Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118-1746
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 38 for Significant New Alternatives Policy Program; Determination of Acceptability
Posted Date: 2023-09-08T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 173 (Friday, September 8, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61977-61984]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-19340]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 82

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118; FRL-11349-01-OAR]
RIN 2060-AG12

Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 38 for 
Significant New Alternatives Policy Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Determination of acceptability.

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SUMMARY: This determination of acceptability expands the list of 
acceptable substitutes pursuant to the U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency's Significant New Alternatives Policy program. This action lists 
as acceptable additional substitutes for use in the refrigeration and 
air conditioning and fire suppression sectors.

DATES: This determination is applicable on September 8, 2023.

ADDRESSES: EPA established a docket for this action under Docket ID No. 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 (continuation of Air Docket A-91-42). All 
electronic documents in the docket are listed in the index at 
www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is 
not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information (CBI) 
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
at www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the EPA Air Docket (Nos. A-
91-42 and EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118), EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), William J. 
Clinton West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20460. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-
1744, and the telephone number for the Air Docket is (202) 566-1742. 
For further information on EPA Docket Center services and the current 
status, please visit us online at www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Sheppard by telephone at 
(202) 343-9163, by email at [email protected], or by mail at 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 6205A, 1200 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
    A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
    B. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes

I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes

    This action is listing as acceptable additional substitutes for use 
in the refrigeration and air conditioning and fire suppression sectors. 
This action presents EPA's most recent decisions under the Significant 
New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program to list as acceptable several 
substitutes in different end-uses. New substitutes are:
     R-471A in retail food refrigeration, industrial process 
refrigeration, and cold storage warehouses (new equipment only);
     R-515B in retail food refrigeration (refrigerated food 
processing and dispensing equipment, remote condensing units, and 
supermarket systems), commercial ice machines, and cold storage 
warehouses (new equipment only);
     Powdered Aerosol I in total flooding fire suppression 
(both occupied and normally unoccupied areas).
    EPA's review of certain substitutes listed in this document is 
pending for other end-uses. Listing decisions in the end-uses in this 
document do not prejudge EPA's listings of these substitutes for other 
end-uses. While certain substitutes being added through this action to 
the acceptable lists for specific end-uses may have a higher risk in 
one or more SNAP criteria than certain other substitutes already listed 
as acceptable or acceptable subject to restrictions, they have a 
similar or lower overall risk than other acceptable substitutes in 
those end-uses.
    For additional information on SNAP, visit the SNAP portion of EPA's 
Ozone Layer Protection website at: www.epa.gov/snap. Copies of the full 
lists of acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in 
the industrial sectors covered by the SNAP program are available at 
www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-sector. For more information on the 
Agency's process for administering the SNAP program or criteria for 
evaluation of substitutes, refer to the initial SNAP rulemaking 
published March 18, 1994 (59 FR 13044), and the regulations codified at 
40 CFR part 82, subpart G. SNAP decisions and the appropriate Federal 
Register citations are found at: www.epa.gov/snap/snap-regulations. 
Under the SNAP program, EPA may list a substitute as acceptable for 
specified end-uses where the Agency has reviewed the substitute and 
found no reason to restrict or prohibit its use. Substitutes listed as 
unacceptable; acceptable, subject to narrowed use limits; or 
acceptable, subject to use conditions are also listed in the appendices 
to 40 CFR part 82, subpart G.
    The sections below discuss each substitute listing in detail and 
summarize the results of EPA's assessment of the human health and 
environmental risks posed by each substitute. EPA's evaluation 
considers the criteria at 40 CFR 82.180(a)(7), including: atmospheric 
effects and related health and environmental effects, ecosystem risks, 
consumer risks, flammability, and cost and availability of the 
substitute. When evaluating potential substitutes, EPA evaluates these 
criteria in risk screens, which are technical documents that evaluate 
risks to human health and the environment from substitutes in specific 
end-uses, including comparisons to other available substitutes and 
evaluations against relevant thresholds of risk starting with 
protective assumptions.

