Notice of Availability and Request for Comment on Draft Plan of Action for Reducing, Mitigating, and Controlling Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico and Improving Water Quality in the Mississippi River Basin, 65733-65734 [E7-22899]

Download as PDF mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 225 / Friday, November 23, 2007 / Notices which directed EPA ‘‘to develop a screening program . . . to determine whether certain substances may have an effect in humans that is similar to an effect produced by a naturally occurring estrogen, or such other endocrine effect as the Administrator may designate.’’ If a substance is found to have an effect, FFDCA section 408(p)(6) directs the administrator to take action under available statutory authority to ensure protection of public health. That is, the ultimate purpose of the EDSP is to provide information to the Agency that will allow the Agency to evaluate the risks associated with the use of a chemical and take appropriate steps to mitigate any risks. The necessary information includes identifying any adverse effects that might result from the interaction of a substance with the endocrine system and establishing a dose-response curve. Section 1457 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) also authorizes EPA to screen substances that may be found in sources of drinking water, and to which a substantial population may be exposed, for endocrine disruption potential. [42 U.S.C. 300j–17] EPA currently is implementing its EDSP in three major parts that are being developed in parallel and with substantial work on each well underway. This document announces a public workshop related specifically to the third component of the EDSP (i.e., policies and procedures). The three parts are briefly summarized as follows: 1. Assay validation. Under FFDCA section 408(p), EPA is required to use ‘‘appropriate validated test systems and other scientifically relevant information’’ to determine whether substances may have estrogenic effects in humans. EPA is validating assays that are candidates for inclusion in the Tier 1 screening battery and Tier 2 tests, and will select the appropriate screening assays for the Tier 1 battery based on the validation data. Validation is defined as the process by which the reliability and relevance of test methods are evaluated for the purpose of supporting a specific use. The status of each assay can be viewed on the EDSP website in the Assay Status table:https://www.epa.gov/ scipoly/oscpendo/pubs/assayvalidation/ status.htm. In addition, on July 13, 2007, EPA published a Federal Register document that outlined the approach EPA intends to take for conducting the peer reviews of the Tier 1 screening assays and Tier 2 testing assays and EPA’s approach for conducting the peer review of the Tier 1 battery (72 FR 38577) (FRL–8138–4). EPA also announced the availability of a ‘‘list server’’ (Listserv) that will allow VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:16 Nov 21, 2007 Jkt 214001 interested parties to sign up to receive e-mail notifications of EDSP peer review updates, including information on the availability of peer review materials to be posted on the EDSP website. 2. Priority setting. EPA described its priority setting approach to select pesticide chemicals for initial screening on September 27, 2005 (70 FR 567449) (FRL–7716–9), and announced the draft list of initial pesticide active ingredients and pesticide inerts to be considered for screening under FFDCA on June 18, 2007 (72 FR 33486) (FRL–8129–3). The Agency expects to finalize this initial list of chemicals before screening is initiated in 2008. More information on EPA’s priority setting approach and the draft list of chemicals is available at https://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/ prioritysetting. The first 73 pesticide chemicals to undergo screening is also referred to as ‘‘initial screening’’ in this document. 3. Policies and procedures. A forthcoming Federal Register document will describe EPA’s draft policies relating to: • The procedures that EPA is considering using to issue orders. • How joint data development, cost sharing, data compensation, and data protection would be addressed. • Procedures that order recipients would use to respond to an order. • Other related procedures and/or policies. In addition, EPA has developed an ICR to obtain the necessary approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) for the related paperwork activities. The ICR document, which describes the information collection activities and related estimated paperwork burden and costs, will also be announced for public review and comment in a forthcoming Federal Register document. III. Why Hold a Workshop? EPA is holding this workshop to facilitate the public’s comments on the draft policies and procedures that EPA is considering for conducting the initial screening and testing under the EDSP, as well as the Agency’s estimated burden and costs for the related paperwork activities. The workshop is an opportunity for the public, stakeholders and the regulated community to discuss the draft EDSP policies and procedures and the draft ICR documents that are expected to be released for public comment shortly. Although the workshop is not intended to collect oral comments, the Agency intends to consider the discussion and will be documenting the discussion for the public docket. PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 65733 In addition to attending this workshop, EPA invites you to provide comments on the draft policies and procedures and the draft ICR for initial EDSP screening and testing. The Federal Register documents announcing their availability will include a specific list of questions on which the Agency is specifically seeking comment, along with instructions for how to submit comments on those documents. This list, along with an agenda for the workshop, will be posted on the Agency’s website and provided at the workshop. EPA will consider all comments received and EPA will announce the availability of the final versions of the policies and procedures and the ICR for the initial EDSP screening and testing in the Federal Register. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Chemicals, Endocrine disruptors, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping. Dated: November 16, 2007. James Jones, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. [FR Doc. E7–22895 Filed 11–21–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OW–2007–1126; FRL–8498–8] Notice of Availability and Request for Comment on Draft Plan of Action for Reducing, Mitigating, and Controlling Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico and Improving Water Quality in the Mississippi River Basin Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of Availability and Request for Public Comment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on behalf of the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force (Task Force), invites public comments on the draft Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan 2008 for Reducing, Mitigating, and Controlling Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico and Improving Water Quality in the Mississippi River Basin (2008 Action Plan). The Task Force is comprised of senior policymakers from eight Federal agencies, nine States, and two Tribal governments. The Action Plan is the result of several years of study and discussion by the members of the Task Force and many interested officials and E:\FR\FM\23NON1.SGM 23NON1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES 65734 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 225 / Friday, November 23, 2007 / Notices citizens who participated in their deliberations. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 4, 2008. All comments received during the formal comment period will be reviewed and delivered to the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force for their consideration prior to the development of the final Action Plan. Late comments will be considered as time allows. Submission of comments prior to the end of the comment period is highly encouraged. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OW–2007–1126, by one of the following methods: • Web: Visit www.regulations.gov or https://www.epa.gov/msbasin/. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Docket ID No. EPA– HQ–OW–2007–1126, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Water Docket, MC 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460. • FedEx, UPS, or Hand Delivery: U.S. EPA Docket Center, Attention Docket EPA–HQ–OW–2007–1126, 1301 Constitution Ave., Room 3334, Washington, DC 20460. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2007– 1126. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov your email address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:16 Nov 21, 2007 Jkt 214001 comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. 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. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https:// www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Colianni, U.S. EPA, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Mail Code 4504T, Washington, DC 20460 (202) 566–1249; Internet: OWHypoxia@epa.gov. The draft Action Plan below, as well as related information, may be reached via the EPA Web site: at https://www.epa.gov/msbasin/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information Additional Comment Information: Comments may also be submitted electronically. Comments should be sent to the following Internet address: OWHypoxia@epa.gov. II. Background In January 2001, pursuant to section 604(b) of Public Law 105–383, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998, Title VI, enacted on November 13, 1998, the Task Force published its first Action Plan, 2001 Plan of Action for Reducing, Mitigating, and Controlling Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The Task Force has updated this initial plan through a multiple-step reassessment which is reflected in the current draft 2008 Action Plan and will culminate in the 2008 Action Plan. The draft 2008 Action Plan reflects the Task Force’s efforts over the past six years to track progress, update the science, and adapt the actions to improve the effectiveness of the efforts throughout the Mississippi River Basin. Building on the 2001 Action Plan, the plan lays out specific steps that need to be accomplished to reach the goals. It also reiterates the long-term goals and continues the Task Force’s commitment to a voluntary and adaptive management approach to improve water quality in the Mississippi River Basin and reduce the size of the hypoxic zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico. This adaptive management approach involves continual feedback between the interpretation of new information and improved management actions and is the key to targeting actions within watersheds where they will be most effective. PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Information about the Task Force and its reassessment can be found at the following Web site: https://www.epa.gov/ msbasin/. The draft 2008 Action Plan can be viewed and downloaded by navigating to the following Web site: https:// www.epa.gov/msbasin/. Dated: November 19, 2007. Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for Water. [FR Doc. E7–22899 Filed 11–21–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES Sunshine Act Meetings Notice of a Partially Open Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. TIME AND PLACE: Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at Ex-Im Bank in Room 1143, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20571. OPEN AGENDA ITEMS: Item No. 1: Ex-Im Bank Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee for 2008 & Item No. 2: Ex-Im Bank Advisory Committee for 2008. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The meeting will be open to public participation for Items No. 1 and No. 2 only. FURTHER INFORMATION: For further information, contact: Office of the Secretary, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20571 (Tele. No. 202– 565–3957). ACTION: Howard A. Schweitzer, General Counsel. [FR Doc. 07–5830 Filed 11–20–07; 1:46 pm] BILLING CODE 6690–01–M FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [Report No. 2841] Petition for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding November 14, 2007. A Petition for Reconsideration has been filed in the Commission’s Rulemaking proceeding listed in this Public Notice and published pursuant to 47 CFR 1.429(e). The full text of this document is available for viewing and copying in Room CY–B402, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC or may be purchased from the Commission’s copy contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc. (BCPI) (1–800–378–3160). Oppositions E:\FR\FM\23NON1.SGM 23NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 225 (Friday, November 23, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65733-65734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-22899]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OW-2007-1126; FRL-8498-8]


