By Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton
 
On November 21, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has improved public access to certain reports submitted by chemical companies in ChemView, EPA’s web application for public access to non-confidential business information (non-CBI) on chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), including new chemical notices and notices of substantial risk. EPA has published previously unpublished new chemical notices received under TSCA Section 5 and notices of substantial risk provided by companies under TSCA Section 8(e). EPA states that going forward, it will continue to identify older, previously submitted unpublished information to make available in ChemView and will publish newly received TSCA Section 5 notices and TSCA Section 8(e) reports on a “near real-time basis.” EPA has also published in ChemView chemical health and safety studies received under TSCA Section 8(d).
 
New Chemical Submissions
 
TSCA Section 5 requires EPA to publish a list of new chemical submissions it has received, including premanufacture notices (PMN), significant new use notices (SNUN), microbial commercial activity notices (MCAN), test market exemption (TME) applications, notices of commencement of manufacture or import (NOC), and test information submitted under Section 5. According to EPA, in 2022 it made available in ChemView more than 25,000 new chemical notice records received under TSCA Section 5, including notices received between 2014 and 2019 that had not been published previously. In 2019, EPA began publishing non-CBI notices on an ongoing basis, and “new records are now generally published within five days of receipt.” EPA states that it will also continue to identify and make public older, previously unpublished new chemicals notices.
 
Notices of Substantial Risk
 
TSCA Section 8(e) requires chemical companies to inform EPA of information that reasonably supports the conclusion that a chemical may present a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment. EPA uses these notices to inform new and existing chemical risk assessment activities. According to EPA, in 2022 it has published 3,900 notices of substantial risk records received under TSCA Section 8(e) in ChemView, including more than 3,300 non-CBI notices submitted between January 1, 2019, and December 20, 2021, that were not previously published due to resource limitations. EPA states that over the next several months, it will publish all non-CBI versions of Section 8(e) notices received from December 20, 2021, to the present. Going forward, “EPA will strive to publish 8(e) notices deemed complete within a week of receiving them from companies.” Additionally, EPA will work to identify and publish Section 8(e) notices received before 2019 as resources allow.
 
Health and Safety Data Reporting
 
Regulations promulgated under TSCA Section 8(d) require chemical companies to submit lists and copies of health and safety studies relating to the health and/or environmental effects of specified chemical substances and mixtures. According to EPA, in 2022 it published more than 1,700 health and safety study records received since September 2021 under TSCA Section 8(d) in ChemView. EPA notes that many of these records were in response to EPA’s 2021 Section 8(d) rulemaking, Health and Safety Data Reporting; Addition of 20 High-Priority Substances and 30 Organohalogen Flame Retardants. EPA states that it expects to publish additional Section 8(d) records “in the future.”

• Email This
• Print
• Comments

By Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton

On March 23, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on “Biofuel Premanufacture Notices: New Chemical Risk Assessment and Applications of Tools and Models.” As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item, in January 2022, EPA announced an effort to streamline the review of new biobased or waste-derived chemicals that could displace current, higher greenhouse gas (GHG)-emitting transportation fuels. EPA states that to support this effort, it is offering outreach and training to stakeholders interested in biofuels. According to EPA, the bi-weekly webinar series includes reviewing requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), outlining the streamlined approaches for risk assessments and risk management actions, and providing information on how to navigate the new chemicals premanufacture notice (PMN) process. EPA provided background and outlined the following challenges for each risk assessment conducted:

• Chemistry Assessment:
  • Fuel stream and related substances are broad in number and scope, especially with the addition of current biobased and waste feedstock blends; they can be class 1, class 2, or chemical substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, and biological materials (UVCB) substances;
  • Many petroleum-derived fuel streams are on the original TSCA Inventory and there are very little data associated with them; and
  • Complete characterization of the new chemical substance is often unavailable;
• Environmental Fate and Transport Assessment:
  • Analysis of constituents may not represent the properties of the new chemical substance;
• Engineering Assessment: Environmental Releases:
  • EPA’s release assessment analyzes each manufacturing, processing, and use operation and determines the sources/activities that can result in releases to the environment. These release estimates are used to estimate exposure estimates for ecological and human receptors;
  • Examples of release data: (1) Measured release data; (2) Measured release data for a “surrogate” chemical; (3) Modeled release estimates; and
  • Release estimates have limitations -- examples:
    • Lack of appropriate model/method to estimate releases from specific industrial activities (e.g., storage tank emissions); and
    • Limitation in certain release models (e.g., limited to a vapor pressure threshold of 35 torr);
• Engineering Assessment: Occupational Exposures:
  • The occupational exposure assessment estimates the magnitude, frequency, and duration of exposures to the new chemical substance at the workplace;
  • Worker inhalation and dermal exposures are expected throughout the lifecycle of the new chemical substance (e.g., manufacturing, processing, use); and
  • Exposure models do not account for some engineering controls (vapor capture/reduction);
• Exposure Assessment: General Population and Consumer Exposures:
  • The occupational exposure assessment estimates the magnitude, frequency, and duration of exposures to the new chemical substance for the general population and consumers via inhalation and drinking water pathways; and
  • The confidence of the exposure estimates are affected by:
    • Assumptions, limitations, and areas of uncertainty in the fate and engineering analyses; and
    • Inherent uncertainties of the exposure parameters and assumptions for the estimation of the general population and consumer exposures;
• Hazard Assessment:
  • Data on the new chemical substance or an analogous biofuel are preferred, but few submissions include toxicological or composition data;
  • EPA often lacks acute/chronic environmental test data on the new chemical substance and the analogous substances; and
  • There are challenges in performing read-across approaches and route-to-route extrapolations with analogous substances of variable composition.

For biofuel PMNs, EPA has started generating one report that combines the results of each of the above assessments. The final webinar in the series will be held April 6, 2022, on new chemicals risk management actions, including TSCA Section 5 orders and significant new use rules (SNUR).

• Email This
• Print
• Comments

By Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton

On February 23, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the premanufacture notice (PMN) process for biofuels. As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item, in January 2022, EPA announced an effort to streamline the review of new biobased or waste-derived chemicals that could displace current, higher greenhouse gas (GHG)-emitting transportation fuels. According to EPA, it has received more than 30 biofuel PMNs “that collectively describe plans for close to 800 million gallons per year of production of advanced biofuels, that could contribute to annual volume mandates under the [Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)] program and help support the goals of energy security through increasing domestic production” within the United States. Future webinars will cover the TSCA Inventory, nomenclature, and Bona Fide process; new chemicals risk assessments, including applications of the tools, models, and databases; and new chemicals risk management actions, including TSCA Section 5 orders and significant new use rules (SNUR).

More information on webinar is available in our March 1, 2022, memorandum.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments

By Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) New Chemicals Program will hold a webinar on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. (EST) to learn about requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the premanufacture notice (PMN) process for biofuels. As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item, in January 2022, EPA announced an effort to streamline the review of new biobased or waste-derived chemicals that could displace current, higher greenhouse gas (GHG)-emitting transportation fuels. EPA states that to support this effort, it is offering outreach and training to stakeholders interested in biofuels. According to EPA, the bi-weekly webinar series includes reviewing TSCA requirements, outlining the streamlined approaches for risk assessments and risk management actions, and providing information on how to navigate the new chemicals PMN process. Future webinars will include:

• March 9, 2022: TSCA Inventory, nomenclature, and Bona Fide process;
• March 23, 2022: New Chemicals Program risk assessments and applications of the tools and models; and
• April 6, 2022: New Chemicals Program risk management actions, TSCA Section 5 orders, and significant new use rules (SNUR).

Registration is required for the February 23, 2022, webinar.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments

By Lynn L. Bergeson

EPA announced on November 13, 2019, that it published “new, easily-searchable” web pages displaying information on:

• Premanufacture Notices (PMN), Significant New Use Notices (SNUN), Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (MCAN), and Test Market Exemption Applications (TMEA);
   
• Notices of Commencement of Manufacture or Import (NOC); and
   
• Test information submitted under Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
   

EPA notes that it is required to publish information pertaining to new chemical submissions under TSCA Section 5. EPA states that historically, these data have been, and will continue to be, made available monthly in the Federal Register via www.regulations.gov. According to EPA, the new web pages “are a much easier way for the public to access information about new chemical submissions.” The web pages provide information, such as the date the notice was received by EPA, the case number, and the chemical substance identity (to the extent that such information is not subject to a confidential business information (CBI) claim. EPA states that it will update the web pages monthly.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments

On August 12, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced three webinars to review the new features of the updated online Premanufacture Notifications (PMN) Submission System. The new web-based submission system for the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 5 submissions is replacing the ePMN reporting software that is currently in use. The first webinar is on August 26, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., and will cover the process of registering with the Central Data Exchange (CDX) and user roles. The second webinar is on September 16, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., and will review the PMN form, support form, and joint submissions. The final webinar will occur on September 30, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., and will include a discussion of Notice of Commencement (NOC), biotech, "bona fide," and Significant New Use Rules (SNUR) Alternate Control Measures electronic submissions.