[[Page 61978]]

The risk screens cited in this document include evaluation of 
atmospheric effects, exposure assessments, toxicity data, flammability, 
and other environmental impacts such as ecotoxicity and local air 
quality impacts. Each of these analyses is described in more detail at 
www.epa.gov/snap/overview-snap. In this document, the global warming 
potentials (GWPs) for the substitutes are determined using the 100-year 
GWP values from the International Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) 
Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) \1\ for all substances or components of 
blends.\2\ For substances for which no GWP is provided in AR4, the 100-
year GWP listed in World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 2022 \3\ is 
used. Where a GWP value in the source document is preceded with a less 
than (<), very less than (<<), greater than (>), approximately (~), or 
similar symbol, the numerical value from the source document is cited 
in this document. For blends of chemicals, such as the listed 
refrigerant blends, this document weights the GWPs of each component of 
the blend by their mass percentage in the blend.
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    \1\ IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. 
Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of 
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, S., Qin, D., 
Manning, M., Chen, Z., Marquis, M., Averyt, K.B., Tignor M., and 
Miller, H.L. (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United 
Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. This document is accessible at 
www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/contents.html.
    \2\ The AR4 100-year GWP values are consistent with the exchange 
values for the regulated hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) listed in 
subsection (c) of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) 
Act and with Annexes A, C, and F of the Montreal Protocol on 
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol).
    \3\ WMO (World Meteorological Organization), Scientific 
Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2022, GAW Report No. 278, 509 pp.; 
WMO: Geneva, 2022. Available at: https://ozone.unep.org/system/files/documents/Scientific-Assessment-of-Ozone-Depletion-2022.pdf. 
(WMO, 2022). In this action, the 100-year GWP values are used.
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    Appendix A contains tables summarizing each listing decision in 
this action. The statements in the ``Further Information'' column in 
the tables provide additional information but these are not legally 
binding under section 612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Although you are 
not required to follow recommendations in the ``Further Information'' 
column of the table under section 612 of the CAA, some of these 
statements may refer to obligations that are enforceable or binding 
under Federal or State programs other than the SNAP program. The 
identification of other enforceable or binding requirements should not 
be construed as a comprehensive list of such obligations. In many 
instances, the information simply refers to standard operating 
practices in existing industry standards and/or building codes. When 
using these substitutes in the identified end-use, EPA strongly 
encourages you to apply the information in the ``Further Information'' 
column. Many of these recommendations, if adopted, would not require 
significant changes to existing operating practices.
    Under separate authority of subsection (i) of the American 
Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, EPA has proposed 
restrictions on higher-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in specific 
sectors and subsectors (December 15, 2022; 87 FR 76738). The Agency 
notes that once that rule is finalized, it may restrict certain 
substitutes that are listed as acceptable under the SNAP program for 
some uses. Thus, an acceptable listing of a substitute under the SNAP 
program should not be considered full permission to use that substitute 
in all circumstances. Any restrictions under subsection (i) of the AIM 
Act, as well as other relevant authorities, must also be considered.\4\
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    \4\ For example, there may be restrictions or prohibitions in 
regulations issued under section 610 of the CAA at 40 CFR part 82 
subpart C for nonessential products containing ODS, under the Toxic 
Substances Control Act, under the Occupation Safety and Health Act, 
and under State or local laws and regulations that warrant 
consideration.
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    You can find submissions to EPA for the substitutes listed in this 
document, as well as other materials supporting the decisions in this 
action, in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at www.regulations.gov.

A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

1. R-471A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-471A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Retail food refrigeration--stand-alone equipment (new 
equipment only)
 Retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and 
dispensing equipment (new equipment only)
 Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new 
equipment only)
 Retail food refrigeration--supermarket systems (new equipment 
only)
 Industrial process refrigeration (new equipment only)
 Cold storage warehouses (new equipment only)

