Search

EPA Proposes to Ban TCE for Certain Uses Under TSCA

Posted on 12/8/2016 by Roger Marks

US EPA has proposed a rule to “prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of Trichloroethylene (TCE)” for certain uses. The proposed TCE ban is EPA’s first such action under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) as revised by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

TCE used in dry cleaning applicationThe specific restrictions proposed apply to commercial use of TCE for aerosol degreasing and spot cleaning in dry-cleaning facilities. This would also require manufacturers, processors, and distributors of TCE to notify customers of the prohibitions against certain uses. The proposed rule also includes TSCA recordkeeping requirements.

EPA’s list of facilities that this proposed rule may impact is extensive and includes industries like textile mills, petroleum refineries, petrochemical and organic chemical manufacturing, plastics product manufacturing, rubber and cement manufacturing, electroplating, primary battery manufacturing, and many more.

A pre-publication version of the proposed rule is available here.


What Is TSCA?

Under TSCA, EPA is required to evaluate chemicals for possible risks to human health and the environment. When risks are present, EPA can create regulations that restrict the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of these chemicals. 

Recently, EPA began work to perform risk evaluations on the first 10 chemicals identified as a priority in the Agency’s TSCA Work Plan.

To get up to speed on changes to TSCA under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which became law this year, read TSCA Reform Passes Senate, Awaits POTUS Signature.  


TSCA Regulations Online Course

Be confident you know how to keep your site in compliance with the many TSCA management, recordkeeping, and reporting programs that affect you. Any business that manufactures, processes, distributes, or uses regulated chemical substances must comply with TSCA. Interactive and available 24/7, the TSCA Regulations Online Course is designed to help you maintain compliance with EPA’s primary chemical law.

Get up to speed with new and changing TSCA rules and get help meeting your EPA reporting requirements—from “Form U” Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) and to SNURs, PMNs, PAIR reporting, import and export notifications and certifications, and much more. 

Tags: chemicals, EPA, new rules, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.