Notice of New Streamlined Approval Process for Non-Regulatory Methods in SW-846

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is providing notice of a new streamlined approval process for non- regulatory methods in the ``Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods'' manual, also known as SW-846. This new process will employ the use of Web site postings and an extensive email list to notify the SW-846 scientific community of methods being released for public comment, which differs from the traditional Federal Register publication. All methods beginning with Update VI to SW-846 will utilize the new process. This new process only applies to SW-846 methods published as guidance, where there are no changes to the hazardous waste regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The process for updating or publishing SW-846 analytical methods that are required in the RCRA regulations (referred to as Method Defined Parameters or MDPs) will not change. EPA is not requesting public comment on this notice.