02-32130. Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice 17 for Significant New Alternatives Policy Program

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION:

Notice of acceptability.

SUMMARY:

This notice of acceptability expands the list of acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODS) under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. The substitutes are for use in the following sectors: refrigeration and air conditioning, solvents cleaning, fire suppression and explosion protection, and aerosols.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

December 20, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Information relevant to this notice is contained in Air Docket A-91-42, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW.; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 6102T; Washington, DC, 20460. The docket reading room is located at the address above in room B102 in the basement. Reading room telephone: [phone], facsimile: [phone] Air docket staff telephone: [phone] and facsimile: [phone] You may inspect the docket between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. As provided in 40 CFR part 2, a reasonable fee may be charged for photocopying.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Margaret Sheppard by telephone at (202) 564-9163, by fax at [phone], by e-mail at [e-mail], or by mail at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Mail Code 6205J, Washington, DC 20460. Overnight or courier deliveries should be sent to 501 3rd Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001.

For more information on the Agency's process for administering the SNAP program or criteria for evaluation of substitutes, refer to the original SNAP rulemaking published in the Federal Register on March 18, 1994 (59 FR 13044). Notices and rulemakings under the SNAP program, as well as other EPA publications on protection of stratospheric ozone, are available from EPA's Ozone Depletion World Wide Web site at http://www.epa.gov/​ozone/​ including the SNAP portion at http://www.epa.gov/​ozone/​snap/​.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Listing of Acceptable Substitutes

A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

B. Solvent Cleaning

C. Fire Suppression

D. Aerosols

II. Section 612 Program

A. Statutory Requirements

B. Regulatory History

Appendix A—Summary of Acceptable Decisions

I. Listing of Acceptable Substitutes

This section presents EPA's most recent acceptable listing decisions for substitutes in the following industrial sectors: refrigeration and air conditioning, solvent cleaning, fire suppression and explosion protection, and aerosols. For copies of the full list of SNAP decisions in all industrial sectors, visit EPA's Ozone Depletion web site at http://www.epa.gov/​ozone/​snap/​lists/​index.html.

The sections below discuss the substitute listing in detail. Appendix A contains a table summarizing today's listing decisions. The statements in the “Further Information” column in the table provide additional information, but are not legally binding under section 612 of the Clean Air Act. In addition, the “further information” may not be a comprehensive list of other legal obligations you may need to meet when using the substitute. Although you are not required to follow recommendations in the “further information” column of the table to use a substitute, EPA strongly encourages you to apply the information when using these substitutes. In many instances, the information simply refers to standard operating practices in existing industry and/or building-code standards. Thus, many of these statements, if adopted, would not require significant changes to existing operating practices.

Submissions to EPA for the use of the substitutes listed in this document may be found under category VI-D of EPA air docket A-91-42 at the address described above under ADDRESSES. You can find other materials supporting the decisions in this action under category IX-B of EPA docket A-91-42.

A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

1. and 2. R-404A and R-507A

EPA's decision: R-404A and R-507A are acceptable for use in new and retrofit equipment as substitutes for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends including, but not limited to, R-401A, R-401B, R-402A, R-402B, R-406A, R-408A, R-409A, R-411A, R-411B, R-411C, R-414A, R-414B, and R-416A in:

• Retail food refrigeration
• Cold storage warehouses
• Commercial ice machines
• Refrigerated transport
• Ice skating rinks
• Water coolers
• Residential dehumidifiers
• Vending machines
• Industrial process air conditioning
• Reciprocating chillers
• Screw chillers
• Centrifugal chillers
• Industrial process refrigeration
• Very low temperature refrigeration
• Non-mechanical heat transfer systems
• Household refrigerators and freezers
• Household and light commercial air conditioning

R-404A is a blend of 44% by weight HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane), 52% by weight HFC-143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane) and 4% by weight HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane). You may find the submission under EPA Air Docket A-91-42, items VI-D-284 and VI-D-287. R-507A, also known as R-507, is a blend of 50% by weight HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane) and 50% by weight HFC-143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane).

