View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings Printer-Friendly Version     Download RIN Data in XML
EPA/WATER RIN: 2040-AD54 Publication ID: Fall 2010 
Title: National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (NSDWR): Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and Technical Corrections to the NSDWR 
Abstract: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) was primarily used as an automobile fuel additive, introduced in the late 1970s during lead phase-out as an octane enhancer. Production increased in the 1990s to meet the requirement of the federal Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and Oxyfuels programs required by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. However, MTBE has been detected in ground water and drinking water in a number of states due to leaking underground storage tanks and leaking pipelines. At least 25 states passed laws banning or limiting MTBE use, and MTBE use declined after 1999. Refiners removed MTBE from gasoline in 2006. Although most drinking water detections are at levels well below health concern, MTBE's distinctive turpentine-like taste and odor can be detected at low levels. Presently, the Agency is revising the health assessment for MTBE. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 143 (Revision)   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 300f et seq   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  To Be Determined    
Additional Information: SAN No. 4404
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Sectors Affected: 22131 Water Supply and Irrigation Systems 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Wynne Miller
Environmental Protection Agency
Water
4607M, 4607M,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 564-4887
Fax:202 564-3760
Email: miller.wynne@epamail.epa.gov