[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 173 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47012-47018]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22649]


      

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Part V





Environmental Protection Agency





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40 CFR Part 82



Protection of Stratospheric Ozone; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 173 / Thursday, September 5, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 47012]]



ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 82

[FRL-5556-5]


Protection of Stratospheric Ozone

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of Acceptability.

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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. In addition, this Notice clarifies information on refrigerant 
blends R-410A, R-410B, and R-407C that EPA previously added to the 
acceptable substitute list.

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, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. 
Telephone: (202) 260-7548. The docket may be inspected 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Smagin at (202) 233-9126 or fax 
(202) 233-9577, U.S. EPA, Stratospheric Protection Division, 401 M 
Street, S.W., Mail Code 6205J, Washington, D.C. 20460; EPA 
Stratospheric Ozone Protection Hotline at (800) 296-1996; EPA World 
Wide Web Site at http://www.epa.gov/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. Foam Blowing
    D. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
    E. Solvent Cleaning
    F. Aerosols
    G. Adhesives, Coatings and Inks
III. 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 
refers 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. 
At the same time, EPA also 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 is 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 by this notice.
    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 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 lists of acceptable alternatives on August 26, 1994 
(59 FR 44240), January 13, 1995 (60 FR 3318), July 28, 1995 (60 FR 
38729), February 8, 1996 (61 FR 4736) and published Final Rulemakings 
restricting the use of certain substitutes on June 13, 1995 (60 FR 
31092), and May 22, 1996 (61 FR 25585). EPA also published a Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking restricting the use of certain substitutes on May 
22, 1996 (61 FR 25604).

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

[[Page 47013]]

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. For 
copies of the full list, contact the EPA Stratospheric Protection 
Hotline at (800) 296-1996.
    Parts A through G 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 for listings of acceptable substitutes, they are not legally 
binding under section 612 of the Clean Air Act. Thus, adherence to 
recommendations in the comments is not mandatory for use as 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: Class I

1. Secondary Loop Systems
    In this Notice, EPA requests information about fluids used in 
secondary loop systems. Unlike most other end-uses, secondary loop 
systems do not circulate refrigerant through heat exchangers that are 
in direct contact with the refrigerated or air conditioned space. 
Rather, the primary refrigerant exchanges heat only with a second 
fluid, which in turn carries heat away from the cooled space.
    A good example of such a system is a large building chiller. The 
primary loop chills water, which then circulates throughout the 
building, where fans blow air over the cold pipes to air condition 
occupied spaces. Another example is an ammonia-based supermarket 
refrigeration system. The ammonia-containing primary loop is isolated 
from the occupied area of the store, while a secondary loop fluid 
carries the chill to the refrigerated cases.
    Secondary loop systems are gaining market share in many areas 
because they offer potential safety improvements, particularly when the 
primary refrigerant is flammable or toxic. The primary system generally 
has a relatively small charge, and it can be placed in an external 
building, thereby removing the risk to occupants. In addition, a 
smaller charge means that less refrigerant can escape during a leak. 
Given even the lower ozone depletion potential (ODP) of HCFCs, and 
global warming potential (GWP) of some HCFCs and HFCS, this reduced 
leakage yields direct benefits to the environment. Because of the 
potential environmental and safety benefits of secondary loop systems, 
EPA is investigating whether it would be appropriate to list secondary 
fluids formally under the SNAP program.
    Such systems would use an already EPA-acceptable refrigerant in the 
primary loop and a different fluid in the secondary loop. Therefore, 
such a system could be listed as a not-in-kind replacement for CFC-
based refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. EPA is aware that 
water, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ice slurries, CO2, ethyl 
alcohol, calcium chloride, Flo-ice, HCFC-123, and certain 
hydrofluoroethers are either used today or are being considered for use 
as secondary fluids. While studying whether this end-use would be 
appropriate for listing, EPA invites companies interested in listing 
other secondary loop fluids to contact the SNAP coordinator at 202-233-
9126, fax 202-233-9577.
2. Acceptable Substitutes for Other End-Uses
    Note that EPA acceptability does not mean that a given substitute 
will work in a specific type of equipment within an end-use. 
Engineering expertise must be used to determine the appropriate use of 
these and any other substitutes. In addition, although some 
alternatives are listed for multiple refrigerants, they may not be 
appropriate for use in all equipment or under all conditions.
a. Hot Shot and GHG-X4
    Hot Shot and GHG-X4, both of which consist of HCFC-22, HCFC-124, 
HCFC-142b, and isobutane, are acceptable as substitutes for CFC-12 and 
R-500 in the following retrofitted and new end-uses:

