Implementation
International
icience & Research
.%
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency ~ -
Air and Radiation
"(6205J) . -
EPA430-K-98-006
October 1958 :_, _
www.epa.gov/ozone
Stratospheric Update
An U p d at e o n Ozone P r o t e"c"t.T"Q n P r o g r e s sT"
1998 Scientific Assessment Reasserts
That Montreal Protocol is Working
...But Worst Ozone Depletion Still Lies Ahead
igns of continuing success for the
Montreal Protocol are evident in the
atmosphere. This conclusion and oth-
ers come from the 1998 Scientific
Assessment of Ozone Depletion, the most
recent of a series of comprehensive analyses
published jointly by the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) and the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP).
The report states that, "the total combined
abundance of ozone-depleting compounds in
the lower atmosphere peaked in about 1994
and is now slowly declining." Total concentra-
tions of chlorine—the destructive atom released
from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmos-
phere—are on the decline, but total bromine
concentrations—the even more destructive
atoms released from halons and methyl bro-
mide—are still increasing.
There are delays, however, in
the time it takes CFCs, halons,
and other ozone-depleting sub-
stances to pass from the lower
to the upper atmosphere
(stratosphere). The combined
abundance of stratospheric
chlorine and bromine is
expected to "peak before the
year 2000," meaning we
should expect the most
severe rates of ozone deple-
tion "to lie within the cur-
rent decade or the next
two decades," according
to the report. 7
Sometime thereafter in the 21st century the
ozone layer is expected to begin recovering,
assuming, of course, continued compliance
with the Montreal Protocol. The authors of the
report say that, "unambiguous detection of the
beginning of the recovery of the -ozone layer is
expected to be well after the maximum loading
of ozone-depleting gases." This is because the
fall-off in stratospheric chlorine and bromine .
abundance will be more gradual than the climb
to peak levels. Furthermore, ongoing changes
in our atmosphere brought about by increasing
greenhouse gases, and the climatic changes that
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)
;cent postconsuq
-------
Implementation
Table of
Contents
The UV Index: A Shining
Success 2
SunWisc Plans to Teach
Sun Safety 3
SNAP Update 4
EPA Proposes Venting
Regulation .5
EPA Announces 1998
Stratospheric Ozone Protec-
tion and Climate Protection
Award Winnners 5
Partnering for a Smooth
MDI Transition 6
Report on the Supply and
Demand ofCFC-12 Refrigerant
in the United States 7
Methyl Bromide Update . .8
Cracking Down on
Violations , .10
EPA Prepares for the Year
2000 10
Going to the Source: EPA
Petition Process Curbs Illegal
Imports 11
Resources 12
UVI
The UV Index
A Shining Success
When you watch your local
weather forecast, does the meteo-
rologist report the UV Index? If
so, your city is one of the com-
munities for which UV Index information is
available. The UV Index measures the ultraviolet
intensity at die earths surface when the sun is
highest in the sky. It indicates the degree of cau-
tion you should take when working, playing, or
exercising outdoors. Alan Geller, of the Boston
University Medical Center, agrees that "the UV
Index is an easy-to-use reminder to help all
Americans protect diemselves from the sun."
To derive die index,
the National Wcadier
Service (NWS) looks at
ozone data from satellite
observations, atmos-
pheric pressure and tem-
perature forecasts,
elevation, and expected
cloudiness. NWS then
computes a regional
index with a range of 0
to 10+. Lower numbers
indicate a minimal or
low exposure level while
higher numbers indicate
a high exposure level.
According to Craig
Long of NWS, "the UV
Index has been verified
for the summer months since its inception in
1994. Due to its accuracy, the UV Index should
be considered a good forecasting tool."
EPA works cooperatively widi NWS and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) on, public outreach and education cam-
paigns to encourage people to take note of the
U V Index every day. As part of its outreach
efforts, EPA is working with several major league
baseball teams to promote the UV Index. During
games, teams display the UV Index on their giant
screens along with messages to help fans protect
diemselves from overexposure, to the sun. EPA's
Sun Wise School Program (see page 3) will also
use the UV Index as a cornerstone of its efforts to
educate young children about sun protection.
