81 FR 67347 - Request for Public Comments To Be Sent to Versar, Inc., on an Interim List of Perchlorate in Drinking Water Expert Peer Reviewers and Draft Peer Review Charge Questions
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 190 (September 30, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 190 (September 30, 2016)
| Page Range | 67347-67348 | |
| FR Document | 2016-23607 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 190 (Friday, September 30, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 67347-67348] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-23607] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0439; FRL-9953-43-OW] Request for Public Comments To Be Sent to Versar, Inc., on an Interim List of Perchlorate in Drinking Water Expert Peer Reviewers and Draft Peer Review Charge Questions AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of request for public comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the release of materials for public comment that relate to the expert peer review of documents intended to support the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act decision making for perchlorate. This request is one of two Federal Register notices being published concurrently, seeking public comment on two separate sets of materials. This notice requests comments on the interim list of peer review candidates and the draft charge for the expert peer review panel, to be sent to EPA's contractor, Versar, Inc. The comments will be considered to help inform the final selection of expert panelists and the development of the peer review panel's charge. A companion notice, published today, requests comments on draft materials to inform the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act decision making on perchlorate; those materials are the draft Biologically Based Dose-Response Model and an accompanying draft model report entitled ``Biologically Based Dose-Response Models for the Effect of Perchlorate on Thyroid Hormones in the Infant, Breast Feeding Mother, Pregnant Mother, and Fetus: Model Development, Revision, and Preliminary Dose-Response Analyses.'' Versar, Inc., will consider the comments received on this notice in selecting the final peer review panel, which will collectively provide appropriate expertise spanning the subject matter areas covered by the draft model and draft report and, to the extent feasible, best provide a balance of perspectives. DATES: Comments on the draft peer review panel charge questions and interim list of peer review candidates must be received on or before October 21, 2016. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments on the interim list of peer review candidates and draft charge to Versar, Inc., no later than October 21, 2016 by one of the following methods:Email: [email protected] (subject line: Perchlorate Peer Review). Mail: Versar, Inc., 6850 Versar Center, Springfield, VA 22151 (ATTN: David Bottimore). Please be advised that public comments are subject to release under the Freedom of Information Act. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions concerning the interim list of expert peer review candidates and draft peer review charge questions should be directed to Versar, Inc., at 6850 Versar Center, Springfield, VA 22151; by email [email protected] (subject line: Perchlorate Peer Review); or by phone: (703) 642-6815 (ask for David Bottimore). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Process of Obtaining Candidate Reviewers Versar, Inc., will assemble a panel of scientific experts to evaluate the draft BBDR model and draft report. As part of the peer review process, EPA announced a public nomination period from March 1, 2016, to March 31, 2016, in the Federal Register (81 FR 10617; March 1, 2016), during which members of the public were able to nominate scientific experts whom have knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: (1) Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK), physiologically-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) and/or Biologically Based Dose-Response (BBDR) modeling, (2) fetal and neonatal thyroid endocrinology (clinical and experimental), (3) iodide homeostasis, and (4) perchlorate toxicology and mode of action or adverse outcome pathway. On June 3, 2016, the Agency announced in the Federal Register (81 FR 35760) that, to achieve efficiency, it was expanding the scope of the peer review announced in March to include review of a draft approach for application of the draft BBDR model, to inform the development of a perchlorate MCLG. EPA has reevaluated that approach in response to concerns that a simultaneous review of a methodology to applying the model to develop a perchlorate MCLG would not allow the Agency or peer reviews to consider peer reviewer comments on the draft BBDR model prior to evaluating the alternative methodologies to applying the model to derive an MCLG. Today's notice therefore seeks input only on the peer review of the model, not its application. EPA will seek input on a second peer review of methods for applying the model to inform development of a perchlorate MCLG in a future notice. Versar, Inc., also conducted an independent search for scientific experts to augment the list of publically-nominated candidates. In total, the contractor evaluated 35 candidates, including those nominated during the public nomination periods and those identified by the contractor. Selection Process Versar, Inc., considered and screened all candidates against the selection criteria described in the March 1, 2016 Federal Register notice (81 FR 10617), which included the candidates being free of any conflict of interest and being available to participate in-person in the peer review meeting in the Washington, DC area, which will be open to the public, projected to occur in late 2016 (exact date to be determined). Following