National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) Sorbent Product List
Sorbents Under the National Contingency Plan (NCP)
The NCP defines sorbents under 40 CFR 300.5 as:
- Inert and insoluble substances that readily absorb and/or adsorb oil or hazardous substances, and that are not combined with or act as a chemical agent, biological agent, or sinking agent.
- Sorbents may be used in their natural bulk form or as manufactured products in particulate form, sheets, rolls, pillows, or booms.
- Sorbents are generally collected and recovered from the environment.
- Sorbents consist of:
- Natural organic substances (e.g., feathers, cork, peat moss, and cellulose fibers such as bagasse, corncobs, and straw);
- Inorganic/mineral compounds (e.g., volcanic ash, perlite, vermiculite, zeolite, clay); and
- Synthetic compounds (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester).
Understanding the Sorbent Product List
There are two ways sorbents are identified on the Sorbent Product List.
- Known sorbent materials identified under § 300.915(g)(1), and sorbent products that consist solely of any combination of the materials specifically identified under § 300.915(g)(1), are automatically covered under the generic materials listings on the Sorbent Product List through application of 300.915(g)(1). For such products, no technical data are required to be submitted to qualify as a sorbent on the Sorbent Product List, and no further action is necessary prior to use as a sorbent under Subpart J of the NCP. Materials identified under §300.915(g)(1) are:
- Feathers, cork, peat moss, and cellulose fibers such as bagasse, corncobs, and straw;
- Volcanic ash, perlite, vermiculite, zeolite, and clay; and
- Polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyester.
- Products subject to 300.915(g)(2) listing provisions: Products that consist of one or more natural organic substances, inorganic/mineral compounds, and/or synthetic compounds that are not specifically identified under § 300.915(g)(1), and that the product submitter believes meet the definition of a sorbent, are subject to review and approval by EPA prior to listing on the Sorbent Product List.
- For products subject to 300.915(g)(2), information must be submitted as applicable under § 300.915(g)(2) and § 300.955(a) and (b) for EPA to determine whether the product meets the listing requirements in the NCP.
- If you need assistance adding a sorbent product to the Sorbent Product List, please call the NCP Product Schedule Information Line at (202) 260-2342.
NOTE: Sorbent products covered by § 300.915(g)(1) are considered listed on the Sorbent Product List whether or not they are specifically identified by a product name, brand, or trademark. A submitter who has determined its sorbent product is listed under § 300.915(g)(1), but still wants to have the brand or trademarked product listed on the Sorbent Product List, may ask EPA to specifically include their brand or trademarked sorbent product by sending EPA (see address below) the following information:
- The sorbent product manufacturer’s name, physical address, email, and telephone number, and
- The name(s), brand(s), and/or trademark(s) of the sorbent product to EPA’s NCP Product Schedule Manager.
Specific listing of sorbent products with a brand or trademark under § 300.915(g)(1) are based solely on representations made by the product submitter and do NOT represent a determination made by EPA that the manufacturer is in compliance with 300.915(g)(1).
Sorbent Product List
Under § 300.915(g)(1), the Sorbent Product List covers sorbent products that consist solely of the materials, or any combination thereof, identified in § 300.915(g)(1)(i)-(iii). No technical data are required to be submitted to EPA. A sorbent product covered by § 300.915(g)(1) is considered generically listed on the Sorbent Product List whether or not the sorbent product is specifically identified using a brand or trademark. OSCs should be aware that a sorbent product that consist solely of the materials, or any combination thereof, listed in § 300.915(g)(1)(i)-(iii), but not specifically identified by a brand or trademark, are generically listed on the Sorbent Product List.
NOTE: Response actions, including the use of sorbents, are subject to OSC oversight under the NCP.
If you want to add a sorbent product to the Sorbent Product List, please continue to the National Contingency Plan Subpart J main page or call the NCP Product Schedule Information Line at (202) 260-2342 for further instructions.
The Sorbent Product List (April 2024) (pdf) is available for download.