95-26324. 2,2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide; Toxic Chemical Release Reporting; Community Right-to-Know; Stay of Reporting Requirements  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 208 (Friday, October 27, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 54949-54953]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-26324]
    
    
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    40 CFR Part 372
    
    [OPPTS-400097; FRL-4970-6]
    
    
    2,2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide; Toxic Chemical Release 
    Reporting; Community Right-to-Know; Stay of Reporting Requirements
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Administrative stay; request for comment on petition to delist.
    
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    SUMMARY: EPA is granting a request submitted by the Dow Chemical Co. 
    for an administrative stay of the reporting requirements under section 
    313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 
    (EPCRA) and section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA), 
    for 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA)(Chemical Abstracts 
    Service (CAS) No. 10222-01-2). This chemical was added to the 40 CFR 
    part 372 Subpart D list of toxic chemicals in a final rule published in 
    the Federal Register of November 30, 1994. Since promulgation of the 
    final rule, the Agency has preliminarily determined that it categorized 
    certain effects that supported the listing decision incorrectly. The 
    effect of this stay is to suspend reporting on this chemical while the 
    Agency completes its reassessment of the data for this chemical. The 
    Agency has also received a petition to delist DBNPA based on new 
    information. The Agency is making this information available for public 
    comment and is seeking comment on whether DBNPA should remain on the 
    EPCRA section 313 list of toxic chemicals. After evaluating public 
    comment, the Agency will issue a final decision on the delisting 
    petition which will either delete or retain this chemical on the 
    section 313 list. In either case, the Agency's decision on the petition 
    to delist will serve to dissolve this administrative stay. This action 
    affects only EPCRA section 313 and PPA section 6607 toxic chemical 
    reporting for DBNPA.
    
    DATES: The administrative stay is effective October 27, 1995. Written 
    comments on the petition to delist must be received by November 27, 
    1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted in triplicate to : OPPT 
    Docket Clerk (7407), TSCA Nonconfidential Information Center (NCIC), 
    Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection 
    Agency, Rm. NE-B607, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460.
        Comments and data may also be submitted electronically by sending 
    electronic mail (e-mail) to: ncic@epamail.epa.gov. Electronic comments 
    must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special 
    characters and any form of encryption. Comments and data will also be 
    accepted on disks in WordPerfect in 5.1 file format or ASCII file 
    format. All comments and data in electronic form must be identified by 
    the docket number OPPTS-400097. No confidential business information 
    (CBI) should be submitted through e-mail. Electronic comments on the 
    information presented in this document may be filed online at many 
    Federal Depository Libraries. Additional information on electronic 
    submissions can be found in Unit VII. of this document. Comments should 
    include the docket control number for this document, OPPTS-400097.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maria J. Doa, Project Manager, 202-
    260-9592, e-mail: doa.maria@epamail.epa.gov for specific information on 
    this action. For general information on EPCRA section 313, contact the 
    Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Hotline, Environmental 
    Protection Agency, Mail Code 5101, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 
    20460, Toll free: 1-800-535-0202, in Virginia and Alaska: 703-412-9877 
    or Toll free TDD: 1-800-553-7672.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Background
    
        Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know 
    Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. 11023 (EPCRA) requires certain facilities 
    manufacturing, processing, or otherwise using listed toxic chemicals to 
    report their environmental releases of such chemicals annually. 
    Beginning with the 1991 reporting year, such facilities also must 
    report pollution prevention and recycling data for such chemicals, 
    pursuant to section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 
    13106). Section 313 established an initial list of toxic chemicals that 
    was comprised of more than 300 chemicals and 20 chemical categories. 
    Section 313(d) authorizes EPA to add to or delete chemicals from the 
    list, and sets forth criteria for these actions. Under section 313(e), 
    any person may petition EPA to add chemicals to or delete chemicals 
    from the list. EPA has added and deleted chemicals from the original 
    statutory list. Pursuant to EPCRA section 313(e)(1), EPA must respond 
    to petitions within 180 days either by initiating a rulemaking or by 
    publishing an explanation of why the petition has been denied.
        EPA issued a statement of petition policy and guidance in the 
    Federal 
    