Studies show that the outreach efforts under-
taken by EPA, NWS, and CDC enhance aware-
ness of the effects of overexposure to the sun's
ultraviolet rays, and provide the public with
actions they can take to reduce the harmful
effects of overexposure, which include sunburn,
skin cancers, aging and wrinkling of the skin,
ocular damage, cataracts, and immune suppres-
sion. According to Thomas F. Downham II,
M.D., from the National Association of Physi-
cians for the Evironment (NAPE), "daily aware-
ness of the UV Index along with use of sunscreen
(SPF 15 or greater), wearing a hat and shirt, and
avoidance of sunburn
by seeking shade from
NB~*i% B™ %/' 10 am to 4 pm will
l^P f" J'L help prevent many of
the harmful health
effects from overexpo-
sure to sunlight. The,,
daily UV Index is
available from many
local newspapers, TV
weather reports, and
Internet Web sites."
Several EPA publi-
cations are available
that provide more
information about die
UV Index. See
"Resources" in diis
issue for a few of these
publications, Odiers are available by calling EPA's
Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline at 800
296-1996, or you can visit the UV Index Web,site
at ,
Medical and health organizations interested in the
UV Index should contact NAPE at 301 571-
9790, by E-mail at,nape@napenet.org, or visit the
NAPE Web site at . : :
For more information about the UV Index,
contact Kevin Rosseel of EPA at 202 564-9731.
2 Stratospheric Update
-------
SunWise Plans to Teach Sun Safety
With one in five Americans devel-
oping skin cancer, childhood
education about sun safety is a
vital step toward reducing risk
and improving public health. In response to this
serious health issue, EPA and schools across the
country are teaming up in the SunWise School
Program. SunWise aims to teach children in ele-
mentary school and their caregivers how to pro-
tect themselves from overexposure to the sun.
Why teach children about sun protection?
Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV)
rays damages human health. Besides the immedi-
ate effect of sunburn, over time excess UV radia-
tion can cause skin cancer and other skin
disorders, eye damage, and immune system sup-
pression. Protecting children from UV overexpo-
sure is very important because 80 percent of
lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18.
Just one or two blistering sunburns in childhood
might double the risk of developing melanoma.
Teaching children about sun safety is the key to
reducing the risk of future health problems.
How can schools participate?
Participating schools will sponsor activities
that raise children's awareness of the largely pre-
ventable health risks from UV radiation and
teach simple steps to avoid overexposure. Such
activities might include:
;jl£ Reporting the UV Index daily.
-^- Educating children about stratospheric
ozone, ozone depletion, and UV radiation.
^. Sponsoring 'Safe Fun in the Sun days.
y^. Providing shade cover in outdoor areas.
^- Inviting health pro-
fessionals, environmen-
talists, and meteorologists to
speak with school children.
Participating schools will receive a program
tool kit including activity guides, interactive
games, science experiments, videos, and a UV
Index database. Also, "train the trainer" sessions
will be available to communities and
schools. Participants can share their ideas
for projects and check the progress
of others on die SunWise School home page.
Beginning in 1998, pilot schools in Boston, San
Francisco, and Phoenix will test these program
materials and begin implementing sun protection
practices. The pilot will be expanded to addi-
tional cities in 1999 in preparation for a national
SunWise launch hi 2000.
Who can get involved?
Teachers, parents, health professionals, envi-
ronmental groups, educational organizations, and
others can participate in SunWise by helping stu-
dents learn about sun protection. SunWise Com-
munity Planning Teams have been established in
each pilot community to aid in the design and
development of this program. With everyone's
help, sun safety can grow beyond school class-
rooms to help the entire community.
If you would like more information on Sun-
Wise, call or e-mail Maura Cantor of EPA at 202
564-9096; . Also, visit
our Web site at
or call the Stratospheric
Ozone Information
Hodine at 800 296-1996
for more information about
SunWise or ozone protection.
