides an
interagency baseline for the federal
government and the public to begin any
discussions on government regulation
and control of disease or disease
vectors. EPA uses the list of pests of
significant public health importance to
develop and implement programs to
improve and facilitate the safe and
necessary use of chemical, biological
and other methods to control pests of
public health importance. When a pest
is added to this list, it reflects a
determination that the pest is a pest of
significant public health importance
and the list serves as a public reference
to that effect. The publication of the
updated list does not affect the
regulatory status of any registration or
application for registration of any
pesticide product, therefore, registrants
do not need to take any action.
EPA requests comment on whether
there are any pests, such as the Asian
giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) or the
Turkestan cockroach (Blatta lateralis),
that should be added to this list to
address emergent pest issues.
III. Do PR Notices contain binding
requirements?
The PR Notice discussed in this
document is intended to provide
guidance to EPA personnel and
decisionmakers and to pesticide
registrants. While the requirements in
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the statutes and Agency regulations are
binding on EPA and the applicants, this
PR Notice is not binding on either EPA
or pesticide registrants, and EPA may
depart from the guidance where
circumstances warrant and without
prior notice. Likewise, pesticide
registrants may assert that the guidance
is not appropriate generally or not
applicable to a specific pesticide or
situation.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.
Dated: October 30, 2020.
Alexandra Dapolito Dunn,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Chemical
Safety and Pollution Prevention.
[FR Doc. 2020–24483 Filed 11–3–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[FRL–10015–38–Region 3]
Notice of Tentative Approval and
Opportunity for Public Comment and
Public Hearing for Public Water
System Supervision Program Revision
for Pennsylvania
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of approval and
solicitation of requests for public
hearing.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is
revising its approved Public Water
System Supervision Program.
Pennsylvania has adopted drinking
water regulations for the Ground Water
Rule and the Long Term 2 Enhanced
Surface Water Treatment Rule. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
has determined that Pennsylvania’s
Ground Water Rule and Long Term 2
Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
meet all minimum federal requirements,
and that these are no less stringent than
the corresponding federal regulations.
Therefore, EPA has tentatively decided
to approve the State program revisions.
DATES: Comments or a request for a
public hearing must be submitted by
December 4, 2020. This determination
shall become final and effective on
December 4, 2020 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, and if no
comments are received which cause
EPA to modify its tentative approval.
ADDRESSES: As a result of impacts
related to the COVID–19 pandemic, all
requests for documents relating to this
determination must be submitted by
SUMMARY:
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electronic mail to the address below.
Comments or a request for a public
hearing must also be submitted via
electronic mail.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kelly Moran, EPA Region III, Drinking
Water Section by email at moran.kelly@
epa.gov, or telephone (215) 814–2331.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: All
interested parties are invited to submit
written comments on this determination
and may request a hearing. All
comments will be considered, and if
necessary, EPA will issue a response.
Frivolous or insubstantial requests for a
hearing will be denied by the Regional
Administrator. If a substantial request
for a public hearing is made by
December 4, 2020, a public hearing will
be held. A request for public hearing
shall include the following: (1) The
name, address, and telephone number of
the individual, organization, or other
entity requesting a hearing; (2) a brief
statement of the requesting person’s
interest in the Regional Administrator’s
determination and of information that
the requesting person intends to submit
at such hearing; and (3) 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.
Dated: October 23, 2020.
Cosmo Servidio,
Regional Administrator, Region III.
[FR Doc. 2020–24375 Filed 11–3–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OPPT–2019–0499; FRL–10015–
51]
Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4); Final
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
Risk Evaluation; Notice of Availability
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is announcing the
availability of the final Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk
evaluation of Carbon Tetrachloride
(CCl4). The purpose of conducting risk
evaluations under TSCA is to determine
whether a chemical substance presents
an unreasonable risk of injury to health
or the environment under the
conditions of use, including an
unreasonable risk to a relevant
potentially exposed or susceptible
subpopulation, without consideration of
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 4, 2020 / Notices
costs or other nonrisk factors. EPA has
determined that specific conditions of
use of CCl4 present an unreasonable risk
of injury to health or the environment.
