[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 190 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58903-58910]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-21928]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OAR-2003-0118; FRL-7822-1]
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice 19 for Significant New
Alternatives Policy Program
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of acceptability.
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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, foam blowing, fire
suppression and explosion protection, and sterilants. This document
also clarifies the status of the use of a hydrochlorofluorocarbon as an
aerosol solvent, revises the global warming potential for a substitute
previously listed as acceptable for use in fire suppression and
explosion protection based on new information, and clarifies a
statement from the previous SNAP notice of acceptability of August 21,
2003, regarding a refrigerant.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2004.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID
No. OAR-2003-0118 (continuation of Air Docket A-91-42). All electronic
documents in the docket are listed in
[[Page 58904]]
the EDOCKET index at http://www.epa.gov/edocket. Although listed in the
index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., CBI or other
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Publicly
available docket materials are available either electronically in
EDOCKET or in hard copy at the EPA Air Docket (No. A-91-42), EPA/DC,
EPA West, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The
Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the Air
Docket is (202) 566-1742.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Sheppard by telephone at
(202) 343-9163, by facsimile at (202) 343-2338, by e-mail at
[email protected], or by mail at U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Mail Code 6205J, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC
20460. Overnight or courier deliveries should be sent to the office
location at 1310 L Street, NW., 8th floor, Washington, DC 20005.
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/snap/.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
B. Foam Blowing
C. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
D. Sterilants
II. Clarification of Status of HCFC-142b in Aerosols under SNAP
III. Revised Global Warming Potential of C6-Perfluoroketone Based on
New Data
IV. Clarification for RS-44
V. Section 612 Program
A. Statutory Requirements
B. Regulatory History
Appendix A--Summary of Acceptable Substitutes
Appendix B--New Information Available
I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
This section presents EPA's most recent acceptable listing
decisions for substitutes in the following industrial sectors:
Refrigeration and air conditioning, foam blowing, fire suppression and
explosion protection, and sterilants. 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/snap/lists/index.html.
The sections below discuss each substitute listing in detail.
Appendix A contains a table summarizing today's listing decisions for
new substitutes. The statements in the ``Further Information'' column
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 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.
Submissions to EPA for the use of the substitutes listed in this
document may be found under category VI-D of EPA air docket A-91-42 at
the address described above under ADDRESSES. You can find other
materials supporting the decisions in this action under category IX-B
of EPA docket A-91-42 and in e-docket OAR-2003-0118 at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/.
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
1. ISCEON 79
EPA's decision: ISCEON 79 [R-125/134a/600a (85.1/11.5/3.4)] is
acceptable for use in new and retrofit equipment as a substitute for R-
502, HCFC-22, and other HCFC blends including but not limited to R-
401A, R-401B, R-402A, R-402B, R-406A, R-408A, R-409A, R-411A, R-411B,
R-411C, R-414A, R-414B and R-416A in:
Industrial process refrigeration;
Retail food refrigeration;
Cold storage warehouses;
Refrigerated transport;
Commercial ice machines;
Ice skating rinks;
Household refrigerators and freezers.
ISCEON 79 is a blend of 85.1% by weight HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane,
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CAS ID 354-33-6),
11.5% by weight HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, CAS ID
811-97-2), and 3.4% by weight HC-600a (isobutane, 2-methyl-
propane, CAS ID 75-28-5). You may find the submission under
EPA Air Docket A-91-42, item VI-D-302 (or see e-docket OAR-2003-0118).
Environmental information: The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of
ISCEON 79 is zero. The Global Warming Potentials (GWPs) of HFC-125 and
HFC-134a are 3450 and 1320, respectively (relative to carbon dioxide,
using a 100-year time horizon (United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Scientific
Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2002).) The atmospheric lifetimes of
these constituents are 29 and 14.0 years, respectively.
HFC-125 and HFC-134a are excluded from the definition of volatile
organic compound (VOC) under Clean Air Act regulations addressing the
development of State implementation plans (SIPs) to attain and maintain
the national ambient air quality standards. 40 CFR 51.100(s).
Flammability information: While isobutane is flammable, the blend
as formulated and under worst case fractionated formulation scenarios
is not flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: HFC-125 and HFC-134a have 8 hour/day,
40 hour/week workplace environmental exposure limits (WEELs) of 1000
ppm established by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
Isobutane has a 10 hour/day, 40 hour/week recommended exposure limit
(REL) established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) of 800 ppm. 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 ISCEON 79 will adhere to the AIHA's WEELs and the
ACGIH's TLV and other specified exposure limits.