Education
The SunWise School Program
is one of several EPA EMPACT
projects. EMPACT, which
stands for Environmental
Monitoring for Public Access
and Community Tracking, will
bring to communities up-to-
date environmental informa-
tion they can understand and
use in day-to-day decision-
making about their health
and the environment. For
more information about
EMPACT, please visit the
program's Web site at
v.epa.gov/empact/>.
SunWise
Partners
As a voluntary partnership program, SunWise
^planners are working together with national organiza-
tions that provide valuable assistance and expertise in
changing sun protection behaviors. Special thanks to the
following:
• American Academy of Dermatology
• American Association of Health Education
« American Cancer Society
• Boston University Medical Center
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Environmental Health Center
'«• National Association of Physicians for the Environment)
• National Safety Council
• National Weather Service
• Skin Cancer Foundation
-------
IIP: 3;,! i" ii
SNAP Update
EPA's Significant New Alternatives Pol-
icy (SNAP) program reviews alterna-
tives for ozone-depleting substances.
Since the last update in September
1997, the SNAP program has published several
new decisions regarding acceptable and unac-
ceptable alternatives. EPA has added all of these
SNAP lists of acceptable and unacceptable alter-
natives to its ozone depletion Web site
.
More environmentally-friendly products,
such as water-based, soy-based, terpene, and
semi-aqueous compounds, now account for the
majority of the cleaning agents used in the sol-
vents industry. However, the need for higher
solubility and non-flammable solvents still
exists. Accordingly, the Agency is presently
reviewing proposals for listings of new substi-
tutes, most notably n-propyl-bromide. As these
new substitutes emerge, the suitability of main-
taining current exemptions for HCFC-l4lb use
in aerosols and pressurized dispensers is also
being reviewed under a new pro-
posed rule under Section
61 Oof the Clean
Air Act.
Another major SNAP effort is the creation of
an outreach report that reviews the many alter-
natives available for halons. The report, now
being drafted, will discuss how to safely and
responsibly make the shift to new fire protec-
tion technologies in the following four volumes:
• Corporate Structures in the Fire Protection
Industry.
• Safety Guide for Decommissioning Halon
Systems: Generic instructions for safe
decommissioning and manufacturers' speci-
fications for handling specific equipment.
• Fire Protection Options: Details the different
types of alternatives, including information
on use, toxicity, and environmental issues.
• Halon Recycling and Banking: Discusses
issues related to the recovery, reclamation,
storage, and reuse of halons, including dif-
ferent types of halon recycling schemes.
Finally, the SNAP program recendy conducted
thorough reviews of several issues, including ozone-
depleting potential determinations for a number of
new solvents and how fractionation affects the per-
formance of motor vehicle refrigerants.
For more information about the SNAP pro-
gram, contact Jeffrey Levy of EPA at 202 564-
9727 or the Stratospheric Ozone Information
Hodine at 800 296-1996, or visit the Web-
site at .
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-------
EPA Proposes Venting Regulation
Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act (CAA),
it is illegal to knowingly vent substitutes for chloro-
fluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon
(HCFC) refrigerants during die maintenance, ser-
vice, repair, or disposal of air-conditioning and
refrigeration equipment. In June, EPA proposed a
regulation to fully implement this venting prohibi-
tion. In brief, die proposed regulations would
accomplish die following:
• Extend to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and
perfluorocarbon (PFC) refrigerants the
requirements currendy in place for CFC and
HCFC refrigerants. These requirements
include: "required practices;" certification
programs for recovery and recycling equip-
ment, reclaimers, and technicians; leak repair
requirements; safe disposal requirements;
and a prohibition on die sale of refrigerant
to anyone but certified technicians.
• Exempt certain substitute refrigerants from die
vendng prohibition, including water, carbon
dioxide, nitrogen, hydrocarbons (in industrial
process refrigeration only), ammonia (in
absorption units and in commercial and
industrial process refrigeration only), and chlo-
rine (in industrial process refrigeration only).