 Centrifugal and Reciprocating Chillers
 Industrial Process Refrigeration
 Ice Skating Rinks
 Cold Storage Warehouses
 Refrigerated Transport
 Retail Food Refrigeration
 Vending Machines
 Water Coolers
 Commercial Ice Machines
 Household Refrigerators
 Household Freezers
 Residential Dehumidifiers
 Non-Automotive Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners

    Because HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b contribute to ozone depletion, they 
will be phased out of production. Therefore, these blends will be used 
primarily as retrofit refrigerants. However, these blends are 
acceptable for use in new systems. Regulations regarding recycling and 
reclamation issued under section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to 
these blends. HCFC-142b has one of the highest ODPs among the HCFCs. 
The GWPs of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b are 1700 and 2000, respectively, 
which are somewhat high. However, this concern is mitigated by the 
scheduled phaseout of these refrigerants. Although HCFC-142b and 
isobutane are flammable, these blends are not. In addition, testing on 
these blends has shown that they do not become flammable after leaks. 
GHG-X4 is being sold under the trade names ``Autofrost'' and ``Chill-
It.''
 b. R-401C
    R-401C, which consists of HCFC-22, HFC-152a, and HCFC-124, is 
acceptable as a substitute for CFC-12 in retrofitted and new non-
automotive motor vehicle air conditioners. Because HCFC-22 and HCFC-124 
contribute to ozone depletion, they will be phased out of production. 
Therefore, these blends will be used primarily as retrofit 
refrigerants. However, these blends are acceptable for use in new 
systems. Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation issued under 
section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to these blends. HCFC-142b has 
one of the highest ODPS among the HCFCs. The GWP of HCFC-22 is 1700, 
which is somewhat high. However, this concern is mitigated by the 
scheduled phaseout of this refrigerant. Although HCFC-142b and 
isobutane are flammable, these blends are not. In addition, testing on 
these blends has shown that they do not become flammable after leaks. 
GHG-X4 is being sold under the trade names ``Autofrost'' and ``Chill-
It.''
c. NARM-502
    NARM-502, which consists of HCFC-22, HFC-23, and HFC-152a, is 
acceptable as a substitute for R-503 and CFC-13 in new and retrofitted 
very low temperature refrigeration and industrial process 
refrigeration. Because HCFC-22 contributes to ozone depletion, it will 
be phased out of production. Therefore, this blend will be used 
primarily as a retrofit refrigerant. However, NARM-502 is acceptable 
for use in new systems. Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation 
issued under section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to this blend. The 
GWP of HCFC-22 is 1700,

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which is somewhat high, and the GWP of HFC-23 is 12,100, which is 
extremely high. However, other acceptable refrigerants in this end-use 
also contain either HFC-23 or perfluorocarbons (PFCs), with higher 
GWPs. In addition, the percentage of HFC-23 is quite small, so this 
blend poses much lower global warming risk than other substitutes for 
this end-use. Although HFC-152a is flammable, NARM-502 as blended is 
not, and testing has shown that it does not become flammable after 
leaks.
d. Freezone (Formerly Listed as HCFC Blend Delta) and FREEZE 12
    Freezone, which consists of HFC-134a, HCFC-142b, and a lubricant, 
and FREEZE 12, which consists of HFC-134a and HCFC-142b, are acceptable 
as substitutes for CFC-12 in the following retrofitted and new end-
uses:

 Centrifugal and Reciprocating Chillers
 Industrial Process Refrigeration
 Ice Skating Rinks
 Cold Storage Warehouses
 Refrigerated Transport
 Retail Food Refrigeration
 Vending Machines
 Water Coolers
 Commercial Ice Machines
 Household Refrigerators
 Household Freezers
 Residential Dehumidifiers
 Non-Automotive Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners

    Because HCFC-142b contributes to ozone depletion, it will be phased 
out of production. Therefore, these blends will be used primarily as 
retrofit refrigerants. However, they are acceptable for use in new 
systems. Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation issued under 
section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to these blends. HCFC-142b has 
one of the highest ODPs among the HCFCs. In addition, the GWP of HCFC-
142b is 2000, which is somewhat high. However, this concern is 
mitigated by the scheduled phaseout of this refrigerant. Although HCFC-
142b is flammable, Freezone and FREEZE 12 as blended are not, and 
testing has shown that they do not become flammable after leaks.
e. G2018C
    G2018C, which consists of HCFC-22, HFC-152a, and propylene, is 
acceptable as a substitute for CFC-12 in the following retrofitted and 
new end-uses:

 Centrifugal and Reciprocating Chillers
 Industrial Process Refrigeration
 Ice Skating Rinks
 Cold Storage Warehouses
 Refrigerated Transport
 Retail Food Refrigeration
 Vending Machines
 Water Coolers
 Commercial Ice Machines

    Because HCFC-22 contributes to ozone depletion, it will be phased 
out of production. Therefore, this blend will be used primarily as a 
retrofit refrigerant. However, it is acceptable for use in new systems. 
Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation issued under section 
608 of the Clean Air Act apply to G2018C. The GWP of HCFC-22 is 1700, 
which is somewhat high. However, this concern is mitigated by the 
scheduled phaseout of this refrigerant. Although HFC-152a is flammable, 
G2018C as blended is not, and testing has shown that it does not become 
flammable after leaks.

B. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Class II

1. Clarification of Previous Notice (61 FR 4736)
    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 second time EPA has listed acceptable 
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). 
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 is not 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 expertise is required to determine 
the best match between a given class I refrigerant and an alternative.
    The February 8, 1996 Notice of Acceptability (61 FR 4736) 
inadvertently described R-410A, R-410B, and R-407C as not containing 
any components regulated as volatile organic compounds (VOC) under 
Title I of the Clean Air Act . In fact, all three blends contain HFC-
32, which is a VOC-regulated compound.
2. Acceptable Substitutes
a. R-507
    R-507, which consists of HFC-143a and HFC-125, is acceptable as a 
substitute for HCFC-22, and by extension, class I refrigerants, in 
equipment in the following new and retrofit end-uses:

 Commercial comfort air conditioning
 Industrial process refrigeration systems
 Industrial process air conditioning
 Refrigerated transport
 Retail food refrigeration
 Cold storage warehouses
 Vending machines
 Commercial ice machines
 Household and light commercial air conditioning

    R-507 contains HFC-125 and HFC-143a. HFC-125 and HFC-143a exhibit a 
fairly high global warming potential (3,200 and 4,400 respectively at 
100 year integrated time horizon) compared to other HFCs and HCFC-22. 
However, their potential for contributing to global warming will be 
mitigated in the listed end uses through the implementation of the 
venting prohibition under Section 608(c)(2) of the Clean Air Act. Note 
that the prohibition on venting, which applies to all substitute 
refrigerants, was mandated in section 608(c)(2) and took effect through 
regulations 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-507 does not contain ozone-depleting substances and is low in 
toxicity. Although HFC-143a is flammable, the blend is not. It is a 
near azeotrope, so it will not fractionate during operation. Leak 
testing has demonstrated that its composition never becomes flammable.
b. Ammonia
    Ammonia, either in vapor compression or absorption systems, is 
acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22, and by extension, class I 
refrigerants, in equipment in the following new end-uses:

 Industrial process air conditioning
 Industrial process refrigeration
 Ice skating rinks
 Cold storage warehouses
 Commercial ice machines
 Commercial comfort air conditioning (absorption chillers or 
vapor compression with a secondary loop)

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 Retail food refrigeration (with a secondary loop)
 Household refrigerators (absorption systems only)
 Household and light commercial air conditioning (absorption 
systems only)

