[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 211 (Tuesday, October 31, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64944-64948]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-27927]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPPTS-50040; FRL-6746-7]


Proposed Correction to Chemical Nomenclature for Monomer Acid and 
Derivatives for TSCA Inventory Purposes

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: An August 2, 1985 letter from EPA erroneously equates monomer 
acid and its derivatives with Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) and its 
corresponding derivatives for Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) 
Inventory purposes when, in fact, they are chemically distinct. As a 
result, many manufacturers of monomer acid derivatives have not 
submitted Premanufacture Notices (PMNs) under TSCA section 5, because 
the letter incorrectly indicated that monomer acid derivatives were 
covered by TOFA derivatives already on the Inventory. This notice 
proposes a correction to the 1985 letter on nomenclature of monomer 
acid and derivatives. With this proposed correction, monomer acid 
derivatives that are not on the Inventory would be considered new 
chemical substances under section 5 of TSCA.

DATES: Comments, identified by the docket control number [OPPTS-50040], 
must be received by EPA on or before January 2, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by mail, electronically, or in 
person. Please follow the detailed instructions for each method as 
provided in Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To ensure 
proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket 
control number OPPTS-50040 in the subject line on the first page of 
your response.

[[Page 64945]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact: 
Barbara Cunningham, Acting Director, Environmental Assistance Division 
(7401), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; 
telephone numbers: 202-554-1404; e-mail address: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#792d2a3a385431160d1510171c391c0918571e160f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8dd9dececca0c5e2f9e1e4e3e8cde8fdeca3eae2fb">[email protected]</span></a>.
    For technical information contact: Kenneth Moss, Chemical Control 
Division (7405), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-260-3395; fax number: 202-
260-0118; e-mail address: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e5888a9696cb8e808b8b80918da5809584cb828a93"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="117c7e62623f7a747f7f746579517461703f767e67">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Document Apply to Me?

    You may be affected by this document if you are, or may in the 
future be, a manufacturer or importer of a monomer acid derivative that 
requires submission of a Premanufacture Notice (PMN) or Significant New 
Use Notice (SNUN) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 
Special rules apply to persons who manufactured (or processed) these 
chemicals between August 2, 1985, and 12 months following the date of 
publication of the final nomenclature correction notice in the Federal 
Register. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not 
limited to the following:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Examples of
            Category                  NAICS Codes         Potentially
                                                       Affected Entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chemical manufacturers or         325, 32411          Anyone who
 importers                                             manufactures or
                                                       imports, or who
                                                       plans to
                                                       manufacture or
                                                       import, a monomer
                                                       acid derivative
                                                       or other
                                                       ``downstream''
                                                       substance based
                                                       on monomer acid
                                                       for a non-exempt
                                                       commercial
                                                       purpose
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides 
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. Other types of entities not listed in the table could also be 
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining 
whether or not this action might apply to certain entities. If you have 
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular 
entity, consult the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this 
Document and Other Related Documents?

    1. Electronically. You may obtain electronic copies of this 
document, and certain other related documents that might be available 
electronically, from the EPA Internet Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/. 
To access this document, on the Home Page select ``Laws and 
Regulations'' and then look up the entry for this document under the 
``Federal Register--Environmental Documents.'' You can also go directly 
to the Federal Register listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. To 
access information about EPA's New Chemicals Program, go directly to 
the Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/newchems/.
    2. In person. The Agency has established an official record for 
this action under docket control number OPPTS-50040. The official 
record consists of the documents specifically referenced in this 
action, any public comments received during an applicable comment 
period, and other information related to this action, including any 
information claimed as confidential business information (CBI). This 
official record includes the documents that are physically located in 
the docket, as well as the documents that are referenced in those 
documents. The public version of the official record does not include 
any information claimed as CBI. The public version of the official 
record, which includes printed, paper versions of any electronic 
comments submitted during an applicable comment period, is available 
for inspection in the TSCA Nonconfidential Information Center, North 
East Mall, Rm. B-607, Waterside Mall, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC. 
The Center is open from noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Center is (202) 
260-7099.

C. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments?