For those conditions of use for which
EPA has found an unreasonable risk,
EPA must take regulatory action to
address that unreasonable risk through
risk management measures enumerated
in TSCA. EPA has also determined that
specific conditions of use do not present
unreasonable risk of injury to health or
the environment. For those conditions
of use for which EPA has found no
unreasonable risk to health or the
environment, the Agency’s
determination is a final Agency action
and is issued via order in the risk
evaluation.
The docket for this action,
identified by docket identification (ID)
number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2019–0499, is
available online at https://
www.regulations.gov or in-person at the
Office of Pollution Prevention and
Toxics Docket (OPPT Docket),
Environmental Protection Agency
Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC.
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 OPPT
Docket is (202) 566–0280.
Due to the public health concerns
related to COVID–19, the EPA Docket
Center (EPA/DC) and Public Reading
Room are closed to visitors with limited
exceptions. The EPA/DC staff continue
to provide remote customer service via
email, phone, and webform. For the
latest status information on EPA/DC
services and docket access, visit https://
www.epa.gov/dockets.
ADDRESSES:
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For technical information contact: Dr.
Karen Eisenreich, Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics (7403M),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
20460–0001; telephone number: (202)
564–7843; email address:
eisenreich.karen@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:
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I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
This action is directed to the public
in general. This action may be of
interest to persons who are or may be
interested in risk evaluations of
chemical substances under TSCA, 15
U.S.C. 2601 et seq. Since other entities
may also be interested in this final risk
evaluation, the EPA has not attempted
to describe all the specific entities that
may be affected by this action.
B. What is EPA’s authority for taking
this action?
TSCA section 6, 15 U.S.C. 2605,
requires EPA to conduct risk
evaluations to ‘‘determine whether a
chemical substance presents an
unreasonable risk of injury to health or
the environment, without consideration
of costs or other nonrisk factors,
including an unreasonable risk to a
potentially exposed or susceptible
subpopulation identified as relevant to
the risk evaluation by the
Administrator, under the conditions of
use.’’ 15 U.S.C. 2605(b)(4)(A). TSCA
sections 6(b)(4)(A) through (H)
enumerate the deadlines and minimum
requirements applicable to this process,
including provisions that provide
instruction on chemical substances that
must undergo evaluation, the minimum
components of a TSCA risk evaluation,
and the timelines for public comment
and completion of the risk evaluation.
TSCA also requires that EPA operate in
a manner that is consistent with the best
available science, make decisions based
on the weight of the scientific evidence
and consider reasonably available
information. 15 U.S.C. 2625(h), (i), and
(k). TSCA section 6(i) directs that a
determination of ‘‘no unreasonable risk’’
shall be issued by order and considered
to be a final Agency action, while a
determination of ‘‘unreasonable risk’’ is
not considered to be a final Agency
action. 15 U.S.C. 2605(i).
The statute identifies the minimum
components for all chemical substance
risk evaluations. For each risk
evaluation, EPA must publish a
document that outlines the scope of the
risk evaluation to be conducted, which
includes the hazards, exposures,
conditions of use, and the potentially
exposed or susceptible subpopulations
that EPA expects to consider. 15 U.S.C.
2605(b)(4)(D). The statute further
provides that each risk evaluation must
also: (1) Integrate and assess available
information on hazards and exposures
for the conditions of use of the chemical
substance, including information that is
relevant to specific risks of injury to
health or the environment and
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information on relevant potentially
exposed or susceptible subpopulations;
(2) describe whether aggregate or
sentinel exposures were considered and
the basis for that consideration; (3) take
into account, where relevant, the likely
duration, intensity, frequency, and
number of exposures under the
conditions of use; and (4) describe the
weight of the scientific evidence for the
identified hazards and exposures. 15
U.S.C. 2605(b)(4)(F)(i) through (ii) and
(iv) through (v). Each risk evaluation
must not consider costs or other nonrisk
factors. 15 U.S.C. 2605(b)(4)(F)(iii).
