81 FR 12489 - Paraquat Dichloride; Proposed Interim Mitigation Decision; Notice of Availability
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 46 (March 9, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 46 (March 9, 2016)
| Page Range | 12489-12490 | |
| FR Document | 2016-05279 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 9, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 12489-12490] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-05279] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0855; FRL-9943-41] Paraquat Dichloride; Proposed Interim Mitigation Decision; Notice of Availability AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's proposed interim mitigation decision for paraquat dichloride (paraquat) and opens a public comment period on this proposed interim mitigation decision. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, that the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment. EPA may pursue mitigation at any time during the registration review process if it finds that a pesticide poses unreasonable adverse effects to human health or the environment. Based on the number and severity of paraquat human health incidents, the EPA believes that the mitigation measures outlined in this proposed interim mitigation decision are necessary to address identified human health risk concerns. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 9, 2016. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0855, by one of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://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. Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For pesticide specific information, contact: Marianne Mannix, Chemical Review Manager, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: 703-347-0275; email address: [email protected]. For general information on the registration review program, contact: Richard Dumas, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-8015; email address: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this action apply to me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, farm worker, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the Chemical Review Manager listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. B. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA? 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark the part or all of 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 http://www.epa.gov/dockets/comments.html. II. What action is the agency taking? Pursuant to 40 CFR 155.58, this notice announces the availability of EPA's proposed interim mitigation decision for paraquat, and opens a 60-day public comment period on the proposed interim mitigation decision. Paraquat is a widely used broad spectrum herbicide for the control of weeds in many agricultural and non-agricultural settings, and is also used as a defoliant on crops, prior to harvest. It is classified as restricted use due to high toxicity. An estimated 1.5 tsp can be lethal if ingested and there is no known antidote. Paraquat dichloride is associated with a disproportionately high number of incidents including accidental ingestions typically leading to fatalities as well as occupational spills, splashes, and leaks resulting in [[Page 12490]] severe and often damaging dermal or ocular contact. Paraquat is known to be corrosive to skin and eyes. EPA recently reviewed all available incident information and determined that mitigation measures to address these human health risk concerns are necessary. EPA has had some discussions with the paraquat technical registrants that suggest that the mitigation measures could be adopted voluntarily by pesticide manufacturers. The registration review docket for a pesticide includes earlier documents related to the registration review of the case along with supporting materials for this proposed interim mitigation decision. Following public comment, the Agency will issue a final interim mitigation decision for products containing paraquat. Notwithstanding this action, paraquat is still undergoing registration review. Within the next several years, EPA anticipates conducting comprehensive draft human health and ecological risk assessments for paraquat, followed by a proposed registration review decision, all of which will be posted for public comment. The registration review program is being conducted under congressionally mandated time frames, and EPA recognizes the need both to make timely decisions and to involve the public. Section 3(g) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136a(g)) required EPA to establish by regulation procedures for reviewing pesticide registrations, originally with a goal of reviewing each pesticide's registration every 15 years to ensure that a pesticide continues to meet the FIFRA standard for registration. The Agency's final rule to implement this program was issued in August 2006 and became effective in October 2006, and appears at 40 CFR part 155, subpart C. The Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2003 (PRIA) was amended and extended in September 2007. FIFRA, as amended by PRIA in 2007, requires EPA to complete registration review decisions by October 1, 2022, for all pesticides registered as of October 1, 2007. The registration review final rule at 40 CFR 155.58(a) provides for a minimum 60-day public comment period on all proposed registration review decisions. This comment period is intended to provide an opportunity for public input and a mechanism for initiating any necessary amendments to the proposed interim mitigation decision. All comments should be submitted using the methods in ADDRESSES, and must be received by EPA on or before the closing date. These comments will become part of the docket for paraquat. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked ``late.'' EPA is not required to consider these late comments. The Agency will carefully consider all comments received by the closing date and will provide a ``Response to Comments Memorandum'' in the docket. The final interim mitigation decision will explain the effect that any comments had on the final decision and provide the Agency's response to significant comments. Background on the registration review program is provided at: http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-reevaluation. Links to earlier documents related to the registration review of paraquat are provided at: http://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/paraquat. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. Dated: March 2, 2016. Yu-Ting Guilaran, Director, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. 2016-05279 Filed 3-8-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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committee meetings and will make that each pesticide’s registration is I. General Information
every effort to accommodate persons based on current scientific and other
A. Does this action apply to me?
with physical disabilities or special knowledge, including its effects on
needs. If you require special human health and the environment. This action is directed to the public
accommodations due to a disability, EPA may pursue mitigation at any time in general, and may be of interest to a
please contact Menice Santistevan at during the registration review process if wide range of stakeholders including
least seven days in advance of the it finds that a pesticide poses environmental, human health, farm
meeting at the telephone number listed unreasonable adverse effects to human worker, and agricultural advocates; the
above. Written statements may be filed health or the environment. Based on the chemical industry; pesticide users; and
with the Board either before or after the number and severity of paraquat human members of the public interested in the
meeting. Individuals who wish to make health incidents, the EPA believes that sale, distribution, or use of pesticides.
oral statements pertaining to agenda the mitigation measures outlined in this Since others also may be interested, the
items should contact Menice proposed interim mitigation decision Agency has not attempted to describe all
Santistevan at the address or telephone are necessary to address identified the specific entities that may be affected
number listed above. Requests must be human health risk concerns. by this action. If you have any questions
received five days prior to the meeting regarding the applicability of this action
and reasonable provision will be made DATES: Comments must be received on to a particular entity, consult the
to include the presentation in the or before May 9, 2016. Chemical Review Manager listed under
agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
Officer is empowered to conduct the identified by docket identification (ID) B. What should I consider as I prepare
meeting in a fashion that will facilitate number EPA–HQ–OPP–2011–0855, by my comments for EPA?
the orderly conduct of business. one of the following methods: 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this
Individuals wishing to make public
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// information to EPA through
comments will be provided a maximum
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online regulations.gov or email. Clearly mark
of five minutes to present their
instructions for submitting comments. the part or all of the information that
comments.
Minutes: Minutes will be available by Do not submit electronically any you claim to be CBI. For CBI
writing or calling Menice Santistevan at information you consider to be information in a disk or CD–ROM that
the address or phone number listed Confidential Business Information (CBI) you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the
above. Minutes and other Board or other information whose disclosure is disk or CD–ROM as CBI and then
documents are on the Internet at: restricted by statute. identify electronically within the disk or
http://energy.gov/em/nnmcab/northern- • Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental CD–ROM the specific information that
new-mexico-citizens-advisory-board. Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/ is claimed as CBI. In addition to one
DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. complete version of the comment that
Issued at Washington, DC, on March 3, includes information claimed as CBI, a
2016. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001.
copy of the comment that does not
LaTanya R. Butler, • Hand Delivery: To make special contain the information claimed as CBI
Deputy Committee Management Officer. arrangements for hand delivery or must be submitted for inclusion in the
[FR Doc. 2016–05287 Filed 3–8–16; 8:45 am] delivery of boxed information, please public docket. Information so marked
BILLING CODE 6405–01–P
follow the instructions at http:// will not be disclosed except in
www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.html. accordance with procedures set forth in
Additional instructions on 40 CFR part 2.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION commenting or visiting the docket, 2. Tips for preparing your comments.
AGENCY along with more information about When preparing and submitting your
dockets generally, is available at http:// comments, see the commenting tips at
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2011–0855; FRL–9943–41] http://www.epa.gov/dockets/
www.epa.gov/dockets.
comments.html.
Paraquat Dichloride; Proposed Interim FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mitigation Decision; Notice of II. What action is the agency taking?
For pesticide specific information,
Availability Pursuant to 40 CFR 155.58, this notice
contact: Marianne Mannix, Chemical
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Review Manager, Pesticide Re- announces the availability of EPA’s
Agency (EPA). Evaluation Division (7508P), Office of proposed interim mitigation decision for
ACTION: Notice. Pesticide Programs, Environmental paraquat, and opens a 60-day public
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania comment period on the proposed
SUMMARY: This notice announces the Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460–0001; interim mitigation decision. Paraquat is
availability of EPA’s proposed interim telephone number: 703–347–0275; a widely used broad spectrum herbicide
mitigation decision for paraquat email address: Mannix.marianne@ for the control of weeds in many
dichloride (paraquat) and opens a epa.gov. agricultural and non-agricultural
public comment period on this settings, and is also used as a defoliant
For general information on the
proposed interim mitigation decision. on crops, prior to harvest. It is classified
registration review program, contact:
Registration review is EPA’s periodic as restricted use due to high toxicity. An
Richard Dumas, Pesticide Re-Evaluation
review of pesticide registrations to estimated 1.5 tsp can be lethal if
Division (7508P), Office of Pesticide
Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
ensure that each pesticide continues to ingested and there is no known
Programs, Environmental Protection
satisfy the statutory standard for antidote. Paraquat dichloride is
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,
registration, that is, that the pesticide associated with a disproportionately
Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone
can perform its intended function high number of incidents including
number: (703) 308–8015; email address:
without unreasonable adverse effects on accidental ingestions typically leading
dumas.richard@epa.gov.
human health or the environment. to fatalities as well as occupational
Through this program, EPA is ensuring SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: spills, splashes, and leaks resulting in
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![12490 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 46 / Wednesday, March 9, 2016 / Notices
severe and often damaging dermal or of the docket for paraquat. Comments information technology; and ways to
ocular contact. Paraquat is known to be received after the close of the comment further reduce the information
corrosive to skin and eyes. EPA recently period will be marked ‘‘late.’’ EPA is not collection burden on small business
reviewed all available incident required to consider these late concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
information and determined that comments. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a
mitigation measures to address these The Agency will carefully consider all collection of information unless it
human health risk concerns are comments received by the closing date displays a currently valid control
necessary. EPA has had some and will provide a ‘‘Response to number. No person shall be subject to
discussions with the paraquat technical Comments Memorandum’’ in the any penalty for failing to comply with
registrants that suggest that the docket. The final interim mitigation a collection of information subject to the
mitigation measures could be adopted decision will explain the effect that any PRA that does not display a valid Office
voluntarily by pesticide manufacturers. comments had on the final decision and of Management and Budget (OMB)
The registration review docket for a provide the Agency’s response to control number.