EPA previously listed both R-404A and R-507A as acceptable alternatives for various CFCs (e.g., R-12) and CFC-containing blends (e.g., R-500 and R-502) in several applications in the original SNAP rulemaking published in the Federal Register on March 18, 1994 (59 FR 13044) and in subsequent SNAP Notices (August 26, 1994, 59 FR 44240; January 13, 1995, 60 FR 3318). EPA previously listed R-404A and R-507A as acceptable substitutes for HCFC-22 in various end uses (March 22, 2002, 67 FR 13272 for R-404A; September 5, 1996, 61 FR 47012 for R-507A). Since that time, many users have switched directly from CFCs to R-404A or R-507A, while others have switched to HCFC-22 or many different HCFC blends found acceptable under various SNAP rulemakings and notices. Today's decision finds it acceptable to switch from HCFC-22 and HCFC blends to R-404A or R-507A in the end uses listed above.

Environmental Information

The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of R-404A and of R-507A is zero. The Global Warming Potentials (GWP) of HFC-125, HFC-143a and HFC-134a are 3400, 4300 and 1300, respectively (relative to carbon dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon).

All components of these blends have been exempted from listing as a volatile organic compound (VOC) under Clean Air Act regulations concerning the development of state implementation plans (SIPs) at 40 CFR 51.100(s).

Flammability Information

While HFC-143a is moderately flammable, the blends are not flammable.

Toxicity and Exposure Data

All components of the blend have workplace environmental exposure limits (WEELs) of 1000 ppm established by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). EPA expects users to follow all recommendations specified in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the blend and the individual components and other safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. We also expect that users of R-404A and R-507A will adhere to the AIHA's WEELs.

Comparison to Other Refrigerants

R-404A and R-507A are not ozone depleting; thus, they reduce risk from ozone depletion compared to HCFC-22, the ODS they replace, and blends containing HCFCs. Flammability and toxicity risks are low, as discussed above. Thus, we find that R-404A and R-507A are acceptable because they reduce overall risk to public health and the environment in the end uses listed.

3. RS-24

EPA's decision: RS-24 is acceptable for use in new and retrofit equipment as a substitute for CFC-12 in the following end uses:

• Industrial process refrigeration
• Industrial process air conditioning
• Ice skating rinks
• Cold storage warehouses
• Refrigerated transport
• Retail food refrigeration
• Vending machines
• Water coolers
• Commercial ice machines
• Household refrigerators and freezers
• Residential dehumidifiers

RS-24 is acceptable, subject to use conditions, for use in new and retrofit equipment as a substitute for CFC-12 in the following end use:

• Motor vehicle air conditioning

Conditions for Use in Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems

Regulations regarding recycling and prohibiting venting issued under section 609 of the Clean Air Act apply to this blend (subpart B of 40 CFR part 82).

On October 16, 1996, (61 FR 54029), EPA promulgated a final rule that prospectively applied certain conditions on the use of any refrigerant used as a substitute for CFC-12 in motor vehicle air conditioning systems (Appendix D of subpart G of 40 CFR part 82). That rule provided that EPA would list new refrigerants in future notices of acceptability. Therefore, the use of RS-24 as a CFC-12 substitute in motor vehicle air conditioning systems must follow the standard conditions imposed on previous refrigerants, including:

• The use of unique fittings designed by the refrigerant manufacturer,
• The application of a detailed label,
• The removal of the original refrigerant prior to charging with RS-24, and
• The installation of a high-pressure compressor cutoff switch on systems equipped with pressure relief devices.

The October 16, 1996, rule gives full details on these use conditions.

You must use the following fittings to use RS-24 in motor vehicle air conditioning systems:

Fitting type	Diameter (inches)	Thread pitch (threads/inch)	Thread direction
Low-side service port		quick-connect
High-side service port		quick-connect
Large containers (>20 lb.)		quick-connect
Small cans		quick-connect

The quick-connect fittings have been reviewed and found to be sufficiently different from HFC-134a and FRIGC FR-12 quick-connect fittings to be considered unique. The labels will have a gold background and black text.

The submitter of RS-24 claims that the composition of this HFC blend is confidential business information. You can find a version of the submission with information claimed confidential by the submitter removed in EPA Air Docket A-91-42, item VI-D-281.

Environmental Information

The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of RS-24 is zero. The Global Warming Potentials (GWPs) of the constituents are between zero and approximately 4000 (relative to carbon dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon).

At least one component of this blend has not been exempted from listing as a VOC under Clean Air Act regulations concerning the development of SIPs at 40 CFR 51.100(s).

Flammability Information

While at least one component of the blend is moderately flammable, the blend is not flammable.

Toxicity and Exposure Data

Components of the blend have workplace guidance level exposure limits on the order of 500 to 1000 ppm. EPA believes this exposure limit will be protective of human health and safety. EPA expects users to follow all recommendations specified in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the blend and the individual components and other safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

Comparison to Other Refrigerants

RS-24 is not an ozone depleter; thus, it reduces risk from ozone depletion compared to CFC-12, the ODS it replaces. RS-24 has a comparable or lower GWP than the other substitutes for CFC-12. Flammability and toxicity risks are low, as discussed above. Thus, we find that RS-24 is acceptable because it reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in the end uses listed.

4. NU-22

EPA's decision: NU-22 [R-125/134a/600 (46.6/50.0/3.4)] is acceptable for use in new and retrofit equipment as a substitute for R-502 in:

• Industrial process refrigeration
• Industrial process air-conditioning
• Cold storage warehouses
• Refrigerated transport
• Retail food refrigeration
• Commercial ice machines
• Vending machines
• Water coolers
• Ice skating rinks

NU-22 is a blend of 46.6 percent HFC-125, 50.0 percent HFC-134a, and 3.4 percent n-butane.

You can find the most recent submission in EPA Air Docket A-91-42, item VI-D-286.

In SNAP Notice of Acceptability #16 (March 22, 2002; 67 FR 13272), EPA noted that the composition of NU-22 was changed to match that of ISCEON 59, and that EPA previously found ISCEON 59 acceptable as a substitute for R-22 in a number of end uses in SNAP Notice of Acceptability #11 (December 6, 1999; 64 FR 68039).

Environmental Information

For environmental information on HFC-125 and HFC-134a, see above in section I.A.1 for R-404A. The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of NU-22 is zero. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of butane is less than 10 (relative to carbon dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon). Butane is a VOC under Clean Air Act regulations concerning the development of SIPs at 40 CFR 51.100(s).

Flammability Information

While butane, one component of the blend, is flammable, the blend is not flammable.

Toxicity and Exposure Data

HFC-125 and HFC-134a have guidance level WEELs of 1000 ppm established by the AIHA. Butane has a threshold limit value (TLV) of 800 ppm established by the American Conference of Goverment Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). EPA expects users to follow all recommendations specified in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the blend and the individual components and other safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. We also expect that users of NU-22 will adhere to the AIHA's WEELs and the ACGIH's TLVs.

Comparison to Other Refrigerants

NU-22 is not an ozone depleter; thus, it reduces risk from ozone depletion compared to R-502, the ODS it replaces. NU-22 has a comparable or lower GWP than the other substitutes for R-502. Flammability and toxicity risks are low, as discussed above. Thus, we find that NU-22 is acceptable because it reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in the end uses listed.

5. R-407C

EPA's decision: R-407C is acceptable for use in new and retrofit equipment as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends including, but not limited to, R-401A, R-401B, R-402A, R-402B, R-406A, R-408A, R-409A, R-411A, R-411B, R-411C, R-414A, R-414B, and R-416A in:

• Retail food refrigeration
• Cold storage warehouses
• Commercial ice machines
• Refrigerated transport
• Ice skating rinks
• Water coolers
• Residential dehumidifiers
• Vending machines
• Industrial process air conditioning
• Reciprocating chillers
• Screw chillers
• Centrifugal chillers
• Industrial process refrigeration
• Very low temperature refrigeration
• Non-mechanical heat transfer systems
• Household refrigerators and freezers
• Household and light commercial air conditioning

R-407C is a blend of 23% by weight HFC-32 (difluoromethane), 25% by weight HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane) and 52% by weight HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane).