The statute requires that the risk
evaluation process be completed within
a specified timeframe and provide an
opportunity for public comment on a
draft risk evaluation prior to publishing
a final risk evaluation. 15 U.S.C.
2605(b)(4).
Subsection 5.4.1 of the final risk
evaluation for CCl4 constitutes the order
required under TSCA section 6(i)(1),
and the ‘‘no unreasonable risk’’
determinations in that subsection are
considered to be a final Agency action
effective on the date of issuance of the
order. In conducting risk evaluations,
‘‘EPA will determine whether the
chemical substance presents an
unreasonable risk of injury to health or
the environment under each condition
of use within the scope of the risk
evaluation . . . .’’ 40 CFR 702.47.
Under EPA’s implementing regulations,
‘‘[a] determination by EPA that the
chemical substance, under one or more
of the conditions of use within the
scope of the risk evaluation, does not
present an unreasonable risk of injury to
health or the environment will be issued
by order and considered to be a final
Agency action, effective on the date of
issuance of the order.’’ 40 CFR
702.49(d). For purposes of TSCA section
19(a)(1)(A), the date of issuance of the
TSCA section 6(i)(1) order for CCl4 shall
be at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (standard or
daylight, as appropriate) on the date that
is two weeks after the date when this
notice is published in the Federal
Register, which is in accordance with
40 CFR 23.5.
C. What action is EPA taking?
EPA is announcing the availability of
the risk evaluation of the chemical
substance identified in Unit II. In this
risk evaluation EPA has made
unreasonable risk determinations on
some of the conditions of use within the
scope of the risk evaluation for this
chemical. For those conditions of use
for which EPA has found an
unreasonable risk of injury to health or
the environment, EPA must initiate
regulatory action to address those risks
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 4, 2020 / Notices
through risk management measures
enumerated in 15 U.S.C. 2605(a).
EPA also is announcing the
availability of the information required
to be provided publicly with each risk
evaluation, which is available online at
https://www.regulations.gov in the
dockets identified. 40 CFR 702.51.
Specifically, EPA has provided:
• The scope document and problem
formulation (in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OPPT–2016–0733);
• Draft risk evaluation, and final risk
evaluation (in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OPPT–2019–0499);
• All notices, determinations,
findings, consent agreements, and
orders (in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OPPT–2019–0499);
• Any information required to be
provided to the Agency under 15 U.S.C.
2603 (in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OPPT–
2016–0733 and Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OPPT–2019–0499);
• A nontechnical summary of the risk
evaluation (in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OPPT–2019–0499);
• A list of the studies, with the results
of the studies, considered in carrying
out each risk evaluation (Risk
Evaluation for Carbon Tetrachloride
(CCl4)) in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OPPT–2019–0499);
• The final peer review report,
including the response to peer review
and public comments received during
peer review (in Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
OPPT–2019–0499); and
• Response to public comments
received on the draft scope and the draft
risk evaluation (in Docket ID No. EPA–
HQ–OPPT–2019–0499).
II. TSCA Risk Evaluation
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A. What is EPA’s risk evaluation process
for existing chemicals under TSCA?
The risk evaluation process is the
second step in EPA’s existing chemical
review process under TSCA, following
prioritization and before risk
management. As this chemical is one of
the first ten chemical substances
undergoing risk evaluation, the
chemical substance was not required to
go through prioritization (81 FR 91927,
December 19, 2016) (FRL–9956–47). The
purpose of conducting risk evaluations
is to determine whether a chemical
substance presents an unreasonable risk
of injury to health or the environment
under the conditions of use, including
an unreasonable risk to a relevant
potentially exposed or susceptible
subpopulation. As part of this process,
EPA must evaluate both hazard and
exposure, not consider costs or other
nonrisk factors, use reasonably available
information and approaches in a
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manner that is consistent with the
requirements in TSCA for the use of the
best available science, and ensure
decisions are based on the weight of the
scientific evidence.