    You may submit comments through the mail, in person, or 
electronically. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that 
you identify docket control number OPPTS-50040 in the subject line on 
the first page of your response.
    1. By mail. Submit your comments to: Document Control Office 
(7407), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental 
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
    2. In person or by courier. Deliver your comments to: OPPT Document 
Control Office (DCO) in East Tower Rm. G-099, Waterside Mall, 401 M 
St., SW., Washington, DC. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the 
DCO is (202) 260-7093.
    3. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically by 
e-mail to: ``<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eb849b9b9fc585888288ab8e9b8ac58c849d">[email protected]</a>,'' or mail your computer disk to the 
address identified above. Do not submit any information electronically 
that you consider to be CBI. Electronic comments must be submitted as 
an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of 
encryption. Comments and data will also be accepted on standard disks 
in WordPerfect 6.1/8.1 or ASCII file format. All comments in electronic 
form must be identified by docket control number OPPTS-50040. 
Electronic comments may also be filed online at many Federal Depository 
Libraries

D. How Should I Handle Confidential Business Information That I Want to 
Submit to the Agency?

    Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to 
be confidential business information (CBI). You may claim information 
that you submit to EPA in response to this document as CBI by marking 
any part or all of that information as CBI. Information so marked will 
not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 
CFR part 2. In addition to one complete version of the comment that 
includes any information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that 
does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for 
inclusion in the public version of the official record. Information not 
marked confidential will be included in the public version of the 
official record without prior notice. If you have any questions about 
CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult the technical 
person identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

E. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your 
comments:
    1. Explain your views as clearly as possible.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.

[[Page 64946]]

    3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used 
that support your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
    5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
    6. Offer alternative ways to improve the notice or collection 
activity.
    7. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this 
notice.
    8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket 
control number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first 
page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal 
Register citation.

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    An August 2, 1985 letter from EPA erroneously equates monomer acid 
and its derivatives with Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) and its 
corresponding derivatives for TSCA Inventory purposes when, in fact, 
they are chemically distinct. As a result, many manufacturers of 
monomer acid derivatives have not submitted PMNs under TSCA section 5, 
because the letter incorrectly indicated that monomer acid derivatives 
were covered by TOFA derivatives already on the Inventory. This notice 
proposes a correction to the 1985 letter on nomenclature of monomer 
acid and derivatives. With this proposed correction, monomer acid 
derivatives that are not on the Inventory would be considered new 
chemical substances under section 5 of TSCA.

B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action?

    Section 5 of TSCA requires any person who intends to manufacture 
(defined by statute to include import) a new chemical (i.e., a chemical 
not on the TSCA Inventory) to notify EPA and comply with the statutory 
provisions pertaining to the manufacture of new chemicals. Section 8(b) 
of TSCA requires EPA to compile, keep current, and publish a list of 
each chemical substance which is manufactured or processed in the 
United States (the TSCA Inventory). This requirement includes defining 
the scope of the listings on the Inventory.

C. Why is this Proposed Nomenclature Correction Necessary?

    The August 2, 1985 EPA letter to an industry representative on the 
nomenclature for monomer acids states:
    The co-product produced during the catalytic dimerization of 
tall oil fatty acids and generally known as monomer acid or monomer 
fatty acid is considered to be the same as tall oil fatty acids for 
TSCA Inventory purposes. . . .Because the names oleic acid, 
octadecenoic acid, and tall oil fatty acid may have been used to 
represent the same substance on the Inventory, they are synonymous 
terms within the context of the Inventory. If one wishes to 
determine if a substance derived from monomer acid is on the 
Inventory, and he finds a similar derivative under any of these 
names, his product is on the Inventory. (See docket for full text.)