Comparison to other refrigerants: ISCEON 79 is not an ozone
depleter; thus, it poses a lower risk for ozone depletion than R-502, a
blend of HCFC-22 and CFC-115; HCFC-22; and HCFC blends, the ODSs ISCEON
79 replaces. ISCEON 79 has a comparable or lower GWP than most other
common substitutes for R-502, HCFC-22, and HCFC blends. Flammability
and toxicity risks are low, as discussed above. Thus, we find that
ISCEON 79 is acceptable because there are no other substitutes that are
currently or potentially available and that provide a substantially
lower risk to public health
[[Page 58905]]
and the environment in the end uses listed.
2. R-420A
EPA's decision: R-420A is acceptable for use in new and retrofit
equipment as a substitute for R-500 and CFC-12 in:
Retail food refrigeration;
Cold storage warehouses;
Commercial ice machines;
Ice skating rinks;
Water coolers;
Vending machines;
Residential dehumidifiers;
Industrial process refrigeration;
Industrial process air conditioning;
Reciprocating chillers;
Screw chillers;
Centrifugal chillers;
Household refrigerators and freezers.
R-420A is a blend of 88% by weight HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-
tetrafluoroethane, CAS ID 811-97-2), and 12% by weight HCFC-
142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, CAS ID 75-68-3). A common
trade name for this refrigerant blend is Choice refrigerant. You may
find the submission under EPA Air Docket A-91-42, item VI-D-302 (or see
e-docket OAR-2003-0118).
Environmental information: The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of
HCFC-142b is 0.065 and HFC-134a has an ODP of zero. The GWPs of HCFC-
142b and HFC-134a are 2400 and 1320, respectively (relative to carbon
dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon (United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Scientific
Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2002).) The atmospheric lifetimes of
these constituents are 17.9 and 14.0 years, respectively.
Because R-420A contains an ODS, regulations on its use apply,
including the requirements for technician certification, mandatory
recovery of refrigerant during service of equipment containing R-420A,
a requirement that sales of the refrigerants be made only to EPA-
certified technicians, and the statutory prohibition under section
608(c) of the Clean Air Act against knowingly venting refrigerants.
Production of HCFC-142b will be subject to further control beginning in
2010, so blends containing HCFC-142b such as R-420A are only
transitional substitutes.
HCFC-142b and HFC-134a are excluded from the definition of volatile
organic compound (VOC) under Clean Air Act regulations addressing the
development of SIPs to attain and maintain the national ambient air
quality standards. 40 CFR 51.100(s).
Flammability information: Although HCFC-142b is moderately
flammable, the blend is not flammable as formulated or under worst case
fractionated formulation scenarios.
Toxicity and exposure data: HCFC-142b and HFC-134a have 8 hour/day,
40 hour/week WEELs of 1000 ppm established by the AIHA. EPA expects
users to follow all recommendations specified in the 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-420A will adhere to the AIHA's WEELs.
Comparison to other refrigerants: R-420A has a lower ODP than the
Class I ODSs it replaces, CFC-12 or R-500, a blend containing CFC-12.
R-420A has a comparable GWP to that of most other substitutes for R-500
and CFC-12. Flammability and toxicity risks are low, as discussed
above. Thus, we find that R-420A is acceptable as a substitute for
Class I ODS in the end uses listed.
3. HFC-134a
EPA's decision: HFC-134a is acceptable for use in new and retrofit
equipment as a substitute for HCFC-22 in motor vehicle air conditioning
for buses and passenger trains.
HFC-134a is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS ID
811-97-2).
Environmental information: See the decision above in section
I.A.1for ISCEON 79 for environmental information about HFC-134a.
Toxicity and exposure data: See the decision above in section I.A.1
for ISCEON 79 for toxicity and exposure data about HFC-134a.
Flammability information: HFC-134a is non-flammable.
Comparison to other refrigerants: HFC-134a has no ozone depletion
potential and thus, poses a lower risk in ozone depletion then HCFC-22,
the ODS it replaces. HFC-134a has a comparable or lower GWP than HCFC-
22 and blends previously found acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22
in bus air conditioning. Flammability and toxicity risks are low, as
discussed above. Therefore, we find HFC-134a acceptable in motor
vehicle air conditioning for buses and passenger trains.
