[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 222 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68769-68770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27854]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2003-0004; FRL-9365-8]


Access to Confidential Business Information by Eastern Research 
Group

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: EPA has authorized its contractor, Eastern Research Group 
(ERG) of Chantilly, VA, to access information which has been submitted 
to EPA under all sections of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 
Some of the information may be claimed or determined to be Confidential 
Business Information (CBI).

DATES: Access to the confidential data occurred on or about September 
26, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information contact: 
Leigh DeHaven, Office of Research and Development (8104R), Office of 
Science Policy, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. 
NW.,

[[Page 68770]]

Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 564-1974; fax 
number: (202) 565-2911; email address: [email protected].
    For general information contact: The TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 
422 South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202) 
554-1404; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this notice apply to me?

    This action is directed to the public in general. This action may, 
however, be of interest to all who manufacture, process, or distribute 
industrial chemicals. Since other entities may also be interested, the 
Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may 
be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the 
applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the 
technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How can I get copies of this document and other related information?

    EPA has established a docket for this action under docket 
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2003-0004. All documents in the 
docket are listed in the docket index available at http://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is 
not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure 
is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted 
material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly 
available docket materials are available electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard copy, at the OPPT 
Docket. The OPPT Docket is located in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC) at 
Rm. 3334, EPA West Bldg., 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC. 
The EPA/DC Public Reading Room hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone 
number of the EPA/DC Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the 
telephone number for the OPPT Docket is (202) 566-0280. Docket visitors 
are required to show photographic identification, pass through a metal 
detector, and sign the EPA visitor log. All visitor bags are processed 
through an X-ray machine and subject to search. Visitors will be 
provided an EPA/DC badge that must be visible at all times in the 
building and returned upon departure.

II. What action is the agency taking?

    Under EPA Contract Number EP-C-12-021, contractor ERG of 14555 
Avion Parkway, Suite 200, Chantilly, VA, will assist the EPA in data 
analysis of data and reports provided by industry on hydraulic 
fracturing. The work includes preparation of technical analysis and 
technical information; and report preparation.
    In accordance with 40 CFR 2.306(j), EPA has determined that under 
EPA Contract Number EP-C-12-021, ERG will require access to CBI 
submitted to EPA under all sections of TSCA to perform successfully the 
duties specified under the contract. ERG's personnel will be given 
access to information submitted to EPA under all sections of TSCA. Some 
of the information may be claimed or determined to be CBI.
    EPA is issuing this notice to inform all submitters of information 
under all sections of TSCA that EPA may provide ERG access to these CBI 
materials on a need-to-know basis only. All access to TSCA CBI under 
this contract will take place at EPA Headquarters and ERG's Chantilly, 
VA site, in accordance with EPA's TSCA CBI Protection Manual. Notice 
was also sent to each affected company by email on September 18, 2012, 
and receipt of this email has been confirmed by representatives of each 
company.
    Access to TSCA data, including CBI, will continue until September 
26, 2017. If the contract is extended, this access will also continue 
for the duration of the extended contract without further notice.
    ERG's personnel will be required to sign nondisclosure agreements 
and will be briefed on appropriate security procedures before they are 
permitted access to TSCA CBI.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Confidential business information.

    Dated: October 24, 2012.
Matthew G. Leopard,
Director, Information Management Division, Office of Pollution 
Prevention and Toxics.
[FR Doc. 2012-27854 Filed 11-15-12; 8:45 am]
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