[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 27 (Thursday, February 8, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4736-4742]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-2723]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 82
[FRL-5418-3]
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of acceptability and clarification of June 13, 1995
final rule.
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SUMMARY: This notice 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. SNAP implements section 612 of the amended Clean Air Act of
1990, which requires EPA to evaluate substitutes for the OZONE-
DEPLETING SUBSTANCES (ODS), and regulate the use of substitutes where
other alternatives exist that reduce overall risk to human health and
the environment. Through these evaluations, SNAP generates lists of
acceptable and unacceptable substitutes for each of the major
industrial use sectors. In addition, this Notice clarifies several
points from the June 13, 1995 final rule (60 FR 31092).
On March 18, 1994, EPA promulgated its plan for administering the
SNAP program, and issued decisions on the acceptability and
unacceptability of a number of substitutes (59 FR 13044). In today's
Notice, EPA issues decisions on the acceptability of substitutes not
previously reviewed by the Agency. The intended effect of this action
is to expedite movement away from ozone depleting compounds. To arrive
at determinations on the acceptability of substitutes, the Agency
completed a cross-media sector end-use screening assessment of risks to
human health and the environment.
EFFECTIVE DATE: February 8, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Information relevant to this notice is contained in Air
Docket A-91-42, Central Docket Section, South Conference Room 4, U.S.
Environmental Agency, 401 M Street SW., Washington, DC 20460.
Telephone: (202) 260-7548. The docket may be inspected between 8 a.m.
and 5:30 p.m. weekdays. As provided in 40 CFR part 2, a reasonable fee
may be charged for photocopying.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Levy at (202) 233-9727 or fax
(202) 233-9577, U.S. EPA, Stratospheric Protection Division, 401 M
Street, SW., Mail Code 6205J, Washington, DC 20460; EPA Stratospheric
Ozone Protection Hotline at (800) 296-1996; EPA World Wide Web Site at
http://www.epa.gov/docs/ozone/title6/SNAP/snap.html.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Section 612 Program
A. Statutory Requirements
B. Regulatory History
II. Listing of Acceptable Substitutes
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Substitutes for Class I
Substances
B. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Substitutes for Class II
Substances
C. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
III. Substitutes Pending Review
IV. Additional Information
Appendix A Summary of Acceptable and Pending Decisions
I. 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. EPA
is referring 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, EPA must publish the revised lists within an additional 6
months.
90-day Notification--Section 612(e) requires 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 (FRM) (59 FR
13044) which described the process for administering the SNAP program
and issued EPA's first acceptability lists for substitutes in the major
industrial use sectors. These sectors include: refrigeration and air
conditioning; foam blowing; solvent 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 the final rule for the SNAP program (59 FR 13044),
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. Consequently, EPA is adding substances to the list of
acceptable alternatives without first requesting comment on new
listings.
EPA does, however, 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 either the list of prohibited or acceptable substitutes.
Updates to these lists are published as separate notices of rulemaking
in the Federal Register.
The Agency defines a ``substitute'' as any chemical, product
substitute, or
[[Page 4737]]
alternative manufacturing process, whether existing or new, that could
replace a class I or class II substance. Anyone who produces a
substitute must provide the Agency 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.
EPA published Notices listing acceptable alternatives on August 26,
1994 (59 FR 44240), January 13, 1995 (60 FR 3318), and July 28, 1995
(60 FR 38729), and published a Final Rulemaking restricting the use of
certain substitutes on June 13, 1995 (60 FR 31092). EPA also published
a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking restricting the use of certain
substitutes on October 2, 1995 (60 FR 51383).
II. Listing of Acceptable Substitutes
This section presents EPA's most recent acceptable listing
decisions for substitutes for class I and class II substances in the
following industrial sectors: refrigeration and air conditioning, foam
blowing, and fire suppression and explosion protection. In this Notice,
EPA has split the refrigeration and air conditioning sector into two
parts: Substitutes for class I substances and substitutes for class II
substances. These decisions represent substitutes not previously
reviewed and add to the lists of acceptable substitutes under SNAP. For
copies of the full list, contact the EPA Stratospheric Protection
Hotline at (800) 296-1996.