    [[Page 54950]]
    Register of February 4, 1987 (52 FR 3479), to provide guidance 
    regarding the recommended content and format for petitions. On May 23, 
    1991 (56 FR 23703), EPA issued a statement of policy and guidance 
    regarding the recommended content of petitions to delete individual 
    members of the section 313 metal compound categories. EPA has published 
    a statement clarifying its interpretation of the section 313(d)(2) and 
    (3) criteria for adding and deleting chemicals from the section 313 
    toxic chemical list (November 30, 1994; 59 FR 61439).
        In the Federal Register of November 30, 1994 (59 FR 61432), the 
    Agency published a final rule adding 286 chemicals and chemical 
    categories to the EPCRA section 313 list of toxic chemicals. DBNPA was 
    included among the 286 chemicals and chemical categories in the 
    November 1994 final rule. The Agency found that DBNPA met the section 
    313(d)(2)(B) criteria for chronic human toxicity because of chronic 
    respiratory effects. (See 59 FR 61452).
    
    II. Description of Request and Basis for Administrative Stay
    
        Since the promulgation of the final rule adding DBNPA to the list 
    of toxic chemicals, it has been brought to the Agency's attention that 
    it may have incorrectly categorized the effects observed in studies 
    which were reviewed prior to promulgation. Some members of the 
    regulated community have also expressed concern that the basis for the 
    Agency's final action on this chemical was inadequately described in 
    the rulemaking record.
        On December 29, 1994, Dow Chemical Co. requested that the Agency 
    administratively stay the reporting requirements for DBNPA, based on 
    their contention that the new information submitted with their request 
    (which includes a study report dated August 2, 1994 and further 
    analyses of studies in the record) demonstrates that the original basis 
    for listing (chronic respiratory toxicity) is not valid (Ref. 1). 
    Subsequently, on February 24, 1995, Dow Chemical Co. petitioned the 
    Agency pursuant to EPCRA section 313(e) to delete DBNPA from the EPCRA 
    section 313 list of toxic chemicals, contending that the new 
    information submitted with the request for an administrative stay 
    demonstrates that DBNPA does not meet the listing criteria (Ref. 2).
        Based on its reassessment of the information supporting the listing 
    of DBNPA, EPA agrees preliminarily that DBNPA does not cause chronic 
    respiratory toxicity. Therefore, the Agency believes that it is 
    important and appropriate to administratively stay the effective date 
    of the listing of this chemical.
        EPCRA section 313(d)(2) states that a chemical may be listed if any 
    of the listing criteria are met. Therefore, in order to add a chemical, 
    EPA must demonstrate that at least one criterion is met, but does not 
    need to examine whether all other criteria are also met. Conversely, in 
    order to remove a chemical from the list, EPA must demonstrate that 
    none of the criteria are met. In reviewing the petition to delist DBNPA 
    pursuant to EPCRA section 313(d)(3), EPA believes that DBNPA meets the 
    criteria described in section 313(d)(2)(B), based on subchronic gastric 
    toxicity; and the criteria described in section 313(d)(2)(C), based on 
    environmental toxicity. Because the bases for meeting these criteria 
    are different than those for which comments were originally received in 
    response to the January 12, 1994 Federal Register notice, EPA is 
    seeking comment on the initial determination for this chemical; the 
    additional information which has been brought to the Agency's 
    attention; and, generally, comments (and any supporting data) on 
    whether the Agency should either grant or deny the petition to delete 
    DBNPA.
        Under the November 1994 final rule, reporting for DBNPA is required 
    to begin for activities during the 1995 calendar year, with the first 
    reports due on or before July 1, 1996. However, because of the decision 
    to issue this administrative stay, facilities will not have to prepare 
    and submit Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Form R reports for the 1995 
    reporting year. Moreover, pending a decision by the Agency of whether 
    to grant the petition and propose a rule to delete DBNPA or to deny the 
    petition and affirm the listing, the reporting requirements of EPCRA 
    section 313 and PPA section 6607 for DBNPA will continue to be 
    administratively stayed. EPA's decision will be made promptly after 
    consideration of public comment submitted on this Federal Register 
    document.
    
