EPA Releases Timeline for Implementing New Chemical Law

US EPA has released a first-year implementation plan for new and revised chemical testing and management requirements under the recently signed Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. See EPA’s timeline here or read on for the highlights.

See what’s in the “new TSCA” rules: Your New TSCA Rules Breakdown

The Act includes a number of new requirements for EPA to evaluate the risk posed by specific chemicals. The self-imposed deadlines for these EPA actions are covered below. First, we’ll cover a big change for chemical manufacturers, processors, and importers.

Expanded Chemical Reporting Requirements

Chemical manufactures, importers, and processors will see their inventory reporting requirement expanded to cover TEN YEARS of chemical manufacturing and processing data. For this new chemical reporting requirement, EPA plans to publish a proposed rule in December 2016 and a Final Rule in mid-June 2017.

Initial Risk Evaluations

By December 2016, EPA plans to publish a list of ten Work Plan chemicals and formally initiate the risk evaluation on those ten chemicals. EPA plans to publish the scope of each assessment in mid-June 2017.

Chemical Prioritization Process Rule

A proposed version of this procedural rule, which will establish EPA’s process for identifying high- and low-priority chemicals for risk evaluation, is expected by the end of 2016. A Final Rule is planned for one year after enactment of the law, in June 2017.

Chemical Risk Evaluation Process Rule

For chemicals deemed high priority, EPA will publish regulations that spell out a process for evaluation. Again, a proposed rule is expected by December 2016, followed by a Final Rule in June 2017. To learn more about the “new TSCA” rules, read more here: Your New TSCA Rules Breakdown

TSCA Online Course Now Available

The 2016 TSCA reporting period for chemical manufactures, importers, and processors started on June 1. Be confident you know the latest rules. The TSCA Regulations Online Course will help you identify the chemicals at your site that are subject to TSCA reporting; navigate the complex management rules for handling, storing, and processing chemicals (including PCBs); and understand your responsibilities and deadlines for submitting reports to EPA.

Tags: EPA, new rules, TSCA