    Tall oil is a source for natural fatty acids, commonly referred to 
as Tall Oil Fatty Acids (TOFA). TOFA may be reacted with other 
substances to create TOFA derivatives. TOFA that is heated in the 
presence of an acid clay catalyst forms a ``dimer acid'' together with 
small amounts of ``trimer acid'' and higher oligomers. The ``dimer 
acid'' process also produces ``monomer acid'' as a co-product. The 
monomer acid is often used as an inexpensive fatty acid source to make 
monomer acid derivatives or other downstream products for use in 
lubricants, greases, hot melt adhesives, printing ink resins, ore 
flotation agents, corrosion inhibitors, etc.
    It is clear that the TOFA dimerization process yields distinct 
chemical substances that may be separated by distillation: Dimer acid, 
trimer acid, and monomer acid. Whereas the natural source-derived TOFA 
largely consists of linear C18-unsaturated carboxylic acids, 
principally oleic and linoleic acids, monomer acid contains relatively 
small amounts of oleic and linoleic acids, and instead contains 
significant amounts of branched and cyclic C18 acids, both saturated 
and unsaturated, as well as elaidic acid. The more diverse and 
significantly branched composition of monomer acid results from the 
thermal catalytic processing carried out on TOFA or analogous 
feedstocks.
    Further, the reaction of monomer acid with other chemical 
substances also yields unique, identifiable derivative substances which 
are chemically different from corresponding TOFA derivatives. 
Therefore, it is incorrect to equate monomer acid to TOFA, or a monomer 
acid derivative to a TOFA derivative.
    Oleic acid and octadecenoic acid are also unique, identifiable 
substances that are distinguished from monomer acid because of their 
essentially linear, unsaturated acid composition. Thus, the derivatives 
of oleic and octadecenoic acid are also unique, identifiable, and 
different from monomer acid derivatives.
    Through dialogue over the last 6 years, EPA and industry have 
worked toward a mutual understanding of the correct nomenclature for 
these chemical substances that previously were believed to be on the 
Inventory, and have mutually developed procedures to implement the 
nomenclature change. In 1994, the Pine Chemicals Association (PCA, then 
known as the Pulp Chemicals Association) asked EPA to clarify the 
Agency's chemical nomenclature policy for dimer acids. At that time 
several alternative listings for dimer acid were present in the 
Inventory, and PCA and EPA agreed that one description, ``Fatty Acids, 
C18 unsaturated, dimers (CASRN 61788-89-4),'' would describe dimer 
acids irrespective of the fatty acid source (except for the crude form 
of dimer acid that is not made from oleic acid or linoleic acid, and is 
used directly as a crude chemical intermediate, which is instead named 
``Fatty acids, C16-18 and C18-unsatd., dimerized (CASRN 71808-39-4)''). 
Subsequently, over 100 Inventory corrections were filed and the dimer 
acid issue successfully resolved. During this program it was also 
realized that a similar issue existed for a co-product, monomer acid, 
as there were four separate ways in which it was identified in the 
Inventory. As a consequence, different types of chemical names exist on 
the Inventory for derivatives and other downstream products based on 
monomer acids. EPA and PCA agreed that it would be necessary to correct 
the existing Inventory listings under a uniform nomenclature.
    EPA also acknowledged that the August 2, 1985 Agency letter had 
erroneously equated monomer acid derivatives with TOFA derivatives and 
derivatives of oleic acid or octadecenoic acid, when in fact they are 
chemically distinct. Because the guidance found in the 1985 letter led 
the manufacturers to believe that the products they manufactured were 
already on the Inventory under a name based on TOFA, oleic acid, or 
octadecenoic acid, since 1985 a number of manufacturers of monomer acid 
products have not submitted PMNs required under section 5 of TSCA.

III. Proposed TSCA New Chemicals Program Policy for Monomer Acid 
Chemical Nomenclature

    Today's proposed nomenclature correction constitutes official 
notice that EPA's August 2, 1985 letter was erroneous and that monomer 
acids are not equivalent to TOFA, oleic acid, or octadecenoic acid for 
Inventory purposes. Under this proposed notice PMNs are required for 
monomer acid derivatives that are not on the TSCA

[[Page 64947]]

Inventory and which are manufactured on or after the effective date of 
the final notice. In accordance with Inventory correction guidelines 
(45 FR 50544; July 29, 1980), because these monomer acid derivatives 
were not manufactured during the Initial Inventory reporting period and 
were never reported for the Initial TSCA Inventory, they are not 
eligible for Inventory correction as an alternative to PMN submission.

A. What is the Basis for and Scope of this Proposed Nomenclature 
Correction?

    EPA no longer considers as valid the nomenclature interpretation in 
the August 2, 1985 EPA letter which stated:
    The co-product produced during the catalytic dimerization of 
tall oil fatty acids and generally known as ``monomer acid'' or 
``monomer fatty acid'' is considered to be the same as tall oil 
fatty acids for TSCA Inventory purposes. . . .Because the names 
oleic acid, octadecenoic acid, and tall oil fatty acid may have been 
used to represent the same substance on the Inventory, they are 
synonymous terms within the context of the Inventory. If one wishes 
to determine if a substance derived from monomer acid is on the 
Inventory, and he finds a similar derivative under any of these 
names, his product is on the Inventory.

    The proposed nomenclature correction affects anyone who 
manufactures or imports, or who plans to manufacture or import, a 
monomer acid derivative or other ``downstream'' substance based on 
monomer acid for a non-exempt commercial purpose. The correct 
nomenclature now required for monomer acid is ``Fatty acids, C16-18 and 
C18-unsatd., branched and linear'' (CAS Registry Number 68955-98-6). 
For TSCA Inventory purposes, derivatives and other downstream products 
made from monomer acids must be named consistently with this 
nomenclature for monomer acid.

