Availability of an Environmental Assessment for the Biological Control of Giant Reed, 78567-78568 [2016-26937]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2016 / Notices Done in Washington, DC, this 2nd day of November 2016. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2016–26941 Filed 11–7–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2014–0056] Withdrawal of an Environmental Assessment for the Field Release of Genetically Engineered Diamondback Moths Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: We are advising the public that we are withdrawing an environmental assessment that was prepared by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relative to a permitted environmental release of diamondback moths which have been genetically engineered for repressible female lethality and to express red fluorescence as a marker. While we reached a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) in connection with this action and posted that FONSI on our Web site, the public was not notified of the FONSI via publication of an associated notice in the Federal Register. We are therefore withdrawing the environmental assessment and FONSI. SUMMARY: Mrs. Chessa Huff-Woodard, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 146, Riverdale, MD 20737– 1236; (301) 851–3943. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulations in 7 CFR part 340, ‘‘Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering Which Are Plant Pests or Which There Is Reason to Believe Are Plant Pests,’’ regulate, among other things, the introduction (importation, interstate movement, or release into the environment) of organisms and products altered or produced through genetic engineering that are plant pests or that there is reason to believe are plant pests. Such genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products are considered ‘‘regulated articles.’’ A permit must be obtained or a notification acknowledged before a regulated article may be released into the environment. The regulations set mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:27 Nov 07, 2016 Jkt 241001 forth the permit application requirements and the notification procedures for the importation, interstate movement, or release into the environment of a regulated article. Subsequent to a permit application from Cornell University (APHIS Permit Number 13–297–102r) seeking the permitted field release of three strains of GE diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, strains designated as OX4319L-Pxy, OX4319N-Pxy, and OX4767A-Pxy, which have been genetically engineered to exhibit red fluorescence (DsRed2) as a marker and repressible female lethality, on August 28, 2014, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published in the Federal Register a notice 1 (79 FR 51299–51300, Docket No. APHIS–2014– 0056) in which we announced the availability, for public review and comment, of an environmental assessment (EA) that examined the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed release of the GE DBMs. We solicited comments on the EA for 30 days ending September 29, 2014. We received 287 comments by that date. The comments were from industry organizations, environmental and consumer advocacy groups, researchers, and private citizens. Based upon analysis described in the EA and a thorough review of the comments we received, APHIS determined that release of the GE DBMs would not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. This finding of no significant impact (FONSI) was posted on the APHIS Web site. In November 2014, APHIS issued Permit Number 13–297–102r, which allowed for open field release of the GE DBMs. No open field releases took place under this permit. In July 2015, the initial permit was amended to add caged releases to the list of allowable actions (APHIS Permit Number 13–297– 102r–a1). Caged releases pursuant to the amended permit occurred between July 2015 and March 11, 2016, when the permit was withdrawn. Although, as mentioned previously, we posted the FONSI on our Web site, we failed to formally advise the public of our FONSI regarding the release of GE DBMs via publication of a second notice in the Federal Register. Therefore, we are withdrawing the EA and FONSI associated with the August 28, 2014, notice. 1 To view the notice, supporting documents, and comments we received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS2014-0056. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 78567 On March 16, 2016, APHIS received a permit application from Cornell University (APHIS Permit Number 16– 076–101r) seeking the permitted field release of GE DBMs in both open and caged releases. We are currently preparing an EA for this new application and will publish notices associated with the EA and FONSI (if one is reached) in the Federal Register. Done in Washington, DC, this 2nd day of November 2016. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2016–26935 Filed 11–7–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2016–0069] Availability of an Environmental Assessment for the Biological Control of Giant Reed Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments. AGENCY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a draft environmental assessment relative to the control of giant reed (Arundo donax). The environmental assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the field release of a gall-forming fly, Lasioptera donacis, into the continental United States for use as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of giant reed infestations. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before December 8, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2016-0069. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2016–0069, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at https:// www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2016-0069 or in our reading room, which is located in SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 78568 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2016 / Notices room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Colin D. Stewart, Assistant Director, Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits Permitting and Compliance Coordination, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737– 1231; (301) 851–2327, email: Colin.D.Stewart@aphis.usda.gov. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Giant reed (Arundo donax), a native of the Mediterranean and Middle East, has become one of the most pervasive non-native plants to invade the riparian areas of the Southwest United States, especially in California and the Rio Grande area of Texas. Giant reed infestations in riparian habitats lead to loss of biodiversity, stream bank erosion, altered channel morphology, damage to bridges, increased costs for chemical and mechanical control along transportation corridors, and impediment of law enforcement activities on the international border. Many Federal and State agencies, as well as private entities, conduct programs to manage giant reed, as well as other invasive weeds. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to issue permits for the field release of a gall-forming fly, Lasioptera donacis, into the continental United States to reduce the severity of giant reed infestations. APHIS’ review and analysis of the proposed action are documented in detail in a draft environmental assessment (EA) entitled ‘‘Field release of the European leaf sheath mining midge, Lasioptera donacis Coutin (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), for biological control of giant reed, Arundo donax L. (Poales: Poaceae) in the Contiguous United States’’ (April 2016). We are making the EA available to the public for review and comment. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before the date listed under the heading DATES at the beginning of this notice. The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our reading room (see ADDRESSES above for a link to Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the reading room). You may request paper copies of the EA by calling or writing to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:27 Nov 07, 2016 Jkt 241001 refer to the title of the EA when requesting copies. The EA has been prepared in accordance with: (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b); and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). Done in Washington, DC, this 2nd day of November 2016. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2016–26937 Filed 11–7–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XE985 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Advisory Panel National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; solicitation of nominations. AGENCY: NMFS solicits nominations for the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel (AP). NMFS consults with and considers the comments and views of the HMS AP when preparing and implementing Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) or FMP amendments for Atlantic tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfish. Nominations are being sought to fill approximately one-third (11) of the seats on the HMS AP for a 3-year appointment. Individuals with definable interests in the recreational and commercial fishing and related industries, environmental community, academia, and non-governmental organizations are considered for membership on the HMS AP. DATES: Nominations must be received on or before December 8, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit nominations and requests for the Advisory Panel Statement of Organization, Practices, and Procedures by any of the following methods: • Email: HMSAP.Nominations@ noaa.gov. Include in the subject line the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 following identifier: ‘‘HMS AP Nominations.’’ • Mail: Margo Schulze-Haugen, Highly Migratory Species Management Division, NMFS SF1, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Cooper at (301) 427–8503. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act, Public Law 104–297, provided that the Secretary may establish Advisory Panels to assist in the collection and evaluation of information relevant to the development of any Fishery Management Plan (FMP) or FMP amendment for any highly migratory species fishery that is under the Secretary’s authority. NMFS has consulted with the HMS AP on: Amendment 1 to the Billfish FMP (April 1999); the HMS FMP (April 1999); Amendment 1 to the HMS FMP (December 2003); the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP (October 2006); Amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP (April and October 2008, February and September 2009, May and September 2010, April and September 2011, March and September 2012, January and September 2013, April and September 2014, March and September 2015, and March and September 2016); among other relevant fishery management issues. Procedures and Guidelines A. Nomination Procedures for Appointments to the Advisory Panel Nomination packages should include: 1. The name of the nominee and a description of his/her interest in HMS or HMS fisheries, or in particular species of sharks, swordfish, tunas, or billfish; 2. Contact information, including mailing address, phone, and email of the nominee; 3. A statement of background and/or qualifications; 4. A written commitment that the nominee shall actively participate in good faith, and consistent with ethics obligations, in the meetings and tasks of the HMS AP; and 5. A list of outreach resources that the nominee has at his/her disposal to communicate HMS issues to various interest groups. Qualifications for HMS AP Membership Qualification for membership includes one or more of the following: E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 216 (Tuesday, November 8, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78567-78568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26937]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2016-0069]


