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Proposed Rules, Policies, and Guidance - 2007 Archive

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Requirements, policies, and guidance that EPA has proposed. Comments are solicited from the public before EPA issues final versions. Comments are closed for all items on this page. Please see our current Proposed Rules, Policies, and Guidance page for items that are currently open for comment.

Proposed Rules, Policies, and Guidance - 2011 Archive
Proposed Rules, Policies, and Guidance - 2010 Archive
Proposed Rules, Policies, and Guidance - 2009 Archive
Proposed Rules, Policies, and Guidance - 2008 Archive

Comment Period Closed

Draft Guidance for Pesticide Registrants on Label Statements Regarding Third-Party Endorsements and Cause Marketing Claims

EPA is seeking public comment on a draft Pesticide Registration Notice (PR Notice) entitled "Label Statements Regarding Third-Party Endorsements and Cause Marketing Claims."  This draft notice contains a description of the Agency's framework for evaluating proposed statements and graphic material to appear on pesticide labeling regarding third-party endorsements or a relationship between the pesticide registrant and a charity (cause marketing claims). It identifies factors EPA may consider in reviewing applications for registration or amended registration that include such label statements, and it identifies the types of information that applicants could provide to support EPA's review. Comments were due December 31, 2007.

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Amendments to Oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule

EPA is proposing revisions to certain regulatory requirements for facilities subject to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule. The revisions will tailor and streamline requirements to particular industry sectors and facility owners or operators subject to the rule. Nothing in this proposed rule removes any regulatory requirement for owners or operators of facilities in operation before Aug. 16, 2002, to develop, implement and maintain an SPCC plan in accordance with the SPCC regulations then in effect. These facilities are required to maintain their plans until the applicable date for revising and implementing plans under the new amendments. Comments were due December 14, 2007.

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Pesticide Registration Review Docket for Zinc Borate

EPA has established a registration review docket for zinc borate and has opened a public comment period for this registration review. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. Comments were due December 11, 2007.

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Aldicarb Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the N-methyl carbamate pesticide aldicarb and has opened a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the aldicarb docket. Aldicarb is a restricted-use systemic insecticide, acaricide, and nematicide. It is registered for use on agricultural crops including citrus, cotton, dry beans, peanuts, pecans, potatoes, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, and seed alfalfa (CA). In addition, aldicarb may be applied to field grown ornamentals (CA) and tobacco, and on coffee grown in Puerto Rico. Comments were due December 11, 2007.

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Sodium Fluoride Risk Assessment

EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents for the pesticide sodium fluoride and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for sodium fluoride through a modified four-phase public participation process. Comments were due December 10, 2007.

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EPA, Army Corps Issue Joint Guidance To Sustain Wetlands Protection Under Supreme Court Decision

EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have issued joint guidance for their field offices to ensure that America's wetlands and other water bodies are protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The guidance is consistent with the Supreme Court's decision in the consolidated cases Rapanos v. United States and Carabell v. United States regarding the scope of the agencies' jurisdiction under the CWA. This interagency guidance will enable the agencies to make clear, consistent, and predictable jurisdictional determinations. The results, once posted on agency Web sites, will document how the scope of the Clean Water Act jurisdiction is being determined. EPA and Corps staff will also use the guidance when taking enforcement actions under the CWA. The guidance clarifies those circumstances where a person may need to obtain a CWA Section 404 permit before conducting activities in wetlands, tributaries, and other waters. Comments were due December 5, 2007.

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EPA is seeking public comment on a draft white paper that recommends withdrawal of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guidance to test for the StarLink protein Cry9C in corn grain. StarLink is a biotechnology-derived variety of insect-resistant corn. It was approved by EPA for animal feed and industrial uses, but not for human consumption, because of unanswered questions relating to Cry9C being a possible allergen. However, there has been no scientific evidence linking StarLink to any allergic reactions. StarLink corn has not been planted since 2000, when EPA accepted the registrant’s voluntary cancellation request. Levels have steadily decreased to where new detections are virtually non-existent. Comments must be received on or before December 3, 2007.

