DQB Males (Wolbachia Pipientis, DQB Strain, Contained in Live Adult Culex Quinquefasciatus Males); Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment, 105039-105040 [2024-30730]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2024 / Notices Accession Number: 20241217–5303. Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 1/17/25. The filings are accessible in the Commission’s eLibrary system (https:// elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/ fercgensearch.asp) by querying the docket number. Any person desiring to intervene, to protest, or to answer a complaint in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211, 214, or 206 of the Commission’s Regulations (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214, or 385.206) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding. eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at: https://www.ferc.gov/ docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. The Commission’s Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502–6595 or OPP@ ferc.gov. Dated: December 18, 2024. Carlos D. Clay, Acting Deputy Secretary. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [EPA–HQ–OPP–2024–0590; FRL–12509–01– OCSPP] DQB Males (Wolbachia Pipientis, DQB Strain, Contained in Live Adult Culex Quinquefasciatus Males); Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–OPP–2024–0590, and the specific case number for the chemical substance related to your comment, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. To make special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the instructions at https:// www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/ dockets. ADDRESSES: Charles Smith, Registration Division (7505T), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001; main telephone number: (703) 305–7090; email address: RDFRNotices@epa.gov. BILLING CODE 6717–01–P Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: EPA has received a second renewal request for a specific exemption from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for use of the pesticide DQB Males (Wolbachia pipientis, DQB strain, SUMMARY: 19:37 Dec 23, 2024 Comments must be received on or before January 10, 2025. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [FR Doc. 2024–30701 Filed 12–23–24; 8:45 am] VerDate Sep<11>2014 contained in live adult Culex quinquefasciatus males), to treat up to 20,000 acres of State, Federal, and private wildlife conservation areas throughout the State of Hawaii and to control Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, a vector of avian malaria. The applicant proposes a new use of a microbial pesticide which has not been registered by EPA. Therefore, in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether to grant the exemption. Jkt 265001 I. General Information A. Does this action apply to me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you are a pesticide manufacturer, North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) (Code 32532) or involved with Hawaiian wildlife conservation areas that have known populations of Culex quinquefasciatus. This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. Other types of entities not listed could also be affected. PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 105039 B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA? 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through www.regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark the part or all the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD–ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD–ROM as CBI, and then identify electronically within the disk or CD–ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. Tips for preparing your comments. When preparing and submitting your comments, see the commenting tips at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/ commenting-epa-dockets. 3. Environmental justice. EPA seeks to achieve environmental justice, the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of any group, including minority and/or low- income populations, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. To help address potential environmental justice issues, the Agency seeks information on any groups or segments of the population who, because of their location, cultural practices, or other factors, may have atypical or disproportionately high and adverse human health impacts or environmental effects from exposure to the pesticide(s) discussed in this document, compared to the general population. II. What action is the Agency taking? Under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136p), at the discretion of the EPA Administrator, a Federal or State agency may be exempted from any provision of FIFRA if the EPA Administrator determines that emergency conditions exist which require the exemption. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has requested the EPA Administrator to issue a specific exemption for the use of DQB males for conservation purposes to control mosquitoes (Culex quinquefasciatus), which are a known vector of avian malaria and threaten Hawaii’s endemic forest bird population. Information in accordance with 40 CFR part 166 was submitted as part of this request. E:\FR\FM\26DEN1.SGM 26DEN1 105040 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 247 / Thursday, December 26, 2024 / Notices As part of this request, the applicant asserts that avian malaria was introduced into the Hawaiian Islands in the 19th century and spread by a nonnative mosquito. Hawaii is experiencing increased mosquito populations that have significantly reduced Hawaiian bird populations. According to the applicant, without mosquito control, the survival and recovery of Hawaii’s few remaining forest birds, including threatened and endangered species, are at imminent risk. The applicant proposes to make a maximum of 156 applications of DQB male mosquitoes per release site