    Ammonia applications that do not fall under any of the above-listed 
end uses and for which ammonia has traditionally been used as the 
refrigerant fluid, whether in vapor compression or absorption systems, 
are not covered under the SNAP program. Therefore, does not require 
notification or listing under the SNAP program.
    Ammonia has been used as a medium to low temperature refrigerant in 
vapor compression cycles for more than 100 years. Ammonia has excellent 
refrigerant properties, a characteristic pungent odor, no long-term 
atmospheric risks, and low cost. It is, however, moderately flammable 
and toxic, although it is not a cumulative poison. Ammonia may be used 
safely if existing OSHA and ASHRAE standards are followed. Users should 
check local building codes related to the use of ammonia. Ammonia does 
not deplete the ozone or contribute to global warming.
c. Alternative Technologies
    Several technologies already exist as alternatives to equipment 
using class I substances. As a result of the CFC phaseout, they are 
gaining prominence in the transition away from CFCs. Examples of these 
technologies include evaporative cooling, desiccant cooling, and 
absorption refrigeration and air conditioning. In addition, several 
technologies are currently under development. Significant progress has 
expanded the applicability of these alternatives, and their 
environmental benefits generally include zero ODP and low direct GWP. 
In addition, evaporative cooling offers significant energy savings, 
which results in reduced indirect GWP.
(1) Evaporative Cooling
    Evaporative Cooling is acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22, and 
by extension, class I refrigerants, in equipment in the following new 
end-uses:

 Industrial process air conditioning
 Commercial comfort air conditioning
 Household and light commercial air conditioning

    Evaporative cooling does not contribute to ozone depletion or 
global warming and has the potential to be more energy efficient than 
current refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Evaporative cooling 
uses no chemicals, but relies instead on water evaporation as a means 
of cooling. It is in widespread use in office buildings in the western 
U.S. Recent design improvements have greatly expanded its applicability 
to other regions.
(2) Desiccant Cooling
    Desiccant cooling is acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22, and by 
extension, class I refrigerants, in equipment in the following new end-
uses:

 Industrial process air conditioning
 Commercial comfort air conditioning
 Residential air conditioning

    Desiccant cooling is an alternate technology to the vapor 
compression cycle. Desiccant cooling systems do not contribute to ozone 
depletion or global warming. These systems offer potential energy 
savings over conventional HCFC-22 vapor compression systems.
(3) Water/Lithium Bromide Absorption
    Water/lithium bromide absorption is acceptable as an alternative 
technology to centrifugal chillers using HCFC-22. Some absorption 
systems use water as the refrigerant and lithium bromide as the 
absorber. Lithium bromide has zero ODP and GWP. It is low in toxicity 
and is nonflammable.

C. Foam Blowing

1. Acceptable Substitutes
    a. Rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate laminated boardstock; 
Rigid polyurethane appliance; Rigid polyurethane slabstock and other; 
and Rigid polyurethane spray and commercial refrigeration, and sandwich 
panels.
    Proprietary Blowing Agent 1 (PBA 1) is an acceptable substitute for 
CFCs and HCFCs in rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate laminated 
boardstock foam; rigid polyurethane appliance; rigid polyurethane 
slabstock and other; and rigid polyurethane spray and commercial 
refrigeration, and sandwich panels. This blowing agent was submitted as 
a proprietary formulation by a foam system manufacturer. PBA 1 does not 
contain ozone depleting chemicals and has very low or zero global 
warming potential. This blend is not flammable. No other significant 
health or environmental risks are anticipated from the use of this 
substitute as long as other existing relevant health, environmental and 
safety requirements are met. Exposure assessments indicate worker 
exposure is unlikely to exceed the OSHA permissible exposure level.

D. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection

1. Acceptable Substitutes
a. Total Flooding Agents
(1) Foam A--formerly [Water Mist/Surfactant Blend] A
    Foam A is acceptable as a Halon 1301 substitute. This agent was 
previously identified as [Water Mist/Surfactant Blend] A in the July 
28, 1995 Notice (60 FR 38729), and was listed as acceptable for use in 
normally unoccupied areas only. Since that time, the manufacturer has 
clarified to EPA that this agent is not a water mist system, nor is it 
a wetting agent, but instead is a low density, short duration foam. 
This agent is dispensed as bubbles which physically interfere with the 
mixture of fuel and air, and provide some cooling of the flame front, 
both of which contribute to control of the fire.
    In the event that the manufacturer develops a misting system based 
on this agent, EPA requires the manufacturer to submit a separate SNAP 
application for assessment of exposure to fine water mist particles 
containing additives.