the screening process, the contractor narrowed the list of potential reviewers to 19 candidates. EPA is now soliciting comments on this list. EPA requests that the public provide relevant information or documentation on the experts that [[Page 67348]] the contractor should consider in evaluating these candidates. Once the public comments on the interim list of candidates have been reviewed and considered, the contractor will select the final list of peer reviewers. Responsibilities of Peer Reviewers Peer reviewers will be charged with evaluating and preparing written comments on the draft BBDR model and draft report. Versar, Inc., will provide reviewers with a summary of public comments on the draft BBDR model and report submitted to EPA's docket (ID number EPA- HQ-OW-2016-0438) during the 45-day public comment period, for their consideration. Reviewers will participate in the meeting expected to be held in the Washington, DC metro area in early 2017 (exact date to be determined) to discuss the scientific basis supporting these materials. Following the meeting, Versar, Inc., will provide a report to EPA summarizing the peer reviewer's evaluation of the scientific and technical merit of the draft model and draft report and their responses to the charge questions. EPA will make the final report available to the public (exact date to be determined). In preparing the final BBDR model and report, EPA will consider Versar's report as well as the written public comments submitted to the docket. II. Interim List of Peer Reviewers Versar, Inc., is considering the following candidates for the peer review panel. Biosketches are available through the docket at http://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0439). After review and consideration of public comments, Versar, Inc., will select the final peer reviewers from this list, who will, collectively, best provide expertise spanning the previously mentioned areas of knowledge and experience and, to the extent feasible, best provide a balance of perspectives. EPA will announce the peer review panel meeting date, location and registration details along with the final list of peer reviewers selected by Versar, Inc., at least 30 days prior to the meeting. Name of Nominee, Degree, Place of Employment 1. Hugh A. Barton, Ph.D., Pfizer, Inc. 2. Nancy Carrasco, M.D., Yale School of Medicine 3. Jonathan Chevrier, Ph.D., McGill University Faculty of Medicine 4. Claude Emond, Ph.D., University of Montreal 5. John P. Gibbs, M.D., Tronox LLC 6. Dale Hattis, Ph.D., George Perkins Marsh Institute, Clark University 7. William L. Hayton, Ph.D., The Ohio State University/College of Pharmacy 8. Judy S. LaKind, Ph.D., LaKind Associates, LLC 9. Angela M. Leung, M.D., M.Sc., UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine 10. Paul H. Lipkin, M.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 11. Michael H. Lumpkin, Ph.D., DABT, Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, LLC 12. Elaine A. Merrill, Ph.D., Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 13. Elizabeth N. Pearce, M.D., M.Sc., Boston Medical Center/Boston University School of Medicine 14. Stephen M. Roberts, Ph.D., University of Florida 15. Joanne F. Rovet, Ph.D., The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto) 16. Craig Steinmaus, M.D., M.P.H., University of California, Berkeley 17. Justin G. Teeguarden, Ph.D., Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 18. Graham R. Williams, Ph.D., Imperial College London 19. R. Thomas Zoeller, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts III. Draft Peer Review Charge Questions The draft peer review charge questions are available through the docket at http://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016- 0439). Dated: September 23, 2016. Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Water. [FR Doc. 2016-23607 Filed 9-29-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Notices 67347
for listed species, and requested cultural concurrently, seeking public comment announced a public nomination period
resources surveys and tribal on two separate sets of materials. This from March 1, 2016, to March 31, 2016,
consultations. notice requests comments on the in the Federal Register (81 FR 10617;
interim list of peer review candidates March 1, 2016), during which members
Additional Information
and the draft charge for the expert peer of the public were able to nominate
In order to receive notification of the review panel, to be sent to EPA’s scientific experts whom have
issuance of the EA and to keep track of contractor, Versar, Inc. The comments knowledge and experience in one or
all formal issuances and submittals in will be considered to help inform the more of the following areas: (1)
specific dockets, the Commission offers final selection of expert panelists and Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic
a free service called eSubscription. This the development of the peer review (PBPK), physiologically-based
can reduce the amount of time you panel’s charge. A companion notice, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic
spend researching proceedings by published today, requests comments on (PBPK/PD) and/or Biologically Based
automatically providing you with draft materials to inform the EPA’s Safe Dose-Response (BBDR) modeling, (2)
notification of these filings, document Drinking Water Act decision making on fetal and neonatal thyroid
summaries, and direct links to the perchlorate; those materials are the draft endocrinology (clinical and
documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/docs- Biologically Based Dose-Response experimental), (3) iodide homeostasis,
filing/esubscription.asp. Model and an accompanying draft and (4) perchlorate toxicology and mode
Additional information about the model report entitled ‘‘Biologically of action or adverse outcome pathway.