The inclusion of biotechnology algae in the third and final webinars was previously mentioned in the announcement of the "US Environmental Protection Agency Biotechnology Algae Project." The biotechnology algae project will result in the development of a stand-alone document that will assist innovators who are developing new microbial technology applications under TSCA. EPA will develop the algae guidance in conjunction with the update of the Points to Consider in the Preparation of TSCA Biotechnology Submissions for Microorganisms (Points to Consider) document. The webinar will allow the public to submit questions on both technical issues relating to the development of a biotechnology algae considerations document, as well as on the societal implications of the development of biotechnology algae. This invitation for stakeholder input is a key opportunity to explain the steps that are being taken to ensure responsible development and use of biotechnology, and to provide comment on how EPA can improve and update the Points to Consider document. More information regarding the biotechnology algae project is available in Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.'s (B&C^®) memorandum EPA Posts Information on Biotechnology Algae Project.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments

The July 20, 2015, Federal Register includes a notice for direct final action to amend the electronic reporting regulations for Section 5 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action goes into effect on January 19, 2016, unless adverse comments are received by August 19, 2015. The rule requires the use of new electronic premanufacture notice (e-PMN) software that is reportedly easier to use. The rule also adds the requirement that "bona fide intents to manufacture" submissions be made electronically, and changes the procedure for notifying EPA of any new manufacturing site of a chemical substance for which an exemption was granted by EPA. This action is intended to further streamline and reduce the administrative costs and burdens of TSCA Section 5 notifications for both industry and EPA.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments

On May 8, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a direct final rule for 25 chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMN), including several biobased chemical substances. The rulemaking under Section 5, known as a significant new use rule or SNUR, requires persons who intend to manufacture (including import) or process any of these 25 chemical substances for an activity that is designated in the SNUR as a significant new use to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The required notification provides EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs. The rule will be effective July 7, 2015.

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C^®) has posted an analysis of the restrictions and testing included in the SNURs for the biobased chemicals.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments

Learn How to Pre-Screen New Chemicals Using EPA's Models and Methods at Sustainable Futures Training Workshop

Co-hosted by the Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG®), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and George Washington University (GWU)

August 5-7, 2014, at the GWU Campus in Washington, D.C.

During this hands-on three-day workshop, you will learn about a variety of tools, methods, and models that can be used to assess the hazard and potential exposure of chemicals. Methods addressed will include hazard and risk screening for human health, ecotoxicity, and environmental fate.

The workshop includes in-depth presentations and hands-on sessions with EPA's computer-based models. Using these models, companies can identify potentially risky chemicals early in the development process and reduce risk by finding safer substitutes and/or processes before submitting them to EPA. They can also be used to help stakeholders identify potential chemicals of concern from existing chemical inventories or supply chains.

Invited presenters include EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) staff with experience in the EPA New Chemicals Program and Premanufacture Notification (PMN) review process.

Companies that complete the training can be eligible to receive reduced regulatory review time for dual PMN/Test Market Exemption Application (TMEA) submissions.

More information is available online.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments

On Thursday, May 29, 2014, Biofuels Digest published an article by Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG™) Executive Director Kathleen Roberts titled “How to Make Friends and Win EPA Approvals: tips for biobased chemicals.” A copy of the article is available online.

The article highlights the B&C© affiliate BRAG™ and the session it co-presented with B&C during the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, which was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 12-15, 2014. The session titled “Commercializing Renewable Chemicals and Biobased Products: The Importance of Successfully and Efficiently Navigating the Regulatory Process,” was moderated by Lynn Bergeson of Bergeson & Campbell and included the following speakers: David Widawsky, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Tracy Williamson, U.S Environmental Protection Agency; Frank Pacholec, Stepan Company; and, Nancy Clark, DuPont Industrial Biosciences. The article published in Biofuels Digest includes summaries of the top tips for successfully navigating the regulatory process presented by Drs. Tracy Williamson and David Widawsky.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments