[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 56 (Friday, March 22, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13272-13278]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-6848]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 82
[FRL-7160-4]
RIN 2060-AG12
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice 16 for Significant New
Alternatives Policy Program
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of acceptability; notice of data availability.
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SUMMARY: This notice of acceptability 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. The substitutes are for use in the following
sectors: refrigeration and air conditioning; aerosols; and adhesives,
coatings, and inks. In addition, we are notifying the public of new
information available on the toxicity of HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb,
acceptable substitutes used in solvents cleaning.
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 22, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Information relevant to this document is contained in Air
Docket A-91-42, Room M-1500, Waterside Mall, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460, telephone:
(202) 260-7548. You may inspect the docket between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30
p.m. weekdays. As provided in 40 CFR part 2, a reasonable fee may be
charged for photocopying. Submissions to EPA for the use of the
substitutes listed in this document may be found under category VI-D of
EPA docket A-91-42. You can find other materials supporting the
decisions in this action under category IX-B of EPA docket A-91-42.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Sheppard by telephone at
(202) 564-9163, by fax at (202) 565-2155, by e-mail at
[email protected], or by mail at U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Mail Code 6205J, Washington, DC
20460. Overnight or courier deliveries should be sent to 501 3rd
Street, NW., Washington, DC, 20001.
For more information on the Agency's process for administering the
SNAP program or criteria for evaluation of substitutes, refer to the
original SNAP rulemaking published in the Federal Register on March 18,
1994 (59 FR 13044). Notices and rulemakings under the SNAP program, as
well as other EPA publications on protection of stratospheric ozone,
are available from EPA's Ozone Depletion World Wide Web site at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/ including the SNAP portion at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Listing of Acceptable Substitutes
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
B. Aerosols
C. Adhesives, Coating and Inks
II. New Data Available on the Toxicity of HCFC-225ca/cb
III. Section 612 Program
A. Statutory Requirements
B. Regulatory History
Appendix A--Summary of Acceptable Decisions
Appendix B--New Information Available
I. Listing of Acceptable Substitutes
This section presents EPA's most recent acceptable listing
decisions for substitutes in the following industrial sectors:
refrigeration and air conditioning; aerosols; and adhesives, coatings,
and inks. For copies of the full list of SNAP decisions in all
industrial sectors, visit EPA's Ozone Depletion web site at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/lists/index.html.
The sections below discuss the substitute listing in detail.
Appendix A contains a table summarizing today's listing decisions. The
statements of further information contained in the table provide
additional information, but are not legally binding under section 612
of the Clean Air Act. In addition, the ``further information'' may not
be a comprehensive list of other legal obligations you may need to meet
when using the substitute. Although you are not required to follow
recommendations in the ``further information'' column of the table to
use a substitute, EPA
[[Page 13273]]
strongly encourages you to apply the information when using these
substitutes. In many instances, the information simply refers to
standard operating practices in existing industry and/or building-code
standards. Thus, many of these statements, if adopted, would not
require significant changes to existing operating practices.
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
1., 2., 3. and 4. PFC-1102HC, PFC-662HC, PFC-552HC and FLC-15
EPA's decision: The chemical blends submitted to EPA with the
unregistered trade names PFC-1102HC, PFC-662HC, PFC-552HC and FLC-15
are acceptable for use in new equipment as substitutes for:
CFC-13, CFC-113, CFC-114 and blends thereof in very low
temperature refrigeration.
IGC Polycold Systems Inc., the submitter of the above-listed
blends, claims that the compositions of these HFC blends, tailored for
use in its equipment, are confidential business information. Despite
the trade names of these refrigerants, they are not perfluorocarbons.
You can find a version of the submission with information claimed
confidential by the submitter removed, in EPA Air Docket A-91-42, item
VI-D-268.
Environmental information: The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of
each of these four blends is zero.
The global warming potentials (GWPs) of the blends are between 7500
and 8500; therefore, EPA strongly encourages prompt identification and
repair of any leaks that may occur. EPA notes that many of the
alternatives already listed as acceptable for use within the very low
temperature refrigeration end use have GWPs this high or higher, and
encourages the continued search for lower-GWP alternatives for this end
use. The contribution of these blends to global warming will be
minimized through the implementation of the venting prohibition under
section 608(c)(2) of the Clean Air Act (see 40 CFR part 82, subpart F).