• Make minor changes to required practices,
recovery equipment standards, and refrig-
erant purity standards for CFCs and
HCFCs to accommodate the addition of
the HFC and PFC refrigerants.
• Lower die maximum allowable leak rates for
comfort cooling chillers, commercial refriger-
ation, and industrial process refrigeration.
The new maximum allowable leak rates
would apply to equipment containing CFCs,
HCFCs, HFCs, and PFCs.
The full text of the proposed rule,
including the rationale for each provi-
sion, was published in die Federal Reg-
ister on June 11, 1998, at 63 FR
32044. This text also can be
found at EPA's Web site at
. For
additional informa-
tion about the pro-
posed rule,
contact EPA's
Stratospheric Ozone
Information Hotline
at 800 296-1996,
or Debbie
Ottinger of EPA at
202 564-9149.
EPA Announces 1998 Stratospheric Ozone Protection
and Climate Protection Award Winners
n 1998, EPA will present its annual Stratos-
pheric Ozone Protection Awards to individu-
als, associations, and corporations that have
. demonstrated exceptional leadership, personal
dedication, and technical achievements in protect-
ing the stratospheric ozone layer. Since 1990, over
350 awards have been presented. Winners have
come from 29 countries including Australia, Bel-
gium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Dominican
Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ire-
land, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, The
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United
Kingdom, United States, and Venezuela.
This year, EPA also will honor contributions to
climate protection with a new award, die Climate
Protection Awards. Winners of this award were
selected on the basis of originality and public pur-
pose; persuasive, moral, or organizational leader-
ship; global perspective and implication; and
significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Bodi awards will be presented at die upcom-
ing Earth Technologies Forum in Washington,
DC, on October 26 through 28, 1998. Award
recipients will be honored at a dinner sponsored
by the Alliance for Atmospheric Policy, on the
evening of October 27, 1998.
For more information, contact Norma
Hughes of EPA at 202 564-9091.
implementation
International
Stratospheric Update 5
-------
Implementation
Partnering for a Smooth
MDI Transition
In 1996, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) were
designated an "essential use" under the
Montreal Protocol because of their impor-
tance in treating serious respiratory diseases
and because chlorofluorocarbon (CFQ-free
MDIs were not available. Recently, however, the
first CFC-free MDI was introduced. All major
pharmaceudcal companies are now reformulat-
ing their MDIs to be CFC-free.
EPA and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) are work-
ing together to achieve a safe
and orderly transition
from the use of
MDIs that use
CFCs to those
Most patients and
health care providers recognize the
importance of maintaining FDA's role in manag-
ing a smooth transition and of a partnership
between FDA and EPA to facilitate that transi-
tion. Currently, FDA is reviewing public com-
ments received in response to an Advance Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) published in
March 1997. Based on the large number of
public comments received, FDA estimates that it
will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
early in 1999.
FDA and EPA recognize that involving patients
and health care professionals is critical to achieve a
successful transition. Joint outreach efforts among
industry, patient and health care professionals, and
government agencies will help educate patients,
dispel rumors, and minimize anxieties about the
transition. To this end, FDA, EPA, and the
National Institutes of Health,
along with industry and
several patient health
care organiza-
tions, have
developed a
brochure
entitled
"Your
Metered
Dose Inhaler
Will Be
Changing...
Here Are the
Facts." Copies of the
brochure are available by call-
ing EPAs Stratospheric Ozone
Information Hodine at 800 296-1996.
EPA and FDA recognize that the MDI transi-
tion will most probably proceed over a number
of years. Both agencies are committed to working
with pharmaceutical companies to ensure that
adequate supplies of CFC-MDIs are available
during the transition period. In addition, EPA
will continue to work with patients, health care
professionals, and makers of MDIs to develop
additional outreach materials and to encourage a
smooth transition for everyone involved.
For more information contact Chris
O'Donnell of EPA at 202 564-9079.
