SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

This action is directed to the public in general. This action may, however, be of interest to all who manufacture, process, or distribute industrial chemicals. 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.

B. How can I get copies of this document and other related information?

EPA has established a docket for this action under docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2003-0004. Publicly available docket materials are available electronically through www.regulations.gov. Additional instructions on commenting on and visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, are available at www.epa.gov/​dockets.

II. What action is the Agency taking?

Under the ERG solicitation number 68HERL26A0022, ERG will assist the OPPT and OECA, OCE in enforcement program implementation; enforcement case support; conducting inspections; providing laboratory support; and performing analysis. In accordance with 40 CFR 2.306(j), EPA has determined that under EPA contract number 68HERL26A0022, ERG will require access to CBI submitted to EPA under all section(s) of TSCA to perform successfully the duties specified under the contract. ERG personnel will be given access to information submitted to EPA under all section(s) 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 with access to these CBI materials on a need-to-know basis only. All access to TSCA CBI under this contract will take place in accordance with EPA's TSCA CBI Protection Manual. Access to TSCA data, including CBI, will continue until June 27, 2031. If the contract is extended, this access will also continue for the duration of the extended contract without further notice. 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.

In accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR 2.306(f), EPA has determined that the disclosure of CBI submitted to EPA under all sections of TSCA is necessary for ERG to satisfactorily carry out the work required by the contract. Accordingly, ERG personnel will be given access to information, including information submitted to EPA under all sections of TSCA, some of which may be claimed or determined to be CBI.

EPA is issuing this notice to inform all submitters that EPA will provide ERG access to these CBI materials on a need-to-know basis only. All access to TSCA CBI under this contract takes place in accordance with EPA's TSCA CBI Protection Manual.

Access to TSCA data, including CBI, will continue until June 27, 2031. If the contract is extended, this access will also continue for the duration of the extended contract without further notice. In accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR 2.306(f), the contract prohibits disclosure of information to a third party without prior written approval from the Agency.

ERG personnel will sign nondisclosure agreements and will be briefed on appropriate security procedures before they are permitted access to TSCA CBI. Records of information provided to ERG will be maintained by EPA project officers for this contract. All information supplied to ERG by EPA for use in connection with this contract will be returned to EPA when ERG has completed its work.

Authority:15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.

91 FR 67311