Dimethoate Revised Risk Assessments; Notice of Availability and Solicitation of Risk Reduction Options, 53005-53008 [05-17545]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 171 / Tuesday, September 6, 2005 / Notices appropriate docket identification number (OW–2004–0041). For those wishing to make public comments, it is important to note that EPA’s policy is that comments, whether submitted electronically or on paper, will be made available for public viewing in EPA’s electronic public docket as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, confidential business information (CBI), or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that material in the version of the comment that is placed in EPA’s electronic public docket. The entire printed comment, including the copyrighted material, will be available in the public docket. Public comments submitted on computer disks mailed or delivered to the Docket will be transferred to EPA’s electronic public docket. Written public comments mailed or delivered to the Docket will be scanned and placed in EPA’s electronic public docket. B. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments? You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket identification number (OW– 2004–0041) in the subject line on the first page of your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period. 1. Electronically. If you submit an electronic comment as prescribed below, EPA recommends that you include your name, mailing address, and an e-mail address or other contact information in the body of your comment. Also include this contact information on the outside of any disk or CD ROM you submit, and in any cover letter accompanying the disk or CD ROM. This ensures that you can be identified as the submittor of the comment, and it allows EPA to contact you if further information on the substance of the comment is needed or if your comment cannot be read due to technical difficulties. EPA’s policy is that EPA will not edit your comment, and any identifying or contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included as part of the comment placed in the official public docket and made available in EPA’s electronic public docket. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for VerDate Aug<18>2005 13:21 Sep 02, 2005 Jkt 205001 clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. i. EDOCKET. Your use of EPA’s electronic public docket to submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA’s preferred method for receiving comments. Go directly to EDOCKET at https://www.epa.gov/edocket/, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. To access EPA’s electronic public docket from the EPA Internet Home Page, https:// www.epa.gov, select ‘‘Information Sources,’’ ‘‘Dockets,’’ and ‘‘EDOCKET.’’ Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ and then key in Docket ID No. OW–2004– 0041. The system is an anonymous access system, which means EPA will not know your identity, e-mail address, or other contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. ii. E-mail. Comments may be sent by electronic mail (e-mail) to OW.Docket@epa.gov, Attention Docket ID No. OW–2004–0041. In contrast to EPA’s electronic public docket, EPA’s email system is not an anonymous access system. If you send an e-mail comment directly to the docket without going through EPA’s electronic public docket, EPA’s e-mail system automatically captures your e-mail address. E-mail addresses that are automatically captured by EPA’s e-mail system are included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA’s electronic public docket. iii. Disk or CD ROM. You may submit comments on a disk or CD ROM mailed to the mailing address identified in section I.B.2 of this notice. These electronic submissions will be accepted in Word, WordPerfect or rich text files. Avoid the use of special characters and any form of encryption. 2. By Mail. Send your comments to: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, OW Docket, EPA Docket Center (EPA/ DC), Mail Code: 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC, 20460, Attention Docket ID No. OW–2004–0041. 3. By Hand Delivery or Courier. Deliver your comments to: EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Room B102, EPA West Building, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, Attention Docket ID No. OW–2004–0041 (note: this is not a mailing address). Such deliveries are only accepted during the docket’s normal hours of operation as identified in section I.A.1 of this notice. Information on Services for Individuals with Disabilities: For information on access or services for individuals with disabilities, please contact Marion Kelly at (202) 566–1045 or email: Kelly.Marion@EPA.GOV to PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53005 request accommodation of a disability, at least ten days prior to the meeting, to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. Dated: August 26, 2005. Richard Reding, Designated Federal Officer. [FR Doc. 05–17616 Filed 9–2–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [OPP–2005–0084; FRL–7730–5] Dimethoate Revised Risk Assessments; Notice of Availability and Solicitation of Risk Reduction Options Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). AGENCY: ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA’s revised risk assessments for the organophosphate pesticide dimethoate. In addition, this notice solicits public comment on risk reduction options for dimethoate. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing an Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision (IRED) for dimethoate through the full, 6–Phase public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and safety standards. Comments must be received on or before November 7, 2005. DATES: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP– 2005–0084, may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Plummer, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (703) 305–0076; fax number: (703) 308– 7042; e-mail address: plummer.stephanie@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\06SEN1.SGM 06SEN1 53006 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 171 / Tuesday, September 6, 2005 / Notices I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information? 