The specific risk evaluation process
that EPA has established by rule to
implement the statutory process is set
out in 40 CFR part 702 and summarized
on EPA’s website at https://
www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managingchemicals-under-tsca/risk-evaluationsexisting-chemicals-under-tsca. As
explained in the preamble to EPA’s final
rule on procedures for risk evaluation
(82 FR 33726, July 20, 2017) (FRL–
9964–38), the specific regulatory
process set out in 40 CFR part 702,
subpart B is being followed for the first
ten chemical substances undergoing risk
evaluation to the maximum extent
practicable.
Prior to the publication of this final
risk evaluation, a draft risk evaluation
was subject to peer review and public
comment. EPA reviewed the report from
the peer review committee and public
comments and has amended the risk
evaluation in response to these
comments as appropriate. The public
comments, peer review report, and
EPA’s response to comments is in
Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OPPT–2019–
0499. Prior to the publication of the
draft risk evaluation, EPA made
available the scope and problem
formulation, and solicited public input
on uses and exposure. EPA’s documents
and the public comments are in Docket
ID No. EPA–HQ–OPPT–2016–0733.
Additionally, information about the
scope, problem formulation, and draft
risk evaluation phases of the TSCA risk
evaluation for this chemical is available
at EPA’s website at https://
www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managingchemicals-under-tsca/risk-evaluationcarbon-tetrachloride.
B. What is carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)?
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is used as
a feedstock in the production of
hydrochloro fluorocarbons (HCFCs),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and
hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and is a
high-production volume solvent. It is
also used as a process agent in the
manufacturing of petrochemicalsderived and agricultural products and
other chlorinated compounds such as
chlorinated paraffins, chlorinated
rubber and others that may be used
downstream in the formulation of
solvents for degreasing and cleaning,
adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings,
rubber, cement and asphalt
formulations.
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70149
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.
Andrew Wheeler,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020–24478 Filed 11–3–20; 8:45 am]
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Sunshine Act Meeting
Monday, November 9,
2020, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
PLACE: Because of the COVID–19
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STATUS: The meeting will be open to the
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MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: The
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Update to the Compliance Manual
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DATE AND TIME:
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Please telephone (202) 663–7100
(voice) or email
commissionmeetingcomments@eeoc.gov
at any time for information on this
meeting.
CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Bernadette B. Wilson, Executive Officer
on (202) 663–4077.
Raymond L. Peeler,
Assistant Legal Counsel, Office of Legal
Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2020–24560 Filed 11–2–20; 11:15 am]
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 214 (Wednesday, November 4, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70147-70149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24478]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0499; FRL-10015-51]
Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4); Final Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA) Risk Evaluation; Notice of Availability
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the
availability of the final Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk
evaluation of Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4). The purpose of
conducting risk evaluations under TSCA is to determine whether a
chemical substance presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health or
the environment under the conditions of use, including an unreasonable
risk to a relevant potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulation,
without consideration of
[[Page 70148]]
costs or other nonrisk factors. EPA has determined that specific
conditions of use of CCl4 present an unreasonable risk of
injury to health or the environment. For those conditions of use for
which EPA has found an unreasonable risk, EPA must take regulatory
action to address that unreasonable risk through risk management
measures enumerated in TSCA. EPA has also determined that specific
conditions of use do not present unreasonable risk of injury to health
or the environment. For those conditions of use for which EPA has found
no unreasonable risk to health or the environment, the Agency's
determination is a final Agency action and is issued via order in the
risk evaluation.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0499, is available online
at https://www.regulations.gov or in-person at the Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics Docket (OPPT Docket), Environmental Protection
Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg.,
Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. 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 OPPT Docket is
(202) 566-0280.