    III. EPA's Technical Review of the Petition
    
    A. Chemistry/Use Profile
    
        1. Physical properties. DBNPA is a white, crystalline solid in its 
    pure state. It has moderate water solubility (15 grams per liter (g/L)) 
    and a very low vapor pressure at room temperature (less than 4 x 
    10-5 mm Hg at 25  deg.C). DBNPA is degraded through hydrolysis in 
    water, but this is a pH-dependent process which is most rapid under 
    alkaline conditions (Ref. 4).
        2. Industrial uses. DBNPA is used as an algicide, bactericide, 
    fungicide, and a preservative additive. The target microorganisms are 
    coliform bacteria; slime- and odor-forming algae, bacteria and fungi; 
    yeasts; and sulfide producing bacteria (as found in enhanced oil 
    recovery applications). DBNPA's use as a pesticide is regulated under 
    the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). It is 
    used to control microorganisms in industrial water systems (such as 
    cooling water and pulp and paper manufacturing); oil field 
    applications; and a variety of products such as adhesives, glues, 
    industrial coatings, metal cutting fluids, paints, emulsions, waxes, 
    polishes, and inks. Currently, 26 companies have a total of 44 FIFRA 
    registrations for DBNPA or products containing this chemical. At the 
    present time, 80 percent of the total consumption of DBNPA in the U.S. 
    (approximately 850,000 pounds in 1994) is in paper mills, 18 percent is 
    used in recirculating water cooling systems and 2 percent is used in 
    once-through cooling water systems. DBNPA is expected to be commonly 
    used in rotation with other biocides in order to prevent acquired 
    resistance by strains of the target organism or in combination with 
    other biocides if there is a build-up of a particular organism. DBNPA 
    is believed to be too expensive to be used as a primary biocide in many 
    applications (Ref. 6).
    
    B. Toxicological Evaluation of DBNPA
    
        1. Acute toxicity. EPA has reviewed the clinical signs, such as 
    dyspnea, evidenced in 4- and 13-week rat studies by gavage. When EPA 
    originally reviewed these studies for the November 1994 rule, EPA 
    concluded that the effects observed in these studies represented 
    chronic respiratory toxicity. Upon further analysis, EPA agrees with 
    Dow Chemical's contention that the observed dyspnea was secondary to 
    the method of treatment and that it is the result of acute irritation 
    of the trachea and epiglottis due to reflux of the test material. 
    Although some uncertainty exists as to the mechanism by which the 
    dyspnea (and in some cases death) occurred, a NOEL (no observed effect 
    level) of 5 milligrams per kilogram per day (mg/kg/day) and a LOEL 
    (lowest observed effect level) of 13 mg/kg/day were established. DBNPA 
    is corrosive, particularly to the eyes and, at least, is severely 
    irritating to the respiratory tract (Refs. 3 and 7).
        2. Developmental toxicity. In a developmental study in rabbits, 
    
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        developmental effects were reported at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day, with no 
    evidence of maternal toxicity until the next higher dose (60 mg/kg/
    day). Because the 30 mg/kg/day dose group was performed at a different 
    time than the rest of the study (this group was initiated after the 
    death of six rabbits) and did not have a concurrent control group for 
    comparison, no statistical analysis can be validly performed. This 
    treatment group cannot be considered as a valid part of the study 
    (Refs. 3, 7, and 12).
        3. Chronic toxicity. As indicated above, a developmental study in 
    rabbits showed evidence of maternal toxicity at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day. 
    Deaths due to treatment were caused by ulcerative and hemorrhagic 
    gastritis and occurred in 6 of 14 treated rabbits (dams). Evidence of 
    effects did not occur immediately in the study, and deaths did not 
    occur until after 10 days of dosing. These effects are considered to be 
    subchronic in nature. Further support for the subchronic, rather than 
    acute, nature of the effect is that in a range finding study in which 
    rats were administered the test material by gavage at similar doses for 
    up to 2 weeks, no gastritis was seen (except in one female at the end 
    of 2 weeks treatment). Due to the deletion of the 30 mg/kg/day dose 
    level from the evaluation of the developmental study, the maternal NOEL 
    for this study has been reassessed as 10 mg/kg/day (no effects were 
    observed at dose levels of 0 and 10 mg/kg/day), with a maternal LOEL of 
    60 mg/kg/day (Refs. 3 and 7).
        4. Environmental toxicity. Only the 96-hour (h) EC50 (median 
    effective concentration) of 0.300 mg/L (milligram per liter) for DBNPA 
    was reported for freshwater green algae based on the growth rate. This 
    result was based on nominal concentrations derived from a water-based 
    stock solution used to initiate the test. Had this effective 
    concentration been based on mean measured concentrations of the test 
    substance during the test period, EPA believes that the EC50 
    values would have been lower. Assuming a hydrolysis rate (t\1/2\) of 63 
    hours at pH 7 (the pH of the algal medium was 7.5), concentrations were 
    predicted at time (t)=0 h, t=63 h, and t=98.5 h and averaged. The mean 
    concentrations were predicted to be 64 percent of the concentrations at 
    t=0 h. Based on these predicted mean concentrations, EPA calculated the 
    green algal 96-h EC50 as 0.010 mg/L. Saltwater green algal 
    toxicity was not measured. The reported value for daphnid chronic 
    toxicity is a LOEC (lowest observed effect concentration) of 0.020 mg/
    L; this was the lowest dose tested. Using the dose-response curve data 
    from the test report, chronic EC10 (ten percentile effective 
    concentration) values were predicted for total mean young per female 
    (0.005 mg/L) and for total young (0.008 mg/L). DBNPA slows oyster shell 
    deposition and has a 48-h EC50 less than 0.070 mg/L. It is not 
    known whether this is a direct effect of DBNPA on the oysters 
    themselves or an indirect effect of DBNPA on oysters because of direct 
    effects on oyster food sources, i.e., phytoplankton or saltwater green 
    algae. Because the toxicity of DBNPA towards saltwater green algae was 
    never measured, this issue could not be resolved (Refs. 8, 9, and 10).
    
    C. Exposure to DBNPA in the Environment
    
        In making listing determinations under EPCRA section 313, there are 
    limited circumstances under which it is appropriate for EPA to consider 
    exposure factors (See 59 FR 61440). The Agency believes that exposure 
    considerations are appropriate in making determinations (1) under 
    section 313(d)(2)(A), (2) under section 313(d)(2)(B) for chemicals that 
    exhibit low to moderately low toxicity based on a hazard assessment 
    (i.e., those chemicals for which the value of listing on the EPCRA 
    section 313 list on hazard alone is marginal), and (3) under section 
    313 (d)(2)(C) for chemicals that are low or moderately ecotoxic or do 
    not induce well-documented serious adverse effects. The Agency believes 
    that exposure considerations are not appropriate in making 
    determinations (1) under section 313(d)(2)(B) for chemicals that 
    exhibit moderately high to high human toxicity based on a hazard 
    assessment, and (2) under section 313(d)(2)(C) for chemicals that are 
    highly ecotoxic or induce well-established adverse environmental 
    effects. Based on its most recent reassessment, EPA has preliminarily 
    determined that DBNPA is acutely toxic to humans, highly chronicly 
    toxic to humans and highly ecotoxic.
        EPA has, as part of the review of DBNPA, conducted an exposure 
    analysis. Based on a screening level assessment, EPA estimated the 
    likelihood of exposure at facility boundaries at levels which are 
    reasonably likely to cause acute toxicity. Further, because of 
    uncertainties encountered initially regarding the degree of 
    environmental toxicity of DBNPA, EPA also conducted an exposure 
    analysis which estimated the likelihood of exposure to the environment. 
    Because the analyses were conducted, the results of this environmental 
    exposure analysis are presented below. However, the determination that 
    the listing criterion of EPCRA section 313(d)(2)(C) is met is based 
    solely on the hazard of the chemical, not on estimated exposures.
        Due to its very low vapor pressure, DBNPA is not expected to be 
    released in significant quantities to air. Since DBNPA is manufactured 
    and imported as a liquid and is soluble in water, land releases are 
    also anticipated to be low. However, there is a concern for aqueous 
    releases of DBNPA to the environment; especially from paper mills and 
    cooling water systems (Ref. 10).
        1. Paper mills. There are a variety of applications for which DBNPA 
    can be used in paper mills. DBNPA is used to control microorganisms 
    which can grow in aqueous systems affected by machine deposits (such as 
    starch, which acts as a nutrient) and other sources of biological 
    contamination. Many of the additives used in this industry are 
    preserved with biocides. DBNPA is continuously added at a rate of 0.03-
    0.1 lb per ton of pulp or paper (on a dry basis) and it is assumed that 
    DBNPA is used to treat the pulp or paper every day (Ref. 6). DBNPA's 
    primary removal mechanism is hydrolysis, which is highly pH sensitive. 
    At neutral pH, the overall removal during wastewater treatment 
    operations with a total residence time of 12 hours is estimated to be 
    15 percent (the typical pH of waste water treatment plants in the 
    United States is 7.2). All of the DBNPA used within the mill is 
    expected to be sent to on-site treatment or directly to a publicly 
    owned treatment works (POTW) (Refs. 5 and 6).
        Based on these assumptions, EPA calculated the predicted releases 
    of DBNPA daily at each site, stream concentrations at low and mean 
    flow, and potential daily dose rates for human exposure to drinking 
    water for a variety of paper mill operations. Based on this screening 
    level assessment, EPA believes there is little to no likelihood for 
    dyspnea associated with general population drinking water exposures in 
    this use application. However, at the usage rate indicated, the 
    concentration of concern for environmental effects on freshwater green 
    algae and daphnids would be exceeded essentially every day throughout 
    the year (364-365 days) (Ref. 10).
        2. Cooling water systems. Cooling systems are treated to maintain 
    efficient heat exchange, to prevent plugging of orifices, to prevent 
    potential health concerns and for aesthetics. Typical biocide 
    treatments have use levels of less than 100 mg/L and the biocide may be 
    added continuously or intermittently. There are an estimated 40,000 
    
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    recirculating open-water cooling systems in the U.S. (average size 
    20,000 gallons) and an estimated 4,000 once-through water cooling 
    systems with an average size of 1,000,000 to 20,000,000 gallons. 
    Although there are far more recirculating than once-through systems, 
    the total volume of water discharged from once-through towers is 
    estimated to be approximately the same as from recirculating systems. 
    In recirculating systems, DBNPA is used at a rate of 2.5-24 mg/L. DBNPA 
    is used to treat the water 1-3 times per week throughout the year 
    (Refs. 5 and 6). Based on the above usage rate and the estimated annual 
    use of DBNPA in recirculating water cooling systems (153,000 lb/yr), 
    the annual use of DBNPA is calculated at 64-640 lb/site-yr at 239-2,390 
    sites. All of the DBNPA used in recirculating water cooling systems is 
    expected to be sent to on-site treatment or directly to a POTW (Refs. 5 
    and 6). Calculated at the maximum usage rate for DBNPA and the lowest 
    stream flow, a screening level assessment similar to that conducted for 
    paper mills demonstrated no likelihood for dyspnea to the general 
    population (Ref. 10). For recirculating water cooling systems, the 
    concentration of concern for environmental effects on freshwater green 
    algae and daphnids would be exceeded 160 days per year (Ref. 10). The 
    average use rate of DBNPA in once-through cooling systems is estimated 
    at 200 pounds per site-year (lb/site-yr). DBNPA is used to treat the 
    water less than 100 days during the year, which is an application rate 
    of less than 2 lb/site-day. All of the DBNPA used in recirculating 
    water cooling systems is expected to be sent to on-site treatment or 
    directly to a POTW (Refs. 5 and 6). A screening level assessment 
    indicated that there is little to no likelihood for dyspnea associated 
    with general population drinking water exposures in this use 
    application (Ref. 10). For once-through water cooling systems, the 
    concentration of concern for environmental effects on freshwater green 
    algae and daphnids would be exceeded 99 days per year (Ref. 10).
    
    IV. Technical Summary
    
        Based on EPA's most recent assessment, the Agency has preliminarily 
    determined that DBNPA: (1) Can reasonably be anticipated to cause 
    subchronic gastrointestinal effects; and (2) can reasonably be 
    anticipated to cause toxicity to freshwater green algae, chronic 
    effects on freshwater invertebrates, and chronic effects on oysters, at 
    relatively low concentrations. EPA's toxicological evaluation of DBNPA 
    indicates that it exhibits acute toxicity only at levels that exceed 
    the expected releases and resultant exposures.
    