1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket ID number OPP–2005– 0084. The official public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received, and other information related to this action. Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is (703) 305–5805. 2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. An electronic version of the public docket is available through EPA’s electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets at https://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ then key in the appropriate docket ID number. Certain types of information will not be placed in the EPA Dockets. Information claimed as CBI and other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute, which is not included in the official public docket, VerDate Aug<18>2005 13:21 Sep 02, 2005 Jkt 205001 will not be available for public viewing in EPA’s electronic public docket. EPA’s policy is that copyrighted material will not be placed in EPA’s electronic public docket but will be available only in printed, paper form in the official public docket. To the extent feasible, publicly available docket materials will be made available in EPA’s electronic public docket. When a document is selected from the index list in EPA Dockets, the system will identify whether the document is available for viewing in EPA’s electronic public docket. Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. EPA intends to work towards providing electronic access to all of the publicly available docket materials through EPA’s electronic public docket. For public commenters, it is important to note that EPA’s policy is that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, will be made available for public viewing in EPA’s electronic public docket as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that material in the version of the comment that is placed in EPA’s electronic public docket. The entire printed comment, including the copyrighted material, will be available in the public docket. Public comments submitted on computer disks that are mailed or delivered to the docket will be transferred to EPA’s electronic public docket. Public comments that are mailed or delivered to the docket will be scanned and placed in EPA’s electronic public docket. Where practical, physical objects will be photographed, and the photograph will be placed in EPA’s electronic public docket along with a brief description written by the docket staff. C. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments? You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket ID number in the subject line on the first page of your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked ‘‘late.’’ EPA is not required to PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 consider these late comments. If you wish to submit CBI or information that is otherwise protected by statute, please follow the instructions in Unit I.D. Do not use EPA Dockets or e-mail to submit CBI or information protected by statute. 1. Electronically. If you submit an electronic comment as prescribed in this unit, EPA recommends that you include your name, mailing address, and an email address or other contact information in the body of your comment. Also include this contact information on the outside of any disk or CD ROM you submit, and in any cover letter accompanying the disk or CD ROM. This ensures that you can be identified as the submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact you in case EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties or needs further information on the substance of your comment. EPA’s policy is that EPA will not edit your comment, and any identifying or contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA’s electronic public docket. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. i. EPA Dockets. Your use of EPA’s electronic public docket to submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA’s preferred method for receiving comments. Go directly to EPA Dockets at https://www.epa.gov/edocket/, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once in the system, select ‘‘search,’’ and then key in docket ID number OPP–2005–0084. The system is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity, e-mail address, or other contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. ii. E-mail. Comments may be sent by e-mail to opp-docket@epa.gov, Attention: Docket ID Number OPP– 2005–0084. In contrast to EPA’s electronic public docket, EPA’s e-mail system is not an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system. If you send an e-mail comment directly to the docket without going through EPA’s electronic public docket, EPA’s e-mail system automatically captures your e-mail address. E-mail addresses that are automatically captured by EPA’s e-mail system are included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA’s electronic public docket. iii. Disk or CD ROM. You may submit comments on a disk or CD ROM that you mail to the mailing address E:\FR\FM\06SEN1.SGM 06SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 171 / Tuesday, September 6, 2005 / Notices identified in Unit I.C.2. These electronic submissions will be accepted in WordPerfect or ASCII file format. Avoid the use of special characters and any form of encryption. 2. By mail. Send your comments to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001, Attention: Docket ID Number OPP–2005–0084. 3. By hand delivery or courier. Deliver your comments to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID Number OPP–2005–0084. Such deliveries are only accepted during the docket’s normal hours of operation as identified in Unit I.B.1. D. How Should I Submit CBI to the Agency? Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI electronically through EPA’s electronic public docket or by e-mail. You may claim information that you submit to EPA as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as CBI (if you submit CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is CBI). Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket and EPA’s electronic public docket. If you submit the copy that does not contain CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM clearly that it does not contain CBI. Information not marked as CBI will be included in the public docket and EPA’s electronic public docket without prior notice. If you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. E. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your comments: 1. Explain your views as clearly as possible. 2. Describe any assumptions that you used. VerDate Aug<18>2005 13:21 Sep 02, 2005 Jkt 205001 3. Provide any technical information and/or data you used that support your views. 4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at your estimate. 5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns. 6. Offer alternatives. 7. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. 8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket ID number in the subject line on the first page of your response. It would also be helpful if you provided the name, date, and Federal Register citation related to your comments. II. Background A. What Action is the Agency Taking? EPA is making available the Agency’s revised risk assessments, initially made available to the public for comment through a technical briefing on December 14, 1999, as well as related documents for dimethoate. EPA also is soliciting public comment on risk reduction options for dimethoate, namely, possible ways to mitigate drinking water risks, risks to workers, and risks to wildlife, as well as any data that may be available on the rate of conversion of dimethoate to omethoate during drinking water treatment. EPA developed the risk assessments for dimethoate as part of its public process for making pesticide reregistration eligibility and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that pesticides meet current standards under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA). Dimethoate is a systemic organophosphate insecticide used for control of a wide variety of insect pests on a number of fruit, vegetable, grain, and field crops, as well as ornamentals and non-cropland adjacent to agricultural fields. EPA is providing an opportunity, through this notice, for interested parties to provide risk management proposals or otherwise comment on risk management for dimethoate. Risks of concern associated with the use of dimethoate are as follows: 1. Dietary risks from food and drinking water together exceed the Agency’s level of concern on an acute basis for all population subgroups, and on a chronic basis for infants and children. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53007 2. Risks to occupational handlers for some handler scenarios exceed the level of concern. 3. Post-application risks for some exposure scenarios exceed the level of concern. 4. The Agency’s ecological levels of concern are exceeded for birds on an acute and chronic basis, mammals on an acute and chronic basis, freshwater fish on a chronic basis, and freshwater invertebrates on an acute and chronic basis. In targeting these risks of concern, the Agency solicits information on effective and practical risk reduction measures. EPA is applying the principles of public participation to all pesticides undergoing reregistration and tolerance reassessment. The Agency’s Pesticide Tolerance Reassessment and Reregistration; Public Participation Process, published in the Federal Register on May 14, 2004, (69 FR 26819) (FRL–7357–9), explains that in conducting these programs, EPA is tailoring its public participation process to be commensurate with the level of risk, extent of use, complexity of issues, and degree of public concern associated with each pesticide. Due to its uses, risks, and other factors, dimethoate is being reviewed through the full 6–Phase public participation process. All comments should be submitted using the methods in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, and must be received by EPA on or before the comment period deadline. Comments and proposals will become part of the official public docket for dimethoate. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked ‘‘late.’’ EPA is not required to consider these late comments. After considering comments received, EPA will develop and issue for comment the dimethoate IRED. The decisions presented in this IRED may be supplemented by further risk mitigation measures when EPA considers its cumulative assessment of the organophosphate pesticides. B. What is the Agency’s Authority for Taking this Action? Section 4(g)(2) of FIFRA, as amended, directs that, after submission of all data concerning a pesticide active ingredient, ‘‘the Administrator shall determine whether pesticides containing such active ingredient are eligible for reregistration,’’ before calling in product specific data on individual end-use products and either reregistering products or taking other ‘‘appropriate regulatory action.’’ Section 408(q) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to review E:\FR\FM\06SEN1.SGM 06SEN1 53008 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 171 / Tuesday, September 6, 2005 / Notices tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues in effect as of August 2, 1996, to determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2) of FFDCA. This review is to be completed by August 3, 2006. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Dimethoate, Pesticides and pests. Dated: August 30, 2005. Debra Edwards, Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. 