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Pesticide Registration Review of Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl and Etofenprox

EPA has established registration review dockets for the following pesticides: Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, case 7209, and etofenprox, case 7407. The Agency has also opened a public comment period for these registration reviews. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. Comments were due November 27, 2007.

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Busan 77 Risk Assessment

EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents for the antimicrobial pesticide Busan 77 and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Busan 77 through a modified four-phase public participation process. Comments were due November 27, 2007.

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N-methyl Carbamate Revised Cumulative Risk Assessment

EPA has released its revised cumulative risk assessment for the N-methyl carbamate group of pesticides, and has opened a public comment period on this document and other support documents. As required by the Food Quality Protection Act, a cumulative risk assessment, which evaluates exposures based on a common mechanism of toxicity, was conducted to evaluate the risk from food, drinking water, residential, and other non-occupational exposures resulting from registered uses of N-methyl carbamate pesticides. The N-methyl carbamate group includes aldicarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, formetanate HCl, methiocarb, methomyl, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, and thiodicarb. Comments were due November 26, 2007.

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Four Pesticide Registration Review Dockets

EPA has established registration review dockets for several pesticides and has opened a public comment period for these reviews. The four newly established dockets cover farnesol and nerolidol; Pseudomonas syringae; Pseudomonas fluorescens; and chitin. EPA will not open a docket for liquid nitrogen, because the last product containing this pesticide was cancelled in 2004. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. Comments were due November 19, 2007.

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Comment Period Reopened on "Implementation of Emerging Pathogens and Disinfection Hierarchy for Antimicrobial Products"

EPA is reopening the comment period on the pesticide draft science guidance document entitled "Implementation of the Emerging Pathogens and Disinfection Hierarchy Guidance for Antimicrobial Products," announced in the Federal Register of July 25, 2007. Because additional time has been requested by several pesticide entities to prepare detailed comments on the planned implementation, the comment period has been opened for an additional 60 days. Comments were due November 19, 2007.

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Comment Period Extended on Pesticides for Initial Endocrine Disruptor Screening

EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of June 18, 2007, concerning the draft list of the first group of chemicals that will be screened in the Agency's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). The draft list was produced using the approach described in the September 2005 notice, and includes chemicals that the Agency, at its discretion, has decided should be tested first, based upon exposure potential. This document is extending the comment period for 60 days, from September 17, 2007, to November 16, 2007.

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Fenoxycarb, Urea Sulfate Registration Reviews

EPA has established registration review dockets for the pesticides fenoxycarb (case number 7401) and urea sulfate (case number 7213), and has opened a public comment period for these reviews. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Registration review dockets contain information that will help the public understand the types of information and issues that EPA may consider during the reviews. Comments were due October 30, 2007.

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Two Dockets for Pesticide Registration Review

Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. 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 has established registration review dockets for the following pesticides (Comments were due October 4, 2007):

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Risk Reduction Options and Risk Assessment for Naphthenate Salts

This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessment(s), and related documents for the pesticides copper naphthenate and zinc naphthenate (the naphthenate salts), and opens a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. Comments were due September 24, 2007.

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Risk Reduction Options and Ecological Risk Assessment for Acrolein

This notice announces the availability of EPA's ecological risk assessment, and related documents for the pesticide acrolein, and opens a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. Comments were due September 24, 2007.

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Draft List of Initial Pesticide Active Ingredients and Pesticide Inerts To Be Considered for Screening Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

Section 408(p) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) directs EPA to develop a chemical screening program using appropriate validated test systems and other scientifically relevant information to determine whether certain substances may have hormonal effects. In September 2005, EPA published its approach for selecting the initial list of chemicals for which testing will be required under the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). This document presents the draft list of the first group of chemicals that will be screened in the Agency's EDSP. Comments were due September 17, 2007.

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Bromonitrostyrene Risk Assessment

EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents for the antimicrobial pesticide bromonitrostyrene (BNS), and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for BNS through a modified four-phase public participation process. Comments, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0540, were due September 17, 2007.