    R-471A, marketed under the trade name Solstice[supreg] 471A, is a 
weighted blend of 78.7 percent hydrofluoroolefin (HFO)-1234ze(E), which 
is also known as trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene; (Chemical 
Abstracts Service Registry Number [CAS Reg. No.] 29118-24-9); 17.0 
percent HFO-1336mzz(E), also known as trans-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-
butene (CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and 4.3 percent HFC-227ea, which is 
also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3- heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-0) 
.
    You may find a copy of the applicant's submission, with CBI 
redacted, providing the required health and environmental information 
for this substitute in this end-use in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at 
www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Materials for Notice 
38 Listing of R-471A in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. SNAP 
Submission Received December 8, 2021.'' EPA performed assessments to 
examine the health and environmental risks of this substitute and the 
results are summarized below. These assessments are available in Docket 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118:
     ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food Refrigeration 
(New Equipment). Substitute: R-471A (Solstice[supreg] N71).''
     ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Industrial Process 
Refrigeration and Cold Storage Warehouses (New Equipment). Substitute: 
R-471A (Solstice[supreg] N71).''
    Environmental information: R-471A has an ozone depletion potential 
(ODP) of zero. Its components, HFO-1234ze(E), HFO-1336mzz(E), and HFC-
227ea, have GWPs of one, \5\ 26,\6\ and 3,220, respectively.\7\ If 
these values are weighted by mass percentage, then R-471A has a GWP of 
about 144. The components of R-471A are excluded from the EPA's 
regulatory definition of volatile organic compounds (VOC) under CAA 
regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of State 
implementation plans (SIPs) to attain and maintain the National Ambient 
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Knowingly venting or releasing this 
refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 
608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified in EPA's regulations at 40 CFR 
82.154(a).
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    \5\ WMO, 2022.
    \6\ Ibid.
    \7\ Unless otherwise stated, all GWPs in this document for 
individual chemicals are 100-year values from IPCC's Fourth 
Assessment Report (AR4), based upon the 100-year GWPs in IPCC, 2007, 
if available, in that document.
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    Flammability information: R-471A is not flammable. The American 
Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers 
(ASHRAE) has assigned R-471A a flammability class of

[[Page 61979]]

``1,'' meaning it does not propagate a flame under standard test 
conditions.\8\
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    \8\ ASHRAE Standard 34-2022, Designation and Safety 
Classification of Refrigerants.
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    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. The substitute could 
cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a confined space. 
These potential health effects are common to many refrigerants.
    ASHRAE has established an occupational exposure limit (OEL) for the 
blend of 710 ppm on an eight-hour time-weighted average (8-hr TWA).\9\ 
For the components of R-471A, the Workplace Environmental Exposure 
Limit (WEEL) Committee of the Occupational Alliance for Risk Science 
(OARS) has established a WEEL of 400 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for HFO-
1336mzz(E) and ASHRAE has established OELs of 800 ppm and 1,000 ppm on 
an 8-hr TWA for HFO-1234ze(E) and HFC-227ea, respectively. EPA 
anticipates that users will be able to meet these workplace guidance 
limits and address potential health risks by following recommendations 
in the manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS), ASHRAE Standard 15, and 
other safety precautions common to the refrigeration and air 
conditioning industry.
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    \9\ Ibid.
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    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-471A has an 
ODP of zero, comparable to or less than other listed substitutes in 
these end-uses with ODPs ranging from zero to less than 0.0004.