Project is available from the Based Dose-Response Models for the On June 3, 2016, the Agency
Commission’s Office of External Affairs Effect of Perchlorate on Thyroid announced in the Federal Register (81
at (866) 208–FERC or on the FERC Web Hormones in the Infant, Breast Feeding FR 35760) that, to achieve efficiency, it
site (www.ferc.gov). Using the Mother, Pregnant Mother, and Fetus: was expanding the scope of the peer
‘‘eLibrary’’ link, select ‘‘General Search’’ Model Development, Revision, and review announced in March to include
from the eLibrary menu, enter the Preliminary Dose-Response Analyses.’’ review of a draft approach for
selected date range and ‘‘Docket Versar, Inc., will consider the comments application of the draft BBDR model, to
Number’’ excluding the last three digits received on this notice in selecting the inform the development of a perchlorate
(i.e., CP16–456), and follow the final peer review panel, which will MCLG. EPA has reevaluated that
instructions. For assistance with access collectively provide appropriate approach in response to concerns that a
to eLibrary, the helpline can be reached expertise spanning the subject matter simultaneous review of a methodology
at (866) 208–3676, TTY (202) 502–8659, areas covered by the draft model and to applying the model to develop a
or by email at FERCOnlineSupport@ draft report and, to the extent feasible, perchlorate MCLG would not allow the
ferc.gov. The eLibrary link on the FERC best provide a balance of perspectives. Agency or peer reviews to consider peer
Web site also provides access to the reviewer comments on the draft BBDR
DATES: Comments on the draft peer
texts of formal documents issued by the model prior to evaluating the alternative
review panel charge questions and
Commission, such as orders, notices, methodologies to applying the model to
interim list of peer review candidates
and rule makings. derive an MCLG. Today’s notice
must be received on or before October
therefore seeks input only on the peer
Dated: September 26, 2016. 21, 2016.
review of the model, not its application.
Kimberly D. Bose, ADDRESSES: Submit your comments on EPA will seek input on a second peer
Secretary. the interim list of peer review review of methods for applying the
[FR Doc. 2016–23678 Filed 9–29–16; 8:45 am] candidates and draft charge to Versar, model to inform development of a
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
Inc., no later than October 21, 2016 by perchlorate MCLG in a future notice.
one of the following methods: Versar, Inc., also conducted an
• Email: perchlorate@versar.com independent search for scientific
(subject line: Perchlorate Peer Review). experts to augment the list of publically-
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION • Mail: Versar, Inc., 6850 Versar
AGENCY nominated candidates. In total, the
Center, Springfield, VA 22151 (ATTN: contractor evaluated 35 candidates,
[EPA–HQ–OW–2016–0439; FRL–9953–43– David Bottimore). including those nominated during the
OW] Please be advised that public public nomination periods and those
comments are subject to release under identified by the contractor.
Request for Public Comments To Be the Freedom of Information Act.