This section and EPA's implementing regulations prohibit venting or
release of substitutes for class I and class II ozone depleting
substances used in refrigeration and air-conditioning and require
proper handling and disposal of these substances, such as recycling or
recovery.
Some components of these blends have not been exempted from listing
as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under Clean Air Act regulations
for purposes of State Implementation Programs (SIPs) to control ground-
level ozone.
Flammability information: These four blends are nonflammable. The
individual components of the blends exhibit little to no flammability.
Toxicity and exposure data: All components in these blends have
eight-hour time-weighted average occupational exposure limits, such as
Workplace Environmental Exposure Levels (WEELs) from the American
Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), of approximately 1,000 ppm. EPA
expects users to follow all recommendations specified in the material
safety data sheets (MSDSs) for the blends and other safety precautions
common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
Comparison to other refrigerants: The Polycold HFC blends reduce
risk to the public compared to the ODSs they replace because they have
no ODP. The other substitutes already listed as acceptable for very low
temperature refrigeration either (1) have an ODP, (2) have a higher GWP
than the Polycold HFC blends, (3) have lower energy efficiency compared
to the Polycold HFC blends, resulting in an even higher GWP, or (4)
have not been developed into a useful technology for this end use. In
addition, there are relatively few acceptable substitutes in this end
use with no ODP. Thus, we find that the Polycold HFC blends are
acceptable because they reduce overall risk to public health and the
environment in the end uses listed.
5. HFE-7000
EPA's decision: Hydrofluoroether (HFE)-7000 is acceptable for use
in new and retrofit equipment as a substitute for:
HCFC-123 in very low temperature refrigeration;
CFC-11 and CFC-113 in industrial process refrigeration;
and
CFC-11 and CFC-113 in non-mechanical heat transfer.
3M, the submitter of the above-listed blends, indicates that this
chemical is also known as HFE-301 and propane, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3 hepta
fluoro-3-methoxy or 1-(methoxy)-1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane. The
empirical formula is C4H3F7O and it is also identified as CH3-O-CF2-
CF2-CF3 and R-E347mcc1. You can find a version of the submission with
information claimed confidential by the submitter removed, in EPA Air
Docket A-91-42, item VI-D-272.
Environmental information: The ODP of HFE-7000 is zero. The GWP is
estimated to range between 140 (World Meterological Organization
estimate) and 400 (derived from Ninomiya et.al., 2000) relative to
carbon dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon. The World Meteorological
Organization previously estimated an atmospheric lifetime of 1.3 years,
but more recent experimental data indicates a lifetime of 4.7 years
(Ninomiya et.al., 2000).
This chemical has been exempted from listing as a VOC under Clean
Air Act regulations.
Flammability information: This chemical is nonflammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: The manufacturer has recommended an
acceptable exposure limit (AEL) of 75 ppm over an eight-hour time-
weighted average. EPA believes this exposure limit will be protective
of human health and safety. We expect users to follow all
recommendations specified in the MSDS for this refrigerant and other
safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning
industry. This substitute was submitted to the Agency as part of a
Premanufacture Notice (PMN) under the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA).
Comparison to other refrigerants: HFE-7000 is less toxic than HCFC-
123 and is not an ozone depleter; thus, in the very low temperature end
use, it reduces risk overall compared to CFC-11, CFC-113, and HCFC-123,
the ODS it replaces. The GWP and atmospheric lifetime of HFE-7000 are
lower than those of other acceptable alternatives in very low
temperature refrigeration.
There are few alternatives for CFC-11 and CFC-113 in non-mechanical
heat transfer, and HFE-7000 has a comparable or lower GWP than those
alternatives. HFE-7000 has lower or comparable GWP and an ODP of zero,
compared to most other substitutes available for industrial process
refrigeration. Thus, we find that HFE-7000 is acceptable because it
reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in the end
uses listed.
6. ISCEON 39TC
ISCEON 39TC is acceptable for use in new and retrofit equipment as
a substitute for CFC-12 in:
Centrifugal chillers;
Industrial process refrigeration;
Industrial process air conditioning;
Cold storage warehouses; and
Ice skating rinks.
Rhodia Organique Fine Limited, the submitter of the above-listed
refrigerant, claims the composition to be confidential business
information. The submitter indicates that the refrigerant, also known
as Centri-Cool, is a blend of two hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).You can
find a version of the submission with information claimed confidential
by the
[[Page 13274]]
submitter removed, in EPA Air Docket A-91-42, item VI-D-279.
