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TSCA Chemical Testing Program Objectives
OPPT developed a formal "Vision Statement" for the Chemical Testing Program that has the following attributes:
- Increase the overall productivity of the Chemical Testing Program
- Establish a clear agenda for chemical testing
- Ensure that testing is directed toward meeting data needs, not just filling data gaps
- Redefine success by recognizing the contributions of TSCA Section 4 Test Rules, Enforceable Consent Agreements and Voluntary Testing approaches to fill identified data needs
- Consider pollution prevention initiatives as a possible substitute for or adjunct to certain testing
- Promptly review/evaluate test results
- Improve internal and public access to test data as well as EPA reviews
Additionally, OPPT established that:
To achieve this goal, OPPT is using the following approaches:
- Emphasizing filling real U.S. Governmental data "needs" and not systematically or randomly identified data gaps.
- Emphasizing meeting testing "needs" first via TSCA Section 4 Enforceable Consent Agreements (ECAs) or Voluntary Testing Agreements and then via TSCA Section 4 Test Rules.
- Consistent with an increased emphasis on pollution prevention, pursuing opportunities for EPA and the chemical industry to accept and receive credit for voluntary exposure/risk reduction actions as alternatives to testing.
- Developing and maintaining a "Master Testing List" (MTL) that is used to establish the agenda and priorities for OPPT's Chemical Testing Program and which serves as a cornerstone of OPPT's existing chemical testing policy by presenting the "universe" of existing chemicals that deserve the highest consideration and have the greatest need for testing.