6 Stratospheric Update
-------
Report on the Supply and Demand of
CFG-12 Refrigerant in the United States
A recent EPA report concludes that the
total inventory of chlorofluorocarbon-
12 (CFC-12) refrigerant in the
United States at the beginning of this
year was higher than estimated in 1997. The
report, issued in June of this year, includes infor-
mation on the projected supply and demand of
CFC-12 in the United States between 1998 and
2002. EPA's report concludes that the total
inventory of CFC-12 in the United States at the
beginning of this year ranged between 40 mil-
lion and 75 million pounds.
Other key findings of the report include the
following:
• Chemical manufacturers, chemical packagers
and reclaimers, original equipment manufac-
turers (automakers), automotive parts retail-
ers and distributors, do-it-yourselfers,
stationary and commercial air-conditioning
and refrigeration distributors, and wholesale
clubs hold most supplies of CFC-12.
• Based on information from industry
sources, it is highly unlikely that spot
shortages of CFC-12 will occur in
1998. In fact, the supply of CFC-12 !
is plentiful in 1998, and anyone in '
the country should be able to obtain
it. Significant shortages also are
unlikely in 1999.
• Reclamation of CFC-12 did not :
increase dramatically over the past year.
Most recovered CFC-12 in the com- <
mercial and stationary sector is usually :
held by equipment owners that use the
recovered CFC-12 to service other
equipment, rather than send it to J
reclaimers. Supermarkets, for example, 1
frequently retrofit equipment at indi- '••
vidual stores and keep the recovered
CFC-12 for units that still rely on it.
• Aggressive law enforcement and industry
vigilance in reporting suspicious CFC sup-
plies greatly hindered illegal imports of
CFC-12. EPA estimates that the volume of
illegal trade was less than 10 million pounds
per year for 1996 and 1997.
• The national demand for CFC-12 in 1998
is estimated to be 27 million pounds, with
motor vehicle air-conditioning repair
accounting for 83 percent of the annual
demand. Demand is expected to decline as
market penetration of CFC-12 alternatives
increases and existing CFC-12-based equip-
ment stocks are retired. The estimated
demand for 1998 is significantly lower than
shown in the 1997 report because EPA
revised some of the assumptions used in the
modeling system that generates the demand
figures.
To obtain a copy of the report, call EPA's
Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline at
800 296-1996.
On December 31, 1995, IJ.S.'manufacturers stopped producing
CFC-12, -an -ozone-depleting refrigerant also known as TC-12. Use
of CFC-T2 from .existing supplies, however, is not prohibited.
Since the 1996 production phaseout of this widely used chemi-
cal, the national _supply of^CFC-12 'has "depended upon the
-' quantity of CFC-12 contained in stockpiles at the beginning of
^"1996, and on the quantity of CFC-12 reclaimed from existing
'-- air-corjditiqning and refrigeration equipment. The demand for
•^ CFC-12 is determined by the number of air-conditioning and
^refrigeration systems that require refrigerant to replace CFC-12
"lost through leakage and required upon servicing.
Science & Research
Stratospheric Update 7
-------
,1«
implementation
By 2001, industrialized
nations must reduce methyl
bromide production by 50
percent, and by 2005, it
must be totally phased out.
For developing countries, a
complete phaseout of
methyl bromide is scheduled
for 2015. These guidelines
are part of more stringent
controls added to the Mon-
treal Protocol at the Ninth
Meeting of the Parties held
in Montreal, Quebec, on
September 17, 1997.
The complete global phase-
out will require industrialized
countries to reduce consump-
tion by 25 percent in 1999,
then 50 percent in 2001, 70
percent in 2003, and finally
100 percent in 2005. This
action plan is based on 1991
consumption levels, which
were frozen in 1995. For
non-industrialized countries,
there will be 20 percent
reduction in 2005 and then
100 percent in 2015, based
on an average of 1995-1998
consumption levels, which
wll be frozen in 2002.
