[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 125 (Tuesday, June 30, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 35587]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17383]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPPTS-44649; FRL-5798-7]


TSCA Chemical Testing; Receipt of Test Data

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces EPA's receipt of test data on N-
Methylpyrrolidone (CAS No. 106-91-21). These data were submitted 
pursuant to an enforceable testing consent agreement/order issued by 
EPA under section 4 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 
Publication of this notice is in compliance with section 4(d) of TSCA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan B. Hazen, Director, 
Environmental Assistance Division (7408), Office of Pollution 
Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. E-543B, 401 
M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460, (202) 554-1404, TDD (202) 554-0551; 
e-mail: TSCA-H[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under 40 CFR 790.60, all TSCA section 4 
enforceable consent agreements/orders must contain a statement that 
results of testing conducted pursuant to testing enforceable consent 
agreements/orders will be announced to the public in accordance with 
procedures specified in section 4(d) of TSCA.

I. Test Data Submissions

    Test data for N-Methylpyrrolidone were submitted by the N-
Methylpyrrolidone Producers Group, Inc. on behalf of its member 
companies: ARCO Chemical Company, BASF Corporation, and ISP Management 
Company, Inc. These companies are the test sponsors of record for the 
consent order. The report was submitted pursuant to a TSCA section 4 
enforceable testing consent agreement/order at 40 CFR 799.5000 and was 
received by EPA on May 22, 1998. The submission includes a final report 
entitled ``Oncogenicity Study with N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) Two-Year 
Feeding Study in Sprague Dawley Rats.'' This chemical is an inert, 
stable, polar solvent that is used in a wide variety of processes. Its 
commercial uses result from its strong and frequently selective solvent 
power. One of the major uses of NMP is the extraction of aromatics from 
lubricating oils. It is also used as a medium for polymerization and as 
a solvent for finished polymers. It is the preferred solvent in a 
variety of chemical reactions and the manufacture of numerous chemical 
intermediates and in products such as plastics, surface coatings, and 
pesticides. An important new use of this chemical is as a substitute 
for methylene chloride in paint strippers. NMP is also used in the 
recovery and purification of acetylenes, olefins, and diolefins, in the 
removal of sulfur compounds from natural and refinery gases, and in the 
dehydration of natural gas.
    EPA has initiated its review and evaluation process for this data 
submission. At this time, the Agency is unable to provide any 
determination as to the completeness of the submission.

II. Public Record

    EPA has established a public record for this TSCA section 4(d) 
receipt of data notice (docket number OPPTS-44649). This record 
includes a copy of the study reported in this notice. The record is 
available for inspection from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except legal holidays, in the TSCA Nonconfidential Information Center 
(also known as the TSCA Public Docket Office), Rm. B-607 Northeast 
Mall, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. Requests for documents 
should be sent in writing to: Environmental Protection Agency, TSCA 
Nonconfidential Information Center (7407), 401 M St., SW., Washington, 
DC 20460 or fax: (202) 260-5069 or e-mail: [email protected].

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2603.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Test data.

    Dated: June 17, 1998.

Charles M. Auer,

Director, Chemical Control Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and 
Toxics.

[FR Doc. 98-17383 Filed 6-29-98; 8:45 am]
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