Notice of Availability and Request for Comment on Draft Plan of 
Action for Reducing, Mitigating, and Controlling Hypoxia in the 
Northern Gulf of Mexico and Improving Water Quality in the Mississippi 
River Basin

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of Availability and Request for Public Comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on behalf of the 
Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force (Task 
Force), invites public comments on the draft Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan 
2008 for Reducing, Mitigating, and Controlling Hypoxia in the Northern 
Gulf of Mexico and Improving Water Quality in the Mississippi River 
Basin (2008 Action Plan). The Task Force is comprised of senior 
policymakers from eight Federal agencies, nine States, and two Tribal 
governments. The Action Plan is the result of several years of study 
and discussion by the members of the Task Force and many interested 
officials and

[[Page 65734]]

citizens who participated in their deliberations.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 4, 2008. All 
comments received during the formal comment period will be reviewed and 
delivered to the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient 
Task Force for their consideration prior to the development of the 
final Action Plan. Late comments will be considered as time allows. 
Submission of comments prior to the end of the comment period is highly 
encouraged.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-
2007-1126, by one of the following methods:
     Web: Visit www.regulations.gov or https://www.epa.gov/
msbasin/. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Docket ID No. 
EPA-HQ-OW-2007-1126, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Water Docket, MC 
2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460.
     FedEx, UPS, or Hand Delivery: U.S. EPA Docket Center, 
Attention Docket EPA-HQ-OW-2007-1126, 1301 Constitution Ave., Room 
3334, Washington, DC 20460. Such deliveries are only accepted during 
the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should 
be made for deliveries of boxed information.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2007-
1126. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in 
the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, 
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to 
be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. 
The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, 
which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information 
unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-
mail comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov 
your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part 
of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available 
on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends 
that you include your name and other contact information in the body of 
your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. 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. Electronic 
files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of 
encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional 
information about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center 
homepage at https://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Colianni, U.S. EPA, Office of 
Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Mail 
Code 4504T, Washington, DC 20460 (202) 566-1249; Internet: OW-
Hypoxia@epa.gov. The draft Action Plan below, as well as related 
information, may be reached via the EPA Web site: at https://
www.epa.gov/msbasin/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

    Additional Comment Information: Comments may also be submitted 
electronically. Comments should be sent to the following Internet 
address: OW-Hypoxia@epa.gov.

II. Background

    In January 2001, pursuant to section 604(b) of Public Law 105-383, 
the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998, 
Title VI, enacted on November 13, 1998, the Task Force published its 
first Action Plan, 2001 Plan of Action for Reducing, Mitigating, and 
Controlling Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The Task Force has 
updated this initial plan through a multiple-step reassessment which is 
reflected in the current draft 2008 Action Plan and will culminate in 
the 2008 Action Plan. The draft 2008 Action Plan reflects the Task 
Force's efforts over the past six years to track progress, update the 
science, and adapt the actions to improve the effectiveness of the 
efforts throughout the Mississippi River Basin. Building on the 2001 
Action Plan, the plan lays out specific steps that need to be 
accomplished to reach the goals. It also reiterates the long-term goals 
and continues the Task Force's commitment to a voluntary and adaptive 
management approach to improve water quality in the Mississippi River 
Basin and reduce the size of the hypoxic zone in the northern Gulf of 
Mexico. This adaptive management approach involves continual feedback 
between the interpretation of new information and improved management 
actions and is the key to targeting actions within watersheds where 
they will be most effective.
    Information about the Task Force and its reassessment can be found 
at the following Web site: https://www.epa.gov/msbasin/.
    The draft 2008 Action Plan can be viewed and downloaded by 
navigating to the following Web site: https://www.epa.gov/msbasin/.

    Dated: November 19, 2007.
Benjamin Grumbles,
Assistant Administrator for Water.
[FR Doc. E7-22899 Filed 11-21-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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