[Federal Register: November 24, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 226)]
[Notices]               
[Page 66181]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24no99-60]                         

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPPTS-140282; FRL-6393-7]

 
Access to Confidential Business Information by Eastern Research 
Group

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA has authorized its contractor, Eastern Research Group 
(ERG), of 14555 Avion Parkway, Suite 200, Chantilly, Virginia, for 
access to information which has been submitted to EPA under all 
sections of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Some of the 
information may be claimed or determined to be confidential business 
information (CBI).

DATES: Access to the confidential data by ERG occurred as a result of 
an approved waiver dated October 13, 1999, which requested granting ERG 
immediate access to TSCA CBI. This waiver was necessary to allow ERG to 
perform engineering analyses including exposure and release 
assessments, and identification of pollution prevention opportunities 
in support of all aspects of EPA decision-making.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Augustyniak, Associate 
Director, Environmental Assistance Division (7408), Office of Pollution 
Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. E-545, 401 
M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460, (202) 554-1404, TDD: (202) 554-0551; 
e-mail: TSCA-Hotline@epamail.epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Does this Notice Apply to Me?

    This action is directed to the public in general. This action may, 
however, be of interest to ``those persons who are or may be required 
to conduct testing of chemical substances under the Toxic Substances 
Control Act (TSCA).'' Since other entities may also be interested, 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 person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

II. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this 
Document or Other Related Documents?

     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/. 
To access this document, 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/.

III. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    Under contract number 68-W9-9085, ERG of 14555 Avion Parkway, Suite 
200, Chantilly, VA, will assist the Office of Pollution Prevention and 
Toxics (OPPTS) in performing engineering analyses including exposure 
and release assessments, and identification of pollution prevention 
opportunities in support of all aspects of EPA decision-making under 
all sections of TSCA.
    In accordance with 40 CFR 2.306(j), EPA has determined that under 
EPA contract number 68-W9-9085, ERG will require access to CBI 
submitted to EPA under all sections of TSCA to perform successfully the 
duties specified under the contract. ERG personnel will be given access 
to information submitted to EPA under all sections of TSCA. Some of the 
information may be claimed or determined to be CBI.
    EPA is issuing this notice to inform all submitters of information 
under all sections of TSCA that EPA may provide ERG access to these CBI 
materials on a need-to-know basis only. All access to TSCA CBI under 
this contract will take place at EPA Headquarters and ERG's Chantilly, 
VA site.
    ERG will be authorized access to TSCA CBI at their facility, 
provided they comply with the provisions of the EPA TSCA Confidential 
Business Information Security Manual.
    Before access to TSCA CBI is authorized at ERG's site, EPA will 
perform the required inspection of its facility, and ensure that this 
facility is in compliance with the Manual.
    Upon completing review of the CBI materials, ERG will return all 
transferred materials to EPA.
    Clearance for access to TSCA CBI under this contract may continue 
until September 30, 2004.
    ERG personnel will be required to sign nondisclosure agreements and 
will be briefed on appropriate security procedures before they are 
permitted access to TSCA CBI.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Confidential business information.

    Dated: November 17, 1999.

Deborah A. Williams,

Acting Director, Information Management Division, Pollution Prevention 
and Toxics.

[FR Doc. 99-30617 Filed 11-23-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F