    For new remote condensing units and supermarket systems, R-471A's 
GWP of about 144 is lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for 
new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP of 630), R-407A 
(GWP of 2,110), and R-421A (GWP of 2,630). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is 
higher than that of other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such 
as ammonia vapor compression in a secondary loop (GWP of zero) and 
carbon dioxide (CO2) (GWP of one). There may be situations 
in which ammonia or CO2 may not be feasible for new remote 
condensing units and supermarket systems or are restricted by local 
laws and building codes and standards, particularly for smaller 
equipment used in a public area.
    For stand-alone equipment, R-471A's GWP of about 144 is lower than 
that of other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as R-450A 
(GWP of 601) and R-513A (GWP of 630). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is 
higher than that of other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such 
as ammonia vapor compression in a secondary loop (GWP of zero), 
CO2 (GWP of one), and propane (GWP of three). There may be 
situations in which ammonia in a secondary loop, CO2, or 
larger charges of propane may not be feasible or are restricted by 
local laws and building codes and standards because of flammability or 
toxicity.
    For refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment, R-471A's 
GWP of about 144 is comparable to or lower than that of other 
acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), 
R-513A (GWP of 630), HFC-134a (GWP of 1,430), and R-426A (GWP of 
1,510). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is higher than that of other 
acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia vapor 
compression in a secondary loop (GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP 
of one). There may be situations in which ammonia in a secondary loop 
or CO2 may not be feasible for new refrigerated food 
processing and dispensing equipment or are restricted by local laws and 
building codes and standards, due to flammability and toxicity.
    For industrial process refrigeration, R-471A's GWP of about 144 is 
comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for 
new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP of 630), R-404A 
(GWP of 3,920) and R-508B (GWP of 13,400). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is 
higher than that of other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such 
as ammonia absorption (GWP of zero), CO2 (GWP of one), and 
propane (GWP of three). There may be situations in which ammonia, 
CO2, or propane may not be feasible for new industrial 
process refrigeration equipment, e.g., because of temperature range, or 
are restricted by local laws and building codes and standards, due to 
flammability and toxicity.
    For cold storage warehouses, R-471A's GWP of about 144 is 
comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for 
new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP of 630), and R-
407F (GWP of 1,820). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is higher than that of 
other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia 
absorption (GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP of one). There may be 
situations in which ammonia or CO2 may not be feasible for 
new cold storage warehouses or are restricted by local laws and 
building codes and standards, particularly for smaller equipment.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the OARS WEEL and ASHRAE OELs, ASHRAE 15, and other industry standards, 
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions 
common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-471A acceptable in the retail food refrigeration (new 
equipment only)--refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment, 
remote condensing units, stand-alone units, and supermarket systems; 
industrial process refrigeration (new equipment only); and cold storage 
warehouses (new equipment only) end-uses because it does not pose 
greater overall environmental and human health risk than other 
available substitutes in the same end-uses.
2. R-515B
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-515B acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and 
dispensing equipment (new equipment only)
 Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new 
equipment only)
 Retail food refrigeration--supermarket systems (new equipment 
only)
 Commercial ice machines (new equipment only)
 Cold storage warehouses (new equipment only)