Sent to Versar, Inc., on an Interim List FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Selection Process
of Perchlorate in Drinking Water Expert Questions concerning the interim list of Versar, Inc., considered and screened
Peer Reviewers and Draft Peer Review expert peer review candidates and draft all candidates against the selection
Charge Questions peer review charge questions should be criteria described in the March 1, 2016
AGENCY: Environmental Protection directed to Versar, Inc., at 6850 Versar Federal Register notice (81 FR 10617),
Agency (EPA). Center, Springfield, VA 22151; by email which included the candidates being
ACTION: Notice of request for public
perchlorate@versar.com (subject line: free of any conflict of interest and being
comment. Perchlorate Peer Review); or by phone: available to participate in-person in the
(703) 642–6815 (ask for David peer review meeting in the Washington,
SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Bottimore). DC area, which will be open to the
Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing public, projected to occur in late 2016
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
the release of materials for public (exact date to be determined). Following
comment that relate to the expert peer I. Process of Obtaining Candidate the screening process, the contractor
review of documents intended to Reviewers narrowed the list of potential reviewers
support the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Versar, Inc., will assemble a panel of to 19 candidates. EPA is now soliciting
Act decision making for perchlorate. scientific experts to evaluate the draft comments on this list. EPA requests that
This request is one of two Federal BBDR model and draft report. As part of the public provide relevant information
Register notices being published the peer review process, EPA or documentation on the experts that
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![67348 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Notices
the contractor should consider in 6. Dale Hattis, Ph.D., George Perkins on EISs are available at: http://
evaluating these candidates. Once the Marsh Institute, Clark University www.epa.gov/compliance/nepa/
public comments on the interim list of 7. William L. Hayton, Ph.D., The Ohio eisdata.html.
candidates have been reviewed and State University/College of EIS No. 20160213, Final, USFS, WA,
considered, the contractor will select Pharmacy Forest-wide Site-Specific Invasive
the final list of peer reviewers. 8. Judy S. LaKind, Ph.D., LaKind Plant Management, Review Period
Associates, LLC Ends: 10/31/2016, Contact: Brigitte
Responsibilities of Peer Reviewers
9. Angela M. Leung, M.D., M.Sc., UCLA Ranne 509–682–4941
Peer reviewers will be charged with David Geffen School of Medicine EIS No. 20160214, Draft, BLM, ID,
evaluating and preparing written 10. Paul H. Lipkin, M.D., Johns Hopkins Craters of the Moon National
comments on the draft BBDR model and University School of Medicine Monument and Preserve Draft
draft report. Versar, Inc., will provide 11. Michael H. Lumpkin, Ph.D., DABT, Management Plan Amendment,
reviewers with a summary of public Center for Toxicology and Comment Period Ends: 12/29/2016,
comments on the draft BBDR model and Environmental Health, LLC Contact: Lisa Cresswell 208–732–7270
report submitted to EPA’s docket (ID 12. Elaine A. Merrill, Ph.D., Henry EIS No. 20160215, Draft, USFS, PR, El
number EPA–HQ–OW–2016–0438) Jackson Foundation for the Yunque National Forest Plan
during the 45-day public comment Advancement of Military Medicine Revision, Comment Period Ends: 12/
period, for their consideration. at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 29/2016, Contact: Pedro Rios 787–
Reviewers will participate in the 13. Elizabeth N. Pearce, M.D., M.Sc., 888–1880
meeting expected to be held in the Boston Medical Center/Boston EIS No. 20160216, Final, HUD, NY,
Washington, DC metro area in early University School of Medicine Lambert Houses Redevelopment,
2017 (exact date to be determined) to 14. Stephen M. Roberts, Ph.D., Review Period Ends: 10/31/2016,
discuss the scientific basis supporting University of Florida Contact: Aaron Werner 212–863–
these materials. Following the meeting, 15. Joanne F. Rovet, Ph.D., The Hospital 5953. City of New York Department of
Versar, Inc., will provide a report to for Sick Children (Toronto) Housing Preservation and
EPA summarizing the peer reviewer’s 16. Craig Steinmaus, M.D., M.P.H., Development is lead agency for this
evaluation of the scientific and University of California, Berkeley project.
