WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 23, 2015 -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is proposing to amend requirements of Subpart J under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) to improve the nation's ability to plan for and respond to oil spills. The proposal addresses issues raised by the public, responders, government, and industry officials in relation to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
"Our emergency officials need the best available science and safety information to make informed spill response decisions when evaluating the use of specific products on oil discharges," said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "Our proposed amendments incorporate scientific advances and lessons learned from the application of spill-mitigating substances in response to oil discharges and will help ensure that the emergency planners and responders are well-equipped to protect human health and the environment."
EPA is also proposing product chemical ingredient disclosure options and new evaluation criteria as well as a process for removing products from the Product Schedule. The proposed Subpart J revisions include:
- New and revised product toxicity and efficacy test methodologies for dispersants and other chemical and biological agents
- New toxicity and efficacy criteria for listing agents on the Subpart J Product Schedule
- Additional human health and safety information requirements from manufacturers
- Revised area planning requirements for chemical and biological agent use authorization
- New dispersant monitoring requirements when used on certain oil discharges
Dispersant manufactures will be able to use a new, well-tested and peer-reviewed laboratory method for determining the effectiveness of their dispersant on two types of crude oils at two temperatures measured against proposed performance criteria. The Agency is also proposing an aquatic toxicity threshold such that products that meet both the performance and toxicity criteria will offer greater performance at less environmental impact.
EPA is also proposing product chemical ingredient disclosure options and new evaluation criteria and a process for removing products from the Product Schedule.
See also:
"EPA launches innovative water finance center as part of White House investment initiative"
"EPA releases microbial risk assessment resource for waterborne pathogens"
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