05–17545 Filed 9–1–05; 9:12 am] National Environmental Policy Act is also available at the above Internet address or by mail from the address listed below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Diane Smith, EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202, Telephone: (214) 665–7191, or via email to the following address: smith.diane@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulated Entities. Entities potentially regulated by this action are those which operate offshore oil and gas extraction facilities located in the territorial seas off Texas. BILLING CODE 6560–50–S Category Examples of regulated entities ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Industry .......... Offshore Oil and Gas Extraction Platforms. [FRL–7964–8] This table lists the types of entities that EPA is now aware could potentially be regulated by this action. Other types of entities not listed in the table could also be regulated. To determine whether your (facility, company, business, organization, etc.) is regulated by this action, you should carefully examine the applicability criteria in part I. section A.1. of the general permit. If you have questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Pursuant to section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 U.S.C. 1342, EPA proposed and solicited comments on NPDES general permit TXG260000 at 66 FR 29948 (November 17, 2003). Notice of this proposed permit was also published in the Houston Chronicle on November 20, 2003. The comment period closed on January 16, 2004. Region 6 received comments from the Offshore Operators Committee, the International Association of Drilling Contractors, and the Railroad Commission of Texas. EPA Region 6 has considered all comments received. In response to those comments the following changes were made to the proposed permit. Ambient density stratification data were examined and the critical dilutions required for the produced water toxicity limits were recalculated. The proposed 48-hour acute toxicity limit was replaced with a seven day chronic toxicity limit in the final permit. An exemption for toxicity caused by total dissolved solids was included for the 24-hour acute toxicity limits. The permit allows collection of a single grab sample for toxicity testing. The State lease and well numbers are required to Reissuance of the NPDES General Permit for the Territorial Seas Off Texas (TXG260000) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of Final NPDES General Permit Reissuance. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Regional Administrator of Region 6 today issues the final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) ‘‘General Permit for the Territorial Seas off Texas’’ (No. TXG260000) for discharges from existing and new dischargers and New Sources in the Offshore Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category (40 CFR part 435, subpart A) as authorized by section 402 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1342. The permit supercedes the previous general permit (TX0085651) issued on September 15, 1983 and published in the Federal Register at 48 FR 41494. That permit authorized discharges from exploration, development, and production facilities located in and discharging to the territorial seas off Texas. Through this reissuance, EPA includes current technology and water quality based effluent limitations consistent with National Effluent Limitations Guidelines, Federal Ocean Discharge Criteria, and State Water Quality Standards. A copy of the Region’s responses to comments and the final permit may be obtained by mail from the address listed below or from the EPA Region 6 Internet site: https://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/ 6wq.htm. A Record of Decision which completes the Environmental Assessment process required by the VerDate Aug<18>2005 13:21 Sep 02, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 be reported on the notice of intent to be covered. Unmeasurable de minimis discharges of drilling fluids such as wind blown splatters from pipe racks are authorized. A number of minor typographical changes and clarifications were also made to the permit’s language. Dated: August 26, 2005. Miguel I. Flores, Director, Water Quality Protection Division, Region 6. [FR Doc. 05–17614 Filed 9–2–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION Farm Credit Administration Board; Regular Meeting Farm Credit Administration. Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b(e)(3)), of the regular meeting of the Farm Credit Administration Board (Board). Date and Time: The regular meeting of the Board will be held at the offices of the Farm Credit Administration in McLean, Virginia, on September 8, 2005, from 9 a.m. until such time as the Board concludes its business. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeanette C. Brinkley, Secretary to the Farm Credit Administration Board, (703) 883–4009, TTY (703) 883–4056. ADDRESSES: Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102–5090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Parts of this meeting of the Board will be open to the public (limited space available), and parts will be closed to the public. In order to increase the accessibility to Board meetings, persons requiring assistance should make arrangements in advance. The matters to be considered at the meeting are: AGENCY: SUMMARY: Open Session A. Approval of Minutes • August 11, 2005 (Open and Closed). B. Reports • FCS Building Association Quarterly Report. C. New Business—Regulations • Receivership Repudiation Authorities—Final Rule. Closed Session* • OSMO Quarterly Report. *Session Closed—Exempt pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(8) and (9). E:\FR\FM\06SEN1.SGM 06SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 171 (Tuesday, September 6, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53005-53008]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17545]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPP-2005-0084; FRL-7730-5]