Parts A through D below present a detailed discussion of the
substitute listing determinations by major use sector. Tables
summarizing today's listing decisions are in Appendix A. The comments
contained in Appendix A provide additional information on a substitute,
but like the listings of acceptable substitutes, they are not legally
binding. Thus, adherence to recommendations in the comments are not
mandatory for use of a substitute. In addition, the comments should not
be considered comprehensive with respect to other legal obligations
pertaining to the use of the substitute. However, EPA encourages users
of acceptable substitutes to apply all comments to their use of these
substitutes. In many instances, the comments simply allude to sound
operating practices that have already been identified in existing
industry and/or building-code standards. Thus, many of the comments, if
adopted, would not require significant changes in existing operating
practices for the affected industry.
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Please refer to the final SNAP rule for detailed information
pertaining to the designation of end-uses, additional requirements
imposed under sections 608 and 609, and other information related to
the use of alternative refrigerant.
1. Clarifications From the June 13, 1995 Final Rule
HCFC Blend Beta was listed as containing HFC-134a, HCFC-124, and
isobutane. In fact, according to the submission on file with EPA, this
blend contains butane. The determination that this blend is acceptable
subject to certain use conditions applied to the actual blend, not to
the incorrectly listed one.
In the tables listing unacceptable substitutes for CFC-12 in motor
vehicle air conditioning, a definition for the category ``Flammable
Substitutes'' was inadvertently omitted. As discussed in the preamble,
it should have included the phrase ``as having flammability limits as
measured according to ASTM E-681 with modifications included in Society
of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice J1657, including blends
which become flammable during fractionation.'' In addition, EPA clearly
does not intend to constrain future findings. Thus, the table should
have included a statement that this category does not include
substitutes discussed explicitly in other rulings.
2. Other Clarification
EPA has received inquiries as to the point at which a blend is
sufficiently different from an already reviewed substitute as to
require a new submission. EPA generally follows similar guidelines used
by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE). When new blends are submitted to ASHRAE for
classification, the manufacturer must specify blending tolerances. Any
blend that falls outside those tolerances is defined to be a distinct
refrigerant. EPA requires leak testing of blends to determine whether
they can become flammable after fractionation. The percentage of
flammable components in a blend are usually quite close to the maximum
possible for the blend as a whole to remain nonflammable. Even an
increase of 1% of a flammable component may change the flammability of
the blend. Therefore, blending tolerances are smaller for flammable
components than for nonflammable components. Companies should determine
blending tolerances. If the outside range of those tolerances could
result in a different flammability or toxicity profile, then the blend
will require a new submission. EPA encourages manufacturers to contact
the SNAP refrigerants analyst for assistance in making this
determination.
3. Acceptable Substitutes
a. R-508. R-508, which contains HFC-23 and R-116, is acceptable as
a substitute for CFC-13, R-13B1, and R-503 in retrofitted and new very
low temperature refrigeration. Both components of this blend exhibit
extremely high GWPS and long lifetimes. HFC-23 has a GWP of 9,000 and a
lifetime of 280 years, and R-116, perfluoroethane, has a GWP of 9,000
and a lifetime of 10,000 years. EPA believes this blend could
significantly contribute to global warming if allowed to escape
refrigeration systems. In addition, the long lifetimes of R-116 and
HFC-23 mean any global warming or other effects would be essentially
irreversible. Note that the prohibition on venting, which applies to
all substitute refrigerants, was mandated in section 608(c)(2) and took
effect on November 15, 1995. While the current rule issued under
section 608 of the CAA (58 FR 28660) does not specify recycling or leak
repair requirements, it is illegal to vent this refrigerant at any
time. In addition, EPA anticipates proposing new recycling regulations
for non-ozone-depleting refrigerants in the near future. A fact sheet
on the proposal is available from the EPA Ozone Hotline at (800) 296-
1996. This blend is nonflammable and does not deplete ozone. EPA urges
manufacturers to develop alternatives for R-503 and CFC-13 that do not
contain substances with such high GWPS and long lifetimes.