Availability of an Environmental Assessment for the Biological 
Control of Giant Reed

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service has prepared a draft environmental assessment 
relative to the control of giant reed (Arundo donax). The environmental 
assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the field 
release of a gall-forming fly, Lasioptera donacis, into the continental 
United States for use as a biological control agent to reduce the 
severity of giant reed infestations. We are making the environmental 
assessment available to the public for review and comment.

DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before 
December 8, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2016-0069.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to 
Docket No. APHIS-2016-0069, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, 
APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-
1238.
    Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may 
be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2016-
0069 or in our reading room, which is located in

[[Page 78568]]

room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone 
is there to help you, please call (202) 799-7039 before coming.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Colin D. Stewart, Assistant 
Director, Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits Permitting and 
Compliance Coordination, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 851-2327, email: 
Colin.D.Stewart@aphis.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Giant reed (Arundo donax), a native of the Mediterranean and Middle 
East, has become one of the most pervasive non-native plants to invade 
the riparian areas of the Southwest United States, especially in 
California and the Rio Grande area of Texas. Giant reed infestations in 
riparian habitats lead to loss of biodiversity, stream bank erosion, 
altered channel morphology, damage to bridges, increased costs for 
chemical and mechanical control along transportation corridors, and 
impediment of law enforcement activities on the international border. 
Many Federal and State agencies, as well as private entities, conduct 
programs to manage giant reed, as well as other invasive weeds. The 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to 
issue permits for the field release of a gall-forming fly, Lasioptera 
donacis, into the continental United States to reduce the severity of 
giant reed infestations.
    APHIS' review and analysis of the proposed action are documented in 
detail in a draft environmental assessment (EA) entitled ``Field 
release of the European leaf sheath mining midge, Lasioptera donacis 
Coutin (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), for biological control of giant reed, 
Arundo donax L. (Poales: Poaceae) in the Contiguous United States'' 
(April 2016). We are making the EA available to the public for review 
and comment. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before 
the date listed under the heading DATES at the beginning of this 
notice.
    The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our 
reading room (see ADDRESSES above for a link to Regulations.gov and 
information on the location and hours of the reading room). You may 
request paper copies of the EA by calling or writing to the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please refer to the title 
of the EA when requesting copies.
    The EA has been prepared in accordance with: (1) The National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.); (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for 
implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-
1508); (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b); and (4) 
APHIS' NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372).

    Done in Washington, DC, this 2nd day of November 2016.
Kevin Shea,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-26937 Filed 11-7-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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