    R-515B is a weighted blend of 91.1 percent HFO-1234ze(E), which is 
also known as trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 29118-
24-9), and 8.9 percent HFC-227ea, also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-0).
    You may find a copy of the applicant's submissions, with CBI 
redacted, providing the required health and environmental information 
for this substitute in these end-uses in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at 
www.regulations.gov under the names, ``Supporting Materials for Notice 
38 Listing of R-515B in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. SNAP 
Submission Received May 28, 2020'' and ``Supporting Materials for 
Notice 38 Listing of R-515B in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. SNAP 
Submission Received December 10, 2021.'' EPA performed assessments to 
examine the health and environmental risks of this substitute and the 
results are summarized below. These assessments are available in Docket 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118:
     ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food 
Refrigeration--Refrigerated

[[Page 61980]]

Food Processing and Dispensing Equipment (New Equipment). Substitute: 
R-515B (Solstice[supreg] N15).''
     ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food 
Refrigeration--Supermarket Systems and Remote Condensing Units (New 
Equipment). Substitute: R-515B (Solstice[supreg] N15).''
     ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Commercial Ice Machines 
(New Equipment). Substitute: R-515B (Solstice[supreg] N15).''
     ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Cold Storage Warehouses 
(New Equipment). Substitute: R-515B (Solstice[supreg] N15).''
    Environmental information: R-515B has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFO-1234ze(E) and HFC-227ea, have a GWP of one \10\ and 
3,220, respectively. If these values are weighted by mass percentage, 
then R-515B has a GWP of about 287. The components of R-515B are 
excluded from the EPA's regulatory definition of VOC under CAA 
regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs 
to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this 
refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 
608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
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    \10\ WMO, 2022.
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    Flammability information: R-515B is not flammable. ASHRAE has 
assigned R-515B a flammability class of ``1.'' \11\
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    \11\ ASHRAE Standard 34-2022, Designation and Safety 
Classification of Refrigerants.
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    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. The substitute could 
cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a confined space. 
These potential health effects are common to many refrigerants.
    ASHRAE has established OELs of 800 ppm and 1000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA 
for HFO-1234ze(E) and HFC-227ea, respectively. For the R-515B blend 
itself, ASHRAE recommends an OEL of 810 ppm.\12\ EPA anticipates that 
users will be able to meet each of the OELs and address potential 
health risks by following recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, in 
ASHRAE Standard 15, and other safety precautions common to the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
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    \12\ Ibid.
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    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-515B has an 
ODP of zero, comparable to or less than other listed substitutes in 
these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to less than 0.0004.
    For refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment, R-515B's 
GWP of about 287 is comparable to or lower than that of other 
acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), 
R-513A (GWP of 630), HFC-134a (GWP of 1,430), and R-426A (GWP of 
1,510). R-515B's GWP of about 287 is higher than that of other 
acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia vapor 
compression in a secondary loop (GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP 
of one). There may be situations in which ammonia in a secondary loop 
or CO2 may not be feasible for new refrigerated food 
processing and dispensing equipment or are restricted by local laws and 
building codes and standards, due to flammability and toxicity.
    For remote condensing units and supermarket systems, R-515B's GWP 
of about 287 is comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable 
substitutes for new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP 
of 630), R-407A (GWP of 2,110), and R-421A (GWP of 2,630). R-515B's GWP 
of about 287 is higher than that of other acceptable substitutes for 
new equipment such as ammonia vapor compression in a secondary loop 
(GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP of one). There may be situations 
in which ammonia or CO2 may not be feasible for new remote 
condensing units and supermarket systems or are restricted by local 
laws and building codes and standards, particularly for smaller 
equipment used in a public area.
    For commercial ice machines, R-515B's GWP of about 287 is 
comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for 
new equipment, such as R-513A (GWP of 630), R-449B (GWP of 1,410), R-
410A (GWP of 2,090), R-404A (GWP of 3,920), and R-507A (GWP of 3,990). 
R-515B's GWP of about 287 is higher than that of other acceptable 
substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia vapor compression in a 
secondary loop (GWP of zero), CO2 (GWP of one), and propane 
(GWP of three). There may be situations in which ammonia in a secondary 
loop, CO2, or larger charges of propane may not be feasible 
or are restricted by local laws and building codes and standards 
because of flammability or toxicity.
    For cold storage warehouses, R-515B's GWP of about 287 is 
comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for 
new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP of 630), and R-
407F (GWP of 1,820). R-515B's GWP of about 287 is higher than that of 
other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia 
absorption (GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP of one). There may be 
situations in which ammonia or CO2 may not be feasible for 
new cold storage warehouses or are restricted by local laws and 
building codes and standards, particularly for smaller equipment.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the ASHRAE OELs, ASHRAE 15, and other industry standards, 
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions 
common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-515B acceptable in the end-uses listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-uses.

B. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection

1. Powdered Aerosol I (GreenSol)
    EPA's decision: EPA finds Powdered Aerosol I acceptable as a 
substitute for:

 Total flooding uses, both occupied and normally unoccupied 
spaces

    Powdered Aerosol I is prepared as a solid material that generates, 
by a combustion process, a powdered aerosol that acts chemically and 
physically to extinguish fires. Based on review of information from the 
submitter that supports the safe use of the powdered aerosol in 
normally occupied spaces, EPA determines that Powdered Aerosol I is 
acceptable for use in total flooding systems for both occupied and 
normally unoccupied spaces. In the ``Further Information'' column of 
the tables summarizing today's listing decisions and found at the end 
of this document, we state that use of this agent should be used in 
accordance with the safety guidelines in the latest edition of the 
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2010 Standard for Aerosol 
Extinguishing Systems. Although EPA is not requiring use conditions on 
the use of Powdered Aerosol I, we believe that the fire suppression 
industry will use this agent safely because the NFPA 2010 Standard 
establishes health and safety requirements for its use \13\ and because 
of the acceptable level of toxicity of this substitute (see below under 
``Toxicity and exposure data).''
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    \13\ EPA is a member of NFPA's standard-setting committee in 
developing NFPA 2010 and provides relevant health information for 
that document.
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    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov

[[Page 61981]]

