Środowisko i energia · 14.10.1994

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene; Response to Citizens Petition

This notice responds to a citizen's petition submitted by Valley Watch, Inc. under section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (15 U.S.C. 2620). The petitioner requested EPA to exercise authority under TSCA section 5(e) to prohibit the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, and disposal of 1,2,4- trichlorobenzene (TCB) as a transformer retrofill fluid. EPA is denying the petition because EPA does not have authority under section 5(e) of TSCA to issue an order prohibiting the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of this chemical substance. Section 5(e) applies only when EPA is reviewing a notice submitted under section 5(a) for a new chemical substance or a significant new use of a chemical substance. TCB is not a ``new chemical substance'' under section 3(9) of TSCA nor does its use as a transformer retrofill fluid represent a ``significant new use under section 5(a)(2).'' In addition, if the citizen's petition had requested the Agency to take action under section 6 of TSCA, the petition would still be denied because there is insufficient information to make an unreasonable risk determination under section 6. FOR FURTHER INF