Environmental information: The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of
ISCEON 39TC is zero. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of each of the
two components is roughly 2000 to 3000 (relative to carbon dioxide,
using a 100-year time horizon).
One component of this blend has not been exempted from listing as a
volatile organic compound (VOC) under Clean Air Act regulations for
purposes of State implementation plans (SIP) to control ground-level
ozone.
Flammability information: Neither component, nor the blend, is
flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Both components of the blend have
workplace guidance level exposure limits on the order of 1000 ppm. EPA
believes this exposure limit will be protective of human health and
safety. EPA expects users to follow all recommendations specified in
the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the blend and the individual
components and other safety precautions common in the refrigeration and
air conditioning industry.
Comparison to other refrigerants: ISCEON 39TC is not an ozone
depleter; thus, it reduces risk overall compared to CFC-12, the ODS it
replaces. ISCEON 39TC has a comparable or lower GWP than the other
substitutes for CFC-12. Thus, we find that ISCEON 39TC is acceptable
because it reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in
the end uses listed.
7. R-404A
R-404A is acceptable for use in new and retrofit equipment as a
substitute for HCFC-22 in:
Industrial process refrigeration.
R-404A is a blend of 44% by weight HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane), 52%
by weight HFC-143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane) and 4% by weight HFC-134a
(1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane). You may find the submission under EPA Air
Docket A-91-42, item VI-D-283. EPA previously listed R-404A as an
acceptable substitute for CFC-12 in industrial process refrigeration
and other end uses in the original SNAP rule (March 18, 1994; 59 FR
13044).
Environmental information: The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of
R-404A is zero. The Global Warming Potentials (GWP) of HFC-125, HFC-
143a and HFC-134a are 3400, 4300 and 1300, respectively (relative to
carbon dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon). The contribution of
this blend to global warming will be minimized through the
implementation of the venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of
the Clean Air Act (see 40 CFR part 82, subpart F). This section and
EPA's implementing regulations prohibit venting or release of
substitutes for class I and class II ozone depleting substances used in
refrigeration and air-conditioning and require proper handling and
disposal of these substances, such as recycling or recovery.
All components of this blend have been exempted from listing as a
volatile organic compound (VOC) under Clean Air Act regulations for
purposes of the State implementation plan (SIP) program.
Flammability information: The component HFC-143a is moderately
flammable; however, the blend is not flammable nor does it fractionate
into a flammable mixture.
Toxicity and exposure data: All components of the blend have
workplace environmental exposure limits (WEELs) of 1000 ppm established
by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). EPA expects
users to follow all recommendations specified in the Material Safety
Data Sheet (MSDS) for the blend and the individual components and other
safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning
industry. We also expect that users of R-404A will adhere to the AIHA's
WEELs.
Comparison to other refrigerants: R-404A is not an ozone depleter;
thus, it reduces risk overall compared to HCFC-22, the ODS it replaces.
R-404A has a comparable or lower GWP than the other substitutes for
HCFC-22 and no ODP. Thus, we find that R-404A is acceptable because it
reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in the end
use listed.
8. Update: Formulation of NU-22 Changed
ICOR International has indicated that it is changing the
composition of NU-22. On December 18, 2000, EPA found the original
formulation acceptable for a variety of end-uses. At that time, the
composition was claimed as confidential business information (CBI);
however, the submitter has withdrawn that claim. The original
formulation was 28.1% by weight pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 70%
1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1.9% isobutane (HC-600a). ICOR
International has indicated it will not market this formulation. We are
modifying the previous acceptability determination to now list this
blend by its composition [R-125/134a/600a (28.1/70.0/1.9)] (rather than
as NU-22) as an acceptable substitute for HCFC-22 in new and retrofit
applications in the following end-uses:
Industrial process refrigeration and air-conditioning;
Centrifugal chillers;
Reciprocating chillers;
Residential air conditioning and heat pumps;
Residential dehumidifiers;
Refrigerated transport;
Motor vehicle air conditioning (buses only).
The composition of NU-22 has been changed to 46.6% by weight
pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 50% 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)
and 3.4% butane, also known as n-butane (HC-600). This composition is
identical to that of the refrigerant ISCEON 59. The manufacturer of
ISCEON 59 has applied for assignment under the American Society of
Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE)
Standard 34. The designation of R-417A has been recommended; however,
this has not yet been formally published in an addendum or revision to
ASHRAE Standard 34.
