EPA Proposes To Strengthen Requirements For Use Of Oil Spill Agents

摘要

EPA is proposing to strengthen requirements governing the use of chemical and biological agents in the cleanup of oil spills, announcing long-awaited revisions sought by environmentalists that are expected to boost the toxicity and efficacy testing of agents and set new limits on their use. EPA, in revisions announced Jan. 13 to its National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan's (NCP) Subpart J Product Schedule, proposes to add new product toxicity and efficacy test methods and criteria for listing dispersants and other agents on the schedule, require manufacturers to provide more detailed product application information and human health and safety data, tighten the requirements governing authorizations of agent use, and add new monitoring requirements for agents used on certain types of spills, according to the agency. Once the rule is published in the Federal Register, it will undergo a 90-day public comment period.