Methyl Bromide Update
"HRk JB ethyl bromide is a pesticide used
I % i H to control insects, nematodes,
I ^ m I weeds, pathogens, and rodents
I ^f 2 in sojl; buildings and other
structures, and for commodity and quarantine
treatment. Each year in the United States,
about 27,000 tons oF methyl Bromide are used
Hi agriculture, while about 76,000 tons are used
globally. Unfortunately, .methyl bromide is toxic
not only fo the pests it targets, but also,to other
organisms. Human exposure to methyl bromide
,canM resujt jpisfiiiJfsljSQjjjgi^j^t^q^aiii^^pjra-'
tory_ sjstem, failure arid C4JJ, ^damage, the Jungs,
eyes, ami skin, Several deaths 'have, occurred due
to methyl bromide exposure." "' ' '
Methyl bromide is also a significant ozone-
depledrtfj; substance. On a per molecule basis
the bromine from methyl bromide is 50 times
more damaging to otorie than the chlorine
from CFCs. Regulations that were put in place
in 199,3 will pliase out the production and
import of methyl bromide after January 1,
2001. In addition EPA froze U.S. production
in 1994 at 1991 levels. (Sec sidebar at left).
The viability of alternatives to methyl bro-
mide depends 6rt the specific crop arid target
pest where the alternative i$ i^sed—each ciop
'""l'l» t |,V
n I
i'i|i I
has a different range of pests. While methyl
bromide kills everything, alternatives target a
veiy specific range of pests such as insects or
plant diseases. Consequently, the grower using
alternatives must have a good understanding of
not only the type and population of the pests,
but also the most effective measures of control
and the best times to use them. , :
Viable alternatives must effectively anclfiCQ;
rtOmically manage the same pests as methyl bra-...
mjde. There are good technical alternatives for, ,
about 90 percent of methyl bromide uses, but
• currently not all of .these alternatives ,are, finan-
cially attractive to farmers. As! methyl, bromide.is...
phased out, it is expected that alternatives will,
become more commercially viable. Research
being conducted by the U$DA and other agen-
cies on additional Alternatives is underway and
•syill likely increase the available options,
for more information, contact IJill
Thomas of EPA at 202 564-9179 or
. Also, visit our
/Web site at or call,the
Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline at
800 296-1996 for more information on
methyl bromide.
8 Stratospheric Update
-------
f
r
Global Warming
lyiay interfere
with Ozone.Layer
According to a recent study,
increasing levels of greenhouse
gases (GHGs)—those that can
cause global warming by trapping
the earth's heat in the atmos-
phere—may thwart recovery of
the ozone layer.
The connection between GHGs
and ozone depletion lies in the
fact that GHGs, which can warm
the lower atmosphere, actually
cool the upper atmosphere, or
stratosphere. The chemistry that
leads to ozone depletion is highly
sensitive to temperature. Extremely
cold temperatures over the polar
regions create conditions that
facilitate rapid ozone depletion.
In a model simulation by scien-
tists at NASA's Goddard Institute
for Space Studies, elevated levels
of carbon dioxide (C02)-the pri-
mary GHG of concern-caused
ozone depletion to continue well
after the abundance of chlorine
(released from CFCs) had declined.
Without such interference from
C02, ozone loss would likely par-
allel more closely the rise and fall
of stratospheric chlorine levels. In
the NASA model, Arctic ozone loss
was most severe between the
years 2010 and 2019, roughly a
decade after stratospheric chlorine
levels had peaked.
"i
•-I
3
-1
••i
1998 Scientific
Assessment Reasserts
That Montreal Protocol is
Working
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
might result, complicate the picture of how quickly
the ozone layer will recover.
Atmospheric measurements also show an increase
in the abundance of CFC substitutes, another sign
that the Montreal Protocol is working. This obser-
vation would be expected given the policy direction
taken by most nations to replace CFCs with
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) (which have a
lower ozone depletion potential than CFCs) and
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) (which have no ozone
depletion potential). In the United States, EPA's
Stratospheric Protection Division has approved the
use of HCFCs and HFCs as CFC substitutes in
numerous applications.
