External Peer Review Meeting for Draft Microbial Risk Assessment Guideline: Pathogenic Microorganisms With Focus on Food and Water, 67439-67440 [2011-28305]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 211 / Tuesday, November 1, 2011 / Notices srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Toxicity data for developing the water quality criteria were obtained from peerreviewed open literature studies and from studies submitted to the Office of Pesticide Programs for the registration and reregistration of pesticides. To ensure the quality of the information, the toxicity data and other information on the effects of carbaryl were subjected to both internal and external peer review. The draft criteria statement is as follows: The available data for carbaryl, evaluated in accordance with EPA’s guidelines for deriving aquatic life criteria (Stephan et al. 1985) [referenced in the criteria document] indicate that, freshwater aquatic animals would have an appropriate level of protection if the following are attained: 1. The one-hour average concentration of carbaryl does not exceed 2.1 mg/L more than once every three years on average, the criterion maximum concentration or CMC (acute criterion). 2. The four-day average concentration of carbaryl does not exceed 2.1 mg/L more than once every three years on average, the criterion continuous concentration or CCC (chronic criterion). The available data for carbaryl indicates that, estuarine/marine aquatic animals would have an appropriate level of protection if the following is attained: 1. The one-hour average concentration of carbaryl does not exceed 1.6 mg/L more than once every three years on average (except where a locally important species may be more sensitive). IV. What is the relationship between the water quality criteria and state or tribal water quality standards? Water quality standards consist of three principal elements: designated uses, water quality criteria to protect those uses, and antidegradation requirements, providing for protection of existing water uses and limitations on degradation of high quality waters. As part of the water quality standards triennial review process defined in Section 303(c)(1) of the CWA, the States and authorized Tribes are responsible for developing, maintaining and revising water quality standards. Section 303(c)(1) requires States and authorized Tribes to review and modify, if appropriate, their water quality standards at least once every three years. States and authorized Tribes must adopt water quality criteria into their water quality standards that protect designated uses. States may develop their criteria based on EPA’s VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:04 Oct 31, 2011 Jkt 226001 recommended section 304(a) water quality criteria or other scientifically defensible methods. A State’s criteria must contain sufficient parameters or constituents to protect the designated uses. Consistent with 40 CFR 131.21, new or revised water quality criteria adopted into law by States and authorized Tribes on or after May 30, 2000 are in effect for CWA purposes only after EPA approval. States and authorized Tribes may develop site-specific criteria for particular waterbodies as appropriate, following EPA procedures described in the Guidelines for Deriving Numerical Aquatic Site-Specific Water Quality Criteria by Modifying National Criteria (USEPA, 1984f). A site-specific criterion is intended to come closer than the national criterion to providing the intended level of protection to the aquatic life at the site, usually by taking into account the biological and/or chemical conditions (i.e., the species composition and/or water quality characteristics) at the site. If data in the national criterion document and/or from other sources indicated that the selected resident species range of sensitivity is different from that for the species in the national criterion document, States and authorized Tribes can use the Resident Species Procedure (Section 3.7.6 of the WQS Handbook). This procedure was first published in the 1983 Water Quality Standards Handbook (USEPA, 1983a) and expanded upon in the Guidelines for Deriving Numerical Aquatic Site-Specific Water Quality Criteria by Modifying National Criteria (USEPA, 1984f) and later detailed in the ‘‘Interim Guidance on Determination and Use of Water Effect Ratio for Metals’’ (EPA 1994). V. Where can I find more information about water quality criteria and water quality standards? For more information about water quality criteria and Water Quality Standards refer to the following: Water Quality Standards Handbook (EPA 823– B94–005a; August 1994); Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM), (63FR36742; July 7, 1998); Water Quality Criteria and Standards Plan—Priorities for the Future (EPA 822–R–98–003; April 1998); Guidelines and Methodologies Used in the Preparation of Health Effects Assessment Chapters of the Consent Decree Water Criteria Documents (45FR79347; November 1980); Methodology for Deriving Ambient Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Human Health (EPA–822–B–00–004; October 2000); Guidelines for Deriving Numerical National Water Quality PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 67439 Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms and Their Uses (EPA 822/R– 85–100; 1985); National Strategy for the Development of Regional Nutrient Criteria (EPA 822–R–98–002; June 1998); and EPA Review and Approval of State and Tribal Water Quality Standards (65FR24641; April 27, 2000). You can find these publications through EPA’s National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP, previously NCEPI) or on the Office of Science and Technology’s Home-page (https://www.epa.gov/waterscience). References U.S. EPA. 2007. Risks of carbaryl use to the federally-listed California red legged frog. Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington, DC, https://www.epa.gov/espp/litstatus/ effects/redleg-frog/carbaryl/ determination.pdf. U.S. EPA. 2010. Registration Review— Preliminary Problem Formulation for Ecological Risk and Environmental Fate, Endangered Species, and Drinking Water Assessments for Carbaryl. September 3, 2010. EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0230–0004. U.S.G.S. 2006. The Quality of our Nation’s Waters: Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Ground Water, 1992–2001. Circular 1291. U.S. Geological Survey. Reston, VA. Dated: October 20, 2011. Nancy K. Stoner, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Water. [FR Doc. 2011–28255 Filed 10–31–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–ORD–2011–053; FRL–9485–1] External Peer Review Meeting for Draft Microbial Risk Assessment Guideline: Pathogenic Microorganisms With Focus on Food and Water Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Agency is announcing that Eastern Research Group, Inc. (ERG), a contractor to the EPA, will convene an independent panel of experts to review the draft document, Microbial Risk Assessment Guideline: Pathogenic Microorganisms with Focus on Food and Water. EPA previously announced the release of the draft guidance for a 60 day comment period (76 FR 44586– 44587). The public comment period ended on September 26, 2011; EPA intends to forward public comments to the contractor for distribution to members of