4. R-407C
EPA's decision: R-407C is acceptable for use in new and retrofit
equipment as a substitute for HCFC-22 in motor vehicle air conditioning
for buses and passenger trains.
R-407C is a blend of 23% by weight HFC-32 (difluoromethane, CAS ID
75-10-5), 25% by weight HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane, CAS ID
354-33-6) and 52% by weight HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-
tetrafluoroethane, CAS ID 811-97-2).
EPA previously listed R-407C as an acceptable alternative for HCFC-
22 and CFCs (February 8, 1996; 61 FR 4736), for HCFC blends (December
20, 2002; 67 FR 77927), and for R-502 (August 21, 2003; 68 FR 50533) in
various end uses for refrigeration and air conditioning.
Environmental information: The ODP of R-407C is zero. The GWPs of
HFC-125, HFC-32 and HFC-134a are 3450, 543, and 1320, respectively
(relative to carbon dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon). HFC-32 is
the only component of this blend that is a VOC under Clean Air Act
regulations.
Flammability information: While HFC-32 is moderately flammable, the
blend is not flammable as formulated or under worst case fractionated
formulation scenarios.
Toxicity and exposure data: All components of the blend have WEELs
of 1000 ppm established by the AIHA. EPA expects users to follow all
recommendations specified in the 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-407C will
adhere to the AIHA's WEELs.
Comparison to other refrigerants: R-407C is not an ozone depleter;
thus, it reduces risk from ozone depletion compared to HCFC-22 and
blends containing HCFCs. R-407C has a comparable or lower GWP than that
for HCFC-22 and blends previously found acceptable as a substitute for
HCFC-22 in bus air conditioners. Flammability and toxicity risks are
low, as discussed above. Thus, we find that R-407C is acceptable
because it reduces overall risk to public health and the environment in
motor vehicle air conditioning in buses and passenger trains.
5. R-410A
EPA's decision: R-410A is acceptable for use in new equipment as a
substitute for HCFC-22 in motor vehicle air conditioning for buses and
passenger trains.
R-410A is a blend of 50% by weight HFC-32 (difluoromethane) and 50%
by weight HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane). Due to the high operating
pressures typical of R-410A systems, this blend is acceptable only in
new equipment and not in retrofit equipment.
EPA previously listed R-410A as an acceptable alternative for HCFC-
22 and CFCs (February 8, 1996; 61 FR 4736) and for HCFC blends
(December 20, 2002; 67 FR 77927) in various end uses for refrigeration
and air conditioning.
[[Page 58906]]
Environmental information: The ODP of R-410A is zero. For
environmental information about HFC-125, see section I.A.1 above for
ISCEON 79; for environmental information about HFC-32, see section
I.A.5 above for R-407C.
Flammability information: While HFC-32 is moderately flammable, the
blend is not flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: For toxicity and exposure data on HFC-
125 and HFC-32, see section I.A.5 above for R-407C. We expect that
users of R-410A will adhere to the AIHA's WEELs.
Comparison to other refrigerants: R-410A is not an ozone depleter;
thus, it reduces risk from ozone depletion compared to HCFC-22 and
blends previously found acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22 in bus
air conditioners. Flammability and toxicity risks are low, as discussed
above. Thus, we find that R-410A is acceptable because it reduces
overall risk to public health and the environment in motor vehicle air
conditioning in buses and passenger trains.
B. Foam Blowing
1. EcomateTM
EPA's decision: EcomateTM is acceptable as a substitute
for CFCs and HCFCs in polyurethane spray foam.
This decision corresponds with the SNAP decision published in
Notice 18, August 21, 2003 (68 FR 50533) for other foam blowing end-
uses.
The submitter, Foam Supplies, claims that the composition of
EcomateTM is confidential business information (see docket
A-91-42, item VI-D-296 or see e-docket OAR-2003-0118).
