Metaldehyde Risk Assessments; Notice of Availability and Risk Reduction Options, 77382-77384 [E5-8041]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
77382
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 250 / Friday, December 30, 2005 / Notices
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont,
parts of Virginia and the District of
Columbia. The purpose of the Ozone
Transport commission is to deal with
ground-level ozone formation, transport,
and control within the OTR. The
purpose of this notice is to announce
that the OTC will meet on February 21–
22, 2006 at the address noted earlier in
this notice. This meeting will explore
options available for reducing groundlevel ozone precursors in a multipollutant context. Section 176A(b)(2) of
the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
specifies that the meeting of the Ozone
Transport Commission is not subject to
the provisions of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act. This meeting will be
open to the public as space permits.
Type of Meeting: Open.
Agenda: Copies of the final agenda
will be available from the OTC office
(202) 508–3840 by e-mail:
ozone@otcair.org or via the OTC Web
site at https://www.otcair.org.
Dated: December 19, 2005.
Thomas Voltaggio,
Acting Regional Administrator, EPA Region
III.
[FR Doc. E5–8124 Filed 12–29–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2005–0231; FRL–7754–7]
Metaldehyde Risk Assessments;
Notice of Availability and Risk
Reduction Options
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice announces the
availability of EPA’s risk assessments,
and related documents for the pesticide
metaldehyde, and opens a public
comment period on these documents.
The public is encouraged to suggest risk
management ideas or proposals to
address the risks identified. EPA is
developing a Reregistration Eligibility
Decision (RED) for metaldehyde through
a modified, 4–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 February 28, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Comments identified by
docket identification (ID) number EPA–
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:16 Dec 29, 2005
Jkt 208001
HQ–OPP–2005–0231, 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: Jill
Bloom, Special Review and
Reregistration Division (7508C), Office
of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–
0001; telephone number: (703) 308–
8019; fax number: (703) 308–8041; email address: bloom.jill@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 EPA–HQ–
OPP–2005–0231. 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/.
EDOCKET, EPA’s electronic public
docket and comment system was
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
replaced on November 25, 2005, by an
enhanced Federal-wide electronic
docket management and comment
system located at https://
www.regulations.gov/. Follow the online instructions.
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
E:\FR\FM\30DEN1.SGM
30DEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 250 / Friday, December 30, 2005 / Notices
wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES
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 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 EPA–HQ–OPP–2005–
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:16 Dec 29, 2005
Jkt 208001
0231. 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 EPA–HQ–
OPP–2005–0231. 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
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 EPA–HQ–OPP–2005–0231.
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 EPA–HQ–OPP–2005–0231.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
77383
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 releasing for public comment
its human health and environmental
fate and effects risk assessments and
related documents for metaldehyde, a
pesticide, and soliciting public
comment on risk management ideas or
proposals. Metaldehyde is a
molluscicide used to control slugs and
snails on a variety of tree, fruit, and
vegetable crops in agricultural,
horticultural, or residential settings. It is
also used on residential turf.
Approximately 90% of metaldehyde
usage is in the Pacific Northwest. EPA
developed the risk assessments and risk
characterization for metaldehyde
through a modified version of its public
process for making pesticide
reregistration eligibility and tolerance
reassessment decisions. Through these
programs, EPA is ensuring that
E:\FR\FM\30DEN1.SGM
30DEN1
wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES
77384
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 250 / Friday, December 30, 2005 / Notices
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).
EPA is providing an opportunity,
through this notice, for interested
parties to provide comments and input
on the Agency’s risk assessments for
metaldehyde. Such comments and input
could address, for example, the
availability of additional data to further
refine the risk assessments, such as
percent crop treated information, or
measures to reduce exposure, such as
reduction in application rates, reduction
in number of applications, etc., or
comments on the Agency’s risk
assessment methodologies and
assumptions as applied to this specific
pesticide.
Through this notice, EPA also is
providing an opportunity for interested
parties to provide risk management
proposals or otherwise comment on risk
management for metaldehyde. Risks of
concern associated with the use of
metaldehyde include ecological effects
and contamination of groundwater;
incident data additionally suggest
concern for domestic animals
inadvertently exposed to metaldehyde
products. In targeting these risks of
concern, the Agency solicits information
on effective and practical risk reduction
measures.
EPA seeks to achieve environmental
justice, the fair treatment and
meaningful involvement of all people,
regardless of race, color, national origin,
or income, in the development,
implementation, and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations, and
policies. To help address potential
environmental justice issues, the
Agency seeks information on any groups
or segments of the population who, as
a result of their location, cultural
practices, or other factors, may have
atypical, unusually high exposure to
metaldehyde, compared to the general
population.
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)
(FR–7357–9) explains that in
conducting these programs, the Agency
is tailoring its public participation
process to be commensurate with the
level of risk, extent of use, complexity
of the issues, and degree of public
concern associated with each pesticide.
For metaldehyde, a modified, 4–Phase
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:16 Dec 29, 2005
Jkt 208001
process with one comment period and
ample opportunity for public
consultation seems appropriate in view
of its limited and geographically
restricted use and limited risks.
However, if as a result of comments
received during this comment period
EPA finds that additional issues
warranting further discussion are raised,
the Agency may lengthen the process
and include a second comment period,
as needed.
