Prohibition of Hexavalent Chromium-Based Water Treatment Chemicals in Comfort Cooling Towers; Amendment To Limit the Scope of the Export Notification Requirements

Zusammenfassung

This rule amends 40 CFR part 749, subpart D, which prohibits, under section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the use of hexavalent chromium-based water treatment chemicals in comfort cooling towers and the distribution of such chemicals in commerce for use in comfort cooling towers. Today's action amends 40 CFR 749.68 to clarify that only hexavalent chromium chemicals that can be used for water treatment are the subjects of this regulation, not other hexavalent chromium chemicals. This amendment limits the scope of export notifications currently required for hexavalent chromium chemicals under TSCA section 12(b), the TSCA Export Notification Rule (40 CFR part 707), and Sec. 749.68. No changes to the prohibitions or labeling requirements of the hexavalent chromium rule are intended by this amendment. As amended, Sec. 749.68 does not trigger the section 12(b) export notification requirements for exports of hexavalent chromium products such as certain paints, dyes, pigments, coatings, electroplating and conversion coating products, and other products containing hexavalent chromium that cannot be used to treat water.