US EPA Unveils Proposed Risk Management Rule for Trichloroethylene (TCE)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a risk management rule in October 2023 in response to escalating human health concerns associated with trichloroethylene (TCE). This initiative follows the release of the final revised risk determination for TCE in January 2023, which reevaluated the risk assessment conducted in November 2020 under the Revised Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Integrated Risk Management Measures for Trichloroethylene (TCE) are : Risk Assessment Approach Unlike previous methodologies, the final revised risk assessment considers TCE as a whole chemical, foregoing testing for individual conditions of use. This comprehensive evaluation examines the cumulative impact of TCE across various applications, offering a more thorough understanding of its risks. Human Health Focus The introduced risk management regulation is specifically tailored to address worries about the adverse effects of TCE on human health. The EPA aims to enhance risk management strategies comprehensively to mitigate potential health risks associated with TCE exposure. Updated Perspective on Personal Protective Equipment Acknowledging that workers exposed to TCE may not consistently utilize proper personal protective equipment marks a significant shift in approach. This recognition underscores the importance of realistic outcome evaluations and emphasizes the need for comprehensive risk management strategies beyond reliance on specialized protective equipment. TSCA Amendment The EPA’s actions underscore the agency’s commitment to robust chemical management and the protection of the environment and public health, aligning with the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and businesses utilizing trichloroethylene, are advised to stay updated on the recommended modifications and actively contribute to the ongoing discussions, providing valuable insights to facilitate the development and implementation of successful risk management plans for trichloroethylene. The >EPA’s actions underscore the agency’s commitment to robust chemical management and the protection of the environment and public health in alignment with the revised Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). All stakeholders, encompassing regulatory bodies and TCE-utilizing industries, are urged to stay informed about these proposed changes and actively engage in the continuous dialogue to offer meaningful input for the formulation and execution of effective risk management strategies. Leveraging more than 20 years of regulatory expertise, ComplianceXL consistently provides ongoing assistance to companies aiming for compliance with the recently unveiled US EPA Proposed Risk Management Rule for Trichloroethylene (TCE). The platform streamlines regulatory operations by enabling efficient risk assessments, seamless compliance management, and the generation of accurate and timely reports. This comprehensive support ensures a more effective and streamlined regulatory process for organizations.
Additional Four PFAS maybe Designated as RCRA Hazardous Wastes
On October 26, 2021, the U.S. EPA announced that it would initiate two rulemakings to address PFAS contamination across the country. In the first rulemaking, four of the so-called “forever chemicals” will be designated as hazardous wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Solid wastes, such as garbage and sludge from water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, or pollution control facilities, and other discarded material, result from industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural, and community activities, are regulated by RCRA. Solid wastes are not limited to waste that is physically solid. Here are the four PFAS that will be subject to this rulemaking: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)- found in stain-resistant carpet, water-repellent clothes, paper and cardboard packaging, ski wax, and foams used to fighting fire Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)- found in leather, pesticides, firefighting foams, polishes, adhesives, paint Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS)- found in environmental media and consumer products, including surface water, wastewater, drinking water, dust, carpeting and carpet cleaners, and floor wax Hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) dimer acid and its ammonium salt – more commonly known as GenX- versatile fluorointermediate, used in the synthesis of fluoromonomers and fluoropolymers and lubricants. The announcement was made on the same day that the EPA released its latest evaluation of the toxicity of GenX. Among these four PFAS, GenX is considered the most toxic. GeneX is commonly used in nonstick coatings such as Teflon™, as a processing aid in fluoropolymer plastics. A review of the 2016 toxicity assessments for PFOA and PFOS will be done by the EPA. It will clarify EPA’s authority to conduct investigations and clean up for wastes that meet RCRA’s definition of PFAS. Through the RCRA corrective action process, EPA has set its goal to provide a clear view that emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, can be cleaned up. RCRA’s Regulation of PFAS, as well as other emerging contaminants, has broad implications. The Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) automatically lists hazardous wastes as hazardous substances by virtue of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA). It is likely that existing Superfund sites will need to address PFAS contamination, which could result in the identification of new potential responsible parties. The EPA has not yet determined how it will deal with the closed sites that may contain PFAS. These rulemakings are responses to the petition from the Governor of New Mexico. By addressing PFAS contamination across the nation, they are building on EPA’s broader action plan. EPA has published a PFAS Strategic Roadmap. PFAS contamination is addressed in an integrated manner through 2024. The EPA needs to provide better guidance on disposal and destruction of PFAS to stakeholders. In accordance with the EPA’s Roadmap, the decision is expected to be made during the next year. Learn more about how these new additions to RCRA Hazardous Waste affect your compliance status, talk to one of our global compliance experts.
US EPA adds 11 new substances to Drinking Water Treatability Database (TDB)
All you need to know about new substance additions to Drinking Water Treatability Database (TDB) by US EPA In order to control the impact of contaminants the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designed the Drinking Water Treatability Database (TDB). This will help the United States address challenges against contamination of drinking water. This is a simple tool which provides information or references about the contaminants and the treatment processes to remove it from drinking water. Previously there were more than 30 treatment processes, over 120 regulated and unregulated contaminants including 26 pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 11 PFAS with treatment information was recently added to the database by EPA, which brings the total number of PFAS with treatment processes, PFOA and PFOS to 37. The PFAS added to the TDB are: Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS) Perfluorohexanesulfonamide (PFHxSA) Perfluorobutylsulfonamide (PFBSA) Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMOBA) Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMOPrA) Perfluoro-3,5,7,9-butaoxadecanoic acid (PFO4DA) Fluorotelomer sulfonate 4:2 (FtS 4:2) Ammonium 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoate (ADONA) Perfluoro-4-(perfluoroethyl)cyclohexylsulfonate (PFECHS) F-53B: a combination of 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid and 11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid Perfluoro-2-{[perfluoro-3-(perfluoroethoxy)-2-propanyl]oxy}ethanesulfonic acid, also known as Nafion BP2 What type of contaminant references are included in the TDB? The TDB includes microbial, radiological and chemical contaminants that are regulated in drinking water, present in Contaminant Candidate list (CCL), water security interest, pesticide registration interest, endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals. Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are not included in the database as the control strategies for DBPs are different from the contaminants present in drinking water. The parameters that are looked upon for the contaminants are solubility, Henry’s law constant and vapor pressure. There are microbial parameters too such as size, shape and fate and transport parameters to assess the presence of contaminant in source waters. Treatment Processes TDB has extensive number of treatment processes which includes both most commonly employed and less commonly employed but still known to be effective. The effective treatment processes include the key process, water quality parameters and the contaminant’s importance. EPA Council works efficiently to develop strategies towards the health protection of the public. The Council Continues to engage with the public to make them understand the risk of the chemicals and reduce the potential risk caused by the chemicals. Do you want to know how this affect your business in the United States? Talk to one of our Compliance Specialists today!