EPA previously listed R-407C as an acceptable alternative for HCFC-22 and CFCs in various end uses under SNAP (February 8, 1996; 61 FR 4736). Since that time, many users have switched to R-407C, while others have switched to many different HCFC blends found acceptable under various SNAP rulemakings and notices. Today's decision finds it acceptable to switch from HCFC blends to R-407C.

Environmental Information

The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of R-407C is zero. The Global Warming Potentials (GWP) of HFC-125, HFC-32 and HFC-134a are 3400, 880, and 1300, respectively (relative to carbon dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon).

HFC-32 is the only component of this blend that is a VOC under Clean Air Act regulations.

Flammability Information

While HFC-32 is moderately flammable, the blend is not flammable.

Toxicity and Exposure Data

All components of the blend have workplace environmental exposure limits (WEELs) of 1000 ppm established by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). EPA expects users to follow all recommendations specified in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the blend and the individual components and other safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. We also expect that users of R-407C will adhere to the AIHA's WEELs.

Comparison to Other Refrigerants

R-407C is not an ozone depleter; thus, it reduces risk from ozone depletion compared to HCFC-22, the ODS it replaces, and blends containing HCFCs. R-407C has a comparable or lower GWP than the other substitutes for HCFC-22. Flammability and toxicity risks are low, as discussed above. Thus, we find that R-407C is acceptable because it reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in the end uses listed.

6. R-410A

EPA's decision: R-410A is acceptable for use in new equipment as a substitute for HCFC blends including, but not limited to, R-401A, R-401B, R-402A, R-402B, R-406A, R-408A, R-409A, R-411A, R-411B, R-411C, R-414A, R-414B, and R-416A in:

• Retail food refrigeration
• Cold storage warehouses
• Commercial ice machines
• Refrigerated transport
• Ice skating rinks
• Water coolers
• Residential dehumidifiers
• Vending machines
• Industrial process air conditioning
• Reciprocating chillers
• Screw chillers
• Centrifugal chillers
• Industrial process refrigeration
• Very low temperature refrigeration
• Non-mechanical heat transfer systems
• Household refrigerators and freezers
• Household and light commercial air conditioning

R-410A is a blend of 50% by weight HFC-32 (difluoromethane) and 50% by weight HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane).

EPA previously listed R-410A as an acceptable alternative for HCFC-22 and CFCs in various end uses under SNAP (February 8, 1996; 61 FR 4736). Since that time, many users have switched to R-410A, while others have switched to many different HCFC blends found acceptable under various SNAP rulemakings and notices. Today's decision finds it acceptable to switch from HCFC blends to R-410A.

Environmental Information

The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of R-410A is zero. For environmental information about HFC-125, see section I.A.1 above for R-404A; for environmental information about HFC-32, see section I.A.5 above for R-407C.

Flammability Information

While HFC-32 is moderately flammable, the blend is not flammable.

Toxicity and Exposure Data

For toxicity and exposure data on HFC-125 and HFC-32, see section I.A.5 above for R-407C. We expect that users of R-410A will adhere to the AIHA's WEELs.

Comparison to Other Refrigerants

R-410A is not an ozone depleter; thus, it reduces risk from ozone depletion compared to HCFC-22, the ODS it replaces, and blends containing HCFCs. Flammability and toxicity risks are low, as discussed above. Thus, we find that R-410A is acceptable because it reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in the end uses listed.

7. R-414B

EPA's decision: R-414B [R-22/124/600a/142b (50/39/1.5/9.5)] is acceptable for use in new and retrofit equipment as a substitute for CFC-12 and CFC-114 in:

• Industrial process air conditioning

R-414B, sold under the trade name Hot Shot, is a blend of 50% by weight HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), 39% by weight HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), 1.5% by weight R-600a (isobutane) and 9.5% by weight HCFC-142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane). You may find the submission under EPA Air Docket A-91-42, item VI-D-289.