b. R-411A and R-411B. R-411A and R-411B, which consist of HCFC-22,
HFC-152a, and propylene, are acceptable as substitutes for CFC-12 and
R-502 in the following end-uses:
Reciprocating Chillers
Industrial Process Refrigeration
Cold Storage Warehouses
Refrigerated Transport
Retail Food Refrigeration
Commercial Ice Machines
Vending Machines
Water Coolers
HCFC-22 contributes to ozone depletion, but to a much lesser degree
than CFC-12. Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation issued
under section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to this blend (58 FR
28660). This blend
[[Page 4738]]
poses less of a threat to the ozone layer than HCFC-22, which has
already been listed as an acceptable substitute for CFC-12. The GWP of
HCFC-22 is somewhat high, but the GWP of HFC-152a is low. Although
propylene and HFC-152a are flammable, R-411A and R-411B have been
designated as A1/A2 refrigerants by the American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This
designation means that the blend as formulated is nonflammable, but can
become flammable under worst-case fractionation. However, over 75% of
R-411A and 95% of R-411B must leak from the vapor phase before becoming
flammable. Leaks from the liquid phase do not become flammable,
regardless of the amount leaked.
c. HCFC Blend Beta. HCFC Blend Beta, which consists of HCFC-124, HFC-
134a, and butane, is acceptable as a substitute for CFC-12 in the
following new and retrofitted end-uses:
Reciprocating Chillers
Industrial Process Refrigeration
Cold Storage Warehouses
Refrigerated Transport
Retail Food Refrigeration
Vending Machines
Water Coolers
Commercial Ice Machines
Household Refrigerators
Household Freezers
Residential Dehumidifiers
This blend contains HCFC-124. Therefore, it contributes to ozone
depletion, but to a much lesser degree than CFC-12. HCFC-124 has an ODP
much lower than that of HCFC-22, which has already been listed as an
acceptable substitute for CFC-12. Regulations regarding recycling and
reclamation issued under section 60 of the Clean Air Act (58 FR 28660)
apply to this blend. The GWPS of the components are moderate to low.
This blend is nonflammable, and leak testing has demonstrated that the
blend never becomes flammable.
d. HCFC Blend Delta. HCFC Blend Delta is acceptable as a substitute
for CFC-12 in retrofitted household refrigerators and freezers. The
composition of this blend has been claimed confidential by the
manufacturer. This blend contains at least one HCFC, and therefore
contributes to ozone depletion, but to a much lesser degree than CFC-
12. Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation issued under
section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to this blend (58 FR 28660). The
GWPS of the components are moderate to low. This blend is nonflammable,
and leak testing has demonstrated that the blend never becomes
flammable.
e. HCFC Blend Lambda. HCFC Blend Lambda, which consists of HCFC-22,
HCFC-142b, and isobutane, is acceptable as a substitute for R-500 in
retrofitted centrifugal chillers and as a substitute for CFC-12 in the
following new and retrofitted end-uses:
Reciprocating Chillers
Industrial Process Refrigeration
Cold Storage Warehouses
Refrigerated Transport
Retail Food Refrigeration
Vending Machines
Water Coolers
Commercial Ice Machines
Household Refrigerators
Household Freezers
Residential Dehumidifiers
HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b contribute to ozone depletion, but to a much
lesser degree than CFC-12. Regulations regarding recycling and
reclamation issued under section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to this
blend (58 FR 28660). HCFC-142b has an ODP slightly higher than that of
HCFC-22. The GWPS of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b are somewhat high. Although
HCFC-142b is flammable, the blend is not. Under massive leakage, this
blend becomes weakly flammable. However, this blend contains more HCFC-
22 and less of the two flammable components than R-406A, and therefore
should be at least as safe to use as R-406A. However, users should note
that operating pressures will be higher than when using R-406A, so its
use may not be appropriate in the same types of equipment.
f. HFC-236fa. HFC-236fa, when manufactured using any process that
does not convert perfluoroisobutylene (PFIB) directly to HFC-236fa in a
single step, is acceptable as a substitute for CFC-114 in centrifugal
chillers. HFC-236fa does not harm the ozone layer because it does not
contain chlorine. HFC-236fa has an extremely high 100-year GWP of 8000,
but its lifetime is considerably shorter than that of perfluorocarbons.