E. Solvent Cleaning

1. Acceptable Substitutes
a. Metals Cleaning
    Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and 
normal) is an acceptable substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform 
(MCF) in metals cleaning. This HFE is a new chemical that completed 
review in May 1996 under EPA's Premanufacture Notice Program under the 
Toxic Substances Control Act. This chemical does not deplete the ozone 
layer since it does not contain chlorine or bromine. It has a 4.1-year 
atmospheric lifetime and a GWP of 150 over a 500-year time horizon and 
480 over a 100-year time horizon.
    This HFE exhibits only moderate toxicity in tests reviewed by EPA, 
and the 600 ppm 8-hr Time Weighted Average workplace standard set by 
the company was deemed sufficiently protective. Based on the 
combination of the feasibility of meeting the exposure standard and the 
moderate toxicity exhibited by this chemical, EPA is listing this 
substance as acceptable without restrictions. As with workplace 
exposure standards for other CFC alternatives, this standard for this 
substance, too, will be examined by the Workplace Environmental 
Exposure Limit subcommittee of the American Industrial Hygiene 
Association.

[[Page 47016]]

b. Electronics Cleaning
    Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and 
normal) is an acceptable substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform 
(MCF) in electronics cleaning. This HFE is a new chemical that 
completed review in May 1996 under EPA's Premanufacture Notice Program 
under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This chemical does not deplete 
the ozone layer since it does not contain chlorine or bromine. It has a 
atmospheric 4.1-year lifetime and a GWP of 150 over a 500-year time 
horizon and 480 over a 100-year time horizon. The GWP and lifetime for 
this HFE are both lower than the GWP and lifetime for CFC-113 and for 
PFCs.
    This HFE exhibits only moderate toxicity in tests reviewed by EPA, 
and the 600 ppm 8-hr Time Weighted Average workplace standard set by 
the company was deemed sufficiently protective. Based on the 
combination of the feasibility of meeting the exposure standard and the 
moderate toxicity exhibited by this chemical, EPA is listing this 
substance as acceptable without restrictions. As with workplace 
exposure standards for other CFC alternatives, this standard for this 
substance, too, will be examined by the Workplace Environmental 
Exposure Limit subcommittee of the American Industrial Hygiene 
Association.
c. Precision Cleaning
    Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and 
normal) is an acceptable substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform 
(MCF) in precision cleaning. This HFE is a new chemical that completed 
review this past May under EPA's Premanufacture Notice Program under 
the Toxic Substances Control Act. This chemical does not deplete the 
ozone layer since it does not contain chlorine or bromine. It has a 
4.1-year atmospheric lifetime and a low GWP of 150 over a 500-year time 
horizon and 480 over a 100-year time horizon. The GWP and lifetime for 
this HFE are both lower than the GWP and lifetime for CFC-113 and PFCs.
    This HFE exhibits only moderate toxicity in tests reviewed by EPA, 
and the 600 ppm 8-hr Time Weighted Average workplace standard set by 
the company was deemed sufficiently protective. Based on the 
combination of the feasibility of meeting the exposure standard and the 
moderate toxicity exhibited by this chemical, EPA is listing this 
substance as acceptable without restrictions. As with workplace 
exposure standards for other CFC alternatives, this standard for this 
substance, too, will be examined by the Workplace Environmental 
Exposure Limit subcommittee of the American Industrial Hygiene 
Association.

F. Aerosols

1. Acceptable Substitutes
a. Solvents
    Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and 
normal) is an acceptable substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform 
(MCF) as a solvent in aerosol products. This HFE is a new chemical that 
completed review this past May under EPA's Premanufacture Notice 
Program under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This chemical does not 
deplete the ozone layer since it does not contain chlorine or bromine. 
It has a 4.1-year atmospheric lifetime and a GWP of 150 over a 500-year 
time horizon and 480 over a 100-year time horizon. The GWP and lifetime 
for this HFE are both lower than the GWP and lifetime for CFC-113 and 
for PFCs.
    This HFE exhibits only moderate toxicity in tests reviewed by EPA, 
and the 600 ppm 8-hr Time Weighted Average workplace standard set by 
the company was deemed sufficiently protective. Based on the 
combination of the feasibility of meeting the exposure standard and the 
moderate toxicity exhibited by this chemical, EPA is listing this 
substance as acceptable without restrictions. As with workplace 
exposure standards for other CFC alternatives, this standard for this 
substance, too, will be examined by the Workplace Environmental 
Exposure Limit subcommittee of the American Industrial Hygiene 
Association.