EPA previously listed R-414B as an acceptable alternative for CFC-12 and R-500 in several end-uses under SNAP (September 5, 1996; 61 FR 47012) and found it acceptable subject to use conditions as a CFC-12 alternative in motor vehicle air conditioners (October 16, 1996; 61 FR 54029). Today's decision extends this decision to an additional end-use.

Environmental Information

The ozone depletion potentials (ODPs) of HCFC-22, HCFC-124 and HCFC-142b are 0.055, 0.022 and 0.065, respectively. The global warming potentials (GWPs) are 1700, 620 and 2400, respectively (relative to carbon dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon).

Isobutane is under Clean Air Act regulations concerning the development of SIPs at 40 CFR 51.100(s).

Flammability Information

While HCFC-142b and isobutane are flammable, the blend is not flammable.

Toxicity and Exposure Data

HCFC-22, HCFC-124 and HCFC-142b have workplace environmental exposure limits (WEELs) established by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) or threshold limit value (TLV) established by the American Conference of Goverment Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) of 1000 ppm. Isobutane has a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 800 ppm established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). EPA expects users to follow all recommendations specified in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the blend and the individual components and other safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. We also expect that users of R-414B will adhere to all recommended exposure limits.

Comparison to Other Refrigerants

R-414B has a much lower ozone-depletion potential than CFC-12 and CFC-114, the ODSs it replaces; thus, it reduces risk from ozone depletion. R-414B has a comparable or lower GWP than the other substitutes for CFC-12 and CFC-114 in the end-use listed. Flammability and toxicity risks are low, as discussed above. Thus, we find that R-414B is acceptable because it reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in the end use listed.

B. Solvent Cleaning

1. HCFC-225ca/cb

EPA's Decision: HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb are acceptable for use as a substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform in the metals cleaning end use.

HCFC-225ca is also called 3,3-dichloro-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane. HCFC-225cb is also called 1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane. They are sold in a commercial blend of 45% of the ca isomer and 55% of the cb isomer (“HCFCca/cb”).

EPA has previously found HCFC-225ca/cb acceptable subject to use conditions for use in solvents cleaning in the precision cleaning and electronics cleaning end uses (June 13, 1995, 60 FR 31092) and acceptable for use in aerosol solvents (April 28, 1999, 64 FR 22981).

Environmental Information

HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb have ozone depletion potentials (ODPs), respectively, of 0.025 and 0.033. HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb have global warming potentials (GWPs) of 180 and 620, respectively, over a 100-year time horizon. HCFC-225ca has an atmospheric lifetime (ALT) of 2.1 years and HCFC-225cb has an ALT of 6.2 years.

HCFC-225ca, HCFC-225cb, and the commercial blend of HCFC-225ca/cb have been exempted from listing as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under Clean Air Act regulations concerning the development of state implementation plans at 40 CFR 51.100(s).

Flammability

HCFC-225ca, HCFC-225cb, and the commercial blend of HCFC-225ca/cb are non-flammable.

Toxicity and Exposure Data

The manufacturer's recommended exposure guidelines over an eight-hour time-weighted average are 50 ppm for HCFC-225ca, 400 ppm for HCFC-225cb, and 100 ppm for the commercial mixture of HCFC-225ca/cb. EPA initially established a use condition for HCFC-225ca/cb in the precision cleaning and electronics cleaning end uses and did not issue an acceptability determination for the metal cleaning end use because of earlier data indicating the exposure guideline for the commercial mixture should be only 50 ppm. More recent analysis of the toxicological data indicate that a higher exposure guideline is appropriate (SNAP Notice #16, March 22, 2002, 67 FR 13272). EPA expects users of HCFC-225ca/cb to follow all recommendations specified in the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

Comparison to Other Cleaning Solvents

HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb have ODPs of 0.025 and 0.033, respectively; thus, they reduce risk overall compared to CFC-113 and methyl chloroform, the ODSs they replace. HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb have comparable or lower GWP than some acceptable substitutes for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform. HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb are non-flammable. HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb are VOC-exempt. Thus, we find that HCFC-225ca, HCFC-225cb, and the commercial blend of HCFC-225ca/cb are acceptable because they reduce overall risk to public health and the environment in the end use listed.

C. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection

1. C6-perfluoroketone

EPA's decision: C6-perfluoroketone is acceptable as a substitute for halon 1301 in the total flooding end use for both normally occupied and unoccupied spaces.

C6-perfluoroketone is comprised of a perfluoroalkyl ketone (1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone). It is marketed under the trade name Novec-1230. Other names include FK-5-1-12mmy2, perfluoro-2-methyl-3-pentanone, and L-15566. You can find a version of the submission with information claimed confidential by the submitter removed in EPA Air Docket A-91-42, items VI-D-269 and VI-D-277. Additional information on this fire suppressant is available in EPA Air Docket A-2002-08.

Environmental Information

C6-perfluoroketone has no ozone-depletion potential, a global warming potential of six to 100 relative to CO₂ over a 100 year time horizon, and an atmospheric lifetime of less than three days.

Flammability

C6-perfluoroketone is non-flammable.

Toxicity and Exposure Data

The C6-perfluoroketone was assayed for its ability to induce cardiac sensitization in the beagle dog (Huntington 2001). In that study, the cardiotoxic NOAEL was determined to be 10 percent. The manufacturer's maximum design concentration of 6.44 percent is significantly below the cardiotoxic NOAEL.

Appropriate protective measures should be taken and proper training administered for the manufacture, clean-up and disposal of this product and for the installation and maintenance of the total flooding systems using this product. EPA recommends the following for establishments installing and maintaining total flooding systems using this agent:

• Install and use adequate ventilation;
• Clean up all spills immediately in accordance with good industrial hygiene practices;
• Provide training for safe handling procedures to all employees that would be likely to handle containers of the agent or extinguishing units filled with the agent; and
• Provide safety features such as pre-discharge alarms, time delays, and system abort switches, as directed by applicable OSHA regulations and NFPA standards. EPA recommends that unnecessary exposure to fire suppression agents and their decomposition products be avoided and that personnel exposure be limited to no more than 5 minutes.

Use of this agent should conform with relevant Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, including 29 CFR 1910, subpart L, sections 1910.160 and 1910.162. EPA expects that users will follow the safety guidelines in the NFPA 2001 standard for clean agent fire extinguishing systems and the guidelines in the manufacturer's MSDSs.

Comparison to Other Fire Suppressants

EPA has reviewed the potential environmental impacts of this substitute and has concluded that, by comparison to halon 1301 and other acceptable substitutes, C6-perfluoroketone significantly reduces overall risk to the environment. With no ozone-depletion potential, a global warming potential value of less than 100, and an atmospheric lifetime of less than three days, C6-perfluoroketone provides an improvement over use of halon 1301, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in fire protection. We find that C6-perfluoroketone is acceptable because it reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in the end use listed.

D. Aerosols

1. HCFC-225ca/cb

EPA's Decision: HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb are acceptable for use as a substitute for HCFC-141b in the aerosol solvent end use.

For further information on HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb, see section B., Solvent Cleaning, above.

Comparison to Other Aerosol Solvents

HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb have ODPs of 0.025 and 0.033, while HCFC-141b has an ODP of 0.11; thus, HCFC-225ca and -225cb reduce risk overall compared to HCFC-141b, the ODS they replace. HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb have GWPs of 180 and 620, respectively, which are comparable or lower than the GWP of HCFC-141b (700) and the GWPs of some acceptable substitutes for HCFC-141b. HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb are non-flammable. They are less toxic than some other acceptable substitutes for HCFC-141b. HCFC-225ca and -225cb are VOC-exempt and are not hazardous air pollutants, unlike many alternatives in this end use. Therefore, we find that HCFC-225ca, HCFC-225cb, and the commercial blend of HCFC-225ca/cb are acceptable because they reduce overall risk to public health and the environment in the end use listed.