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Copper 8-Quinolinolate Risk Assessment

EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents for the pesticide copper 8- quinolinolate, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for copper 8-quinolinolate through a modified, four-phase public participation process. Comments, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0556, were due September 10, 2007.

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Aliphatic Alcohols RED

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for aliphatic alcohol  pesticides, and has opened a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the aliphatic alcohols docket. The aliphatic alcohols subject to this RED include 1-hexanol, 1-octanol, 1-decanol, and 1-dodecanol, which are used as a growth regulator for tobacco sucker control and as a lepidopteran pheromone in apple and pear orchards. EPA has reviewed aliphatic alcohols through a modified, one-phase, low-risk process with a public comment period following the publication of the RED. Comments, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0134, were due September 10, 2007.

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Glutaraldehyde Risk Assessment

EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents for the antimicrobial pesticide glutaraldehyde, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for glutaraldehyde through a modified, four-phase public participation process. Comments were due September 4, 2007.

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Bioban P-1487 Risk Assessment

EPA has released its risk assessments and related documents for the antimicrobial pesticide Bioban P-1487, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Bioban P-1487 through a modified, four-phase public participation process. Comments were due September 4, 2007.

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Draft Guidance for Antimicrobial Products With Anthrax-Related Claims

EPA is seeking public comment on a draft Pesticide Registration Notice entitled "Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticide Products With Anthrax-Related Claims.'' This notice would, once final, provide guidance to prospective registrants of antimicrobial products that make labeling claims to inactivate Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores. Comments were due September 4, 2007.

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Comment Period Extended for Soil Fumigants

On May 2, 2007, EPA issued revised human health risk assessments and requested public comment on risk-reduction options for the soil fumigants: methyl bromide, metam sodium, dazomet, and chloropicrin. Another soil fumigant, 1,3-dichloropropene (telone) is included for comparison purposes, but its reassessment is complete and few, if any, regulatory changes are anticipated. As part of EPA's ongoing evaluation of soil fumigant pesticides, and based on multiple requests from stakeholders, the Agency extended the public comment period on risk reduction options until September 3, 2007.

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Draft NAFTA Procedures for Determining Maximum Pesticide Residue Limits

EPA is seeking public comment on the document entitled Statistical Basis of the NAFTA Method for Calculating Pesticide Maximum Residue Limits from Field Trial Data. Although Canada's Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is also accepting comments, EPA and PMRA will be jointly responding to comments submitted to either Agency. Comments were due August 31, 2007.

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Availability of Implementation of the Emerging Pathogens and Disinfection Hierarchy for Antimicrobial Products

To assure that EPA's practices related to implementing the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) are transparent and open to public participation, EPA is soliciting comments on the pesticide draft science guidance document entitled ``Implementation of the Emerging Pathogens and Disinfection Hierarchy for Antimicrobial Products.'' Comments were due August 24, 2007.

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Comment Period Extended for 4-Aminopyridine Risk Assessments

EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of May 30, 2007 (72 FR 29995) (FRL-8132-2), concerning the availability of EPA's ecological risk assessments, and related documents for the pesticide 4-aminopyridine. This document is extending the comment period for 4-aminopyridine for twenty-three days. Comments were due August 22, 2007.

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Availability of Mefluidide Risk Assessments

This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessments, and related documents for the pesticide mefluidide, and opens a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. Comments were due August 20, 2007.

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EPA Reopens Comment Period for Octhilinone Risk Assessment

EPA has reopened the comment period for the Agency's preliminary human health and ecological risk assessments for the pesticide octhilinone (OIT). Octhilinone is used as a material preservative, as an industrial mildewcide for cooling tower and air washer water systems, and as a wood preservative. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for octhilinone through a modified, four-phase public participation process. These risk assessments were initially issued through a June 13, 2007, Federal Register notice that allowed a 30-day comment period. Comments, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0414, were due August 17, 2007.

