August 23, 2010

OSHA Hosting Internet Forum to Identify Hazardous Chemicals That Warrant Exposure Reduction Strategies

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is hosting an Internet forum that began on August 16 and runs through August 27 to seek stakeholder input in identifying hazardous chemicals for which OSHA should develop exposure reduction strategies. The forum expressly solicits stakeholders’ views on “harmful chemicals” and reasons why OSHA should focus on them in reducing worker exposures. The notice announcing the forum expresses OSHA’s recognition...
August 20, 2010

EPA Announces Action Plans for Chemicals Used in Dyes, Flame Retardants, and Industrial Detergents

On August 18, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced action plans for benzidine dyes, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), and nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE). According to EPA, the chemicals are widely used in both consumer and industrial applications, including as dyes, flame retardants, and industrial laundry detergents, respectively. The action plans identify a range of actions EPA is considering under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as well as...
August 16, 2010

EPA Proposes Major Changes to TSCA Inventory Requirements

The August 16/23, 2010, issue of Chemical Week quotes Lynn L. Bergeson regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed changes to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) rule. According to Bergeson, the proposed changes will substantially increase industry’s obligations and burden....
August 13, 2010

EPA Issues Proposed IUR Modifications Rule

On August 13, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed its Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) Modifications Rule. 75 Fed. Reg. 49655. As highlighted below, the proposal includes important changes to the IUR reporting obligations that will have a significant impact on industry. These include, among others, requiring process and use information for substances over 25,000 pounds, requiring electronic submission of IUR reports; replacing the “readily obtainable”...
August 12, 2010

EPA Proposes Substantial Increase in Data Chemical Manufacturers Have to Report

The August 12, 2010, issue of BNA Daily Environment Report quotes Lynn L. Bergeson regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) rule. Bergeson notes that EPA’s proposal to require reporting of all processing and use data that is “known to or reasonably ascertainable” by them “would broaden significantly the universe of information (and people) who would need to be canvassed” to...
August 12, 2010

Legislation Would Amend FIFRA to Clarify CWA Permit Requirements

On August 5, 2010, Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) introduced legislation that would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to clarify that Clean Water Act (CWA) permits are not required for pesticide application in accordance with FIFRA (S. 3735). The Senate legislation is prompted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) June 4, 2010, notice...
August 9, 2010

Massachusetts Releases Nanotechnology Guidance Document

The Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance (MOTA) will post this week a Technology Guidance Document entitled “Nanotechnology — Considerations for Safe Development,” which includes recommendations intended to enhance the safety of nanotechnology. According to MOTA, it is providing the Guidance for “the express purpose of assisting in the development of this technology, as failure to prevent exposures or releases will not just risk harm to health or the environment...
August 3, 2010

Charles Auer Testimony on H.R. 5820

Charlie Auer submitted testimony today on H.R. 5820, the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act of 2010. As many of you know, Charlie is affiliated with Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C), and we are pleased to share the copy of Charlie’s testimony for your information. The testimony Charlie prepared is offered strictly on his own behalf, and does not reflect anyone’s views other than Charlie’s. That said, given Charlie’s intimate understanding of the Toxic Substances Control Act and...