the review panel. The SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1 srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 67440 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 211 / Tuesday, November 1, 2011 / Notices external review draft does not represent EPA policy. The public may register to attend this peer review meeting as observers. Time will be set aside at the meeting for observers to give brief oral comments regarding the draft document. The draft document and appendix are available, via the Internet, on the Risk Assessment Forum web page (https://www.epa.gov/ raf/microbial.htm). When finalizing the draft document, EPA intends to consider the comments from the external peer review meeting, along with public comments received in September. Public comments submitted during the public comment period ending September 26, 2011, may be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–ORD– 2011–0532. DATES: The peer review panel meeting on the draft document, Microbial Risk Assessment Guideline: Pathogenic Microorganisms with Focus on Food and Water will be held on Monday, November 7, 2011. The panel meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the following address: L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, 480 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Internet: The draft document can be downloaded from https://www.epa.gov/ raf/microbial.htm. Instructions: To attend the peer review meeting as an observer, you must register no later than October 31, 2011. You may do this by calling ERG at (781) 674–7374 or toll free on (800) 803–2833 (ask for the MRA Peer Review coordinator, Laurie Waite); sending a facsimile to (781) 674–2906 (reference the MRA Peer Review Meeting and include your name, title, affiliation, full address and contact information); or sending an email to meetings@erg.com (reference the MRA Peer Review Meeting and include your name, title, affiliation, full address and contact information). You can also register via the Internet at https://www2.ergweb. com/projects/conferences/peerreview/ register-mra.htm. Space is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, firstserved basis. There will be a limited amount of time for comments from the public at the peer review meeting. Please inform ERG if you wish to make oral comments during the meeting. Information on Services for Individuals with Disabilities: The Agency welcomes public attendance at the MRA Peer Review Meeting, and will make every effort to accommodate persons with disabilities. For VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:04 Oct 31, 2011 Jkt 226001 information on access or services for individuals with disabilities, contact ERG on (781) 674–7374 or toll free at (800) 803–2833 (ask for the MRA Peer Review coordinator, Laurie Waite); sending a facsimile to (781) 674–2906 (reference the ‘‘MRA Peer Review Meeting’’ and include your name and contact information); or sending an email to meetings@erg.com (reference the MRA Peer Review Meeting and include your name and contact information). Dr. Michael W. Broder, Risk Assessment Forum, Office of the Science Advisor at the following address: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Mail Code 8105R, Washington, DC 20460. Dr. Broder’s telephone number is (202) 564–3393. His email address is broder.michael@epa.gov. Internet: The draft document can be downloaded from https://www.epa.gov/ raf/microbial.htm. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The draft Microbial Risk Assessment Guideline was developed jointly by scientists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, with contributions from scientists in other federal agencies. The document addresses the full range of microbial risk assessment topics: definitions of the assessors’ roles and responsibilities; planning and scoping; the four components of a risk assessment; and contains sections discussing risk management and communication, as well. The guideline highlights differences in the issues and processes between chemical and microbial risk assessment. This document reflects the combined experience and expertise of microbial risk assessors from across the government, and will promote a consistent and more transparent approach to conducting microbial risk assessments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dated: October 24, 2011. Paul T. Anastas, Science Advisor. [FR Doc. 2011–28305 Filed 10–31–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION Market Access Agreement Farm Credit Administration. Notice of Draft Second Amended and Restated Market Access Agreement; request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The Farm Credit Administration (FCA or we) is publishing for comment the Draft Second Amended and Restated Market Access Agreement (Draft Second Restated MAA) proposed to be entered into by all of the banks of the Farm Credit System (System or FCS) and the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation (Funding Corporation). This Draft Second Restated MAA is an update to and would replace the Amended and Restated MAA (Amended and Restated MAA) approved by the FCA on January 9, 2003, and published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2003 (68 FR 2037). The Draft Second Restated MAA sets forth the rights and responsibilities of each of the parties when the condition of a bank falls below pre-established financial thresholds. DATES: You may send comments on or before December 1, 2011. ADDRESSES: There are several methods for you to submit your comments. For accuracy and efficiency reasons, commenters are encouraged to submit comments by email or through the FCA’s Web site. As facsimiles (faxes) are difficult for us to process and achieve compliance with section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, we are no longer accepting comments submitted by fax. Regardless of the method you use, please do not submit your comment multiple times via different methods. You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • Email: Send us an email at regcomm@fca.gov. • FCA Web site: https://www.fca.gov. Select ‘‘Public Commenters,’’ then ‘‘Public Comments,’’ and follow the directions for ‘‘Submitting a Comment.’’ • Federal E–Rulemaking Web site: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Send mail to Gary K. Van Meter, Director, Office of Regulatory Policy, Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, McLean, VA 22102–5090. You may review copies of comments we receive at our office in McLean, Virginia, or on our Web site at https:// www.fca.gov. Once you are in the Web site, select ‘‘Public Commenters,’’ then ‘‘Public Comments,’’ and follow the directions for ‘‘Reading Submitted Public Comments.’’ We will show your comments as submitted, but for technical reasons we may omit items such as logos and special characters. Identifying information that you provide, such as phone numbers and addresses, will be publicly available. However, we will attempt to remove SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM 01NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 211 (Tuesday, November 1, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67439-67440]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28305]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-ORD-2011-053; FRL-9485-1]


