Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for a Biological Control Agent for Swallow-Worts, 44151-44152 [2017-20122]

Download as PDF 44151 Notices Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 182 Thursday, September 21, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2017–0063] Addition of Uganda to the List of Regions Affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: We are advising the public that we are adding Uganda to the list of regions that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service considers to be affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This action follows our imposition of HPAI-related restrictions on avian commodities originating from or transiting Uganda as a result of the confirmation of HPAI in Uganda. DATES: Uganda was added the list of regions under temporary restrictions on January 14, 2017. Uganda is added to the list of regions considered to be affected by HPAI as of September 21, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Rebecca Gordon, Import Risk Analyst, National Import Export Services, 920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27606; phone (919) 855–7741; rebecca.k.gordon@ aphis.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulations in 9 CFR part 94 (referred to below as the regulations) govern the importation of certain animals and animal products into the United States to prevent the introduction of various animal diseases, including Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The regulations prohibit or restrict the importation of live poultry, poultry meat, and other poultry products from regions where these diseases are considered to exist. asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:52 Sep 20, 2017 Jkt 241001 Section 94.6 contains requirements governing the importation into the United States of carcasses, meat, parts or products of carcasses, and eggs (other than hatching eggs) of poultry, game birds, or other birds from regions of the world where HPAI exists or is reasonably believed to exist. HPAI is an extremely infectious and potentially fatal form of avian influenza in birds and poultry that, once established, can spread rapidly from flock to flock. A list of regions that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) considers affected with HPAI of any subtype is maintained on the APHIS Web site at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animaland-animal-product-importinformation/ct_animal_disease_status. APHIS receives notice of HPAI outbreaks from veterinary officials of the exporting country, from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), or from other sources the Administrator determines to be reliable. On January 15, 2017, the veterinary authorities of Uganda reported to the OIE the confirmation on January 14, 2017, of HPAI H5 in domestic ducks and chickens in Bukakata (Masaka District). The report indicated 30,000 domestic birds were susceptible. The OIE followup report dated January 27, 2017, confirmed the HPAI subtype H5N8. In response to that outbreak, APHIS placed restrictions on the importation of poultry, commercial birds, other types of birds (research, performing), ratites, any avian hatching eggs, unprocessed avian products and byproducts, and certain fresh poultry products from Uganda to mitigate risk of HPAI introduction into the United States. Those restrictions went into effect on January 14, 2017. With the publication of this notice, we are adding Uganda to the list of regions APHIS considers affected with HPAI of any subtype. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450, 7701–7772, 7781– 7786, and 8301–8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.4. Done in Washington, DC, this 15th day of September 2017. Jere L. Dick, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2017–20121 Filed 9–20–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2017–0053] Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for a Biological Control Agent for Swallow-Worts Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: We are advising the public that an environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact have been prepared by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relative to the release of a leaf-feeding moth, Hypena opulenta, for the biological control of swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum nigrum and Vincetoxicum rossicum). Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared. 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.Stewart@aphis.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to issue permits for the release of a leaf-feeding moth, Hypena opulenta, into the continental United States for use as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum nigrum and Vincetoxicum rossicum) infestations. On July 13, 2017, we published in the Federal Register (82 FR 32318, Docket No. APHIS–2017–0053) a notice 1 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 biological control agent into the continental United States. SUMMARY: 1 To view the notice, EA, FONSI, and the comments we received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS2017-0053. E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM 21SEN1 44152 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 182 / Thursday, September 21, 2017 / Notices We solicited comments on the EA for 30 days ending August 14, 2017. We received 28 comments by that date. With one exception, the comments supported the proposed release. In this document, we are advising the public of our finding of no significant impact (FONSI) regarding the release of Hypena opulenta into the continental United States for use as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of swallow-wort infestations. The finding, which is based on the EA, reflects our determination that release of this biological control agent will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Written responses to comments we received on the EA can be found in appendix 4 of the EA. The EA and FONSI may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site (see footnote 1). Copies of the EA and FONSI are also available for public inspection in our reading room, which is located in 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. In addition, copies may be obtained by calling or writing to the individual listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The EA and FONSI have 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 15th day of September 2017. Jere L. Dick, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2017–20122 Filed 9–20–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2017–0059] International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standard-Setting Activities Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:52 Sep 20, 2017 Jkt 241001 Notice and request for comments. ACTION: In accordance with legislation implementing the results of the Uruguay Round of negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, we are informing the public of the international standard-setting activities of the World Organization for Animal Health, the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention, and the North American Plant Protection Organization, and we are soliciting public comment on the standards to be considered. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2017-0059. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2017–0059, 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-2017-0059 or in our reading room, which is located in 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: For general information on the topics covered in this notice, contact Ms. Jessica Mahalingappa, Assistant Deputy Administrator for Trade and Capacity Building, International Services, APHIS, Room 1132, USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250; (202) 799–7121. For specific information regarding standard-setting activities of the World Organization for Animal Health, contact Dr. Michael David, Director, International Animal Health Standards Team, National Import Export Services, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 33, Riverdale, MD 20737–1231; (301) 851– 3302. For specific information regarding the standard-setting activities of the International Plant Protection Convention, contact Dr. Marina Zlotina, IPPC Technical Director, International Phytosanitary Standards, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 130, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851–2200. For specific information on the North American Plant Protection Organization, contact Ms. Patricia Abad, NAPPO SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Technical Director, International Phytosanitary Standards, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 130, Riverdale, MD, 20737; (301) 851–2264. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established as the common international institutional framework for governing trade relations among its members in matters related to the Uruguay Round Agreements. The WTO is the successor organization to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. U.S. membership in the WTO was approved by Congress when it enacted the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103–465), which was signed into law on December 8, 1994. The WTO Agreements, which established the WTO, entered into force with respect to the United States on January 1, 1995. The Uruguay Round Agreements Act amended Title IV of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. 2531 et seq.). Section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2578), requires the President to designate an agency to be responsible for informing the public of the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standard-setting activities of each international standard-setting organization. The designated agency must inform the public by publishing an annual notice in the Federal Register that provides the following information: (1) The SPS standards under consideration or planned for consideration by the international standard-setting organization; and (2) for each SPS standard specified, a description of the consideration or planned consideration of that standard, a statement of whether the United States is participating or plans to participate in the consideration of that standard, the agenda for U.S. participation, if any, and the agency responsible for representing the United States with respect to that standard. ‘‘International standard’’ is defined in 19 U.S.C. 2578b as any standard, guideline, or recommendation: (1) Adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) regarding food safety; (2) developed under the auspices of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE, formerly known as the Office International des Epizooties) regarding animal health and welfare and zoonoses; (3) developed under the auspices of the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) regarding plant health; or (4) E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM 21SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 182 (Thursday, September 21, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44151-44152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20122]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2017-0053]


Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No 
Significant Impact for a Biological Control Agent for Swallow-Worts

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: We are advising the public that an environmental assessment 
and finding of no significant impact have been prepared by the Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service relative to the release of a leaf-
feeding moth, Hypena opulenta, for the biological control of swallow-
worts (Vincetoxicum nigrum and Vincetoxicum rossicum). Based on its 
finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact 
statement need not be prepared.

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.Stewart@aphis.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) is proposing to issue permits for the release of a 
leaf-feeding moth, Hypena opulenta, into the continental United States 
for use as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of 
swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum nigrum and Vincetoxicum rossicum) 
infestations.
    On July 13, 2017, we published in the Federal Register (82 FR 
32318, Docket No. APHIS-2017-0053) a notice \1\ 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 biological control agent 
into the continental United States.
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    \1\ To view the notice, EA, FONSI, and the comments we received, 
go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2017-0053.

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[[Page 44152]]

    We solicited comments on the EA for 30 days ending August 14, 2017. 
We received 28 comments by that date. With one exception, the comments 
supported the proposed release.
    In this document, we are advising the public of our finding of no 
significant impact (FONSI) regarding the release of Hypena opulenta 
into the continental United States for use as a biological control 
agent to reduce the severity of swallow-wort infestations. The finding, 
which is based on the EA, reflects our determination that release of 
this biological control agent will not have a significant impact on the 
quality of the human environment. Written responses to comments we 
received on the EA can be found in appendix 4 of the EA.
    The EA and FONSI may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site (see 
footnote 1). Copies of the EA and FONSI are also available for public 
inspection in our reading room, which is located in 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. In addition, copies 
may be obtained by calling or writing to the individual listed under 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    The EA and FONSI have 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 15th day of September 2017.
Jere L. Dick,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-20122 Filed 9-20-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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