under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for Notice 38 Listing of 
Powdered Aerosol I (GreenSol) in Fire Suppression. SNAP Submission 
Received December 1, 2020.'' EPA performed an assessment to examine the 
health and environmental risks of this substitute and the results are 
summarized below. This assessment is available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-
2003-0118:
     ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Total Flooding Systems in 
Normally Occupied Spaces. Substitute: Powdered Aerosol I (GreenSol).''
    Environmental information: The active ingredients of Powdered 
Aerosol I are solids both before and after use; thus, their ODP and GWP 
are both zero. The gaseous post-activation products for Powdered 
Aerosol I also have zero ODP and those released with GWPs are carbon 
monoxide (CO) and CO2 with GWPs of three or less. The 
remaining gaseous post-activation products either have no GWP or are 
present only in trace amounts. Further, the remaining gaseous post-
activation products are not organic, and thus are excluded from the 
EPA's regulatory definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 
51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and maintain 
the NAAQS. The solid active ingredients and particulate post-activation 
products have no ODP or GWP, do not participate in atmospheric 
photochemical reactions, and are inorganic compounds that are not VOC.
    Flammability information: Powdered Aerosol I's post-activation 
products are nonflammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Because the fire suppressant precursors 
are prepared as solids that are not reactive and do not crumble or 
flake, inhalation or ingestion of the pre-activation compounds is not 
likely. Exposure to Powdered Aerosol I after activation may cause 
temporary, mild irritation of the mucous membrane. If eye or skin 
contact occurs, end users should flush eyes with water or wash skin 
with soap and water. If inhaled, end users should be removed and 
exposed to fresh air. Exposure to the post-discharge products is 
expected to be below the relevant workplace exposure limits for those 
compounds. Because it is housed in a hermetically sealed container, 
exposure should not occur unless the system is activated.
    The post-activation components of the proposed substitute are 
common compounds that are not expected to exceed immediately dangerous 
to life or health (IDLH) levels from the National Institute for 
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that apply to occupational and 
end-use exposure.
    Information on additional safety recommendations: The discharge of 
the aerosol results in a reduction of visibility in the protected space 
due to the uniform distribution of the particulate generated. EPA 
recommends use in accordance with the NFPA 2010 standard to reduce any 
safety risks due to reduced visibility. In addition, EPA recommends 
that cross-zone detection systems and abort switches located near an 
exit from the protected space be employed; improved detection systems 
within the protected space and manual abort switches outside of the 
space could help avoid inadvertent discharge. The use of appropriate 
safety and protective equipment (e.g., protective gloves, tightly 
sealed goggles, protective work clothing, and particulate-removing 
respirators using NIOSH type N95 or better filters) consistent with 
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines 
minimizes personnel exposure from inhalation of the substitute.
    EPA provides additional information on safe use of this substitute 
for establishments manufacturing, installing and maintaining equipment 
using this agent in the ``Further Information'' column of the tables 
summarizing the listing decisions in this document. EPA encourages 
users of substitutes to apply all statements in the ``Further 
Information'' column in their use of this substitute as best practices 
for safer use. In many instances, the information simply refers to 
standard operating practices in existing industry standards and/or 
building codes, which if adopted, would not require significant changes 
to existing operating practices.
    EPA expects that procedures identified in the SDS for Powdered 
Aerosol I and good manufacturing practices will be adhered to, and that 
the appropriate safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) 
consistent with OSHA guidelines will be used during installation, 
servicing, post-discharge clean-up and disposal of total flooding 
systems using Powdered Aerosol I. The manufacturer should provide 
guidance upon installation of the system regarding the appropriate time 
after which workers may re-enter the area for disposal to allow the 
maximum settling of all particulates.
    Comparison to other substitutes in this end-use: Powdered Aerosol I 
has an ODP of zero, comparable to other listed substitutes in this end-
use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.048.
    For total flooding agents, Powdered Aerosol I's GWP of zero (and 
one to three for certain post-activation products) is lower than that 
of other acceptable substitutes, such as HFC-227ea (GWP of 2,220) and 
other substitutes with GWPs up to 22,800.\14\ Other acceptable 
substitutes in this end-use have comparable GWPs ranging from zero to 
one, such as water, inert gases, and a number of other powdered aerosol 
fire suppressants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ For SF6, the substitute with the highest GWP, 
the SNAP listing finds SF6 as ``acceptable subject to 
narrowed use limits.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with the NFPA 
2010 standard, recommendations in the SDS, and other safety precautions 
common in the fire suppression industry. The potential toxicity risks 
due to inhalation exposure are common to many total flooding agents, 
including those already listed as acceptable under SNAP for this same 
end-use. Powdered Aerosol I's post-activation products are 
nonflammable, as are all other available total flooding agents.
    EPA finds Powdered Aerosol I acceptable in the end-use listed above 
because it does not pose greater overall environmental and human health 
risk than other available substitutes in the same end-use.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Air pollution control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Paul M. Gunning,
Director, Office of Atmospheric Protection, Office of Air and 
Radiation.