Severe ozone loss over the Antarctic during
springtime in the southern hemisphere continues
unabated. Because of unusually cold winters in
the Arctic, stratospheric ozone levels have been
extremely low in recent years.
All told, the 1998 assessment illustrates
the effectiveness of the global transition away
from ozone-depleting substances thus far, yet it also
reminds us that our commitments to reduce ODS
emissions cannot produce changes overnight—we
will face a depleted ozone layer for decades to come.
The report further reinforces the need to stay the
course in ensuring continued compliance with the
Montreal Protocol if ozone layer recovery is ever to
be achieved.
For more information about the assessment, con-
tact Ben DeAngelo of EPA at 202 564-9295 or
.
Science & Research
~StratospheijggDpdate 9
IX
-------
r
Implementation
Cracking Down on
In 1990, Title VI of the Clean Air Act
(CAA) authorized EPA to restrict the use,
import, and disposal of ozone-depleting
substances. Today, the Agency is uphold-
ing those regulations through education and
enforcement efforts.
By law, businesses that repair, service,
or scrap air-conditioning systems
and appliances, which can
release large amounts of
chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs) or hydrochloro-
fluorocarbons (HCFCs),
must certify to EPA that
they use federally
approved procedures in
recovering and recycling or
iming these chemicals. The
tion Division of each
rs in their individual
;ations, often con-
'ederal Bureau
Cri
EPA regi
geograph
ducted in o
of Investigatio
and the U.S. Cus"
increasing numbers o
civil fines to significant ja,
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?!
office has been extremely successful ff.
ue Service,
isulted in
from
enforcement efforts. Since November 1997, this
office has named 30 parties in illegal CFC
actions, resulting in settlements totaling
$81,213. In one recent case, a facility allegedly
employed an uncertified technician who did not
use required CFC recovery and recycling equip-
ment to service air conditioners and water cool-
ers. EPA is seeking a $129,400 fine in this case.
EPA cracked down in other parts of the coun-
try as well, often with even more serious conse-
quences. In March 1998, the U.S. Attorney for
the Northern District of Ohio sentenced Herman
Brodzenski to 12 months in a federal prison for
illegally certifying 100 refrigerant technicians.
EPA's success in enforcing Title VI regulations
is expected to increase in the future. According to
Dawn Banks, of EPA's Office of Compliance,
"Now that the Title VI rules have been out there
for a few years, and we have made extensive,
repeated efforts to educate the public about the
regulations, there is really no excuse for noncom-
pliance. Today, we are less and less likely to be
lenient when pursuing penalties."
For more information on Title VI regula-
tions or EPA's enforcement activites, contact
Dawn Banks of EPA at 202 564-7034. You
also can visit our Web site at .
EPA Prepares for the Year 2000
It seems that every day, newspapers, maga-
zines, and TV stations report new challenges
presented by the Year2000 computer issue.
To promote a better understanding of the poten-
tial effects of "Y2K" computer problems on envi-
ronmental protection issues, EPA has launched a
dialogue with its partners and customers.
Until the end of 1999, EPA and other federal
agencies will be working with industry, state and
local governments, organizations, and private cit-
izens to address Y2K challenges. Because many
aspects of environmental protection rely on
automated reporting and record keeping, EPA is
taking a lead in fostering Y2K information
exchange, so that no one is taken by surprise as
the new millennium begins.
EPA is interested in learning about its cus-
tomers' concerns, experiences, or innovative
approaches to dealing with Y2K. For more infor-
mation about Y2K and what EPA is doing to
plan for a smooth transition or to share your sto-
ries, consult EPA's Year 2000 homepage at
, or contact EPA's Dwayne
Aydlett at . Stay
tuned for more information from the Stratos-
pheric Protection Division and other parts of
EPA about the Year 2000 issue.