Environmental information: EcomateTM has no ODP and very
low or zero global warming potential (GWP). Users should be aware that
EcomateTM is not excluded from the definition of volatile
organic compound (VOC) under Clean Air Act regulations addressing the
development of State implemention plans (SIPs) to attain and maintain
the national ambient air quality standards. 40 CFR 51.100(s). For more
information refer to the manufacturer of EcomateTM, EPA
regulations, and your state or local air quality agency. Also, because
EcomateTM is considered hazardous, spills and disposal
should be handled in accordance with requirements of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Flammability information: EcomateTM is flammable and
should be handled with proper precautions. Use of EcomateTM
will require safe handling and shipping as prescribed by the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department
of Transportation (for example, using personal safety equipment and
following requirements for shipping hazardous materials at 49 CFR parts
170 through 173). However, when blended with fire retardant, the
flammability of EcomateTM can be reduced to make a
formulation that is either combustible or non-flammable (refer to the
manufacturer of EcomateTM for more information). The
manufacturer of EcomateTM has prepared for safety training
for use of this flammable blowing agent in spray foam (see docket A-91-
42, item VI-D-307 or e-docket OAR-2003-0118).
Toxicity and exposure data: EcomateTM should be handled
with proper precautions. EPA anticipates that EcomateTM will
be used consistent with the recommendations specified in the
manufacturers' Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). OSHA established a
permissible exposure limit for the main component of
EcomateTM of 100 ppm for a time-weighted average over an
eight-hour work shift.
Comparison to other foam blowing agents: EcomateTM is
not an ozone depleter; thus, it reduces risk overall compared to the
ODS it replaces. EcomateTM has a comparable or lower GWP
than the other substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs in these end uses.
Although EcomateTM is flammable, we find that the
manufacturer's recommended precautions for safety are sufficient so
that the risks will not be significantly higher than for other
available or potentially available substitutes in this end use. Meeting
federal exposure requirements allows EcomateTM to be used
with no greater risk of toxicity than for other available or
potentially available substitutes in this end use. Thus, we find that
EcomateTM is acceptable because there are no other
substitutes that are currently or potentially available and that
provide a substantially lower risk to public health and the environment
in polyurethane spray foam.
C. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
1. HFC-227ea With 0.15% d-Limonene (NAF S 227)
EPA's decision: NAF S 227 is acceptable for use as a substitute for
halon 1301 in the total flooding end use in both normally occupied and
unoccupied spaces.
NAF S 227 is a mixture of HFC-227ea, also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane, (CAS ID 431-89-0), and 0.15% d-limonene,
also known as 4-isopropenyl-1-methycyclohexene (CAS ID 5989-
27-5), by weight. You may find the submission under Docket A-91-42,
item VI-D-305 (or see e-docket OAR-2003-0118).
EPA's decision is that NAF S 227 is acceptable for use as a
substitute for halon 1301 in the total flooding end use in both
normally occupied and unoccupied spaces. EPA finds the blend acceptable
as submitted; however, blends containing more than 0.15% d-limonene are
not addressed by today's decision. EPA previously found HFC-227ea
acceptable in total flooding (January 29, 2002; 67 FR 4185). This
decision is similar to the SNAP decision published in Notice 18, August
21, 2003 (68 FR 50533) concerning HFC-125 with 0.15% d-limonene (NAF S
125).
Environmental information: Both of the components of NAF S 227 have
an ozone depletion potential of zero. HFC-227ea has a global warming
potential (GWP) of 3660 and d-limonene has a GWP of 10. These values
are lower than the GWP of halon 1301 (6900).
HFC-227ea is currently defined as a VOC, although EPA has proposed
that it be excluded from the definition of volatile organic compound
(VOC) under Clean Air Act regulations addressing the development of
State implementation plans (SIPs) to attain and maintain the national
ambient air quality standards (September 3, 2003; 68 FR 52373). 40 CFR
51.100(s). d-limonene is a VOC.
Flammability: Although d-limonene is flammable, the blend is non-
flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: As with other fire suppressants, EPA
recommends that you minimize exposure to this agent. If personnel are
exposed to the agent, they should exit the area within five minutes or
less. EPA recommends that unnecessary exposure to fire suppression
agents and their decomposition products be avoided and that personnel
exposure be limited to no more than 5 minutes. This minimizes the risk
of effects on the heart (irregular heartbeats) from HFC-227ea and other
halocarbons.
In order to keep exposure levels as low as possible, EPA recommends
the following for establishments installing and maintaining total
flooding systems:
--Put adequate ventilation in place. If ventilation is suspected to
be inadequate, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) should be
available;
--Wear proper personal protection equipment (impervious butyl
gloves, eye protection, chemical resistant aprons, long sleeves, and
safety shoes);
--Clean up all spills immediately in accordance with good
industrial hygiene practices; and
--Provide training for safe handling procedures to all employees
that would be likely to handle the containers of
[[Page 58907]]
NAF S 227 or extinguishing units filled with the material.