Appendix A--Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes

[[Page 61982]]

                                       Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            End-use                   Substitute               Decision              Further information \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retail food refrigeration--     R-471A................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 stand-alone equipment (new                                                      HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
 equipment only).                                                                known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                 tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (Chemical
                                                                                 Abstracts Service Registry
                                                                                 Number [CAS Reg. No.] 29118-24-
                                                                                 9); HFO-1336mzz(E), also known
                                                                                 as trans-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-
                                                                                 2-butene (CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-
                                                                                 2); and HFC-227ea, also known
                                                                                 as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-471A has a 100-year global
                                                                                 warming potential (GWP) of 144.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                The American Society of Heating,
                                                                                 Refrigerating and Air-
                                                                                 Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
                                                                                 has established an occupational
                                                                                 exposure limit (OEL) of 710 ppm
                                                                                 on an 8-hr TWA for R-471A, as
                                                                                 well as OELs of 800 ppm for HFO-
                                                                                 1234ze(E) and 1,000 ppm for HFC-
                                                                                 227ea on an eight-hour time-
                                                                                 weighted average (8-hr TWA).
                                                                                The Occupational Alliance for
                                                                                 Risk Science (OARS) has
                                                                                 established a Workplace
                                                                                 Environmental Exposure Limit
                                                                                 (WEEL) of 400 ppm on an 8-hr
                                                                                 TWA for HFO-1336mzz(E).
Retail food refrigeration--     R-471A................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 refrigerated food processing                                                    HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
 and dispensing equipment (new                                                   known as trans-1,3,3,3-
 equipment only).                                                                tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
                                                                                 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
                                                                                 (CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
                                                                                 HFC-227ea, also known as
                                                                                 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-471A has a GWP of 144.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 471A, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
                                                                                 TWA.
                                                                                OARS has established a WEEL of
                                                                                 400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E).
Retail food refrigeration--     R-515B................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 refrigerated food processing                                                    HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
 and dispensing equipment (new                                                   known as trans-1,3,3,3-
 equipment only).                                                                tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
                                                                                 also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-515B has a GWP of 287.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 515B, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
Retail food refrigeration--     R-471A................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 remote condensing units (new                                                    HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
 equipment only).                                                                known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                 tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
                                                                                 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
                                                                                 (CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
                                                                                 HFC-227ea, also known as
                                                                                 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-471A has a GWP of 144.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 471A, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
                                                                                 TWA.
                                                                                OARS has established a WEEL of
                                                                                 400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E).
Retail food refrigeration--     R-515B................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 remote condensing units (new                                                    HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
 equipment only).                                                                known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                 tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
                                                                                 also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-515B has a GWP of 287.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 515B, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
Retail food refrigeration--     R-471A................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 supermarket systems (new                                                        HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
 equipment only).                                                                known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                 tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
                                                                                 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
                                                                                 (CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
                                                                                 HFC-227ea, also known as
                                                                                 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-471A has a GWP of 144.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 471A, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
                                                                                 TWA.
                                                                                OARS has established a WEEL of
                                                                                 400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E).

[[Page 61983]]

 
Retail food refrigeration--     R-515B................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 supermarket systems (new                                                        HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
 equipment only).                                                                known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                 tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
                                                                                 also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-515B has a GWP of 287.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 515B, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
Industrial process              R-471A................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 refrigeration (new equipment                                                    HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
 only).                                                                          known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                 tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
                                                                                 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
                                                                                 (CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
                                                                                 HFC-227ea, also known as
                                                                                 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-471A has a GWP of 144.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 471A, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
                                                                                 TWA.
                                                                                OARS has established a WEEL of
                                                                                 400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E).
Commercial ice machines (new    R-515B................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 equipment only).                                                                HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
                                                                                 known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                 tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
                                                                                 also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-515B has a GWP of 287.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 515B, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
Cold storage warehouses (new    R-471A................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 equipment only).                                                                HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
                                                                                 known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                 tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
                                                                                 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
                                                                                 (CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
                                                                                 HFC-227ea, also known as
                                                                                 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-471A has a GWP of 144.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 471A, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
                                                                                 TWA.
                                                                                OARS has established a WEEL of
                                                                                 400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
                                                                                 1336mzz(E).
Cold storage warehouses (new    R-515B................  Acceptable............  This substitute is a blend of
 equipment only).                                                                HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
                                                                                 known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                 tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
                                                                                 also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                 heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                 No. 431-89-0).
                                                                                R-515B has a GWP of 287.
                                                                                The blend is not flammable.
                                                                                ASHRAE has established an OEL of
                                                                                 810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
                                                                                 515B, as well as OELs of 800
                                                                                 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
                                                                                 ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See recommendations in the manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS) and guidance for all listed refrigerants.