technical merit of the draft model and 17. Justin G. Teeguarden, Ph.D., Pacific EIS No. 20160217, Draft, USFS, ID,
draft report and their responses to the Northwest National Laboratory Sawtooth and Boise National Forest
charge questions. EPA will make the 18. Graham R. Williams, Ph.D., Imperial Invasive Species Project, Comment
final report available to the public (exact College London Period Ends: 11/14/2016, Contact:
date to be determined). In preparing the 19. R. Thomas Zoeller, Ph.D., University Carol Brown 208–622–0098
final BBDR model and report, EPA will of Massachusetts EIS No. 20160218, Draft, BR, AZ, Navajo
consider Versar’s report as well as the III. Draft Peer Review Charge Questions Generating Station-Kayenta Mine
written public comments submitted to Complex Project, Comment Period
the docket. The draft peer review charge Ends: 11/29/2016, Contact: Sandra Eto
questions are available through the 623–773–6254
II. Interim List of Peer Reviewers docket at http://www.regulations.gov EIS No. 20160219, Final, NRC, MI,
Versar, Inc., is considering the (Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2016– Generic—License Renewal of Nuclear
following candidates for the peer review 0439). Plants Supplement 56 Regarding
panel. Biosketches are available through Dated: September 23, 2016. Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant,
the docket at http://www.regulations.gov Joel Beauvais, NUREG–1437, Review Period Ends:
(Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2016– Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of 10/31/2016, Contact: Elaine M.
0439). After review and consideration of Water. Keegan 301–415–8517
public comments, Versar, Inc., will [FR Doc. 2016–23607 Filed 9–29–16; 8:45 am] EIS No. 20160220, Draft, APHIS, REG,
select the final peer reviewers from this Petition (15–300–01p) for
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
list, who will, collectively, best provide Determination of Nonregulated Status
expertise spanning the previously for ASR368 Creeping Bentgrass,
mentioned areas of knowledge and ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Comment Period Ends: 11/14/2016,
experience and, to the extent feasible, AGENCY Contact: Sidney W. Abel 301–851–
best provide a balance of perspectives. 3896
EPA will announce the peer review [ER–FRL–9029–3]
EIS No. 20160221, Draft Supplement,
panel meeting date, location and USN, CA, Land Acquisition and
registration details along with the final Environmental Impact Statements;
Notice of Availability Airspace to Support Large-Scale
list of peer reviewers selected by Versar, MAGTF Live-Fire and Maneuver
Inc., at least 30 days prior to the Responsible agency: Office of Federal Training at MCAGCC Twentynine
meeting. Activities, General Information (202) Palms, Comment Period Ends: 11/14/
Name of Nominee, Degree, Place of 564–7146 or http://www.epa.gov/nepa. 2016, Contact: Scott Kerr 760–830–
Employment Weekly receipt of Environmental Impact 3737
Statements (EISs) EIS No. 20160222, Draft, BOEM, LA,
1. Hugh A. Barton, Ph.D., Pfizer, Inc. Gulf of Mexico OCS, Proposed
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Filed 09/19/2016 Through 09/23/2016
2. Nancy Carrasco, M.D., Yale School of Pursuant to 40 CFR 1506.9. Geological and Geophysical
Medicine Activities, Comment Period Ends: 11/
3. Jonathan Chevrier, Ph.D., McGill Notice 29/2016, Contact: Dr. Jill
University Faculty of Medicine Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act Lewandowski 703–787–1703
4. Claude Emond, Ph.D., University of requires that EPA make public its EIS No. 20160223, Final, DOE, LA,
Montreal comments on EISs issued by other Adoption—Magnolia LNG and Lake
5. John P. Gibbs, M.D., Tronox LLC Federal agencies. EPA’s comment letters Charles Expansion Projects, Contact:
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Document Created: 2018-02-09 13:34:23
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 13:34:23
| 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 of request for public comment. | |
| Dates | Comments on the draft peer review panel charge questions and interim list of peer review candidates must be received on or before October 21, 2016. | |
| Contact | Questions concerning the interim list of expert peer review candidates and draft peer review charge questions should be directed to Versar, Inc., at 6850 Versar Center, Springfield, VA 22151; by email [email protected] (subject line: Perchlorate Peer Review); or by phone: (703) 642-6815 (ask for David Bottimore). | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 67347 |
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