Dimethoate Revised Risk Assessments; Notice of Availability and 
Solicitation of Risk Reduction Options

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's revised risk 
assessments for the organophosphate pesticide dimethoate. In addition, 
this notice solicits public comment on risk reduction options for 
dimethoate. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas 
or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing an 
Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision (IRED) for dimethoate 
through the full, 6-Phase public participation process that the Agency 
uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and 
tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is 
ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and safety standards.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 7, 2005.

ADDRESSES:  Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number 
OPP-2005-0084, may be submitted electronically, by mail, or through 
hand delivery/courier. Follow the detailed instructions as provided in 
Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Stephanie Plummer, Special Review and 
Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 305-0076; fax 
number: (703) 308-7042; e-mail address: plummer.stephanie@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 53006]]

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of 
interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human 
health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide 
users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, 
or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency 
has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be 
affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the 
applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?

    1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this 
action under docket ID number OPP-2005-0084. The official public docket 
consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any 
public comments received, and other information related to this action. 
Although a part of the official docket, the public docket does not 
include Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket 
is the collection of materials that is available for public viewing at 
the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, 
Crystal Mall 2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This docket 
facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is (703) 305-
5805.
    2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
    An electronic version of the public docket is available through 
EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may 
use EPA Dockets at https://www.epa.gov/edocket/ to submit or view public 
comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official 
public docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that 
are available electronically. Once in the system, select ``search,'' 
then key in the appropriate docket ID number.
    Certain types of information will not be placed in the EPA Dockets. 
Information claimed as CBI and other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute, which is not included in the official public 
docket, will not be available for public viewing in EPA's electronic 
public docket. EPA's policy is that copyrighted material will not be 
placed in EPA's electronic public docket but will be available only in 
printed, paper form in the official public docket. To the extent 
feasible, publicly available docket materials will be made available in 
EPA's electronic public docket. When a document is selected from the 
index list in EPA Dockets, the system will identify whether the 
document is available for viewing in EPA's electronic public docket. 
Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you 
may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through 
the docket facility identified in Unit I.B.1. EPA intends to work 
towards providing electronic access to all of the publicly available 
docket materials through EPA's electronic public docket.
    For public commenters, it is important to note that EPA's policy is 
that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper, 
will be made available for public viewing in EPA's electronic public 
docket as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment 
contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment 
containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that 
material in the version of the comment that is placed in EPA's 
electronic public docket. The entire printed comment, including the 
copyrighted material, will be available in the public docket.
    Public comments submitted on computer disks that are mailed or 
delivered to the docket will be transferred to EPA's electronic public 
docket. Public comments that are mailed or delivered to the docket will 
be scanned and placed in EPA's electronic public docket. Where 
practical, physical objects will be photographed, and the photograph 
will be placed in EPA's electronic public docket along with a brief 
description written by the docket staff.

C. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments?

    You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand 
delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the 
appropriate docket ID number in the subject line on the first page of 
your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the 
specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the 
comment period will be marked ``late.'' EPA is not required to consider 
these late comments. If you wish to submit CBI or information that is 
otherwise protected by statute, please follow the instructions in Unit 
I.D. Do not use EPA Dockets or e-mail to submit CBI or information 
protected by statute.
    1. Electronically. If you submit an electronic comment as 
prescribed in this unit, EPA recommends that you include your name, 
mailing address, and an e-mail address or other contact information in 
the body of your comment. Also include this contact information on the 
outside of any disk or CD ROM you submit, and in any cover letter 
accompanying the disk or CD ROM. This ensures that you can be 
identified as the submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact 
you in case EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties 
or needs further information on the substance of your comment. EPA's 
policy is that EPA will not edit your comment, and any identifying or 
contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included 
as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, 
and made available in EPA's electronic public docket. If EPA cannot 
read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you 
for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment.
    i. EPA Dockets. Your use of EPA's electronic public docket to 
submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA's preferred method for 
receiving comments. Go directly to EPA Dockets at https://www.epa.gov/
edocket/, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments. 
Once in the system, select ``search,'' and then key in docket ID number 
OPP-2005-0084. The system is an ``anonymous access'' system, which 
means EPA will not know your identity, e-mail address, or other contact 
information unless you provide it in the body of your comment.
    ii. E-mail. Comments may be sent by e-mail to opp-docket@epa.gov, 
Attention: Docket ID Number OPP-2005-0084. In contrast to EPA's 
electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system is not an ``anonymous 
access'' system. If you send an e-mail comment directly to the docket 
without going through EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail 
system automatically captures your e-mail address. E-mail addresses 
that are automatically captured by EPA's e-mail system are included as 
part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket, and 
made available in EPA's electronic public docket.
    iii. Disk or CD ROM. You may submit comments on a disk or CD ROM 
that you mail to the mailing address

[[Page 53007]]

identified in Unit I.C.2. These electronic submissions will be accepted 
in WordPerfect or ASCII file format. Avoid the use of special 
characters and any form of encryption.
    2. By mail. Send your comments to: Public Information and Records 
Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001, Attention: Docket ID Number OPP-2005-0084.
    3. By hand delivery or courier. Deliver your comments to: Public 
Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Office of Pesticide 
Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 
2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA, Attention: Docket ID 
Number OPP-2005-0084. Such deliveries are only accepted during the 
docket's normal hours of operation as identified in Unit I.B.1.