per year based on an anticipated maximum of 3 releases per week. The total number of application days is a maximum of 156 during the year. The total amount of DQB Males to be applied per year to treat conservation lands throughout Hawaii is up to 3,000,000 male mosquitoes per week or 156,000,000 males per year. The maximum amount of Wolbachia pipientis, DQB strain, to be applied per year is up to ∼1.83 g/ week or 95 g/year. This notice does not constitute a decision by EPA on the application itself. The regulations governing FIFRA section 18 require publication of a notice of receipt of an application for a specific exemption proposing a new use of a microbial pesticide (i.e., an active ingredient) which has not been registered by EPA. The notice provides an opportunity for public comment on the application. The Agency will review and consider all comments received during the comment period in determining whether to issue the specific exemption requested by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. Dated: December 17, 2024. Charles Smith, Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. 2024–30730 Filed 12–23–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2003–0004; FRL–12447– 01–OCSPP] Access to Confidential Business Information by General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and its Subcontractors Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:37 Dec 23, 2024 Jkt 265001 EPA has authorized its contractor General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) of Falls Church, VA, and its subcontractors to access information which has been submitted to EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Some of the information may be claimed or determined to be Confidential Business Information (CBI). DATES: Access to the confidential data will occur no sooner than January 2, 2025. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical information: Colby Lintner or Adam Schwoerer, Program Management and Operations Division (7407M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone number: (202) 564–8182; email address: lintner.colby@epa.gov; or (202) 564– 4767; schwoerer.adam@epa.gov. For general information: The TSCAHotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 422 South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14620; telephone number: (202) 554–1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Does this action apply to me? This action is directed to the public in general. This action may, however, be of particular interest to those who submit certain information or data to EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Since other entities may also be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. II. What action is the Agency taking? Under contract number 47QTCK18D0003, task order number 47QFCA22F0018, contractor General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) of 3150 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042, and its subcontractors will assist the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) by hosting the servers and managing the infrastructure where TSCA CBI resides. In accordance with 40 CFR 2.306(j), EPA has determined that under EPA contract number 47QTCK18D0003, task order number 47QFCA22F0018, GDIT and its subcontractors will require access to CBI submitted to EPA under all sections of TSCA to perform successfully the duties specified under the contract. GDIT’s and its subcontractor’s personnel will be given access to information claimed or determined to be CBI information submitted to EPA under all sections of PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 TSCA. Some of the information may be claimed or determined to be CBI. EPA is issuing this notice to inform all submitters of information under all sections of TSCA that EPA will provide the herein identified contractor and its subcontractors with access to the CBI materials on a need-to-know basis only. All access to TSCA CBI under this contract, in accordance with EPA’s TSCA CBI Protection Manual and the Rules of Behavior for Virtual Desktop Access to OPPT Materials, including TSCA CBI, will take place at EPA Headquarters, and/or at the following facilities of the contractor and/or subcontractors: • Berrett & Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 2891, Sterling, VA 20167. • CompTech Computer Technologies, Inc., 7777 Washington Village Drive, Suite 270 Dayton, OH 45459. • Gridiron IT Solutions, LLC, 7777 Washington Village Drive, Suite 270 Dayton, OH 45459. • IdentityNest, 115100 Weston Pkwy. #103, Cary, NC 27513. • SCI Consulting Services, Inc., 4005 Taylor Drive, Fairfax, VA 21032; Shineteck, Inc., 5000 Ritter Road, Suite 202. • Mechanicsburg, WV 17055. • SkyePoint Decisions, Inc., 45240 Business Court, Suite 160, Dulles, VA 20166. • SONA NETWORKS, LLC, 516 North Charles Street, Suite 311, Baltimore, MD 21201. • TITANONEZERO, LLC, 7666 Fullertone Road, Unit G, Springfield, VA 22153. • Woolpert, Inc., 4454 Idea Center Blvd., Dayton, OH 45402. The personnel of the contractor and subcontractors will be required to sign nondisclosure agreements and will be briefed on specific security procedures for TSCA CBI. Access to TSCA data, including CBI, will continue until April 24, 2029. If the contract is extended, this access will also continue for the duration of the extended contract without further notice. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq. Dated: December 18, 2024. Pamela Myrick, Director, Project Management and Operations Divisions, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. [FR Doc. 2024–30731 Filed 12–23–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P E:\FR\FM\26DEN1.SGM 26DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 247 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 105039-105040]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30730]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0590; FRL-12509-01-OCSPP]


DQB Males (Wolbachia Pipientis, DQB Strain, Contained in Live 
Adult Culex Quinquefasciatus Males); Receipt of Application for 
Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: EPA has received a second renewal request for a specific 
exemption from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for use of the 
pesticide DQB Males (Wolbachia pipientis, DQB strain, contained in live 
adult Culex quinquefasciatus males), to treat up to 20,000 acres of 
State, Federal, and private wildlife conservation areas throughout the 
State of Hawaii and to control Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, a 
vector of avian malaria. The applicant proposes a new use of a 
microbial pesticide which has not been registered by EPA. Therefore, in 
accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, EPA is soliciting public 
comment before making the decision whether to grant the exemption.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 10, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification 
(ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0590, and the specific case number for the 
chemical substance related to your comment, through the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any 
information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) 
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. To make 
special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed 
information, please follow the instructions at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional instructions on commenting or 
visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets 
generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Smith, Registration Division 
(7505T), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; main telephone 
number: (703) 305-7090; email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you are a 
pesticide manufacturer, North American Industrial Classification System 
(NAICS) (Code 32532) or involved with Hawaiian wildlife conservation 
areas that have known populations of Culex quinquefasciatus. This 
listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide 
to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. Other 
types of entities not listed could also be affected.

B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through 
www.regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark the part or all the 
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or 
CD-ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD-ROM as 
CBI, and then identify electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the 
specific information that is claimed as CBI. In addition to one 
complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as 
CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information 
claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. 
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with 
procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    2. Tips for preparing your comments. When preparing and submitting 
your comments, see the commenting tips at https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets.
    3. Environmental justice. EPA seeks to achieve environmental 
justice, the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of any group, 
including minority and/or low- income populations, in the development, 
implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and 
policies. To help address potential environmental justice issues, the 
Agency seeks information on any groups or segments of the population 
who, because of their location, cultural practices, or other factors, 
may have atypical or disproportionately high and adverse human health 
impacts or environmental effects from exposure to the pesticide(s) 
discussed in this document, compared to the general population.

II. What action is the Agency taking?

    Under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136p), at the discretion of the EPA 
Administrator, a Federal or State agency may be exempted from any 
provision of FIFRA if the EPA Administrator determines that emergency 
conditions exist which require the exemption. The Hawaii Department of 
Agriculture has requested the EPA Administrator to issue a specific 
exemption for the use of DQB males for conservation purposes to control 
mosquitoes (Culex quinquefasciatus), which are a known vector of avian 
malaria and threaten Hawaii's endemic forest bird population. 
Information in accordance with 40 CFR part 166 was submitted as part of 
this request.

[[Page 105040]]

    As part of this request, the applicant asserts that avian malaria 
was introduced into the Hawaiian Islands in the 19th century and spread 
by a non-native mosquito. Hawaii is experiencing increased mosquito 
populations that have significantly reduced Hawaiian bird populations. 
According to the applicant, without mosquito control, the survival and 
recovery of Hawaii's few remaining forest birds, including threatened 
and endangered species, are at imminent risk.
    The applicant proposes to make a maximum of 156 applications of DQB 
male mosquitoes per release site per year based on an anticipated 
maximum of 3 releases per week. The total number of application days is 
a maximum of 156 during the year. The total amount of DQB Males to be 
applied per year to treat conservation lands throughout Hawaii is up to 
3,000,000 male mosquitoes per week or 156,000,000 males per year. The 
maximum amount of Wolbachia pipientis, DQB strain, to be applied per 
year is up to ~1.83 g/week or 95 g/year.
    This notice does not constitute a decision by EPA on the 
application itself. The regulations governing FIFRA section 18 require 
publication of a notice of receipt of an application for a specific 
exemption proposing a new use of a microbial pesticide (i.e., an active 
ingredient) which has not been registered by EPA. The notice provides 
an opportunity for public comment on the application.
    The Agency will review and consider all comments received during 
the comment period in determining whether to issue the specific 
exemption requested by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.

    Dated: December 17, 2024.
Charles Smith,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. 2024-30730 Filed 12-23-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.