TSCA Inventory Update Reporting Modifications

EPA has posted a prepublication version of its proposed modifications to the IUR rule on the Agency's Web site. (See the "Announcements" box on the right hand side of the page.) The proposed rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register on Friday, August 13th. The 60 day public comment period will begin on the date of publication in the Federal Register

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) rule enables EPA to collect and then make public critical information on the manufacturing, processing, and use of
commercial chemicals, including current information on volumes of chemical production, manufacturing facility data, and how the chemicals are used. This information helps the Agency determine whether chemicals may be dangerous to people or the environment. EPA proposes to amend the TSCA IUR rule, thereby providing improved information for EPA to better identify and, where appropriate, take steps to manage risks associated with chemical substances and
mixtures (referred to hereafter as chemical substances). Additionally, improved information would be available for the public.

The IUR rule, promulgated under TSCA section 8(a), requires manufacturers (including importers) of certain chemical substances on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (TSCA Inventory) to report information about the manufacturing (including import), processing, and use of those chemical substances. EPA is proposing to require electronic reporting of IUR information and to modify IUR reporting requirements, including certain circumstances that trigger reporting, the specific data to be reported, the reporting standard for processing and use
information, and Confidential Business Information (CBI) reporting procedures. These modifications would provide information to better address Agency and public information needs, improve the usability and reliability of the reported data, and ensure that data are available
in a timely manner.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before [insert date 60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2009–0187, by one of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.

• Mail: Document Control Office (7407M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
• Hand Delivery: OPPT Document Control Office (DCO), EPA East Bldg., Rm. 6428, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. Attention: Docket ID Number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2009–0187. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the DCO is (202) 564–8930.