                                                Fire Suppression
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            End-use                   Substitute               Decision                Further information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total flooding................  Powdered Aerosol I....  Acceptable............  EPA recommends the use of this
                                                                                 agent in accordance with the
                                                                                 safety guidelines in the latest
                                                                                 edition of the National Fire
                                                                                 Protection Association (NFPA)
                                                                                 2010 standard for Aerosol
                                                                                 Extinguishing Systems.
                                                                                For establishments manufacturing
                                                                                 the agent or filling,
                                                                                 installing, or servicing
                                                                                 containers or systems to be
                                                                                 used in total flooding
                                                                                 applications, EPA recommends
                                                                                 the following:
                                                                                --the appropriate safety and
                                                                                 personal protective equipment
                                                                                 (PPE) (e.g., protective gloves,
                                                                                 tightly sealed goggles,
                                                                                 protective work clothing, and
                                                                                 particulate-removing
                                                                                 respirators with National
                                                                                 Institute for Occupational
                                                                                 Safety and Health (NIOSH) type
                                                                                 N95 or better filters)
                                                                                 consistent with Occupational
                                                                                 Safety and Health
                                                                                 Administration (OSHA)
                                                                                 guidelines and requirements
                                                                                 must be used during
                                                                                 manufacture, installation,
                                                                                 servicing, and disposal of
                                                                                 total flooding systems using
                                                                                 the agent;

[[Page 61984]]

 
                                                                                --adequate ventilation should be
                                                                                 in place to reduce airborne
                                                                                 exposure to constituents of
                                                                                 agent;
                                                                                --an eye wash fountain and quick
                                                                                 drench facility should be close
                                                                                 to the production area;
                                                                                --training for safe handling
                                                                                 procedures should be provided
                                                                                 to all employees that would be
                                                                                 likely to handle containers of
                                                                                 the agent or extinguishing
                                                                                 units filled with the agent;
                                                                                --workers responsible for clean-
                                                                                 up should allow for maximum
                                                                                 settling of all particulates
                                                                                 before reentering area and wear
                                                                                 appropriate personal protective
                                                                                 equipment; and
                                                                                --all spills should be cleaned
                                                                                 up immediately in accordance
                                                                                 with good industrial hygiene
                                                                                 practices.
                                                                                As required by the manufacturer,
                                                                                 units installed in normally
                                                                                 occupied spaces will be
                                                                                 equipped with features such as
                                                                                 a system-isolate switch and
                                                                                 cross-zone detection system to
                                                                                 reduce risk of accidental
                                                                                 activation of an agent
                                                                                 generator while persons are
                                                                                 present in the protected space.
                                                                                 Also, the manufacturer requires
                                                                                 warning of pending discharge
                                                                                 and delay in release to ensure
                                                                                 egress prior to activation of
                                                                                 the agent to reduce risk of
                                                                                 exposure.
                                                                                See additional notes 1, 2, 3, 4,
                                                                                 5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ EPA recommends that users consult Section VIII of the OSHA Technical Manual for information on selecting the
  appropriate types of personal protective equipment for all listed fire suppression agents. EPA has no
  intention of duplicating or displacing OSHA coverage related to the use of personal protective equipment
  (e.g., respiratory protection), fire suppression, hazard communication, worker training or any other
  occupational safety and health standard with respect to halon substitutes.
\2\ Use of all listed fire suppression agents should conform to relevant OSHA requirements, including 29 CFR
  part 1910, subpart L, Sec.  Sec.   1910.160 and 1910.162.
\3\ Per OSHA requirements, protective gear (SCBA) should be available in the event personnel should reenter the
  area.
\4\ Discharge testing should be strictly limited to that which is essential to meet safety or performance
  requirements.
\5\ The agent should be recovered from the fire suppression system in conjunction with testing or servicing and
  recycled for later use or destroyed.

[FR Doc. 2023-19340 Filed 9-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P