Due to the public health concerns related to COVID-19, the EPA
Docket Center (EPA/DC) and Public Reading Room are closed to visitors
with limited exceptions. The EPA/DC staff continue to provide remote
customer service via email, phone, and webform. For the latest status
information on EPA/DC services and docket access, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For technical information contact: Dr. Karen Eisenreich, Office of
Pollution Prevention and Toxics (7403M), Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone
number: (202) 564-7843; 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:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
This action is directed to the public in general. This action may
be of interest to persons who are or may be interested in risk
evaluations of chemical substances under TSCA, 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.
Since other entities may also be interested in this final risk
evaluation, the EPA has not attempted to describe all the specific
entities that may be affected by this action.
B. What is EPA's authority for taking this action?
TSCA section 6, 15 U.S.C. 2605, requires EPA to conduct risk
evaluations to ``determine whether a chemical substance presents an
unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment, without
consideration of costs or other nonrisk factors, including an
unreasonable risk to a potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulation
identified as relevant to the risk evaluation by the Administrator,
under the conditions of use.'' 15 U.S.C. 2605(b)(4)(A). TSCA sections
6(b)(4)(A) through (H) enumerate the deadlines and minimum requirements
applicable to this process, including provisions that provide
instruction on chemical substances that must undergo evaluation, the
minimum components of a TSCA risk evaluation, and the timelines for
public comment and completion of the risk evaluation. TSCA also
requires that EPA operate in a manner that is consistent with the best
available science, make decisions based on the weight of the scientific
evidence and consider reasonably available information. 15 U.S.C.
2625(h), (i), and (k). TSCA section 6(i) directs that a determination
of ``no unreasonable risk'' shall be issued by order and considered to
be a final Agency action, while a determination of ``unreasonable
risk'' is not considered to be a final Agency action. 15 U.S.C.
2605(i).
The statute identifies the minimum components for all chemical
substance risk evaluations. For each risk evaluation, EPA must publish
a document that outlines the scope of the risk evaluation to be
conducted, which includes the hazards, exposures, conditions of use,
and the potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations that EPA
expects to consider. 15 U.S.C. 2605(b)(4)(D). The statute further
provides that each risk evaluation must also: (1) Integrate and assess
available information on hazards and exposures for the conditions of
use of the chemical substance, including information that is relevant
to specific risks of injury to health or the environment and
information on relevant potentially exposed or susceptible
subpopulations; (2) describe whether aggregate or sentinel exposures
were considered and the basis for that consideration; (3) take into
account, where relevant, the likely duration, intensity, frequency, and
number of exposures under the conditions of use; and (4) describe the
weight of the scientific evidence for the identified hazards and
exposures. 15 U.S.C. 2605(b)(4)(F)(i) through (ii) and (iv) through
(v). Each risk evaluation must not consider costs or other nonrisk
factors. 15 U.S.C. 2605(b)(4)(F)(iii).
The statute requires that the risk evaluation process be completed
within a specified timeframe and provide an opportunity for public
comment on a draft risk evaluation prior to publishing a final risk
evaluation. 15 U.S.C. 2605(b)(4).
Subsection 5.4.1 of the final risk evaluation for CCl4
constitutes the order required under TSCA section 6(i)(1), and the ``no
unreasonable risk'' determinations in that subsection are considered to
be a final Agency action effective on the date of issuance of the
order. In conducting risk evaluations, ``EPA will determine whether the
chemical substance presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health or
the environment under each condition of use within the scope of the
risk evaluation . . . .'' 40 CFR 702.47. Under EPA's implementing
regulations, ``[a] determination by EPA that the chemical substance,
under one or more of the conditions of use within the scope of the risk
evaluation, does not present an unreasonable risk of injury to health
or the environment will be issued by order and considered to be a final
Agency action, effective on the date of issuance of the order.'' 40 CFR
702.49(d). For purposes of TSCA section 19(a)(1)(A), the date of
issuance of the TSCA section 6(i)(1) order for CCl4 shall be
at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (standard or daylight, as appropriate) on the
date that is two weeks after the date when this notice is published in
the Federal Register, which is in accordance with 40 CFR 23.5.