Although HCFC-124 is already listed as acceptable in this end-use, it
produces toxic byproducts when it passes through air purification
systems on submarines. Therefore, HCFC-124 is not a feasible
alternative. HFC-236fa is the only alternative identified to date that
is safe for the ozone layer, is low in toxicity, and can withstand the
air purification process. Note that the prohibition on venting, which
applies to all substitute refrigerants, was mandated in section
608(c)(2) and took effect on November 15, 1995. While the current rule
issued under section 608 of the CAA (58 FR 28660) does not specify
recycling or leak repair requirements, it is illegal to vent this
refrigerant at any time. In addition, EPA anticipates proposing new
recycling regulations for non-ozone-depleting refrigerants in the near
future. A fact sheet on the proposal is available from the EPA Ozone
Hotline at (800) 296-1996.
In the March 18, 1994 final SNAP rule (58 FR 13044), EPA required
manufacturers to submit information on manufacturing processes to allow
an assessment of the risks posed to the general public and workers.
However, EPA clarified in that action that acceptability determinations
made on the basis of one company's submission would apply to the same
chemical produced by other manufacturers, obviating the need for
duplicative reporting requirements and review. To date, despite the
fact that some alternatives are manufactured by several companies, no
process has been identified as significantly more hazardous than
another. Therefore, EPA has not yet based SNAP decisions specifically
on the manufacturing process.
EPA is aware, however, of several methods for manufacturing HFC-
236fa, including one that produces HFC-236fa directly from PFIB. PFIB
is an extremely toxic substance that could pose risks in very small
concentrations. Thus, EPA believes it is appropriate to distinguish
among the different methods for producing HFC-236fa. This acceptability
determination does not prohibit the manufacture of HFC-236fa directly
from PFIB. Rather, it finds acceptable the production of HFC-236fa in
processes that do not convert PFIB directly to HFC-236fa in a single
step. If a manufacturer wishes to produce HFC-236fa directly from PFIB,
it must submit that process to EPA for review under SNAP.
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Substitutes for Class II
Substances
Please refer to the March 18, 1994 SNAP rule (59 FR 13044) for
detailed information pertaining to the designation of end-uses,
additional requirements imposed under sections 608 and 609, and other
information related to the use of alternative refrigerants.
This Notice marks the first time EPA has addressed substitutes for
HCFC-22 in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. Although the
substitutes listed below were intended specifically to replace HCFC-22,
HCFC-22 is itself frequently used as a substitute for class I
refrigerants (e.g, CFC-11 and CFC-12).
[[Page 4739]]
Therefore, the listings below also describe these HCFC-22
substitutes as acceptable alternatives for class I refrigerants in new
equipment. The underlying reasoning is that if, for instance, HCFC-22
poses lower overall risk than CFC-12, and R-410A poses lower overall
risk than HCFC-22, then R-410A must also pose lower overall risk than
CFC-12. Therefore, even though R-410A isn't designed to be a direct
replacement for CFC-12, in new equipment it may be appropriate to
design for R-410A rather than for another CFC-12 substitute. As with
all listings, however, engineering decisions are required to determine
the best match between a given class I refrigerant and an alternative.
