EPA is issuing this final rule to establish fees for the accreditation of training programs and certification of contractors engaged in lead-based paint activities pursuant to section 402(a)(3) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). As specified in section 402(a)(3), EPA must establish and implement a fee schedule to recover for the U.S. Treasury the Agency's cost of administering and enforcing the standards and requirements applicable to lead-based paint training programs and contractors engaged in lead-based paint activities. Specifically, this rule establishes the fees to be charged in those States and Indian country without authorized programs, for training programs seeking accreditation under 40 CFR 745.225, and for individuals or firms engaged in lead-based paint activities seeking certification under 40 CFR 745.226. About three-quarters of the nation's housing stock built before 1978 (64 million homes) contains some lead-based paint. When properly maintained and managed, this paint poses little risk. If improperly managed, chips and dust from this paint can create a health hazard. Recent studies indicate that nearly one million children have blood- lead levels above safe limits; the most common source of lead exposure in the United States is lead-based paint. Today's rule supports the effort of 40 CFR part 745, subpart L to ensure that contractors claiming to know how to inspect, assess or remove lead-based paint, dust or soil are well qualified, trained and certified to conduct these activities. DATES: This rule is effective October 19, 1998 unless significant adverse comments are received by October 2, 1998. If significant adverse comments are received in a timely manner, this rule will be subsequently withdrawn and notice will be published in the Federal Register before the effective date.