B. What are the Key Dates and Provisions of this Proposed Nomenclature 
Correction?

    The proposed effective date for this new nomenclature 
interpretation, described in Unit III.A., will be 12 months following 
the date of publication of the final nomenclature correction notice in 
the Federal Register. Prior to this effective date, EPA will allow 
manufacturers to continue commercial production of existing monomer 
acid derivatives and downstream products under the old nomenclature. 
After the effective date, companies that manufacture monomer acid 
derivatives and downstream products under the old nomenclature will no 
longer be in compliance with TSCA section 5. Therefore, companies would 
need to submit PMNs at least 90 days before the effective date to 
ensure that Agency review is completed before this nomenclature 
correction takes effect.
    EPA will work closely with chemical manufacturers and importers to 
resolve chemical nomenclature of specific monomer acid derivatives 
whose Inventory status is uncertain. EPA is taking two specific steps 
to facilitate the Premanufacture Notice process for chemical substances 
currently using the incorrect nomenclature. For the purposes of this 
proposed nomenclature correction only, EPA is suspending its TSCA new 
chemicals program policy of a limit of six chemical substances per 
consolidation notice and waiving PMN fees for any PMN submissions 
required as a result of the proposed nomenclature correction. However, 
consistent with the Agency's chemical nomenclature requirements for 
consolidated notices, submitters must use the Chemical Abstract Service 
(CAS) Inventory Expert Service to develop correct Chemical Abstracts 
(CA) names for all of their reported substances, in accordance with 
Method 1 as described in the Revision of Premanufacture Notification 
Regulations (60 FR 16298; March 29, 1995) (FRL-4921-8), 40 CFR 
720.45(a). EPA encourages conversion to the new nomenclature 
immediately instead of delaying the correction to the effective date of 
this proposed notice.
    EPA expects that there will be at least several consolidated PMNs 
submitted as a result of this proposed nomenclature correction, and 
there may also be individual PMNs filed. It may be possible that only 
one consolidated PMN is necessary for each chemical class of product 
based on monomer acid. These notices can be submitted by individual 
companies or as part of an organized effort to submit consolidated 
PMNs. It is expected that the affected manufacturers and importers of 
monomer acid and its derivatives or other downstream products, 
supported by PCA, will prepare consolidated PMNs. In such cases, PMN 
Standard Form pages 8 through 11 of each consolidated PMN may be filled 
out by PCA or another organization (this information is expected to be 
more generally applicable to a given class of monomer acid derivative). 
Pages 1 through 7, however, pertain to information that is specific to 
individual submitters, and will need to be filled out by the individual 
manufacturers and importers. The individual manufacturers and importers 
of monomer acid derivatives will be the submitter of record for each 
PMN chemical substance. Other information, such as toxicity data on the 
PMN chemical substance that are in the possession or control of the PMN 
submitter, or known to or reasonably ascertainable by the PMN 
submitter, must also be submitted or described by each individual 
manufacturer or importer, as specified in 40 CFR 720.50. There may be 
some manufacturers that do not wish to participate in a consolidated 
PMN; these manufacturers can submit individual notices separately for 
their corrected nomenclature.
    If a person intends to manufacture a monomer acid derivative or 
monomer acid-based downstream product for the first time before the 
effective date, and there is no corresponding Inventory listing using 
the old nomenclature for that particular substance, this person must 
submit a regular PMN, using the correct nomenclature, at least 90 days 
before manufacture of that substance. The special consolidated PMN 
reporting process involving PCA, as described in this section, cannot 
be used to report such new derivatives or downstream products.

C. What are the Consequences of Not Submitting a PMN and Completing PMN 
Review on a Monomer Acid Derivative before the Effective Date of this 
Proposed Nomenclature Correction Notice?

    On the effective date of the final nomenclature correction notice, 
TOFA, oleic acid, or octadecenoic acid will no longer be considered 
equivalent to monomer acid. Starting on the effective date, anyone 
manufacturing a chemical substance based on monomer acid that is not 
specifically listed on the TSCA Inventory using the correct 
nomenclature for the monomer acid component of the chemical substance 
name will be in violation of TSCA. A person may, of course, continue to 
manufacture TOFA derivatives and derivatives of oleic acid or 
octadecenoic acid listed on the Inventory without submitting a PMN.

D. Is a PMN Required for Everyone Who Did Not Submit One Since 1985 
because of the Incorrect EPA Guidance, Regardless of Whether this 
Person Still Manufactures the Substance Today?