Use of this agent should conform with relevant Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, including 29 CFR part
1910, subpart L, Sec. 1910.160 for fixed fire extinguishing systems,
Sec. 1910.162 for gaseous agents and Sec. 1910.165 for predischarge
employee alarms. Per OSHA requirements, protective gear (SCBA) should
be available in the event that personnel reenter the area. In addition,
users should also observe the guidelines in the latest edition of the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2001 Standard on Clean
Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems for use of HFC-227ea.
Comparison to other fire suppressants: NAF S 227 has no ODP; thus,
it reduces risk overall compared to halon 1301, the ODS it replaces.
EPA has already found acceptable HFC-227ea, the main ingredient in NAF
S 227. The components of NAF S 227 have a GWP comparable with or lower
than that of many other acceptable substitutes for halon 1301. Thus, we
find that NAF S 227 is acceptable because it does not present a greater
risk to public health and the environment in the end use listed than
other substitutes that are available.
D. Sterilants
1.-3. IoGasTM Sterilant Blends 1, 3, and 6
EPA's decision: IoGasTM 1 Sterilant, IoGasTM
3 Sterilant, and IoGasTM 6 Sterilant are acceptable as
substitutes for CFC-12, HCFC-22, HCFC-124, and blends thereof in
ethylene oxide blends for sterilization. The IoGasTM
Sterilant Blends are all blends of ethylene oxide, carbon dioxide
(CO2), and trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I).
CF3I, CAS ID 2314-97-8, is also called FIC-13I1 or
trifluoromethyl iodide. EPA previously found ethylene oxide alone and
blends of CO2 and ethylene oxide acceptable as substitutes
for CFC-12 in blends with ethylene oxide (59 FR 13044, March 18, 1994).
You may find the submission under EPA Air Docket A-91-42 item VI-D-304
or see e-docket OAR-2003-0118.
Environmental information: The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of
CF3I is less than 0.0025, and ethylene oxide and
CO2 have an ODP of zero. The Global Warming Potentials
(GWPs) of CF3I and CO2 are less than 1 and 1
respectively (relative to carbon dioxide, using a 100-year time horizon
(United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2002).)
The atmospheric lifetime of CF3I is approximately 0.007
years.
CF3I and ethylene oxide are volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). CO2 is excluded from the definition of VOC under
Clean Air Act regulations addressing the development of State
implementation plans (SIPs) to attain and maintain the national ambient
air quality standards. 40 CFR 51.100(s).
Ethylene oxide is a hazardous air pollutant under section 112 of
the Clean Air Act. A National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air
Pollutants applies to commercial sterilization and fumigation
operations (40 CFR part 63, subpart O).
Flammability information: Although ethylene oxide is flammable, the
blends as formulated are not flammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Ethylene oxide has a permissible
exposure limit (PEL) of 1 ppm on an 8-hour time-weighted average from
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). EPA
recommends an acceptable exposure limit of 150 ppm on an 8-hour time-
weighted average for CF3I, with an exposure ceiling of no
more than 2,000 ppm. 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
medical sterilization industry. We also expect that users of
IoGasTM Sterilant Blends will adhere to EPA's recommended
exposure limit.
Comparison to other sterilants: IoGasTM Sterilant Blends
1, 3, and 6 have an ODP of less than 0.001; thus, they pose a lower
risk for ozone depletion than CFC-12, HCFC-22, or HCFC-124, the ODSs
they replace. IoGasTM Sterilant Blends 1, 3, and 6 have a
comparable or lower GWP than most other substitutes for CFC-12, HCFC-
22, or HCFC-124. Flammability risks are low, as discussed above. The
toxicity of the sterilant blends is less than that of ethylene oxide
alone, which is also an acceptable substitute. Thus, we find
IoGasTM Sterilant Blends 1, 3, and 6 acceptable because
there are no other substitutes that are currently or potentially
available and that provide a substantially lower risk to public health
and the environment in the end uses listed.
II. Clarification of Status of HCFC-142b in Aerosols under SNAP
Some individuals have inquired whether HCFC-142b may be sold in
aerosol products as a substitute for HCFC-141b, particularly as a
solvent to assist in mold release of plastics. Substitutes for ozone-
depleting substances are required to be submitted to the SNAP program
for review before they may be sold, with minor exceptions (see 40 CFR
82.174(a) and 82.176; Clean Air Act section 612(e)). No one has
submitted information on this substitute in this end use to EPA, and
therefore, we conclude that HCFC-142b is not currently legal to sell as
an aerosol solvent as a substitute for HCFC-141b or CFC-113. If any
manufacturer or distributor is interested in selling such a product,
they should complete a submission form for review (available at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/submit/index.html).