1. Acceptable
a. R-410A and R-410B. R-410A and R-410B, which consist of HFC-32
and HFC-125, are acceptable as substitutes for HCFC-22, and by
extension, class I refrigerants, in equipment in the following new end-
uses:
Centrifugal, Reciprocating, and Screw Chillers
Industrial Process Refrigeration Systems
Very-Low-Temperature Industrial Process Refrigeration
Industrial Process Air Conditioning
Ice Skating Rinks
Refrigerated Transport
Retail Food Refrigeration
Cold Storage Warehouses
Vending Machines
Water Coolers
Commercial Ice Machines
Household Refrigerators and Freezers
Residential Dehumidifiers
Household and Light Commercial Air Conditioning
Both R-410A and R-410B contain HFC-32 and HFC-125 but in slightly
different compositions. Neither blend is flammable when used in these
end uses while maintaining as-formulated composition nor after leak
conditions. Leak testing has demonstrated that their compositions do
not become flammable under any of the conditions found in these end
uses. However, since both blends include HFC-32, which is flammable by
itself, they should not be mixed with high concentrations of air above
atmospheric pressures to minimize the risk of ignition. HFC-125
exhibits a fairly high global warming potential (3,200 at 100 year
integrated time horizon) compared to other HFCs and HCFC-22. However,
its potential for contributing to global warming will be delayed in the
listed end uses through the implementation of the venting prohibition
under Section 608(c)(2) of the Clean Air Act Amendments. Note that the
prohibition on venting, which applies to all substitute refrigerants,
was mandated in section 608(c)(2) and took effect on November 15, 1995.
While the current rule issued under section 608 of the CAA (58 FR
28660) does not specify recycling or leak repair requirements, it is
illegal to vent this refrigerant at any time. In addition, EPA
anticipates proposing new recycling regulations for non-ozone-depleting
refrigerants in the near future. A fact sheet on the proposal is
available from the EPA Ozone Hotline at (800) 296-1996. R-410A and R-
410B do not contain ozone-depleting substances, they are low in
toxicity, and none of their components is regulated as a volatile
organic compound.
b. R-407C. R-407C, which is a blend of HFC-32, HFC-134a and HFC-
125, is acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22 in new and retrofit
equipment, and by extension, as a substitute for class I refrigerants
in new equipment, in the following end-uses:
Centrifugal, Reciprocating, and Screw Chillers
Industrial Process Refrigeration
Very Low Temperature Industrial Process Refrigeration
Ice Skating Rinks
Refrigerated Transport
Retail Food Refrigeration Systems
Cold Storage Warehouses
Vending Machines
Water Coolers
Commercial Ice Machines
Household Refrigerators and Freezers
Residential Dehumidifiers
Household and Light Commercial Air Conditioning
This blend is not flammable when used in these end uses while
maintaining as-formulated composition or after leak conditions. Leak
testing has demonstrated that its composition, or composition
variations due to fractionation, does not make it flammable under any
of the conditions found in these end uses. This blend includes HFC-32
and HFC-125, therefore the above discussion of these two substances as
part of R-410A and R-410B is applicable. Again, EPA urges users to
reduce leakage and recover and recycle this blend during equipment
servicing and upon the retirement of equipment. R-407C doesn't damage
the ozone layer, it is low in toxicity, and none of its components is
regulated as a volatile organic compound. Note that the prohibition on
venting, which applies to all substitute refrigerants, was mandated in
section 608(c)(2) and took effect on November 15, 1995. While the
current rule issued under section 608 of the CAA (58 FR 28660) does not
specify recycling or leak repair requirements, it is illegal to vent
this refrigerant at any time. In addition, EPA anticipates proposing
new recycling regulations for non-ozone-depleting refrigerants in the
near future. A fact sheet on the proposal is available from the EPA
Ozone Hotline at (800) 296-1996.
c. HFC-134a. HFC-134a is acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22 in
new Household and Light Commercial Air Conditioning. HFC-134a exhibits
a moderate to high global warming potential (1,300 at 100 year
integrated time horizon) compared to other HFCS. Although much lower
than HFC-125, uncontrolled emissions could have a significant impact on
global warming. Therefore, the above guidance on controlling leaks and
recycling, particularly during disposal, are applicable to HFC-134A in
this end use. HFC-134a does not damage the ozone layer, it is very low
in toxicity, and it is not regulated as a volatile organic compound.