    A PMN must be submitted by those persons who intend to manufacture 
monomer acid and its derivatives and other downstream products not on 
the TSCA Inventory on or after the effective date of the final 
nomenclature correction notice. For example, if you manufactured such a 
monomer acid derivative in 1986 but are not currently manufacturing or 
intending to resume manufacture, you are not required to submit a PMN 
now. However, if you

[[Page 64948]]

later plan to manufacture the monomer acid derivative after the 
effective date of the final nomenclature correction notice, you will 
need to submit a PMN 90 days before commencing manufacture.

E. How will EPA Handle CBI in Consolidated PMNs?

    Consistent with current law, policy and practice in the New 
Chemicals Program, multiple persons submitting information required in 
a specific consolidated PMN may make separate submissions to EPA so as 
to not disclose CBI to one another. For example, a customer of a PMN 
submitter of record who also is a manufacturer of monomer acid 
derivatives may submit a letter of support, confidential from the 
supplier, directly to EPA for TSCA section 5 notification, giving 
complete chemical identity, health and safety, use, production volume, 
or process information, etc. This enables the customer to disclose any 
specific CBI to EPA but not to the other parties in the consolidated 
PMN.

IV. Do Any of the Regulatory Assessment Requirements Apply to this 
Action?

A. General

    No. This document is not a rule. It only seeks comment on a 
proposed correction to TSCA Inventory nomenclature. As such, this 
action does not require review by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and 
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993) or Executive Order 13045, 
entitled Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and 
Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
    Because this action is not economically significant as defined by 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, this action is not subject to 
Executive Order 13045, entitled Protection of Children from 
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 
1997).
    This action will not result in environmental justice related issues 
and does not, therefore, require special consideration under Executive 
Order 12898, entitled Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice 
in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, 
February 16, 1994).
    This action is not subject to notice-and-comment requirements under 
the Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute, and is not 
subject to the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.), or to sections 202 and 205 of the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Pubic Law 104-4). In addition, this 
action does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments or 
impose a significant intergovernmental mandate, as described in 
sections 203 and 204 of UMRA. Nor does this action significantly or 
uniquely affect the communities of tribal governments as specified by 
Executive Order 13084, entitled Consultation and Coordination with 
Indian Tribal Governments  (63 FR 27655, May 10, 1998). This action 
will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government, as specified in Executive Order 13132, entitled Federalism 
(64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999).
    This action does not involve any technical standards that require 
the Agency's consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to 
section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act 
of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 
note).
    In issuing this action, EPA has taken the necessary steps to 
eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity, minimize potential litigation, 
and provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct, as required by 
section 3 of Executive Order 12988, entitled Civil Justice Reform (61 
FR 4729, February 7, 1996).
    EPA has complied with Executive Order 12630, entitled Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights (53 FR 8859, March 15, 1988), by examining the takings 
implications of this action in accordance with the ``Attorney General's 
Supplemental Guidelines for the Evaluation of Risk and Avoidance of 
Unanticipated Takings'' issued under the Executive Order.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This document does not contain any new information collection 
requirements that would require additional OMB review and approval. The 
information collection activities related to the submission of 
information pursuant to TSCA section 5 has been already approved by OMB 
under OMB control number 2070-00012 (EPA ICR No.574). The annual 
respondent burden for this information collection activity is estimated 
to average 100 hours per respondent, including time for reading the 
regulations, processing, compiling and reviewing the requested data, 
generating the request, storing, filing, and maintaining the data. The 
additional reporting requirement is estimated to be six additional PMNs 
over and above the current annual projections of PMN submissions. The 
renewal ICR projects about 875 PMNs and 185,000+ burden hours annually. 
An additional six PMNs at 100 hours each would be covered by these 
current estimates.
    As defined by the Paperwork Reduction Act and 5 CFR 1320.3(b), 
``burden'' means the total time, effort, or financial resources 
expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or 
provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time 
needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize 
technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and 
verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and 
disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to 
comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; 
train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; 
search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; 
and transmit or otherwise disclose the information.
    Comments regarding the Agency's need for this information, the 
accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods 
for minimizing respondent burden, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques, should be submitted as described in 
Unit I.C.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Chemical substances, Hazardous 
substances, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.


    Dated: October 20, 2000.
Susan H. Wayland,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and 
Toxic Substances.
[FR Doc. 00-27927 Filed 10-30-00 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>