News and Media
17/08/2010
ADVANCE NOTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR IMPORTS OF ELEMENTAL MERCURY USED IN CERTAIN PRODUCTS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule, effective 20 August, 2010. A significant new use rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for elemental mercury for use in flow meters, natural gas manometers and pyrometers, except those in service as of 11 September 2009 will be implemented. This new regulation requires companies who intend to import, manufacture or process elemental mercury for an activity designated as a significant new use to notify the EPA at least 90 days prior to commencing any such activity. This notification will provide the EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs.
This action is in line with on-going efforts by the EPA to further regulate and in some cases prohibit the use of hazardous chemicals, including mercury and lead, in certain products.
Various U.S. states have banned the sale of mercury-containing flow metres, manometers, pyrometers and other products, including California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont.
Information on these and other recent developments can be obtained from our senior consultants.
Champlain, NY:
Michelle Wells (877) 806-2541 ext. 109
mwells@metrocb.com
Montréal:
Michael Zobin (514) 982-3255
mzobin@omnitrans.com
Toronto:
Peter Sammut (905) 677-3092 Ext. 235
psammut@omnitrans.com
Vancouver:
Ross James (604) 279-9970 Ext. 224
rjames@omnitrans.com


