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