Note that the prohibition on venting, which applies to all substitute
refrigerants, was mandated in section 608(c)(2) and took effect on
November 15, 1995. While the current rule issued under section 608 of
the CAA (58 FR 28660) does not specify recycling or leak repair
requirements, it is illegal to vent this refrigerant at any time. In
addition, EPA anticipates proposing new recycling regulations for non-
ozone-depleting refrigerants in the near future. A fact sheet on the
proposal is available from the EPA Ozone Hotline.
B. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
1. Acceptable
a. Total Flooding Agents. (1) [Powdered Aerosol] C is acceptable
for use in normally unoccupied areas. This agent is intended solely for
use in normally unoccupied areas and thus it does not represent a
significant threat to worker safety or health. Use conditions to limit
the risk of inadvertent exposure to personnel in normally unoccupied
areas may be included in future rulemakings.
III. Substitutes Pending Review
The Agency describes submissions as pending if data are incomplete
or for which the 90-day review period is underway and EPA has not yet
reached a final decision. For submissions that are incomplete, the
Agency will contact the submitter to determine a schedule for providing
the missing information if the Agency needs to extend the 90-day review
period. EPA will use its authority under section 114 of the Clean Air
Act to gather this information, if
[[Page 4740]]
necessary. Any delay of the review period does not affect a
manufacturer's ability to sell a product 90 days after notification of
the Agency. Substitutes currently pending completion of review are
listed in Appendix A.
IV. Additional Information
Contact the Stratospheric Protection Hotline at 1-800-296-1996,
Monday-Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Eastern
Standard Time) weekdays.
For more information on the Agency's process for administering the
SNAP program or criteria for evaluation of substitutes, refer to the
SNAP final rulemaking published in the Federal Register on March 18,
1994 (59 FR 13044). Federal Register notices can be ordered from the
Government Printing Office Order Desk (202) 783-3238; the citation is
the date of publication. This Notice can also be retrieved
electronically from EPA's Technology Transfer Network (TTN), Clean Air
Act Amendment Bulletin Board. If you have a 1200 or 2400 bps modem,
dial (919) 541-5742. If you have a 9600 bps modem, dial (919) 541-1447.
For assistance in accessing this service, call (919) 541-5384. Finally,
this notice may be obtained on the World Wide Web at http://
www.epa.gov/docs/ozone/title6/snap/snap.html.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: December 19, 1995.
Mary D. Nichols,
Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.
Note: The following Appendix will not appear in the Code of
Federal Regulations.
Appendix A: Summary of Acceptable and Pending Decisions
[Refrigerants--Class I Acceptable Substitutes]
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End-Use Substitute Decision Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFC-12 and R-500 Reciprocating R-411A................. Acceptable............. This blend contains the
Chillers; CFC-12 and R-502 R-411B................. Acceptable............. same components as R-
Industrial Process Refrigeration, HCFC blend Beta........ Acceptable............. 406A, but in different
Cold Storage Warehouses, HCFC Blend Lambda...... Acceptable............. percentages.
Refrigerated Transport, Retail Food
Refrigeration, Vending Machines,
Water Coolers, Commercial Ice
Machines (Retrofitted and New).
CFC-12 and R-502 Household HCFC Blend Beta........ Acceptable............. This blend contains the
Refrigerators, Household Freezers, HCFC Blend Lambda...... Acceptable............. same components as R-
and Residential Dehumidifiers. 406A, but in different
percentages.
CFC-13, R-13B1, and R-503 Very Low R-508.................. Acceptable.
Temperature Refrigeration.
CFC-114 Centrifugal Chillers......... HFC-236fa.............. Acceptable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Acceptable Substitutes for Class II Substances
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Decision Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Household and Light Commercial Air ....................... ....................... This end use also
Conditioning includes heat pump
systems.
HCFC-22 Systems, New............. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B, Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
HFC-134A.