10 Stratospheric Update
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Going to the Source
EPA Petition Process Curbs Illegal Imports
etween January and June, EPA
responded to 93 petitions from com-
panies seeking to import previously
used ozone-depleting substances
(ODS) into the United States from other coun-
tries. Although the Clean Air Act (CAA)
Amendments of 1990 ban the import of the
ODSs most destructive to the ozone layer, such
as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, cer-
tain exemptions exist for chemicals that have
been used and removed from operating equip-
ment. Allowing the import of these used sub-
stances helps optimize the use of existing
supplies, discourages the production of virgin
material, discourages venting of the substance to
the atmosphere, and prevents shortages in sec-
tors that still rely on these substances. •""
. set up the petition process so the Agency
could independently verify that substances'!a per-
son wishes to import have, in fact, been previ-
ously used. Companies that want to importpjSJ7
substances submit their request to EPA. The I x
requests must detail the original source facility
where the substance was used. EPA works closely
with U.S. Customs, the Department of Justice,
and other relevant agencies to minimize illegal
imports of ODSs and to ensure those who do
import illegally are caught and convicted.
The number of petitions submitted to EPA
has increased every year since the phaseout dates
for ODSs were established under the CAA. In
the last 6 months of 1995, EPA received 31 peti-
tions; in 1996, EPA received 73 petitions, and in
1997, the number of petitions submitted
climbed to 182.
For more information about EPA's petition
process, or if you suspect someone is attempting to
^'^ffle^rfim'pdn'OEySsrcoffitatre Ben DeAngelo of
EPA at 202 564-9295 or.-.
uJSs1 a^so can ca^ the Stratospheric Ozone Ififorma-
jpera-Hotline at 800 296-1996. Please seepage 12
^3&infgit$pation about EPA's new feet sheet on
ffc^liajfe-t CFCs.. ' ---
Implementation
Stratospheric Update 11
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For Weathercasters
How «*n oo the UV
Index, but it is use-
ftit jo anyone who
tiU'reiipOiiire to
the Mill. It con-
uijii inf'orniii"
.
Schools Learn Sun Safety
EPAs SunWise
School Program aims
to teach elementary
school children and
their caregivers about the
health risks of overexpo-
sure to the sun and about
smart sun protection behav-
iors. To learn how schools
and other groups can partici-
pate in this muldyear partner-
ship, check out Be Safe in the
Sun! The SunWise School Program,
(EPA430-F-98-009) This brochure
gives a brief overview of die program
and provides points of contact. Call
the Stratospheric Ozone Information
Hotline at 800 296-1996 or visit the
SunWise Web site at for more information.
Champions Update
EPA recently updated a
document that highlights the
varied accomplishments of the
individuals, associations, and
corporations diat have
received EPAs Stratospheric
Ozone Protection Award from
1990 to 1996. Newest Cham-
pions of the World profiles the
1997 winners of this presti-
gious award. The 1997 win-
ners were selected because
their accomplishments
resulted in significant,environmental
improvements through leadership, moti-
vation, and,technical innovation. The
awards were presented during the 1997
International Conference on Ozone Layer
Protection Technologies in Baltimore,
Maryland, on November 13, 1997. To
request a copy of the Newest Champions
of the W&r^(EPA430-K-98-003), con-
tact the Stratospheric Ozone Informa-
tion Hotline at 800 296-1996.
Black Market CFCs
A new EPA fact sheet informs whole-
salers, distributors, and retailers of the
consequences of buying or possessing
illegal CFCs. The fact sheet, Black Mar-
ket CFCs and You—A Criminal Combi-
nation (EPA305-F-98-001), describes
potential penalties for purchasing or pos-
sessing CFCs illegally smuggled into die
country, provides tips on how you can
ensure the CFCs you buy are legal,,, and
includes examples of what has happened
to people who have
been convicted of
buying or smuggling
CFCs. To request a
copy of Black Market
CFCs and You—A,
Criminal Combina-
tion (EPA305-F-98-
001), call the
Stratospheric Ozone
Information Hotline
at 800 296-1996.
United Slates Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street. SW. (6205J)
Washington, DC 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
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