    V. Administrative Stay
    
    A. Rationale for Decision
    
        EPA is granting the request for an administrative stay of the 
    listing of DBNPA on the EPCRA section 313 list of toxic chemicals. EPA 
    proposed to list DBNPA because scientific evidence showed that it 
    exhibited chronic human toxicity effects, specifically citing 
    respiratory toxicity (59 FR 1807). The Agency affirmed this finding in 
    the final rule (59 FR 61452). In the final rule, the Agency responded 
    to commenters who argued that the respiratory effects cited were a 
    result of an acute toxic reaction to direct exposure to the respiratory 
    system from the gavage dosing methodology. At that time the Agency 
    stated that ``. . .the dyspnea observed in the 4-week and 13-week rat 
    gavage studies cited in the proposed rule may have been due to severe 
    irritation of the trachea and lungs from accidental or incidental 
    delivery of small amounts of the DBNPA dosing solutions into the 
    larynx, pharynx, trachea, and/or lungs during the procedure. However, 
    this suggestion of possible cause can be neither refuted nor confirmed 
    based upon the available data.'' Since the publication of the final 
    rule, the Agency has preliminarily determined that it had incorrectly 
    categorized the effects in studies which were reviewed prior to 
    promulgation. EPA currently believes that these data serve to confirm 
    the acute nature of the respiratory toxicity of DBNPA. EPA's further 
    review of DBNPA data also indicates that DBNPA causes gastric toxicity 
    and environmental toxicity, and meets the 313(d)(2)(B) and 313(d)(2)(C) 
    listing criteria on that basis.
        Although the statutory basis for the determination that DBNPA meets 
    the listing criteria of EPCRA section 313(d)(2) would not change, the 
    Agency now believes that the listing should be based on effects other 
    than that listed in the final rule. EPA recognizes that, although its 
    ultimate decision would remain unchanged, interested parties may 
    disagree with the Agency's position that the information on subchronic 
    gastric effects supports a finding under section 313(d)(2)(B) or its 
    position that the information on environmental toxicity supports a 
    finding under section 313(d)(2)(C). EPA believes good cause exists to 
    issue this Administrative Stay to allow parties time to prepare and 
    submit comment and information on these points.
    
    B. Legal Authority
    
        The Agency believes that this administrative stay is appropriate 
    and in the interest of justice, given the fact that EPA incorrectly 
    categorized the effects observed in certain data relating to DBNPA 
    prior to promulgation of the final rule adding this chemical to the 
    EPCRA section 313 list of toxic chemicals. Although the Agency does not 
    regard today's stay as a rule, were it to be viewed as a rule, the 
    Agency believes that there is good cause for issuing it without prior 
    notice and opportunity for comment and for making it immediately 
    effective. Under section 313(a), facilities face a current and ongoing 
    obligation to collect information about releases, transfers, and waste 
    management of DBNPA. Until such time as the issues described in this 
    document are resolved, EPA believes that this administrative stay is 
    necessary. As stated above, EPA has begun addressing these issues and 
    will move quickly toward final resolution of the status of DBNPA under 
    EPCRA section 313.
        In addition, this administrative stay is authorized by 5 U.S.C. 
    section 705, which provides that an agency may postpone the effective 
    date of any action taken by it when justice so requires, pending 
    judicial review. Although no petition for review has been formally 
    filed as of this date with respect to DBNPA, the Agency believes that 
    rather than going through costly and potentially protracted litigation, 
    an Administrative Stay coupled with a Federal Register notice and 
    opportunity to comment is both consistent with the goal of the TRI 
    program to involve the public in the resolution of important issues and 
    in the interest of justice.
    
    C. Effective Date of Administrative Stay
    
        This administrative stay, which applies only to the listing of 
    DBNPA on the EPCRA section 313 list of toxic chemicals is effective 
    October 27, 1995.
    
    VI. Request for Public Comment
    
        EPA requests public comment on the information presented in this 
    document regarding the continued listing of DBNPA on the EPCRA section 
    313 list of toxic chemicals. Comments should be submitted to the 
    address listed under the ADDRESSES unit. All comments must be received 
    on or before November 27, 1995.
    
    VII. Administrative Record
    
        A record has been established for this administrative stay under 
    docket number OPPTS-400097 (including comments and data submitted 
    electronically as described below). A 
    
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    public version of this record, including printed, paper versions of 
    electronic comments, which does not include any information claimed as 
    confidential business information (CBI), is available for inspection 
    from noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. 
    The public record is located in the TSCA Nonconfidential Information 
    Center, Rm. NE-B607, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460.
        Electronic comments can be sent directly to EPA at:
    
        ncic@epa
    
        Electronic comments must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the 
    use of special characters and any form of encryption.
        The official record for this administrative stay described above 
    will be kept in paper form. Accordingly, EPA will transfer all comments 
    received electronically into printed, paper form as they are received 
    and will place the paper copies in the official record which will also 
    include all comments submitted directly in writing. The official 
    rulemaking record is the paper record maintained at the address in 
    ADDRESSES at the beginning of this document.
    