HCFC-22 Systems, Retrofit........ R-407C................. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Commercial Comfort Air Conditioning ....................... ....................... This end use includes
chillers in general.
HCFC-22 Reciprocating Chillers, R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
New.
CFC-12 Reciprocating Chillers, R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
New.
R-500 Reciprocating Chillers, New R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
CFC-11 Centrifugal Chillers, New. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
CFC-12 Centrifugal Chillers, New. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
HCFC-22 Centrifugal Chillers, New R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
HCFC-22 Centrifugal Chillers, R-407C................. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Retrofit.
R-500 Centrifugal Chillers, New.. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
HCFC-22 Screw Chillers, New...... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
HCFC-22 Screw Chillers, Retrofit. R-407C................. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Industrial Process Refrigeration ....................... ....................... It also includes very-
low-temperature
industrial
refrigeration.
HCFC-22 Systems, New............. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
HCFC-22 Systems, Retrofit........ R-407C................. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
CFC-12 Systems, New.............. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
R-500 Systems, New............... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
[[Page 4741]]
R-502 Systems, New............... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Industrial Process Air Conditioners
HCFC-22 A/C Systems, New......... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B, Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
HFC-134a.
HCFC-22 A/C Systems, Retrofit.... R-407C................. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
CFC-12 A/C System, New........... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
CFC-114 A/C System, New.......... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
CFC-12/CFC-114 A/C Systems, New.. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Ice Skating Rinks
HCFC-22 Systems, New............. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
HCFC-22 Systems, Retrofit........ R-407C................. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
CFC-12 Systems, New.............. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
R-502 Systems, New............... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Refrigerated Transport
CFC-12 Systems, New.............. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
R-500 Systems, New............... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
R-502 Systems, New............... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Retail Food Refrigeration ....................... ....................... It also includes cold
storage warehouses.
HCFC-22 Systems, New............. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
HCFC-22 Systems, Retrofit........ R-407C................. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
CFC-12 Systems, New.............. R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
R-502 Systems, New............... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Ice Machines
CFC-12 Ice Machines, New......... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Household Refrigerators and Freezers
CFC-12 Household Refrigerators, R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
New.
CFC-12 Household Freezers, New... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
R-502 Household Freezers, New.... R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
Other Refrigerated Appliances ....................... ....................... Includes water coolers,
vending machines, and
dehumidifiers.
CFC-12 Refrigerated Appliances, R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
New.
R-502 Refrigerated Appliances, R-407C, R-410A, R-410B. Acceptable............. EPA urges recycling.
New.
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Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
[Total Flooding Agents Acceptable Substitutes]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-Use Substitute Decision Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Halon 1301........................... Powdered Aerosol C..... Acceptable............. For use in normally
unoccupied areas only.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable Substitutes--Foam Blowing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Integral Skin with HCFC-22........... CO2.................... Acceptable.............
HFC-134a............... Acceptable.............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 4742]]
Pending Decisions--Foam Blowing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HCFCs, Polyurethane Integral Skin CO2
HFC-134a.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pending Substitutes--Solvent Cleaning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metals Cleaning w/ CFC-113 and Chlorobromomethane............... Additional toxicity testing is necessary to
MCF. characterize fully the chronic health
effects such as carcinogenicity that could
arise from repeated exposures. In
addition, decomposition studies and ozone
depletion analyses must be completed
before SNAP decision is rendered.
Electronics Cleaning w/ CFC-113 Chlorobromomethane............... Additional toxicity testing is necessary to
and MCF. characterize fully the chronic health
effects such as carcinogenicity that could
arise from repeated exposures. In
addition, decomposition studies and ozone
depletion analyses must be completed
before SNAP decision is rendered.
Precision Cleaning w/ CFC-113 Chlorobromomethane............... Additional toxicity testing is necessary to
and MCF. characterize fully the chronic health
effects such as carcinogenicity that could
arise from repeated exposures. In
addition, decomposition studies and ozone
depletion analyses must be completed
before SNAP decision is rendered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FR Doc. 96-2723 Filed 2-7-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P