Perfluorooctyl Sulfonates, Proposed Significant New Use Rule; Extension of Comment Period

EPA is extending the existing comment period for the proposed significant new use rule (SNUR) on perfluorooctyl sulfonates published on October 18, 2000, in the Federal Register. In response to several requests, the comment period is being extended by 45 days, until January 1, 2001. The comment period was scheduled to close on November 17, 2000. The proposed SNUR under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) applies to the following chemical substances: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOSA) and certain of its salts (PFOSS), perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), certain higher and lower homologues of PFOSA and PFOSF, and certain other chemical substances, including polymers, that contain PFOSA and its homologues as substructures. All of these chemical substances are referred to collectively in the proposed rule as perfluorooctyl sulfonates, or PFOS. The proposed rule would require manufacturers and importers to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing the manufacture or import of these chemical substances for the significant new uses described in this document. EPA believes that this action is necessary because the chemical substances included in this proposed rule may be hazardous to human health and the environment. The required notice would provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate an intended new use and associated activities and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs.