Friday’s Federal Register Review is a new feature for the PIG® Blog. Each day, we review the Federal Register to keep up-to-date on what’s happening down in DC. Although this review doesn’t capture all activity, it will provide an overview of some of the bigger things that the EPA, OSHA and other entities are working on.

 
Proposed Rule: Changes to the Definition of Solid Waste [PDF]
   

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is proposing to revise certain exclusions from the definition of solid waste for hazardous secondary materials intended for reclamation that would otherwise be regulated under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The purpose of these proposed revisions is to ensure that the recycling regulations, as implemented, encourage reclamation in a way that does not result in increased risk to human health and the environment from discarded hazardous secondary material.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 20, 2011.

Final Rule: Mitigatation of Misfueling of Vehicles and Engines With Gasoline Containing Greater Than Ten Volume Percent Ethanol  [PDF]
  

SUMMARY: In two recent actions under the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA granted partial waivers that allow gasoline containing greater than 10 volume percent (vol%) ethanol up to 15 vol% ethanol (E15) to be introduced into commerce for use in model year (MY) 2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles, subject to certain conditions. In today’s action, EPA is establishing several measures to mitigate misfueling of other vehicles, engines and equipment with E15 and the potential emissions consequences of misfueling. Specifically, the rule prohibits the use of gasoline containing more than 10 vol% ethanol in vehicles, engines and equipment not covered by the partial waiver decisions. The final rule also requires all E15 gasoline fuel dispensers to have a specific label when a retail station or wholesale-purchaser consumer chooses to sell E15. In addition, the rule requires that product transfer documents (PTDs) specifying ethanol content and Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) accompany the transfer of gasoline blended with ethanol through the fuel distribution system, and a survey of retail stations to ensure compliance with E15 labeling, ethanol content and other requirements. The rule also modifies the Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) program to allow fuel manufacturers to certify batches of E15. Finally, today’s action denies a petition for rulemaking to require retail stations to offer for sale gasoline containing 10 vol% ethanol or less.

DATES: This final rule is effective on August 24, 2011.

Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) : Testing of Bisphenol A  [PDF]

SUMMARY: Bisphenol A (BPA) (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number
(CASRN) 80-05-7), a high production volume (HPV) chemical, is a
reproductive, developmental, and systemic toxicant in animal studies
and is weakly estrogenic. EPA is providing this ANPRM to request
comment on requiring toxicity testing to determine the potential for
BPA to cause adverse effects, including endocrine-related effects, in
environmental organisms at low concentrations. EPA is also seeking
comment on requiring environmental testing consisting of sampling and
monitoring for BPA in surface water, ground water, drinking water,
soil, sediment, sludge, and landfill leachate in the vicinity of expected BPA releases to determine whether environmental organisms may currently be exposed to concentrations of BPA in the environment that are at or above levels of concern for adverse effects, including endocrine-related effects. This ANPRM is directed only toward the environmental presence and environmental effects of BPA. EPA is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on potential human health issues, but is not considering any additional testing specifically in regard to human health issues at this time.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 26, 2011.

Proposed Rule: Emission Standards and Test Procedures: Control of Air Pollution From Aircraft and Aircraft Engines  [PDF]

SUMMARY: This action proposes several new NOX emission standards, compliance flexibilities, and other regulatory requirements for aircraft turbofan or turbojet engines with rated thrusts greater than 26.7 kilonewtons (kN). We also are proposing certain other requirements for gas turbine engines that are subject to exhaust emission standards. First, we are proposing to clarify when the emission characteristics of a new turbofan or turbojet engine model have become different enough from its existing parent engine design that it must conform to the most current emission standards. Second, we are proposing a new reporting requirement for manufacturers of gas turbine engines that are subject to any exhaust emission standard to provide us with timely and consistent emission-related information. Third, and finally, we are proposing amendments to aircraft engine test and emissions measurement procedures. EPA actively participated in the United Nation’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) proceedings in which most of these proposed requirements were first developed. These proposed regulatory requirements have largely been adopted or are actively under consideration by its member states. By adopting such similar standards, therefore, the United States will maintain consistency with these international efforts.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 26, 2011.
Hearing: The public hearing will be held on August 11, 2011 at the
Sheraton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel, 6501 North Mannheim Road,
Rosemont, IL 60018. Telephone (847)699-6300. See section VII for more
information about public hearings.

Okay, I admit it. I’m a regulation junkie. Just like my favorite comic strips, I can count on the Federal Register being in my in-box each morning.

  
And twice a year, I’m treated to the Semi-annual Regulatory Agenda. Granted, I don’t find it quite as exciting as the Stanley Cup Finals, but it gives me a heads-up on what EPA, OSHA and the other branches of the federal government are planning to do for the next six months.

  
Here’s a quick peek of some of things that I’ll be keeping my eye on:

  
OSHA:
• Reviewing the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
• Movement on the Combustible Dust Standard
• Healthcare control measures for infectious diseases
• Updates to the slip, trip and fall standard
• Recordkeeping revisions
• And GHS / revisions to the hazard communication standard. (Wow – that should be out next month!)

  
EPA:
• Some proposed rule changes for Stormwater and NPDES permitting and regulation
• EPCRA changes to threshold planning quantities for extremely hazardous substances
• Possible revisions to EPCRA’s Tier I and Tier II reporting
• TSCA updates
• The consideration of adding pharmaceutical wastes to the Universal Waste Rules
• Waste management standards for solvent-contaminated wipers

  
For more information on any of these topics, check out the Federal Register from July 7th.

  
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