🧪Compliance Date Extensions for Methylene Chloride Regulations
Methylene Chloride; Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Compliance Date Extensions
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is proposing to extend the compliance date applicable to certain entities subject to the regulation of methylene chloride recently promulgated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Specifically, EPA is proposing to extend by 18 months the Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) and the associated recordkeeping compliance dates for laboratories that are not owned or operated by agencies or Federal contractors acting on behalf of the Federal government. Under this proposal, all laboratories, whether federal or not, would have the same compliance dates, which would be aligned with current compliance dates for Federal agencies and Federal contractors. EPA is proposing to extend the compliance dates for associated laboratory activities detailed in this proposal to avoid disruption of important functions such as the use of environmental monitoring methods needed for cleanup sites and wastewater treatment, as well as activities associated with university laboratories. The use of environmental monitoring methods, a common function of non-federal laboratories, is important to EPA's mission to ensure that the air is safe to breathe, water is safe for drinking or recreating, and disposal activities protect the environment.
Agencies
- Environmental Protection Agency
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The document proposes compliance date extensions for the Workplace Chemical Protection Program concerning methylene chloride, significantly impacting laboratories using this chemical. These changes affect compliance requirements, allowing businesses additional time to meet regulatory standards. Compliance deadlines and the need for industrial hygiene services could lead to increased operational costs for affected entities.