March 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318-112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -115, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a quality control review on the final assembly line, which determined that the wrong aluminum alloy was used to manufacture several structural parts. This AD requires a one-time eddy current conductivity measurement of certain cabin and cargo compartment structural parts to determine if an incorrect aluminum alloy was used, and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the frame-to-floor-beam joints and frames common to shear ties at certain locations of fuselage structure are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires inspections for cracking of certain frame inner chords and webs common to the floor beam joint and at frames common to the shear ties at certain sections, and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Models PC-6, PC-6-H1, PC-6-H2, PC-6/350, PC-6/350-H1, PC- 6/350-H2, PC-6/A, PC-6/A-H1, PC-6/A-H2, PC-6/B-H2, PC-6/B1-H2, PC-6/B2- H2, PC-6/B2-H4, PC-6/C-H2, and PC-6/C1-H2 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as certain combinations of the aileron counterweight and the attaching parts possibly resulting in reduced thread engagement and leading to disconnection of the aileron counterweight from the aileron. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

NMFS is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) Purse Seine and Reserve category quotas for 2017, as it does annually. NMFS is also transferring inseason 45 metric tons (mt) of BFT quota from the Reserve category to the Longline category. This action is based on consideration of the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments. NMFS has decided that the transfer to the Longline category will be distributed to permitted Atlantic Tunas Longline vessels with recent fishing activity, rather than to all qualified Individual Bluefin Quota (IBQ) shares recipients. As a result of this transfer, the associated IBQ accounts will each receive 1,102 lb (0.5 mt) of IBQ.

The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is briefly postponing the effective date of its recently-promulgated final rule that establishes revised accessibility standards and guidelines for information and communication technology (ICT). The ICT final rule was published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2017, and is scheduled to become effective on March 20, 2017. A brief postponement of this effective date is necessitated by the memorandum from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, entitled ``Regulatory Freeze Pending Review'' (Jan. 20, 2017), which generally calls on Federal agencies to delay the effective dates of published, but not-yet-effective, final rules for 60 days from the date of the memorandum. The ICT final rule will take effect on March 21, 2017.

In accordance with the Presidential directive as expressed in the memorandum of January 20, 2017, from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, entitled ``Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,'' this action proposes, following a brief 10-day comment period, to further temporarily delay until May 20, 2017 the effective date of the rule entitled Occupational Exposure to Beryllium, published in the Federal Register on January 9, 2017 (82 FR 2470). The current effective date is March 21, 2017. This additional delay will allow OSHA officials the opportunity for further review and consideration of the new regulations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for the proposed rule entitled ``Financial Responsibility Requirements under CERCLA Sec. 108(b) for Classes of Facilities in the Hardrock Mining Industry.'' That proposed rule was published on January 11, 2017, and the public comment period was scheduled to end on March 13, 2017. However, a number of parties have requested additional time to review the proposed rule and supporting information, and to develop and submit comments. Therefore, in response, EPA is extending the comment period an additional 120 days, so that comments are now due on or before July 11, 2017.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-401 and DHC-8-402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a pilot was unable to move the rudder pedal due to an obstruction. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine if wiring shrouds are present, and modifying the wiring shrouds if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. Model Z-242L airplanes that would supersede AD 2003- 11-12. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as a need to incorporate new revisions into the Limitations section, Chapter 9, of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual) to impose new or more restrictive life limits on critical components. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206 helicopters. This AD requires removing certain tension-torsion straps (TT straps) from service and is prompted by reports of corroded TT straps. These actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 69-13-03, which applies to all Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-23, PA-23-160, PA- 23-235, PA-23-250, PA-E23-250, and PA-30 airplanes. AD 69-13-03 currently requires inspection of the heater exhaust extension, replacement of the extension as necessary, and overhaul of the combustion heater assembly. Since we issued AD 69-13-03, we proposed an AD that applies to the Meggitt (Troy), Inc. combustion heaters, and the proposed combustion heater AD would incorporate corrective actions for the heater that contradict the overhaul requirement of AD 69-13-03. This proposed AD would retain the inspection of the heater exhaust extension, with replacement of the extension as necessary, and remove the overhaul requirement of the combustion heater assembly. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