EPA previously found ISCEON 59 acceptable for several end-uses on
December 6, 1999 at 64 FR 68040. That finding now applies to NU-22. NU-
22 [R-125/134a/600 (46.6/50.0/3.4)] is acceptable for use in new and
retrofit equipment as a substitute for R-22 in:
Household and light commercial air-conditioning
Commercial comfort air-conditioning (centrifugal chillers;
reciprocating and screw chillers)
Industrial process refrigeration;
Industrial process air-conditioning;
Cold storage warehouses;
Refrigerated transport;
Retail food refrigeration;
Commercial ice machines;
Vending machines;
Water coolers;
Household refrigerators;
Household freezers;
Ice skating rinks;
Non-mechanical heat transfer.
B. Aerosols
1. HFC-245fa
EPA's decision: Hydrofluorocarbon-245fa is acceptable as a
substitute for:
CFC-113 and HCFC-141b in the aerosol solvent end use.
This compound is also known as HFC-245fa or 1,1,1,3,3-
pentafluoropropane. You can find a version of the submission with
information claimed confidential by the submitter removed, in EPA Air
Docket A-91-42, item VI-D-274. EPA has previously found HFC-245fa
acceptable
[[Page 13275]]
for use in certain foam blowing (64 FR 68041, December 6, 1999) and
refrigeration and air conditioning applications (65 FR 37901, June 19,
2000).
Environmental information: HFC-245fa has an ozone depletion
potential of zero. It has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1022.
This chemical has been exempted from listing as a VOC under Clean Air
Act regulations.
Flammability: HFC-245fa is non-flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: We expect users to follow all
recommendations specified in the manufacturer's MSDS for HFC-245fa. We
also expect that the workplace environmental exposure will not exceed
the American Industrial Hygiene Association's (AIHA) workplace
environmental exposure limit (WEEL) of 300 ppm.
Comparison to other aerosols: HFC-245fa's global warming potential
(GWP) is similar to or lower than that of the ODSs that it would be
replacing, and it has no ODP. Thus, HFC-245fa reduces risk overall
compared to the substances it replaces. HFC-245fa:
(1) Is non-flammable and reduces the risk of fire compared to
flammable aerosol solvents,
(2) Is less toxic than many of the non-flammable aerosol solvents,
and
(3) Has a GWP comparable to or less than other substitute aerosol
solvents and has no ODP.
Thus, we find that HFC-245fa is acceptable because it reduces
overall risk to public health and the environment in the aerosol
solvent end use.
C. Adhesives, Coatings and Inks
1. HFE-7100
EPA's decision: Hydrofluoroether-7100 is an acceptable substitute
for:
CFC-113, HCFC-141b, and methyl chloroform in adhesives,
coatings, and inks.
Hydrofluoroether-7100 is also called HFE-7100;
C4F9OCH3;C5F9OH3
; methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and normal; and methyl nonafluorobutyl
ether. HFE-7100 also may be used as a carrier for lubricant coatings.
Environmental information: HFE-7100 has an ozone depletion
potential (ODP) of zero, a global warming potential (GWP) of 390 over a
100-year time horizon, and an atmospheric lifetime of 4.1years. This
chemical has been exempted from listing as a volatile organic compound
(VOC) under Clean Air Act regulations.
Flammability: HFE-7100 is non-flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: HFE-7100 has low toxicity. HFE-7100 has
a workplace environmental exposure limit (WEEL) of 750 ppm established
by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
Comparison to other carrier solvents in adhesives, coatings, and
inks: HFE-7100's GWP is similar to or lower than that of the ODSs that
it would be replacing, and it has no ODP. Thus, HFE-7100 reduces risk
overall compared to the substances it replaces.
HFE-7100:
(1) Is non-flammable and reduces the risk of fire compared to
flammable carrier solvents,
(2) Is less toxic than the non-flammable carrier solvents, and
(3) Has a GWP comparable to or less than other substitute carrier
solvents and has no ODP.
Thus, we find that HFE-7100 is acceptable because it reduces
overall risk to public health and the environment in the adhesives,
coatings, and inks end uses.
2. HFE-7200
EPA's decision: Hydrofluoroether-7200 is an acceptable substitute
for:
CFC-113, HCFC-141b, and methyl chloroform in adhesives,
coatings, and inks.
