EPA finalized a significant new use rule for 329 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are designated as inactive on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory.

EPA released a decision framework for use by the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics New Chemicals Division for identification of eye irritation or corrosion hazards for new chemical substances based on prioritization of reproducible, human-relevant data. 

EPA announced the release of and seeks comment on the Waste Reduction Model (WARM) version 16 and its supporting documentation. 

EPA announced the establishment of the Vector Expedited Review Voucher program, which will incentivize the development of new insecticides to control and prevent the spread of vector-borne disease. 

EPA announced the initiation of and seeks comment on the prioritization process for five chemical substances as candidates for designation as high-priority substances for risk evaluation under TSCA and related implementing regulations.

In re: Mallinckrodt PLC, No. 20-12522 (D. Del. Dec. 4, 2023). A proposed settlement agreement grants the United States an allowed unsecured claim against a settling CERCLA defendant on behalf of DOI in the amount of $56,880,784, and for EPA in the amount of $499,216, for past costs and future liability as a potential liable party at the Sangamo Electric Dump/Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Site. 

United States v. Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC, No. 1:22-cv-00303 (N.D. Ill. Dec. 7, 2023). Under a proposed consent decree, a settling RCRA defendant that allegedly violated various hazardous waste management requirements at five of its facilities must comply with extensive measures to assure its facilities do not manage used parts washing solvent that is subject to regulation as hazardous waste and pay civil penalties totaling $1,162,500.

United States v. TCI Pacific Communications LLC, No. 23-4218 (C.D. Ill. Dec. 5, 2023). Under a proposed consent decree, a settling CERCLA defendant must pay a total of $368,831.16 in EPA’s response costs and perform remedial work with respect to Operable Unit 4 of the DePue/New Jersey Zinc/Mobil Chemical Corp. Superfund Site in DePue, Illinois. 

United States v. Wyeth Holdings LLC, No. 2:23-cv-22922 (D.N.J. Dec. 6, 2023). Under a proposed consent decree, a settling CERCLA defendant that allegedly released hazardous substances at or from the American Cyanamid Superfund Site in Somerset County, New Jersey, causing injury to floodplains, riparian areas, and wetlands adjacent to the site and the biota supported by these habitats, must undertake and fund the “Duke Farms Forested Floodplain Restoration Project,” which will restore 112 areas of former farmland located upstream of the site on the Raritan River to a natural habitat, as well as pay for assessment and oversight costs.

EPA announced the availability of the Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics, developed by the Agency, USDA, and FDA to help prevent the loss and waste of food, where possible, increase recycling of food and other organic materials to support a more circular economy for all, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save households and businesses money, and build cleaner and healthier communities.