Microbial Products of Biotechnology; Proposed Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act; Extension of Comment Period

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 700, 720, 721, 723, and 725

[OPPTS-00049E; FRL-4919-1]

RIN 2070-AB61

Microbial Products of Biotechnology; Proposed Regulation Under

the Toxic Substances Control Act; Extension of Comment Period

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: EPA is extending the comment period for a proposed rule under

section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), to screen

microorganisms before they are introduced into commerce. The proposed

rule is designed to prevent unreasonable risk to human health and the

environment without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on the

biotechnology industry. The proposed regulation describes notification

procedures and microorganisms that would be exempt from notification.

DATES: Written comments on the proposed rule should be submitted to EPA

by December 31, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments on issues concerning the proposed rule should bear

the docket control number OPPTS-00049C, and should be submitted to:

TSCA Public Docket Office (7407), Office of Pollution Prevention and

Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street SW., Washington,

DC 20460.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For general information including copies of this document and related

materials: 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,

Telephone: (202-554-1404), TDD: (202-554-0551). For technical

information on the proposed rule: Paul Campanella, Office of Pollution

Prevention and Toxics (7405), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. E-

611, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460, Telephone: (202-260-3725).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Federal Register of September 1, 1994

(59 FR 45526), EPA issued a proposed rule under section 5 of TSCA, TSCA

authorizes EPA to regulate any chemical substance, except for certain

substances covered by other Federal agencies. The Act defines chemical

substance broadly enough to cover microorganisms. TSCA section 5

establishes a 90-day process for EPA to screen certain chemical

substances before they are produced. Section 5(a) allows EPA to require

submission of a notification for microorganisms that are considered

``new'' chemical substances and those that will be made for a

``significant new use.'' Section 5(h) provides for certain exemptions

from the 90-day screening process. In the proposed rule, a 60-day

comment period was provided. In response to requests by interested

parties, EPA is extending the comment period on its proposed rule by 60

days. Comments must now be received by December 31, 1994.

As part of an interagency ``streamlining'' initiative, EPA is

making this proposed rule and certain support documents available

electronically. They may be accessed through the Internet at:

gopher.epa.gov.

EPA is very interested in learning whether persons have obtained

these documents electronically and what their experiences were in doing

so. Persons who comment on this proposed rule are encouraged to provide

feedback on this electronic availability with their comments.

To obtain further information or to provide feedback on the

electronic availability of these documents, please contact Juanita Geer

(Telephone: 202-260-1532; FAX: 202-260-1657; Internet:

[email protected]). Please be advised that Ms. Geer will

accept only feedback on the electronic availability of these documents;

all comments on the substance of the proposed rule must be submitted to

the docket above.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 700, 720, 721, 723, and 725

Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,

Biotechnology, Chemicals, Hazardous substances, Imports, Labeling,

Microorganisms, Occupational safety and health, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements.

Dated: October 24, 1994.

Lynn R. Goldman,

Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic

Substances.

[FR Doc. 94-26911 Filed 10-28-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-F