Hydrofluoroether 7200 is also known as HFE-7200;
C4F9OC2H5;
C6F9OH5; and ethoxynonafluorobutane,
iso and normal. HFE-7200 also may be used as a carrier for lubricant
coatings.
Environmental information: HFE-7200 has an ODP of zero, a GWP of 55
and an atmospheric lifetime of 0.9 years. This chemical has been
exempted from listing as a VOC under Clean Air Act regulations.
Flammability: HFE-7200 has no flash point. Its flammability range
in air is 2.4-12.4%.
Toxicity and exposure data: The manufacturer's recommended exposure
guideline for HFE-7200 is 200 ppm over an eight-hour time-weighted
average. EPA expects HFE-7200 users to follow all recommendations
specified in the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). We
also expect that users of HFE-7200 will adhere to any acceptable
exposure limits set by any voluntary consensus standards organization,
including the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists' (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs) or the AIHA's WEELs.
Comparison to other carrier solvents in adhesives, coatings, and
inks: HFE-7200's GWP is similar to or lower than that of the ODSs that
it would be replacing, and it has no ODP. Thus, HFE-7200 reduces risk
overall compared to the substances it replaces.
HFE-7200:
(1) Reduces the risk of fire compared to more flammable carrier
solvents,
(2) Is less toxic than the non-flammable carrier solvents, and
(3) Has a GWP comparable to or less than other substitute carrier
solvents and has no ODP.
Thus, we find that HFE-7200 is acceptable because it reduces
overall risk to public health and the environment in the adhesives,
coatings, and inks end uses.
II. New Data Available on the Toxicity of HCFC-225ca/cb
The manufacturer of HCFC-225ca/cb conducted a review of the
toxicity of HCFC-225ca, HCFC-225cb, and the mixture of the two isomers.
The manufacturer's new analysis indicates that exposure limits of 50
ppm, 400 ppm, and 100 ppm, respectively, for the -ca and -cb isomers
and for the commercial formulation of HCFC-225ca/cb may be appropriate.
The company that produces HCFC-225 ca/cb has indicated to EPA that they
may petition the American Industrial Hygiene Association, a voluntary
standard setting committee, to set a Workplace Environmental Exposure
Level using these new data.
When EPA originally reviewed HCFC-225ca/cb, we found this
substitute acceptable subject to use conditions in solvents cleaning
(June 13, 1995; 60 FR 31099) and acceptable in aerosol solvents (April
28, 1999; 64 FR 22993) as a substitute for methyl chloroform and CFC-
113. At the time of our determination, we stated that the company-set
exposure limit of 25 ppm for the -ca isomer and 250 ppm for the -cb
isomer would be protective of human health. The condition for use of
HCFC-225 as a non-aerosol cleaning solvent specified that users must
meet the company-set exposure limit of 25 ppm for the -ca isomer.
EPA has also done our own assessment of the toxicity using all
available toxicity studies and a benchmark dose approach to arrive at
an acceptable exposure limit. Our analysis indicates that the
manufacturer's revised exposure limits are sufficiently protective of
human health. You can find this information in a document titled,
``Recommendation of AELs for HCFC-225ca, HCFC-225cb, and HCFC-225 ca/
cb.'' This document is in EPA's Air Docket #A-91-42, item IX-B-73. To
obtain a copy, you can contact the EPA Air Docket at the address and
phone number listed above in the ADDRESSES
[[Page 13276]]
section at the beginning of this document.
III. 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. We
refer 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, it must publish the revised lists within an additional six
months.
90-day Notification--Section 612(e) directs 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 rulemaking (59 FR 13044) which
described the process for administering the SNAP program. In the same
notice, we issued the first acceptability lists for substitutes in the
major industrial use sectors. These sectors include:
Refrigeration and air conditioning;
Foam blowing;
Solvents 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 this original rule for the SNAP program, 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. Therefore, by this notice we are adding substances to the
list of acceptable alternatives without first requesting comment on new
listings.
However, we do 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 the lists of prohibited or acceptable substitutes. We
publish updates to these lists as separate notices of rulemaking in the
Federal Register.
The Agency defines a ``substitute'' as any chemical, product
substitute, or alternative manufacturing process, whether existing or
new, intended for use as a replacement for a class I or class II
substance. Anyone who produces a substitute must provide EPA 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.
