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Interpretation Response #08-0234 ([NASA Wallops Flight Facility] [Mr. Ernest Conwell])

Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date:

Company Name: NASA Wallops Flight Facility

Individual Name: Mr. Ernest Conwell

Location State: VA Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

October 29, 2008






Mr. Ernest Conwell

NSROC Program Office

P.O. Box 99

Building M16 Room 107

NASA Wallops Flight Facility

Wallops Island, Virginia 23337

Ref. No. 08-0234

Dear Mr. Conwell:

This responds to your September, 23 2008 letter requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Specifically, you ask if a rocket motor containing fuel comprised of 38.6% (.05 ppm) Nitroglycerin meets the definition of a "hazardous substance" under the HMR. The referenced concentration in the rocket motor equals approximately 700 pounds of nitroglycerin.

The answer is yes. A Hazardous substance is defined in § 171.8 as a material, including its mixtures and solutions, that is listed in Appendix A to § 172.101, and is in a quantity, in one package, that equals or exceeds the reportable quantity (RQ) for the material listed in Appendix A. Nitroglycerin is listed in Appendix A to § 172.101 with a reportable quantity of 10 pounds. The concentration of Nitroglycerin in the rocket motor exceeds the reportable quantity in one package (700 pounds of Nitroglycerin in the rocket motor). Therefore, the rocket motor meets the definition of a hazardous substance.

I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if you require additional assistance.

Sincerely,

Susan Gorsky

Acting Chief, Standards Development

Office of Hazardous Materials Standards

171.8, 172.101

Regulation Sections