    VIII. References
    
        (1) Crowell Morring; Petition for Administrative Stay of SARA 
    Section 313 Reporting Requirements for 2,2-Dibromo-3-
    nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA, CAS No. 001 222-01-2) Pending Consideration 
    of New Information. Dated December 29, 1994.
        (2) Crowell Morring; Petition of the Dow Chemical Company to Delete 
    2,2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA, CAS No. 001 222-01-2) from 
    the List of Chemicals Subject to Section 313 of the Emergency Planning 
    and Community Right to Know Act of 1996. Dated February 24, 1995.
        (3) USEPA/OPP; Doyle, Elizabeth A., DBNPA - Response to Comments 
    Filed by Dow Chemical Company in Support of a Petition to Delist (Dated 
    February 24, 1995 and April 13, 1995) memorandum dated May 15, 1995.
        (4) USEPA/OPPT; Bushman, Daniel R., Chemistry Report for the EPCRA 
    Sec. 313 Petition to Delist 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA) 
    dated March 31, 1995.
        (5) USEPA/OPPT; Hollister, Sondra L., Exposure Assessment : 2,2-
    Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide Delisting Petition dated July 14, 1995.
        (6) USEPA/OPPT; Jackson, Eric M., Engineering Report for the EPCRA 
    Sec. 313 Petition to Delist 2,2-Dibromo-3-Nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA) 
    dated July 11, 1995.
        (7) USEPA/OPPT; Murphy, James J., Review of Toxicology Summary on 
    2,2-Dibromo-3-Nitrilopropionamide for EPCRA 313 Delisting Petition 
    memorandum dated May 22, 1995.
        (8) USEPA/OPPT; Nabholz. J. V., Petition to Remove DBNPA from EPCRA 
    Sec. 313: Environmental Toxicity (Addendum #2) dated August 8, 1995.
        (9) USEPA/OPPT; Nabholz. J. V., Petition to Remove DBNPA from EPCRA 
    Sec. 313: Environmental Toxicity dated May 16 (second dated July 25), 
    1995.
        (10) USEPA/OPPT; Rusak, Linda M., DBNPA Delisting Petition; Revised 
    CSRAD Report dated July 19, 1995.
        (11) USEPA/OPPT; Silagi, William, Economic Analysis of Petition to 
    Delist 2,2,-Dibromo-3-Nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA) from the EPCRA 
    Section 313 List dated April 10, 1995.
        (12) USEPA/ORD; Preuss, Peter W., ORD's Response to the Petition to 
    Delist DBNPA from SARA Section 313 memorandum dated June 13, 1995.
    
    IX. Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        There are no information collection requirements subject to the 
    provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
    seq., associated with this action.
    
    List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 372
    
        Environmental protection, Chemicals, Community right-to-know, 
    Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and Toxic chemicals.
    
        Dated: October 13, 1995.
    Lynn R. Goldman,
    Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic 
    Substances.
    
        Therefore 40 CFR part 372 is amended to read as follows:
        1. The authority citation for part 372 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 11023 and 11048.
    
    Sec. 372.65  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 372.65 is amended by adding an identical note to the end 
    of the table in both paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:
        Note: The listing of 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA) (CAS 
    No. 10222-01-2) is stayed. The stay will remain in effect until further 
    administrative action is taken.
    
    [FR Doc. 95-26324 Filed 10-26-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-F
    
    

Document Information

Comments Received:
0 Comments
Effective Date:
10/27/1995
Published:
10/27/1995
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Administrative stay; request for comment on petition to delist.
Document Number:
95-26324
Dates:
The administrative stay is effective October 27, 1995. Written comments on the petition to delist must be received by November 27, 1995.
Pages:
54949-54953 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
OPPTS-400097, FRL-4970-6
PDF File:
95-26324.pdf
CFR: (2)
40 CFR 313
40 CFR 372.65