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
closing date. Comments will become
part of the Agency Docket for
metaldehyde. Comments received after
the close of the comment period will be
marked ‘‘late.’’ EPA is not required to
consider these late comments.
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 FFDCA, 21 U.S.C.
346a(q), requires EPA to review
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, Pesticides
and pests.
Dated: December 21, 2005.
Debra Edwards,
Director, Special Review and Reregistration
Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. E5–8041 Filed 12–29–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2005–0524; FRL–7755–1]
Erioglaucine and Tartrazine
Aquashade; Reregistration Eligibility
Decision; Notice of Availability
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
SUMMARY: This notice announces the
availability of EPA’s Reregistration
Eligibility Decision (RED) for the
pesticide Aquashade, and opens a
public comment period on this
document. The Agency’s risk
assessments and other related
documents also are available in the
Aquashade docket. The dyes
erioglaucine (Acid Blue 9 or FD&C Blue
No. 1) and tartrazine (Acid Yellow 23 or
FD&C Yellow No. 5), when combined,
act as an aquatic algaecide/herbicide,
commonly referred to by the trade name
Aquashade. It can be used in natural or
manmade ponds, lakes, fountains, fish
farms, and fish hatcheries, and may be
applied by both professional applicators
and homeowners. EPA has reviewed
Aquashade through a streamlined
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 February 28, 2006.
DATES:
Comments, identified by
docket identification (ID) number EPA–
HQ–OPP–2005–0524, 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:
Kendra Tyler, Special Review and
Reregistration Division (7508C), Office
of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania
Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460–
0001; telephone number: (703) 308–
0125; fax number: (703) 308–8041; email address: tyler.kendra@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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.
E:\FR\FM\30DEN1.SGM
30DEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 250 (Friday, December 30, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77382-77384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-8041]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0231; FRL-7754-7]
Metaldehyde Risk Assessments; Notice of Availability and Risk
Reduction Options
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk
assessments, and related documents for the pesticide metaldehyde, and
opens a public comment period on these documents. The public is
encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the
risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility
Decision (RED) for metaldehyde through a modified, 4-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 February 28, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Comments identified by docket identification (ID) number
EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0231, 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: Jill Bloom, Special Review and
Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-8019; fax
number: (703) 308-8041; e-mail address: bloom.jill@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0231. 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/.
EDOCKET, EPA's electronic public docket and comment system was
replaced on November 25, 2005, by an enhanced Federal-wide electronic
docket management and comment system located at https://
www.regulations.gov/. Follow the on-line instructions.
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
[[Page 77383]]
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
EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0231. 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 EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0231. 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 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 EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-
0231.
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 EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0231. 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 releasing for public comment its human health and
environmental fate and effects risk assessments and related documents
for metaldehyde, a pesticide, and soliciting public comment on risk
management ideas or proposals. Metaldehyde is a molluscicide used to
control slugs and snails on a variety of tree, fruit, and vegetable
crops in agricultural, horticultural, or residential settings. It is
also used on residential turf. Approximately 90% of metaldehyde usage
is in the Pacific Northwest. EPA developed the risk assessments and
risk characterization for metaldehyde through a modified version of its
public process for making pesticide reregistration eligibility and
tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is
ensuring that
[[Page 77384]]
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).
EPA is providing an opportunity, through this notice, for
interested parties to provide comments and input on the Agency's risk
assessments for metaldehyde. Such comments and input could address, for
example, the availability of additional data to further refine the risk
assessments, such as percent crop treated information, or measures to
reduce exposure, such as reduction in application rates, reduction in
number of applications, etc., or comments on the Agency's risk
assessment methodologies and assumptions as applied to this specific
pesticide.
Through this notice, EPA also is providing an opportunity for
interested parties to provide risk management proposals or otherwise
comment on risk management for metaldehyde. Risks of concern associated
with the use of metaldehyde include ecological effects and
contamination of groundwater; incident data additionally suggest
concern for domestic animals inadvertently exposed to metaldehyde
products. In targeting these risks of concern, the Agency solicits
information on effective and practical risk reduction measures.
EPA seeks to achieve environmental justice, the fair treatment and
meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color,
national origin, or income, in the development, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. To help
address potential environmental justice issues, the Agency seeks
information on any groups or segments of the population who, as a
result of their location, cultural practices, or other factors, may
have atypical, unusually high exposure to metaldehyde, compared to the
general population.
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) (FR-7357-9) explains that in conducting these
programs, the Agency is tailoring its public participation process to
be commensurate with the level of risk, extent of use, complexity of
the issues, and degree of public concern associated with each
pesticide. For metaldehyde, a modified, 4-Phase process with one
comment period and ample opportunity for public consultation seems
appropriate in view of its limited and geographically restricted use
and limited risks. However, if as a result of comments received during
this comment period EPA finds that additional issues warranting further
discussion are raised, the Agency may lengthen the process and include
a second comment period, as needed.
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 closing date. Comments will become part of the Agency Docket for
metaldehyde. Comments received after the close of the comment period
will be marked ``late.'' EPA is not required to consider these late
comments.
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 FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to review
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, Pesticides and pests.
Dated: December 21, 2005.
Debra Edwards,
Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. E5-8041 Filed 12-29-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