External Peer Review Meeting for Draft Microbial Risk Assessment 
Guideline: Pathogenic Microorganisms With Focus on Food and Water

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Agency is announcing that Eastern Research Group, Inc. 
(ERG), a contractor to the EPA, will convene an independent panel of 
experts to review the draft document, Microbial Risk Assessment 
Guideline: Pathogenic Microorganisms with Focus on Food and Water. EPA 
previously announced the release of the draft guidance for a 60 day 
comment period (76 FR 44586-44587). The public comment period ended on 
September 26, 2011; EPA intends to forward public comments to the 
contractor for distribution to members of the review panel. The

[[Page 67440]]

external review draft does not represent EPA policy.
    The public may register to attend this peer review meeting as 
observers. Time will be set aside at the meeting for observers to give 
brief oral comments regarding the draft document. The draft document 
and appendix are available, via the Internet, on the Risk Assessment 
Forum web page (https://www.epa.gov/raf/microbial.htm). When finalizing 
the draft document, EPA intends to consider the comments from the 
external peer review meeting, along with public comments received in 
September. Public comments submitted during the public comment period 
ending September 26, 2011, may be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov 
under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-ORD-2011-0532.

DATES: The peer review panel meeting on the draft document, Microbial 
Risk Assessment Guideline: Pathogenic Microorganisms with Focus on Food 
and Water will be held on Monday, November 7, 2011. The panel meeting 
begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the following address: L'Enfant 
Plaza Hotel, 480 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
    Internet: The draft document can be downloaded from https://www.epa.gov/raf/microbial.htm.
    Instructions: To attend the peer review meeting as an observer, you 
must register no later than October 31, 2011. You may do this by 
calling ERG at (781) 674-7374 or toll free on (800) 803-2833 (ask for 
the MRA Peer Review coordinator, Laurie Waite); sending a facsimile to 
(781) 674-2906 (reference the MRA Peer Review Meeting and include your 
name, title, affiliation, full address and contact information); or 
sending an email to meetings@erg.com (reference the MRA Peer Review 
Meeting and include your name, title, affiliation, full address and 
contact information). You can also register via the Internet at https://www2.ergweb.com/projects/conferences/peerreview/register-mra.htm.
    Space is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-
come, first-served basis. There will be a limited amount of time for 
comments from the public at the peer review meeting. Please inform ERG 
if you wish to make oral comments during the meeting.
    Information on Services for Individuals with Disabilities: The 
Agency welcomes public attendance at the MRA Peer Review Meeting, and 
will make every effort to accommodate persons with disabilities. For 
information on access or services for individuals with disabilities, 
contact ERG on (781) 674-7374 or toll free at (800) 803-2833 (ask for 
the MRA Peer Review coordinator, Laurie Waite); sending a facsimile to 
(781) 674-2906 (reference the ``MRA Peer Review Meeting'' and include 
your name and contact information); or sending an email to 
meetings@erg.com (reference the MRA Peer Review Meeting and include 
your name and contact information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Michael W. Broder, Risk Assessment 
Forum, Office of the Science Advisor at the following address: U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Mail 
Code 8105R, Washington, DC 20460.
    Dr. Broder's telephone number is (202) 564-3393. His email address 
is broder.michael@epa.gov.
    Internet: The draft document can be downloaded from https://www.epa.gov/raf/microbial.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The draft Microbial Risk Assessment 
Guideline was developed jointly by scientists from the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, with contributions from scientists 
in other federal agencies. The document addresses the full range of 
microbial risk assessment topics: definitions of the assessors' roles 
and responsibilities; planning and scoping; the four components of a 
risk assessment; and contains sections discussing risk management and 
communication, as well. The guideline highlights differences in the 
issues and processes between chemical and microbial risk assessment.
    This document reflects the combined experience and expertise of 
microbial risk assessors from across the government, and will promote a 
consistent and more transparent approach to conducting microbial risk 
assessments.

    Dated: October 24, 2011.
Paul T. Anastas,
Science Advisor.
[FR Doc. 2011-28305 Filed 10-31-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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