pesticide includes earlier documents significant comments. DATES: Written PRA comments should
related to the registration review of the Background on the registration review be submitted on or before May 9, 2016.
case along with supporting materials for program is provided at: http:// If you anticipate that you will be
this proposed interim mitigation www2.epa.gov/pesticide-reevaluation. submitting comments, but find it
decision. Following public comment, Links to earlier documents related to the difficult to do so within the period of
the Agency will issue a final interim registration review of paraquat are time allowed by this notice, you should
mitigation decision for products provided at: http://www.epa.gov/ advise the contact listed below as soon
containing paraquat. Notwithstanding ingredients-used-pesticide-products/ as possible.
this action, paraquat is still undergoing paraquat.
ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to
registration review. Within the next Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.
several years, EPA anticipates Cathy Williams, FCC, via email PRA@
conducting comprehensive draft human Dated: March 2, 2016. fcc.gov and to Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov.
health and ecological risk assessments Yu-Ting Guilaran, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
for paraquat, followed by a proposed Director, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division, additional information about the
registration review decision, all of Office of Pesticide Programs. information collection, contact Cathy
which will be posted for public [FR Doc. 2016–05279 Filed 3–8–16; 8:45 am] Williams at (202) 418–2918.
comment. BILLING CODE 6560–50–P SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The registration review program is OMB Control Number: 3060–0798.
being conducted under congressionally Title: FCC Application for Radio
mandated time frames, and EPA FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS Service Authorization; Wireless
recognizes the need both to make timely COMMISSION Telecommunications Bureau; Public
decisions and to involve the public. Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.
Section 3(g) of the Federal Insecticide, [OMB 3060–0798] Form Number: FCC Form 601.
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Information Collection Being Reviewed Type of Review: Revision of a
(7 U.S.C. 136a(g)) required EPA to by the Federal Communications currently approved collection.
establish by regulation procedures for Respondents: Individuals and
Commission
reviewing pesticide registrations, households; Business or other for-profit
originally with a goal of reviewing each AGENCY: Federal Communications entities; Not-for-profit institutions; and
pesticide’s registration every 15 years to Commission. State, local or tribal government.
ensure that a pesticide continues to ACTION: Notice and request for Number of Respondents and
meet the FIFRA standard for comments. Responses: 253,320 respondents and
registration. The Agency’s final rule to 253,320 responses.
implement this program was issued in SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort Estimated Time per Response: 0.5–
August 2006 and became effective in to reduce paperwork burdens, and as 1.25 hours.
October 2006, and appears at 40 CFR required by the Paperwork Reduction Frequency of Response:
part 155, subpart C. The Pesticide Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501– Recordkeeping requirement, third party
Registration Improvement Act of 2003 3520), the Federal Communications disclosure requirement, on occasion
(PRIA) was amended and extended in Commission (FCC or the Commission) reporting requirement and periodic
September 2007. FIFRA, as amended by invites the general public and other reporting requirement.
PRIA in 2007, requires EPA to complete Federal agencies to take this Obligation to Respond: Required to
registration review decisions by October opportunity to comment on the obtain or retain benefits. The statutory
1, 2022, for all pesticides registered as following information collection. authority for this collection of
of October 1, 2007. Comments are requested concerning: information is contained in 47 U.S.C.
The registration review final rule at 40 Whether the proposed collection of 151, 152, 154, 154(i), 155(c), 157, 201,
CFR 155.58(a) provides for a minimum information is necessary for the proper 202, 208, 214, 301, 302a, 303, 307, 308,
60-day public comment period on all performance of the functions of the 309, 310, 311, 314, 316, 319, 324, 331,
proposed registration review decisions. Commission, including whether the 332, 333, 336, 534, 535 and 554.
This comment period is intended to information shall have practical utility; Total Annual Burden: 222,055 hours.
provide an opportunity for public input the accuracy of the Commission’s Total Annual Cost: $71,306,250.
Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
and a mechanism for initiating any burden estimate; ways to enhance the Privacy Impact Assessment: Yes.
necessary amendments to the proposed quality, utility, and clarity of the Nature and Extent of Confidentiality:
interim mitigation decision. All information collected; ways to minimize In general there is no need for
comments should be submitted using the burden of the collection of confidentiality with this collection of
the methods in ADDRESSES, and must be information on the respondents, information.
received by EPA on or before the closing including the use of automated Needs and Uses: FCC Form 601 is a
date. These comments will become part collection techniques or other forms of consolidated, multi-part application
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Document Created: 2016-03-09 00:13:37
Document Modified: 2016-03-09 00:13:37
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received on or before May 9, 2016. | |
| Contact | For pesticide specific information, contact: Marianne Mannix, Chemical Review Manager, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 12489 |
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