The U.S. Copyright Office is proposing to amend its regulations governing delays in the receipt of material caused by the disruption of postal or other transportation or communication services. As proposed, the amended rule would, for the first time, specifically address the effect of a disruption or suspension of any Copyright Office electronic system on the Office's receipt of applications, fees, deposits, or other materials, and the assignment of a constructive date of receipt to such materials. The proposed rule would also make various revisions to the existing portions of the rule for usability and readability. In addition, the proposed rule would specify how the Office will assign effective dates of receipt when a specific submission is lost in the absence of a declaration of disruption, as might occur during the security screening procedures used for mail that is delivered to the Office.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the identification of manual gastroenterology-urology surgical instruments and accessories to reflect that the device does not include specialized surgical instrumentation for use with urogyencologic surgical mesh specifically intended for use as an aid in the insertion, placement, fixation, or anchoring of surgical mesh during urogynecologic procedures (``specialized surgical instrumentation for use with urogynecologic surgical mesh''). These amendments are being made to reflect changes made in the recently issued final reclassification order for specialized surgical instrumentation for use with urogynecologic surgical mesh.

The Coast Guard is extending the effective period of a safety zone in the vicinity of the Eastport Breakwater Terminal, Eastport, Maine. This safety zone was established on January 9, 2015 (80 FR 1344). This rule will extend the effective period of the existing temporary final rule from January 30, 2017 until October 1, 2017. This rule will continue to restrict vessels from approaching within 100 yards of the eastern face of the Eastport Breakwater Terminal without authorization from the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Northern New England. This safety zone continues to be necessary due to the ongoing repairs to the breakwater following a partial collapse of the structure on December 4, 2014.

With the issuance of this final rule, the Drug Enforcement Administration places 10 synthetic cathinones: 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone (4-MEC); 4-methyl-alpha- pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-MePPP); alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone ([alpha]-PVP); 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)butan-1-one (butylone, bk-MBDB e); 2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpentan-1-one (pentedrone); 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)pentan-1-one (pentylone, bk-MBDP); 4-fluoro-N-methylcathinone (4-FMC, flephedrone); 3-fluoro-N-methylcathinone (3-FMC); 1-(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin- 1-yl)pentan-1-one (naphyrone); alpha-pyrrolidinobutiophenone ([alpha]- PBP) and their optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers, whenever the existence of such salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible, into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This scheduling action is pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act which requires that such actions be made on the record after opportunity for a hearing through formal rulemaking. This rule continues the imposition of the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess), or propose to handle 4- MEC, 4-MePPP, [alpha]-PVP, butylone, pentedrone, pentylone, 4-FMC, 3- FMC, naphyrone, or [alpha]-PBP.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is withdrawing approval of a new animal drug application (NADA) and an abbreviated new animal drug application (ANADA) at the sponsors' requests because the products are no longer manufactured or marketed.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is reopening the comment period for the notice entitled ``Fruit Juice and Vegetable Juice as Color Additives in Food; Draft Guidance for Industry'' that appeared in the Federal Register of December 14, 2016. The draft guidance, when finalized, will help manufacturers determine whether a color additive derived from a plant material meets the specifications under certain FDA color additive regulations. We are taking this action in response to requests to allow interested persons additional time to submit comments.

The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM[supreg]) to add the mail preparation requirements governing participation in the Seamless Acceptance Program.

The Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is re-opening the comment period for the proposed rule published December 1, 2016. The proposed action would implement four sections of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), affecting eligibility, benefits, and program administration requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Section 4007 clarifies that participants in a SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program are eligible for benefits if they are enrolled or participate in specific programs that will assist SNAP recipients in obtaining the skills needed for the current job market. Section 4008 prohibits anyone convicted of Federal aggravated sexual abuse, murder, sexual exploitation and abuse of children, sexual assault, or similar State laws, and who are also not in compliance with the terms of their sentence or parole or are a fleeing felon, from receiving SNAP benefits. Section 4009 prohibits households containing a member with substantial lottery and gambling winnings from receiving SNAP benefits, until the household meets the allowable financial resources and income eligibility requirements of the program. Section 4009 also provides that State SNAP agencies are required, to the maximum extent practicable, to establish cooperative agreements with gaming entities in the State to identify SNAP recipients with substantial winnings. Section 4015 requires all State agencies to have a system in place to verify income, eligibility and immigration status.