C. What action is EPA taking?
EPA is announcing the availability of the risk evaluation of the
chemical substance identified in Unit II. In this risk evaluation EPA
has made unreasonable risk determinations on some of the conditions of
use within the scope of the risk evaluation for this chemical. For
those conditions of use for which EPA has found an unreasonable risk of
injury to health or the environment, EPA must initiate regulatory
action to address those risks
[[Page 70149]]
through risk management measures enumerated in 15 U.S.C. 2605(a).
EPA also is announcing the availability of the information required
to be provided publicly with each risk evaluation, which is available
online at https://www.regulations.gov in the dockets identified. 40 CFR
702.51. Specifically, EPA has provided:
The scope document and problem formulation (in Docket ID
No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2016-0733);
Draft risk evaluation, and final risk evaluation (in
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0499);
All notices, determinations, findings, consent agreements,
and orders (in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0499);
Any information required to be provided to the Agency
under 15 U.S.C. 2603 (in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2016-0733 and Docket
ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0499);
A nontechnical summary of the risk evaluation (in Docket
ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0499);
A list of the studies, with the results of the studies,
considered in carrying out each risk evaluation (Risk Evaluation for
Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)) in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-
2019-0499);
The final peer review report, including the response to
peer review and public comments received during peer review (in Docket
ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0499); and
Response to public comments received on the draft scope
and the draft risk evaluation (in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0499).
II. TSCA Risk Evaluation
A. What is EPA's risk evaluation process for existing chemicals under
TSCA?
The risk evaluation process is the second step in EPA's existing
chemical review process under TSCA, following prioritization and before
risk management. As this chemical is one of the first ten chemical
substances undergoing risk evaluation, the chemical substance was not
required to go through prioritization (81 FR 91927, December 19, 2016)
(FRL-9956-47). The purpose of conducting risk evaluations is to
determine whether a chemical substance presents an unreasonable risk of
injury to health or the environment under the conditions of use,
including an unreasonable risk to a relevant potentially exposed or
susceptible subpopulation. As part of this process, EPA must evaluate
both hazard and exposure, not consider costs or other nonrisk factors,
use reasonably available information and approaches in a manner that is
consistent with the requirements in TSCA for the use of the best
available science, and ensure decisions are based on the weight of the
scientific evidence.
The specific risk evaluation process that EPA has established by
rule to implement the statutory process is set out in 40 CFR part 702
and summarized on EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-evaluations-existing-chemicals-under-tsca. As explained in the preamble to EPA's final rule on
procedures for risk evaluation (82 FR 33726, July 20, 2017) (FRL-9964-
38), the specific regulatory process set out in 40 CFR part 702,
subpart B is being followed for the first ten chemical substances
undergoing risk evaluation to the maximum extent practicable.
Prior to the publication of this final risk evaluation, a draft
risk evaluation was subject to peer review and public comment. EPA
reviewed the report from the peer review committee and public comments
and has amended the risk evaluation in response to these comments as
appropriate. The public comments, peer review report, and EPA's
response to comments is in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0499. Prior
to the publication of the draft risk evaluation, EPA made available the
scope and problem formulation, and solicited public input on uses and
exposure. EPA's documents and the public comments are in Docket ID No.
EPA-HQ-OPPT-2016-0733. Additionally, information about the scope,
problem formulation, and draft risk evaluation phases of the TSCA risk
evaluation for this chemical is available at EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-evaluation-carbon-tetrachloride.
B. What is carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)?
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is used as a feedstock in
the production of hydrochloro fluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and is a high-production volume
solvent. It is also used as a process agent in the manufacturing of
petrochemicals-derived and agricultural products and other chlorinated
compounds such as chlorinated paraffins, chlorinated rubber and others
that may be used downstream in the formulation of solvents for
degreasing and cleaning, adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, rubber,
cement and asphalt formulations.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.
Andrew Wheeler,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020-24478 Filed 11-3-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