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Availability of Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Antimycin A

This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide antimycin A and opens a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the antimycin A docket. Antimycin A is a restricted use pesticide applied directly to water - primarily by Federal and state agencies - to eliminate invasive or unwanted fish species. EPA has reviewed antimycin A through the public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and safety standards. Comments were due August 13, 2007.

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Revised Risk Assessments and Solicitation of Risk Reductions for Ethylene Oxide

This notice announces the availability of EPA's revised risk assessments for the fumigant/sterilant pesticide ethylene oxide (ETO). In addition, this notice solicits public comment on risk reduction options to protect ETO workers and a revised alternatives assessment. The Agency is having this second Phase-5 to focus on ETO's risks to workers under FIFRA. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for ETO through the full, 6-Phase public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions. Through these programs, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and safety standards. Comments were due July 30, 2007.

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Inorganic Sulfites Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide inorganic sulfites, and opens a public comment period on this document, related risk assessments, and other support documents. The inorganic sulfites case includes sulfur dioxide and sodium metabisulfite. Sulfur dioxide is applied as a compressed gas and is typically used to treat for Botrytis cinerea, the fungus which causes bunch rot or gray mold disease on grapes. The sodium metabisulfite products are composed of the anhydrous, solid active ingredient contained in semisealed pads which are added to containers holding grapes prior to shipping. The pads absorb moisture generated by grapes, and release low levels of sulfur dioxide. Comments were due July 23, 2007.

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Rotenone Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide rotenone, and opens a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the rotenone docket. Rotenone is a restricted use pesticide applied directly to water, primarily by Federal and state agencies, to eliminate invasive or unwanted fish species. Comments were due July 23, 2007.

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Expansion of the Pesticide Tolerance Crop Grouping Program

EPA is proposing revisions to its pesticide tolerance crop grouping regulations, which allow establishment of tolerances for multiple related crops, based on data from a representative set of crops. The present revision would create a crop group for edible fungi (mushrooms), expand existing crop groups by adding commodities, establish crop subgroups, and revise the representative crops in some groups. Additionally, EPA is revising the generic crop group regulation to add a subsection explaining how the Agency will implement revisions to crop groups. EPA expects these revisions to promote greater use of crop groupings for tolerance-setting purposes and, in particular, will assist in retaining or making available pesticides for minor crop uses. Comments were due July 23, 2007.

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Enhancing Environmental Outcomes From Audit Policy Disclosures Through Tailored Incentives for New Owners

EPA requests comment on whether, and to what extent, the Agency should consider offering tailored incentives to encourage new owners of regulated entities to discover, disclose, correct, and prevent the recurrence of environmental violations. The Agency is considering whether actively encouraging such disclosures has the potential to yield significant environmental benefit. Any tailored incentives for new owners would be beyond those offered as EPA is currently implementing EPA's April 11, 2000, policy, "Incentives for Self-Policing: Discovery, Disclosure, Correction, and Prevention of Violations." Comments may also be communicated orally at two public meetings EPA will hold during the comment period. One meeting will be in Washington, D.C. on June 12, 2007, and the other in San Francisco, California on June 20, 2007. Both meetings will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. EDT. Comments were due July 13, 2007.

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Extension of Comment Period on Potential Revisions to Current Production Regulations of Plant-Incorporated Protectants

EPA is extending the comment period for an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) document concerning potential revisions to current production regulations for producers of plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2007. This document extends the comment period for an additional 30 days. The comment period is extended because EPA received a request from the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials. The extended comment period will allow state regulators to consider the ANPRM at the State-FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group national meeting June 25-26, 2007, and submit comments representing the consensus of their membership. Comments were due July 13, 2007.

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Exemption Proposals for Plant-Incorporated Protectants Based on Plant Virus Coat Protein Genes

EPA is seeking public comment on two proposed rules for plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) that are based on plant viral coat protein genes (PVCP-PIPs). PVCP-PIPs are produced by plants that have been genetically engineered to contain certain genes that will protect the plant from viruses. To provide thorough and comprehensive regulatory oversight of these products, EPA is proposing a comprehensive structure to ensure these products are properly regulated based on the potential risk they may pose. Comments were due July 17, 2007.

