97-4331. Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice of Revocation of a Technician Certification Program

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 8011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-4331]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-5691-5]


Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice of Revocation of a 
Technician Certification Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of revocation.

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SUMMARY: Through this action EPA is announcing the revocation of 
Refrigerant Certification Services (RCS) of Houston, Texas, previously 
approved to provide the technician certification exam in accordance 
with the regulations promulgated at 40 CFR part 82 subpart F. RCS was 
issued a letter of revocation on February 13, 1997, that included an 
explanation of the basis for EPA's decision.
    This program has not complied with the requirements established for 
technician certification programs pursuant to section 608 of the Clean 
Air Act Amendments (the Act). In accordance with those requirements, 
all approved technician certification programs must provide the 
certification test and issue credentials consistent with the applicable 
requirements. Failure to comply with any of the requirements may result 
in revocation. RCS has been indicted for criminal actions directly 
related to the administration of the section 608 Technician 
Certification Program.
    In accordance with 40 CFR 82.161(e), EPA revoked approval of RCS to 
offer the section 608 Technician Certification Program on February 13, 
1997. RCS is no longer authorized to certify technicians or issue valid 
certification credentials.
    The criminal indictment against RCS and the three related 
indictments against RCS representatives are based on information 
regarding administration of certification test and inappropriate 
issuance of credentials. Therefore, most technicians certified by RCS 
during the period that the program operated an EPA-approved program 
will remain certified in accordance with 40 CFR section 82.161(a). 
Technicians that were not properly certified by RCS and/or were issued 
credentials indicating that such certification did occur properly will 
be contacted by EPA. Technicians that comprise this subset either 
participated in testing events proctored by Herman E Brodzenski or were 
in contact with Mr. Brodzenski regarding the issuance of certification 
credentials. EPA would like to clarify that not every technician that 
participated in testing events administered by Mr. Brodzenski may be 
contacted by EPA. However, a group of approximately 100 technicians 
that either participated in a testing event or requested the issuance 
of certification credentials from Mr. Brodzenski will be contacted 
regarding whether or not these individuals are properly certified.

DATE: Refrigerant Certification Services had their approval to offer a 
technician certification program revoked, effective February 13, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue Stendebach, Program Implementation 
Branch, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric 
Programs, Office of Air and Radiation (6205-J), 401 M Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20460, 202/233-9117. The Stratospheric Ozone Information 
Hotline at 1-800-296-1996 can also be contacted for further 
information.

    Dated: February 13, 1997.
Paul M. Stolpman,
Director, Office Of Atmospheric Programs.
[FR Doc. 97-4331 Filed 2-20-97; 8:45 am]
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