Toxic substances: based paint— Identification of dangerous levels of lead; meeting,

[Federal Register: October 28, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 208)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 57636-57637]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr28oc98-31]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 745

[OPPTS-62156C; FRL-6041-1]

RIN 2070-AC63

Lead, Identification of Dangerous Levels of Lead; Notice of Public Meeting

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed Rule.

SUMMARY: EPA will hold a meeting to provide an opportunity for the public to provide additional comment on a proposed rule to establish standards for lead-based paint hazards in most pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. The rule is being issued under authority of section 403 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The proposed rule would also establish, under authority of TSCA section 402, residential lead dust cleanup levels and amendments to dust and soil sampling requirements and, under authority of TSCA section 404, amendments to State and Tribal program authorization requirements.

DATES: The public meeting will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. on November 16, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, 345 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94108.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To register for time to present public comments, please contact: National Lead Information Clearinghouse (NLIC), 1025 Connecticut Ave., Washington DC 20036-5405, telephone: 800-424-LEAD (5323). For technical and policy questions contact: Jonathan Jacobson, National Program Chemical Division (7404), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460, Telephone: (202) 260-3779, e-mail: jacobson.jonathan@epamail.epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

   In the Federal Register of June 3, 1998 (63 FR 30302)(FRL-5791-9), EPA issued a proposed rule under Title IV of TSCA. Section 403 of TSCA (15 U.S.C. 2683) directs EPA to promulgate regulations identifying lead-based paint hazards, lead-contaminated dust, and lead-contaminated soil. Section 402 of TSCA (15 U.S.C. 2682) directs EPA to promulgate regulations governing lead-based paint activities. Section 404 of TSCA (15 U.S.C. 2684) requires that any State that seeks to administer and enforce the requirements established by the Agency under section 402 of TSCA may submit to the Administrator a request for authorization of such a program.

   In response to growing interest in the proposed rule, EPA published in the Federal Register of July 2, 1998 (63 FR 39262)(FRL-6017-4), an extension of the original deadline for submission of comments from September 1, 1998 to October 1, 1998. The Agency has now decided that it would like to provide members of the public the opportunity to present oral comments to Agency officials. Accordingly, EPA published in the Federal Register of October 1, 1998, (63 FR 52662)(FRL-6037-7), notice of a further extension of the comment period to November 30, 1998, to allow for this meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to enhance the discussion of the issues by enabling interested parties to hear each other's perspectives.

2. Meeting Process

   EPA will hear oral comments on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals are requested to limit their presentations to 10 minutes in order to allow as many persons as possible a fair chance to participate. Individuals interested in presenting comments at the meeting should register in advance by contacting the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). Individuals should indicate whether they wish to speak at the afternoon or evening session. EPA requests that members of the public register by November 9, 1998, although persons may register to speak at the meeting. Persons who register to speak at the meeting will be accommodated on a time available basis. All statements will be made a part of the public record and will be considered in the development of the final rule.

3. Public Record

   The official record for this rulemaking, as well as the public version, has been established for this rulemaking under docket control number OPPTS-62156C, which does not contain any information claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI), and is available for inspection from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday exculding legal holidays. The official rulemaking record is located in the TSCA Nonconfidential Information Center, Rm. NE-B607, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC.

   [[Page 57637]]

   List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 745

   Environmental protection, Hazardous substances, Lead-based paint, Lead poisoning, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

   Dated: October 21, 1998.

   William H. Sanders III, Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.

   [FR Doc. 98-28867Filed10-27-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 6560-50-F