G. Adhesives, Coatings and Inks

1. Acceptable Substitutes
a. Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
    Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is acceptable as an alternative to MCF 
and CFC-113 in adhesives. The OSHA set exposure limit (PEL) is 200 ppm.

III. 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 may also be obtained on the World 
Wide Web at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/snap.html.

    Dated: August 13, 1996.
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                                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       End-Use                                               Substitute                               Decision              Comments    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFC-12 and R-500 Centrifugal and Reciprocating         Hot Shot.............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
 Chillers; CFC-12 Industrial Process Refrigeration,    GHG-X4...............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
 Ice Skating Rinks, Cold Storage Warehouses,           Freezone.............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
 Refrigerated Transport, Retail Food Refrigeration,    FREEZE 12............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
 Vending Machines, Water Coolers, Commercial Ice       G2018C...............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
 Machines (Retrofitted and New).                                                                                                                        
CFC-12 Household Refrigerators, Household Freezers,    Hot Shot.............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
 and Residential Dehumidifiers (Retrofitted and New).  GHG-X4...............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
                                                       Freezone.............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
                                                       FREEZE 12............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
CFC-13, R-13B1, and R-503 Very Low Temperature         NARM-502.............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
 Refrigeration and Industrial Process Refrigeration                                                                                                     
 (Retrofitted and New).                                                                                                                                 

[[Page 47017]]

                                                                                                                                                        
Non-Automotive Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, e.g.,   R-401C...............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
 buses, trains, planes (Retrofitted and New).          Hot Shot.............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
                                                       GHG-X4...............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
                                                       Freezone.............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
                                                       FREEZE 12............................................  Acceptable.............  .................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Refrigeration and Air Conditioning                                                           
                                                     Acceptable Substitutes for Class II Substances                                                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Household and Light Commercial Air Conditioning......  R-507, Ammonia, Evaporative and Desiccant Cooling....  Acceptable.............  Ammonia includes 
                                                                                                                                        absorption      
                                                                                                                                        systems only.   
                                                                                                                                        EPA urges       
                                                                                                                                        recycling of R- 
                                                                                                                                        507.            
Commercial Comfort Air Conditioning..................  R-507, Ammonia, Evaporative and Desiccant Cooling,     Acceptable.............  Includes ammonia 
                                                        Water/Lithium Bromide.                                                          absorption      
                                                                                                                                        chillers and    
                                                                                                                                        vapor           
                                                                                                                                        compression with
                                                                                                                                        a secondary     
                                                                                                                                        loop. EPA urges 
                                                                                                                                        recycling of R- 
                                                                                                                                        507.            
Industrial Process Refrigeration.....................  R-507, Ammonia.......................................  Acceptable.............  Includes ammonia 
                                                                                                                                        vapor           
                                                                                                                                        compression and 
                                                                                                                                        absorption      
                                                                                                                                        systems. EPA    
                                                                                                                                        urges recycling 
                                                                                                                                        of R-507.       
Industrial Process Air Conditioners..................  R-507, Ammonia, Evaporative and Desiccant Cooling....  Acceptable.............  Includes ammonia 
                                                                                                                                        vapor           
                                                                                                                                        compression and 
                                                                                                                                        absorption      
                                                                                                                                        systems. EPA    
                                                                                                                                        urges recycling 
                                                                                                                                        of R-507.       
Ice Skating Rinks....................................  Ammonia..............................................  Acceptable.............  Includes ammonia 
                                                                                                                                        vapor           
                                                                                                                                        compression and 
                                                                                                                                        absorption      
                                                                                                                                        systems.        
Refrigerated Transport...............................  R-507................................................  Acceptable.............  EPA urges        
                                                                                                                                        recycling.      
Retail Food Refrigeration............................  R-507, Ammonia.......................................  Acceptable.............  Ammonia includes 
                                                                                                                                        vapor           
                                                                                                                                        compression with
                                                                                                                                        secondary loop  
                                                                                                                                        systems only.   
                                                                                                                                        EPA urges       
                                                                                                                                        recycling of R- 
                                                                                                                                        507.            
Ice Machines.........................................  R-507, Ammonia.......................................  Acceptable.............  Includes ammonia 
                                                                                                                                        vapor           
                                                                                                                                        compression and 
                                                                                                                                        absorption      
                                                                                                                                        systems. EPA    
                                                                                                                                        urges recycling 
                                                                                                                                        of R-507.       
Household and Other Refrigerated Appliances..........  Ammonia..............................................  Acceptable.............  Includes         
                                                                                                                                        absorption      
                                                                                                                                        systems only.   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Foam Blowing                                                                      
                                                                 Acceptable Substitutes                                                                 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate laminated      Proprietary Blowing Agent 1 (PBA 1)..................  Acceptable.............  Proprietary      
 boardstock; Rigid Polyurethane Appliance; Rigid                                                                                        formulation. PBA
 Polyurethane Slabstock and Other; and Rigid                                                                                            1 has zero-ODP  
 Polyurethane Spray and Commercial Refrigeration; and                                                                                   and has very low
 Sandwich Panels CFCs and HCFCs.                                                                                                        or zero GWP. Not
                                                                                                                                        flammable, and  
                                                                                                                                        no other        
                                                                                                                                        significant     
                                                                                                                                        health          
                                                                                                                                        environmental   
                                                                                                                                        risks are       
                                                                                                                                        anticipated from
                                                                                                                                        the use of this 
                                                                                                                                        substitute as   
                                                                                                                                        long as other   
                                                                                                                                        exisiting       
                                                                                                                                        relevant health,
                                                                                                                                        environmental   
                                                                                                                                        and safety      
                                                                                                                                        requirements are
                                                                                                                                        met.            
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection                                                       
                                                                 Acceptable Substitutes                                                                 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Flooding with Halon 1301.......................  Foam A...............................................  Acceptable.............  Previously       
                                                                                                                                        identified as   
                                                                                                                                        [Water Mist/    
                                                                                                                                        Surfactant      
                                                                                                                                        Blend] A (60 FR 
                                                                                                                                        38729).         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Acceptable Substitutes                                                                 
                                                                    Solvent Cleaning                                                                    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metals cleaning with CFC-113, MCF and HCFC-141b......  Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3                       Acceptable.............  .................
                                                        (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and normal).                                                      
Electronics cleaning with CFC-113, MCF and HCFC-141b.  Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3                       Acceptable.............  .................
                                                        (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and normal).                                                      
Precision cleaning with CFC-113, MCF and HCFC-141b...  Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3                       Acceptable.............  .................
                                                        (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and normal).                                                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 47018]]

                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                 Acceptable Substitutes                                                                 
                                                                        Aerosols                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFC-11, CFC-113, MCF and HCFC-141b as aerosol          Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3                       Acceptable.............  .................
 solvents.                                              (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and normal).                                                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Acceptable Substitutes                                                                 
                                                              Adhesives, Coatings, and Inks                                                             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCF and CFC-113 as solvents in adhesives.............  Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene...........................  Acceptable.............  The OSHA set     
                                                                                                                                        exposure limit  
                                                                                                                                        (PEL) is 200    
                                                                                                                                        ppm.            
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           End-Use                                                       Substitute                                    Comments         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Solvent Cleaning                                                                    
                                                                   Pending Substitutes                                                                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metals Cleaning w/CFC-113 and MCF............................  n-propylbromide..............................................  EPA awaiting results from 
                                                                                                                               ODP study. EPA also      
                                                                                                                               examining new toxicity   
                                                                                                                               data reported under the  
                                                                                                                               Toxic Substances Control 
                                                                                                                               Act.                     
Electronics Cleaning w/CFC-113 and MCF.......................  n-propylbromide..............................................  EPA awaiting results from 
                                                                                                                               ODP study. EPA also      
                                                                                                                               examining new toxicity   
                                                                                                                               data reported under the  
                                                                                                                               Toxic Substances Control 
                                                                                                                               Act.                     
Precision Cleaning w/CFC-113 and MCF.........................  n-propylbromide..............................................  EPA awaiting results from 
                                                                                                                               ODP study. EPA also      
                                                                                                                               examining new toxicity   
                                                                                                                               data reported under the  
                                                                                                                               Toxic Substances Control 
                                                                                                                               Act.                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Aerosols                                                                        
                                                                   Pending Substitutes                                                                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFC-113, MCF, and HCFC-141b as aerosol solvents..............  HFC-4310.....................................................  EPA awaiting results on   
                                                                                                                               occupational exposure    
                                                                                                                               study.                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 96-22649 Filed 9-4-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P