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EPA Reopened Comment Period for Food Packaging Treated With Pesticides

EPA reopened the public comment period for a proposed rule concerning pesticide-treated food packaging, which was published in the Federal Register of April 6, 2007. Written comments were due by April 21, 2007. EPA received, considered, and accepted a petition to extend the public comment period, and has reopened the comment period for an additional 30 days. Comments were due July 6, 2007.

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Lime-Sulfur (Inorganic Polysulfides) Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide lime-sulfur (inorganic polysulfides also called calcium polysulfide), and has opened a public comment period on this document, related risk assessments, and other support documents. EPA has reviewed this low-risk pesticide through a modified, streamlined version of the public participation process. Comments were due July 2, 2007.

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Dichlorprop-p Risk Assessments

EPA has released risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide dichlorprop-p, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. Comments were due June 26, 2007.

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Six New Registration Review Dockets

EPA has established dockets for the following six pesticides that are being reviewed under the Agency's Registration Review Program: clofentezine, cyromazine, fenarimol, fomesafen, paclobutrazol, and triflumizole. A seventh pesticide, pyridate, is no longer scheduled for registration review, and the Agency will not open a docket for this pesticide because it has no active federal registrations. Through Registration Review, EPA is reviewing all Agency-registered pesticides every 15 years to ensure that each pesticide performs its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. This program will ensure that as science, policies, and practices change, pesticide products in the marketplace can still be used safely. Comments were due June 26, 2007.

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Comment Period Extended on Revisions to Definition of Solid Waste

The comment period for the supplemental proposed rule entitled Revisions to the Definition of Solid Waste, published on March 26, 2007, is being extended until June 25, 2007. In the supplemental proposal, EPA is requesting comment on revisions to the definition of solid waste that would exclude certain hazardous secondary materials from regulation under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Also, EPA is soliciting comment on regulatory factors to be used to determine whether recycling of hazardous secondary materials is legitimate. Comments were due June 25, 2007.

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Mecoprop-p Risk Assessments

EPA has released its risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide mecoprop-p, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. Comments were due June 25, 2007.

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Aliphatic Esters Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide aliphatic esters, and opens a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the aliphatic esters docket. The aliphatic esters case contains six active ingredients, but only one active ingredient, the methyl esters of fatty acids, is registered and in only one product. The methyl esters of fatty acids are used as a pinching agent and applied as a foliar spray on ornamentals kept inside and outside of greenhouses. Comments were due June 22, 2007.

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Potential Revisions to Current Production Regulations of Plant-Incorporated Protectants

In light of the differences between plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) and other types of pesticides, EPA is considering amendments to the current pesticide establishment and production regulations promulgated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and to other related FIFRA regulations as needed for producers of PIPs. PIPs are pesticidal substances that are intended to be produced and used in a living plant, or the produce thereof, and the genetic material necessary for the production of such a pesticidal substance, and also include any inert ingredient contained in the plant, or the produce thereof. Given these characteristics, it is possible that PIPs may not be produced in the manner contemplated when the current establishment and production regulations were promulgated for other types of pesticide. Comments were due June 13, 2007.

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Trichoderma and Linalool Registration Review Dockets

EPA has established registration review dockets for the pesticides trichoderma and linalool and has opened a public comment period for these reviews. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Registration review dockets contain information that will assist the public in understanding the types of information and issues that the Agency may consider during the course of registration reviews. Comments were due June 11, 2007.

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Dikegulac Sodium Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide dikegulac sodium, and has opened a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the dikegulac sodium docket. Dikegulac sodium is a plant growth regulator used in greenhouses, nurseries, and on landscape trees, ornamentals, and plants. Comments were due June 11, 2007.