You can find a complete chronology of SNAP decisions and the
appropriate Federal Register citations from the SNAP section of EPA's
Ozone Depletion World Wide Web site at www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/chron.html. This information is also available from the Air Docket (see
Addresses section above for contact information).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: March 1, 2002.
Paul Stolpman,
Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and Radiation.
Appendix A--Summary of Acceptable Decisions
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Decision Further information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very low temperature refrigeration PFC-1102HC, PFC-662HC, Acceptable.
(new equipment only). PFC-552HC and FLC-15
as substitutes for
CFC-13, CFC-113, CFC-
114 and blends
thereof.
Very low temperature refrigeration Hydrofluoroether-7000 Acceptable.
(retrofit and new). as a substitute for
HCFC-123.
Industrial process refrigeration Hydrofluoroether-7000 Acceptable.
(retrofit and new). as a substitute for
CFC-11 and CFC-113.
ISCEON 39TC as a Acceptable.
substitute for CFC-12.
R-404A as a substitute Acceptable.
for HCFC-22.
Non-mechanical heat transfer Hydrofluoroether-7000 Acceptable.
(retrofit and new). as a substitute for
CFC-11 and CFC-113.
[[Page 13277]]
Centrifugal chillers (retrofit and ISCEON 39TC as a Acceptable.
new). substitute for CFC-12.
Industrial process air conditioning ISCEON 39TC as a Acceptable.
(retrofit and new). substitute for CFC-12.
Cold storage warehouses (retrofit ISCEON 39TC as a Acceptable.
and new). substitute for CFC-12.
Ice skating rinks (retrofit and ISCEON 39TC as a Acceptable.
new). substitute for CFC-12.
The following end-uses (retrofit R125/134a/600a (28.1/ Acceptable.
and new): 70.01/1.9)] as a
Centrifugal chiller sustitute for HCFC-22.
Reciprocating chillers
Industrial process
refrigeration
Industrial process air-
conditioning
Refrigerated transport
Residential air
conditioning and heat pumps
Residential
dehumidifiers
Motor vehicle air
conditioning, buses only
The following end-uses (retrofit NU-22/ISCEON 59 [R-125/ Acceptable.................. EPA expects that
and new): 134a/600 (46.6/50.0/ manufacturers,
Household and light 3.4] as a substitute installers and
commercial air-conditioning for HCFC-22. servicers of
Centrifugal chiller refrigeration and
Reciprocating chillers air-conditioning
Screw chillers systems will follow
Industrial process all applicable
refrigeration industry practices
Industrial process air- and technical
conditioning standards, including
Cold storage warehouses but not limited to
Refrigerated transport standards issued by
Retail food refrigeration the American Society
Commercial ice machines of Heating,
Vending machines Refrigerating and
Water coolers Air-conditioning
Household refrigerators Engineers (ASHRAE),
Household freezers and that exposures
Ice skating rinks will be kept within
Non-mechanical heat all applicable
transfer American Industrial
Hygiene Association
(AIHA) and American
Conference of
Governmental
Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH)
occupational
exposure limits.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerosol solvents................... HFC-245fa as a Acceptable.................. EPA expects that the
substitute for CFC- workplace
113 and HCFC-141b. environmental
exposure will not
exceed the Workplace
Environmental
Exposure Limit of
300 ppm and that
users will observe
the manufacturer's
recommendations in
MSDSs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adhesives, Coatings, and Inks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adhesives, coatings, and inks...... Hydrofluoroether-7100 Acceptable.
as a substitute for
CFC-113, HCFC-141b,
and methyl chloroform.
Adhesives, coatings, and inks...... Hydrofluoroether-7200 Acceptable.
as a substitute for
CFC-113, HCFC-141b,
and methyl chloroform.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix B--New Information Available
Non-Aerosol Cleaning Solvents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Information available
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metal cleaning, Electronics HCFC-225ca/cb.... Report on benchmark
cleaning, Precision cleaning. dose analysis of
acceptable exposure
limit for HCFC-225ca/
cb, HCFC-225ca, and
HCFC-225cb. See
Docket A-91-42, item
IX-B-73.
[[Page 13278]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerosols
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerosol solvents.............. HCFC-225ca/cb.... Report on benchmark
dose analysis of
acceptable exposure
limit for HCFC-225ca/
cb, HCFC-225ca, and
HCFC-225cb. See
Docket A-91-42, item
IX-B-73.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FR Doc. 02-6848 Filed 3-21-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P