Registration Requirements for Antimicrobial Pesticide Products and Other Pesticide Regulatory Changes; Extension of Comment Period

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

You may be potentially affected by this action if you are a producer or registrant of pesticides, particularly antimicrobial pesticides. Potentially affected categories and entities may include, but are not limited to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------ Examples of Categories NAICS codes potentially affected entities ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Producers 32532 Pesticide products 32551 Antifoulant paints 32561 Antimicrobial 32531 pesticides 32519 Nitrogen stabilizers Wood preservatives ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wholesalers 42291 Pesticide products 42269 Antimicrobial products ------------------------------------------------------------------------

This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this action. Other types of

entities not listed in this table could also be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes are provided to assist you and others in determining whether or not this action might apply to certain entities. If you have questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under ``FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.''

B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this Document and Other Related Documents?

1. Electronically. You may obtain electronic copies of this document, and certain other related documents that might be available electronically, from the EPA Internet Home Page at www.epa.gov/. On the Home Page select ``Laws and Regulations'' and then look up the entry for this document under the ``Federal Register--Environmental Documents.'' You can also go directly to the Federal Register listings at www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. 2. In person. The Agency has established an official record for this action under docket control number OPP-300890. The official record consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received during an applicable comment period, and other information related to this action, including any information claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI). This official record includes the documents that are physically located in the docket, as well as the documents that are referenced in those documents. The public version of the official record does not include any information claimed as CBI. The public version of the official record, which includes printed, paper versions of any electronic comments submitted during an applicable comment period, is available for inspection in the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The PIRIB telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

C. How and to Whom Do I Submit Comments?

As described in Unit I. of the proposed rule published in the Federal Register of September 17, 1999 (64 FR 50672) (FRL-5770-6), you may submit your comments through the mail, in person, or electronically. Please follow the instructions that are provided in the proposed rule. Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to be CBI. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify docket control number OPP-300890 in the subject line on the first page of your response.

D. How Should I Handle CBI that I Want to Submit to the Agency?

Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to be CBI. You may claim information that you submit to EPA in response to this document as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes any 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 version of the official record. Information not marked confidential will be included in the public version of the official record without prior notice. If you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult the person listed under ``FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.''

E. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your comments: 1. Explain your views as clearly as possible. 2. Describe any assumptions that you used. 3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used that support your views. 4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at the estimate that you provide. 5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns. 6. Offer alternative ways to improve the proposed rule or collection activity. 7. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this proposed rule extension. 8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket control number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal Register citation.

II. Background

EPA is extending the comment period for its proposed rule on antimicrobial pesticide registration procedures and other pesticide regulatory changes. The original comment period would have closed on November 16, 1999. EPA has received requests from several commenters to extend the comment period. The commenters requested an additional 30-90 days for comment, citing the length and complexity of the proposal as the basis for their requests. Based upon these requests, EPA has decided to extend the comment period until January 18, 2000.

III. Do Any Regulatory Assessment Requirements Apply to this Action?

No. This action is not a rulemaking, it merely extends the date by which public comments must be submitted to EPA on a proposed rule that previously published in the Federal Register of September 17, 1999 (64 FR 50672) (FRL-5770-6). For information about the applicability of the regulatory assessment requirements to that proposed rule, which published in the Federal Register, please refer to the discussion in Unit I. of that document.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Parts 152 and 156

Administrative practice and procedures, Environmental protection, Labeling, Occupational safety and health, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Dated: November 8, 1999. Susan H. Wayland, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.

[FR Doc. 99-29899 Filed 11-15-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-F