D. How Should I Submit CBI to the Agency?

    Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI 
electronically through EPA's electronic public docket or by e-mail. You 
may claim information that you submit to EPA as CBI by marking any part 
or all of that information as CBI (if you submit CBI on disk or CD ROM, 
mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify 
electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that 
is CBI). Information so marked will not be disclosed except in 
accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes 
any information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not 
contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion 
in the public docket and EPA's electronic public docket. If you submit 
the copy that does not contain CBI on disk or CD ROM, mark the outside 
of the disk or CD ROM clearly that it does not contain CBI. Information 
not marked as CBI will be included in the public docket and EPA's 
electronic public docket without prior notice. If you have any 
questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult 
the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

E. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your 
comments:
    1. Explain your views as clearly as possible.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
    3. Provide any technical information and/or data you used that 
support your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you 
arrived at your estimate.
    5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.
    6. Offer alternatives.
    7. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline 
identified.
    8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate docket 
ID number in the subject line on the first page of your response. It 
would also be helpful if you provided the name, date, and Federal 
Register citation related to your comments.

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    EPA is making available the Agency's revised risk assessments, 
initially made available to the public for comment through a technical 
briefing on December 14, 1999, as well as related documents for 
dimethoate. EPA also is soliciting public comment on risk reduction 
options for dimethoate, namely, possible ways to mitigate drinking 
water risks, risks to workers, and risks to wildlife, as well as any 
data that may be available on the rate of conversion of dimethoate to 
omethoate during drinking water treatment. EPA developed the risk 
assessments for dimethoate as part of its public process for making 
pesticide reregistration eligibility and tolerance reassessment 
decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that pesticides meet 
current standards under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA).
    Dimethoate is a systemic organophosphate insecticide used for 
control of a wide variety of insect pests on a number of fruit, 
vegetable, grain, and field crops, as well as ornamentals and non-
cropland adjacent to agricultural fields.
    EPA is providing an opportunity, through this notice, for 
interested parties to provide risk management proposals or otherwise 
comment on risk management for dimethoate. Risks of concern associated 
with the use of dimethoate are as follows:
    1. Dietary risks from food and drinking water together exceed the 
Agency's level of concern on an acute basis for all population 
subgroups, and on a chronic basis for infants and children.
    2. Risks to occupational handlers for some handler scenarios exceed 
the level of concern.
    3. Post-application risks for some exposure scenarios exceed the 
level of concern.
    4. The Agency's ecological levels of concern are exceeded for birds 
on an acute and chronic basis, mammals on an acute and chronic basis, 
freshwater fish on a chronic basis, and freshwater invertebrates on an 
acute and chronic basis.
    In targeting these risks of concern, the Agency solicits 
information on effective and practical risk reduction measures.
    EPA is applying the principles of public participation to all 
pesticides undergoing reregistration and tolerance reassessment. The 
Agency's Pesticide Tolerance Reassessment and Reregistration; Public 
Participation Process, published in the Federal Register on May 14, 
2004, (69 FR 26819) (FRL-7357-9), explains that in conducting these 
programs, EPA is tailoring its public participation process to be 
commensurate with the level of risk, extent of use, complexity of 
issues, and degree of public concern associated with each pesticide. 
Due to its uses, risks, and other factors, dimethoate is being reviewed 
through the full 6-Phase public participation process.
    All comments should be submitted using the methods in Unit I. of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, and must be received by EPA on or before 
the comment period deadline. Comments and proposals will become part of 
the official public docket for dimethoate. Comments received after the 
close of the comment period will be marked ``late.'' EPA is not 
required to consider these late comments.
    After considering comments received, EPA will develop and issue for 
comment the dimethoate IRED. The decisions presented in this IRED may 
be supplemented by further risk mitigation measures when EPA considers 
its cumulative assessment of the organophosphate pesticides.

B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action?

    Section 4(g)(2) of FIFRA, as amended, directs that, after 
submission of all data concerning a pesticide active ingredient, ``the 
Administrator shall determine whether pesticides containing such active 
ingredient are eligible for reregistration,'' before calling in product 
specific data on individual end-use products and either reregistering 
products or taking other ``appropriate regulatory action.''
    Section 408(q) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to 
review

[[Page 53008]]

tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues in effect as of August 
2, 1996, to determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets the 
requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2) of FFDCA. This review is to 
be completed by August 3, 2006.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Dimethoate, Pesticides and pests.

    Dated: August 30, 2005.
 Debra Edwards,
Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of 
Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. 05-17545 Filed 9-1-05; 9:12 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
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