III. Revised Global Warming Potential of C6-Perfluoroketone Based on
New Data
The Environmental Protection Agency published in the Federal
Register of December 20, 2002 (67 FR 77927), a Notice of Acceptability
related to the SNAP program. We also published a rule under the SNAP
program on fire suppressant alternatives to halon on January 27, 2003
(68 FR 4004). After publication of these documents, EPA received
updated information related to the calculation of the environmental
impact of C6-perfluoroketone, also known as FK-5-1-12mmy2, a fire
suppression substitute that was listed as an acceptable total flooding
agent in the Notice and as an acceptable streaming agent, subject to
narrowed use limits, in the rule. Based on this new information, EPA
published two correction notices in the Federal Register of April 7,
2003 (68 FR 16728 and 68 FR 16729), listing a GWP for C6-
perfluoroketone of between four and seven, relative to CO2
over a 100-year time horizon. Since then, new information found in the
literature was recently made available to EPA. Based on this
additional, new information, EPA is correcting the GWP listed for C6-
perfluoroketone to between 0.6 and 1.8, relative to CO2 over
a 100-year time horizon. This range includes both the direct GWP and
the indirect GWP. The corrected values are also listed in Appendix B of
this document.
EPA's evaluation of this new information is available in EPA air
docket A-2002-08 at the address described above under ADDRESSES. This
correction does not change EPA's finding of acceptability for use of
C6-perfluoroketone as a substitute for halon 1301 in total flooding
fire suppression applications in both normally occupied and unoccupied
areas or our finding that C6-perfluoroketone is acceptable for use as a
substitute for halon 1211 as a streaming agent in non-residential
areas.
[[Page 58908]]
IV. Clarification for RS-44
EPA published a Notice of Acceptability related to the SNAP Program
in the Federal Register of August 21, 2003 (68 FR 50533, Notice 18). In
FR Doc. 03-75472, published on August 21, 2003, a typographical error
was made inadvertently.
EPA decided in that notice of acceptability that RS-44, a
refrigerant, is acceptable for use in new and retrofit equipment as a
substitute for HCFC-22 in a number of end uses for refrigeration and
air conditioning. However, on page 50535 in the first column
immediately after the heading, ``Comparison to other refrigerants,''
the document incorrectly stated that RS-44 was a substitute for CFC-12.
Instead, it is a substitute for HCFC-22, as stated elsewhere in that
document and in the accompanying table. Therefore, that first sentence
in the first column on page 50535 should read as follows: ``RS-44 is
not an ozone depleter; thus, it reduces risk from ozone depletion
compared to HCFC-22, the ODS it replaces.''
V. 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, 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 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 http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/chron.html. This information is also available from the Air Docket
(see ADDRESSES section above for contact information).
Dated: September 23, 2004.
Edward Callahan,
Acting Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and
Radiation.
Note: This appendix will not appear in the Code of Federal
Regulations.
Appendix A: Summary of Acceptable Decisions
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Decision Further information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motor vehicle air conditioning for R-410A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
buses and passenger trains (new). for HCFC-22.
Motor vehicle air conditioning for HFC-134a as a Acceptable................. ......................
buses and passenger trains substitute for HCF-22.
(retrofit and new).
[[Page 58909]]
R-407C as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for HCFC-22.
Industrial process refrigeration ISCEON 79 as a Acceptable................. See note.\1\
(retrofit and new). substitute for R-502,
HCFC-22 and HCFC
blends.
R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for R-500 and CFC-12.
Industrial process air conditioning R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
(retrofit and new). for R-500 and CFC-12.
Ice skating rinks (retrofit and ISCEON 79 as a Acceptable................. See note.\1\
new). substitute for R-502,
HCFC-22 and HCFC
blends.
R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for R-500 and CFC-12.
Cold storage warehouses (retrofit ISCEON 79 as a Acceptable................. See note.\1\
and new). substitute for R-502,
HCFC-22 and HCFC
blends.
R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for R-500 and CFC-12.
Refrigerated transport (retrofit ISCEON 79 as a Acceptable................. See note.\1\
and new). substitute for R-502,
HCFC-22 and HCFC
blends.
