Proposed Settlement Agreement; National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) From Facilities That Manufacture Pharmaceutical Products

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-5692-4]

Proposed Settlement Agreement; National Emission Standards for

Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) From Facilities That Manufacture

Pharmaceutical Products

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of proposed settlement; request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 113(g) of the Clean Air Act as

amended (CA), 42 U.S.C. Sec. 7413(g), notice is hereby given of a

proposed settlement agreement entered into by EPA and the Natural

Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The proposed settlement agreement

establishes a schedule for when EPA intends to take final action on the

NESHAP for manufacturers of pharmaceutical products. The proposed

settlement agreement accompanies revisions to a consent decree entered

into by EPA and NRDC in establishing schedules for EPA's issuance,

inter alia, of a number of effluent guidelines and standards under

section 304(m) of the Clean Water Act (CA), including effluent

guidelines for pharmaceutical manufacturers. EPA is agreeing to

undertake the NESHAP rulemaking for the pharmaceutical manufacturers on

the same schedule as the effluent guidelines for pharmaceutical

manufacturers.

For a period of thirty (30) days following the date of publication

of this notice, the Agency will receive written comments relating to

the settlement from persons not party to the proposed settlement

agreement. EPA or the Department of Justice may withhold or withdraw

consent to the proposed settlement if the comments disclose facts or

circumstances that indicate that such consent is inappropriate,

improper, inadequate, or inconsistent with the requirements of the CA.

A copy of the proposed settlement agreement was filed with the

clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia

on January 31, 1997. Copies are also available from Phyllis Cochran,

Air and Radiation Division (2344), Office of General Counsel, U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.

20460, (202) 260-7606. Written comments should be sent to Karen H.

Clark at the address above and must be submitted on or before March 24,

1997.

Dated: February 10, 1997.

Scott C. Fulton,

Acting General Counsel.

[FR Doc. 97-4323 Filed 2-20-97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-M