II. Section 612 Program

A. Statutory Requirements

Section 612 of the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA to develop a program for evaluating alternatives to ozone-depleting substances. We refer to this program as the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. The major provisions of section 612 are:

• Rulemaking—Section 612(c) requires EPA to promulgate rules making it unlawful to replace any class I (chlorofluorocarbon, halon, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, methyl bromide, and hydrobromofluorocarbon) or class II (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) substance with any substitute that the Administrator determines may present adverse effects to human health or the environment where the Administrator has identified an alternative that (1) reduces the overall risk to human health and the environment, and (2) is currently or potentially available.
• Listing of Unacceptable/Acceptable Substitutes—Section 612(c) also requires EPA to publish a list of the substitutes unacceptable for specific uses. EPA must publish a corresponding list of acceptable alternatives for specific uses.
• Petition Process—Section 612(d) grants the right to any person to petition EPA to add a substance to or delete a substance from the lists published in accordance with section 612(c). The Agency has 90 days to grant or deny a petition. Where the Agency grants the petition, it must publish the revised lists within an additional six months.
• 90-day Notification—Section 612(e) directs EPA to require any person who produces a chemical substitute for a class I substance to notify the Agency not less than 90 days before new or existing chemicals are introduced into interstate commerce for significant new uses as substitutes for a class I substance. The producer must also provide the Agency with the producer's unpublished health and safety studies on such substitutes.
• Outreach—Section 612(b)(1) states that the Administrator shall seek to maximize the use of federal research facilities and resources to assist users of class I and II substances in identifying and developing alternatives to the use of such substances in key commercial applications.
• Clearinghouse—Section 612(b)(4) requires the Agency to set up a public clearinghouse of alternative chemicals, product substitutes, and alternative manufacturing processes that are available for products and manufacturing processes which use class I and II substances.

B. Regulatory History

On March 18, 1994, EPA published the final rulemaking (59 FR 13044) which described the process for administering the SNAP program. In the same notice, we issued the first acceptability lists for substitutes in the major industrial use sectors. These sectors include:

• Refrigeration and air conditioning;
• Foam blowing;
• Solvents cleaning;
• Fire suppression and explosion protection;
• Sterilants;
• Aerosols;
• Adhesives, coatings and inks; and
• Tobacco expansion.

These sectors compose the principal industrial sectors that historically consumed the largest volumes of ozone-depleting compounds.

As described in this original rule for the SNAP program, EPA does not believe that rulemaking procedures are required to list alternatives as acceptable with no limitations. Such listings do not impose any sanction, nor do they remove any prior license to use a substance. Therefore, by this notice we are adding substances to the list of acceptable alternatives without first requesting comment on new listings.

However, we do believe that notice-and-comment rulemaking is required to place any substance on the list of prohibited substitutes, to list a substance as acceptable only under certain conditions, to list substances as acceptable only for certain uses, or to remove a substance from the lists of prohibited or acceptable substitutes. We publish updates to these lists as separate notices of rulemaking in the Federal Register.

The Agency defines a “substitute” as any chemical, product substitute, or alternative manufacturing process, whether existing or new, intended for use as a replacement for a class I or class II substance. Anyone who produces a substitute must provide EPA with health and safety studies on the substitute at least 90 days before introducing it into interstate commerce for significant new use as an alternative. This requirement applies to substitute manufacturers, but may include importers, formulators, or end-users, when they are responsible for introducing a substitute into commerce.

You can find a complete chronology of SNAP decisions and the appropriate Federal Register citations from the SNAP section of EPA's Ozone Depletion World Wide Web site at www.epa.gov/​ozone/​title6/​snap/​chron.html. This information is also available from the Air Docket (see ADDRESSES section above for contact information).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82

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

Dated: December 9, 2002.

Brian J. McLean,

Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and Radiation.

