[Federal Register: September 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 183)] [Notices] [Page 51319-51321] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr22se99-73] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [OPP-00597A; FRL-6384-4] Proposed Test Guidelines; Extension of Comment Period AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice; extension of comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: On July 28, 1999, EPA issued a notice announcing the availability of [[Page 51320]] a combined chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity test guideline for the Series 870-Health Effects Test Guidelines for use in the testing of fibrous particles in the development of test data (OPPTS 870.8355). Natural and synthetic fibers are one group of substances that have been identified to be of potential health concern to humans. The comment period would have ended September 27, 1999. Due to the complexity of the proposed test guideline and the potential health concerns to humans, EPA has decided to extend the comment period by 45 days. DATES: Comments, identified by the docket control number OPP-00597, must be received on or before November 12, 1999. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by mail, electronically, or in person. Please follow the detailed instructions for each method as provided in Unit III. of the ``SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.'' To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket control number OPP-00597 in the subject line on the first page of your response. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact: Christine M. Augustyniak, Associate Director, Environmental Assistance Division (7408), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone numbers: (202) 554-1404 and TDD: (202) 554-0551; fax number: (202) 554-5603; e-mail address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov. For technical information contact: David Lai, Risk Assessment Division (7403), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 260-6222; fax number: (202) 260-1279; e-mail address: lai.david@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general. Although this action may be of particular interest to those persons who are or may be required to conduct testing of chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the technical person listed under ``FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.'' II. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this Document and Other Related Documents? A. Electronically. You may obtain electronic copies of this document, and certain other related documents that might be available electronically, from the EPA Internet Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/. On the Home Page select ``Laws and Regulations'' and then look up the entry for this document under the ``Federal Register--Environmental Documents.'' You can also go directly to the Federal Register listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. You may also obtain copies of test guidelines from the EPA Internet Home Page by selecting ``Researchers and Scientists/Test Methods and Guidelines/OPPTS Harmonized Test Guidelines'' at http://www.epa.gov/ epahome/research.htm. B. In person. The Agency has established an official record for this action under docket control number OPP-00597. The official record consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received during an applicable comment period, and other information related to this action, including any information claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI). This official record includes the documents that are physically located in the docket, as well as the documents that are referenced in those documents. The public version of the official record does not include any information claimed as CBI. The public version of the official record, which includes printed, paper versions of any electronic comments submitted during an applicable comment period, is available for inspection in the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The PIRIB telephone number is (703) 305-5805. III. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments? As described in Unit III.A. of the proposed test guideline notice of availability published in the Federal Register of July 28, 1999 (64 FR 40871) (FRL-6078-6), you may submit your comments through the mail, in person, or electronically. Please follow the instructions that are provided in the notice of availability. Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to be CBI. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify docket control number OPP-00597 in the subject line on the first page of your response. IV. How Should I Handle CBI that I Want to Submit to the Agency? Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to be CBI. You may claim information that you submit to EPA in response to this document as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public version of the official record. Information not marked confidential will be included in the public version of the official record without prior notice. If you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult the technical person listed under ``FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.'' V. What Action is EPA Taking? EPA is extending the comment period on the proposed test guideline for developing a combined chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity test guideline for use in the testing of respirable fibrous substances (OPPTS 870.8355). Natural and synthetic fibers are one group of substances that have been identified to be of potential health concern to humans. The background on the proposed test guideline can be found in the previous Federal Register notice of availability published on July 28, 1999 (64 FR 40871) (FRL-6078-6). A time extension of 45 days is being provided such that the comment period will now end on November 12, 1999. VI. Do Any Regulatory Assessment Requirements Apply to this Action? No. This action is not a rulemaking, it merely extends the date by which public comments must be submitted to EPA on the notice of availability that previously published in the Federal Register of July 28, 1999 (64 FR 40871). For information about the applicability of the regulatory assessment requirements to the proposed test guideline, please refer to the discussion in Unit V. of that document. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Chemical testing, Test guideline. [[Page 51321]] Dated: September 16, 1999. William H. Sanders, III Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. [FR Doc. 99-24697 Filed 9-21-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-F