Retail food refrigeration (retrofit ISCEON 79 as a Acceptable................. See note.\1\
and new). substitute for R-502,
HCFC-22 and HCFC
blends.
R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for R-500 and CFC-12.
Vending machines (retrofit and new) R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for R-500 and CFC-12.
Water coolers (retrofit and new)... R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for R-500 and CFC-12.
Commercial ice machines (retrofit ISCEON 79 as a Acceptable................. See note.\1\
and new). substitute for R-502,
HCFC-22 and HCFC
blends.
R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for R-500 and CFC-12.
Household refrigerators and ISCEON 79 as a Acceptable................. See note.\1\
freezers (retrofit and new). substitute for R-502,
HCFC-22 and HCFC
blends.
R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for R-500 and CFC-12.
Centrifugal chillers (retrofit and R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
new). for R-500 and CFC-12.
Reciprocating chillers (retrofit R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
and new). for R-500 and CFC-12.
Screw chillers (retrofit and new).. R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
for R-500 and CFC-12.
Residential dehumidifiers (retrofit R-420A as a substitute Acceptable................. ......................
and new). for R-500 and CFC-12.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Note: HCFC blends include, but are not limited to, R-401A, R-401B, R-402A, R-402B, R-406A, R-408A, R-409A, R-
411A, R-411B, R-411C, R-414A, R-414B, and R-416.
Foam Blowing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Decision Further information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rigid polyurethane spray foam...... Ecomate as a Acceptable................. Use of the agent
substitute for CFCs should be in
and HCFCs. accordance with the
manufacturers'
Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDSs).
See note.\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Note: OSHA established a permissible exposure limit for the main component of EcomateTM of 100 ppm for a
time-weighted average over an eight-hour work shift.
Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Decision Further information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total flooding..................... NAF S 227 as Acceptable................. Use of the agent
substitute for Halon should be in
1301. accordance with the
safety guidelines in
the latest edition of
the NFPA 2001
Standard for Clean
Agent Fire
Extinguishing
Systems.
Extinguisher bottles
should be clearly
labeled with the
potential hazards
associated with the
use of HFC-227ea and
d-limonene, as well
as handling
procedures to reduce
risk resulting from
these hazards.
[[Page 58910]]
See additional notes
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional notes:
1. Should conform with relevant OSHA requirements, including 29 CFR part 1910, subpart L, Sec. Sec. 1910.160,
1910.161 (dry chemicals and aerosols) and 1910.162 (gaseous agents).
2. Per OSHA requirements, protective gear (SCBA) should be available in the event personnel should reenter the
area.
3. Discharge testing should be strictly limited to that which is essential to meet safety or performance
requirements.
4. The agent should be recovered from the fire protection system in conjunction with testing or servicing, and
recycled for later use or destroyed.
5. EPA has no intention of duplicating or displacing OSHA coverage related to the use of personal protective
equipment (e.g., respiratory protection), fire protection, hazard communication, worker training or any other
occupational safety and health standard with respect to halon substitutes.
Sterilants
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Decision Further information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sterilants......................... IoGasTM Sterilant Acceptable................. ......................
Blends 1, 3, and 6 as
substitutes for CFC-
12, HCFC-22, HCFC-
124, in sterilant
blends with ethylene
oxide.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: This appendix will not appear in the Code of Federal
Regulations.
Appendix B: New Information Available
Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Information available
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total flooding................ C6- EPA reviewed three
perfluoroketone additional papers on
(FK-5-1-12mmy2, C6-perfluoroketone
CAS Reg. No. 756- photolysis. The new
13-8). information recently
made available in
the literature
supports revising
the global warming
potential of C6-
perfluoroketone to
be between 0.6 and
1.8, relative to CO2
on a 100-year time
horizon. See Docket
A-91-42, item IX-B-
93 or e-docket OAR-
2003-0118-0049.
Streaming..................... C6- EPA reviewed three
perfluoroketone additional papers on
(FK-5-1-12mmy2, C6-perfluoroketone
CAS Reg. No. 756- photolysis. The new
13-8). information recently
made available in
the literature
supports revising
the global warming
potential of C6-
perfluoroketone to
be between 0.6 and
1.8, relative to CO2
on a 100-year time
horizon.
See Docket A-91-42,
item IX-B-93 or e-
docket OAR-2003-0118-
0049.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FR Doc. 04-21928 Filed 9-30-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P