Appendix A: Summary of Acceptable Decisions

Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning

End-Use	Substitute	Decision	Further information
Industrial process refrigeration (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	NU-22 as a substitute for R-502	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note 1
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Industrial process refrigeration (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Industrial process air conditioning (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	NU-22 as a substitute for R-502	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-414B as a substitute for for CFC-12 and CFC-14	Acceptable
Industrial process air conditioning (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Ice skating rinks (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	NU-22 as a substitute for R-502	Acceptable
	NU-22 as a substitute for R-502	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Ice skating rinks (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Cold storage warehouses (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	NU-22 as a substitute for R-502	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Cold storage warehouses (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Refrigerated transport (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	NU-22 as a substitute for R-502	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Refrigerated transport (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Retail food refrigeration (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Retail food refrigeration (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Vending machines (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	NU-22 as a substitute for R-502	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Vending machines (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Water coolers (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	NU-22 as a substitute for R-502	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Water coolers (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Commercial ice machines (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	NU-22 as a substitute for R-502	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Commercial ice machines (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Household refrigerators and freezers (retrofit and new)	R-404A as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Household refrigerators and freezers (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Reciprocating chillers (retrofit and new)	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Reciprocating chillers (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Centrifugal chillers (retrofit and new)	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Centrifugal chillers (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Screw chillers (retrofit and new)	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Screw chillers (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Very low temperature refrigeration (retrofit and new)	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Very low temperature refrigeration (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Non-mechanical heat transfer systems (retrofit and new)	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Non-mechanical heat transfer systems (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Household and light commercial air conditioning (retrofit and new)
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Household and light commercial air conditioning (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Residential dehumidifiers (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable
	R-404A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-507A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
	R-407C as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Residential dehumidifiers (new)	R-410A as a substitute for HCFC-22 and HCFC blends	Acceptable	See note
Motor vehicle air conditioning (retrofit and new)	RS-24 as a substitute for CFC-12	Acceptable subject to use conditions	Users must use the unique fittings and label specified by the manufacturer. Use is subject to requirements under § 609 of the Clean Air Act.
1 Note: HCFC blends include, but are not limited to, R-410A, R-401B, R-402A, R-402B, R-406A, R-408A, R-409A, R-411A, R-411B, R-411C, R-414A, R-414B, and R-416.

Solvent Cleaning

End-Use	Substitute	Decision	Further Information
Metal cleaning	HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb as a substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform	Acceptable	EPA recommends observing the manufacturer's recommended exposure guidelines of 50 ppm for the −ca isomer, 400 ppm for the −cb isomer, and 100 ppm for the commercial mixture of HCFC-225ca/cb. EPA encourages users to consider other alternatives that do not have an ozone depletion potential.

Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection

End-Use	Substitute	Decision	Further Information
Total flooding	C6-perfluoroketone as a substitute for Halon 1301	Acceptable	Use of the agent should be in accordance with the safety guidelines in the latest edition of the NFPA 2001 Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. For operations that install and maintain total flooding systems using this agent, EPA recommends the following: — Install and use adequate ventilation; — Clean up all spills immediately in accordance with good industrial hygiene practices; and — Provide training for safe handling procedures to all employees that would be likely to handle containers of the agent or extinguishing units filled with the agent. See additional notes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Additional notes:
1. Should conform with relevant OSHA requirements, including 29 CFR 1910, subpart L, sections 1910.160, 1910.161 (dry chemicals and aerosols) and 1910.162 (gaseous agents).
2. Per OSHA requirements, protective gear (SCBA) should be available in the event personnel should reenter the area.
3. Discharge testing should be strictly limited to that which is essential to meet safety or performance requirements.
4. The agent should be recovered from the fire protection system in conjunction with testing or servicing, and recycled for later use or destroyed.
5. EPA has no intention of duplicating or displacing OSHA coverage related to the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., respiratory protection), fire protection, hazard communication, worker training or any other occupational safety and health standard with respect to halon substitutes.

Aerosols

End-Use	Substitute	Decision	Further Information
Aerosol solvents	HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb as a substitute for HCFC-141b	Acceptable	EPA recommends observing the manufacturer's recommended exposure guidelines of 50 ppm for the -ca isomer, 400 ppm for the -cb isomer, and 100 ppm for the commercial mixture of HCFC-225ca/cb. EPA encourages users to consider other alternatives that do not have an ozone depletion potential.