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Regulating Repellent-Sunscreen Products

In a Federal Register notice published on February 22, 2007, EPA is seeking information to determine how insect repellent-sunscreen combination products should be regulated in order to complete the review described in the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document for the insect repellent DEET. The Agency is considering issues such as labeling, product performance, and applicable safety standards for all currently registered and future insect repellent-sunscreen combination products. The sunscreen components of these products are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Concurrently, FDA is requesting information and comments on these products for which FDA is considering rulemaking. Comments and information received by EPA and FDA will determine the way these products are to be regulated. Comments were due May 23, 2007.

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Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Risk Mitigation Decision for Nine Rodenticides

EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of January 17, 2007, concerning the availability of the proposed risk mitigation decision for nine rodenticides. Rodenticides covered by the decision are brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, chlorophacinone, diphacinone, warfarin, zinc phosphide, bromethalin, and cholecalciferol. The comment period on this decision has been extended for 60 days, from March 19, 2007, to May 18, 2007. Comments were due May 18, 2007.

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Grant Guidelines for Underground Storage Tank Operator Training

EPA is asking the public to comment on draft grant guidelines for states for operator training on underground storage tanks. The draft guidelines establish three distinct classes of underground storage tank operators, describe how and when states will implement the guidelines, and discuss when operators must be trained. EPA worked with states and other partners to develop the grant guidelines, which will provide states with requirements they must meet in order to comply with the operator training provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. EPA plans to issue the final grant guidelines in summer 2007. Public comments on the draft guidelines were due May 10, 2007.

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Draft National Coastal Condition Report III Available for Comment

EPA has opened a 60-day public comment period on the draft National Coastal Condition Report III describing the condition of the Nation's coastal waters. Coastal waters are valuable from both an environmental and economic perspective. These waters are vulnerable to pollution from diverse sources. EPA expects this report will increase public awareness of the extent and seriousness of pollution and advance efforts to protect and restore coastal waters. EPA seeks public input concerning the information in the report, the availability of additional data, and the appropriateness of conclusions drawn from the information presented. Comments were due May 8, 2007.

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Potential Effects of Atrazine on Amphibian Gonadal Development

In October 2007, EPA will make a presentation to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) concerning EPA's evaluation of the scientific research investigating whether exposure to the herbicide atrazine potentially affects amphibian gonadal development. The scientific research will include studies that were conducted by Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. in 2005 and 2006, as well as published open literature studies. The notice identifies the open literature studies that EPA has reviewed and requests public comment to ensure that the list of publications is complete. The studies that have been reviewed focus on testing atrazine alone and only on atrazine's potential effects on amphibian gonadal development. Comments were due May 4, 2007.

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First Dockets in EPA's New Pesticide Registration Review Program

EPA has established dockets for the first pesticides to be reviewed under the Agency's new Registration Review Program. The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 requires EPA to implement a new program with the goal of reviewing all pesticides every 15 years for the purpose of ensuring that each EPA-registered pesticide performs its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. The Registration Review Program will ensure that as science, policies, and practices change, pesticide products in the marketplace can still be used safely. Comments were due May 3, 2007.

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Pine Oil and Propylene/Dipropylene Glycol REDs

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) for the pesticides pine oil and propylene/dipropylene glycol and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents are available in the pine oil and propylene/dipropylene glycol dockets. Pine oil is an antimicrobial used for sanitizing and disinfecting in residential and commercial/institutional settings. Propylene glycol is used in air sanitization and hard surface disinfection, and dipropylene glycol is used in air sanitization. Comments were due April 23, 2007.

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Proposed Rule on Food Packaging Treated With Pesticides

EPA issued a proposal for a direct final rule excepting pesticide-treated food packaging from the definitions of "pesticide chemical" and "pesticide chemical residue" under section 201(q) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The text of this proposed rule is identical to a direct final rule EPA issued on December 6, 2006. EPA received several comments opposing that direct final rule and therefore withdrew the rule on January 25, 2007. EPA is now issuing the rule as a proposal for public comment. This proposed rule, as with the rule it would amend, applies only to the food packaging materials themselves; it would not otherwise limit EPA's FFDCA jurisdiction over pesticides. Comments were due April 23, 2007.

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FY 2008 Draft Water Program Guidance Released for Comment

The National Water Program has released Draft FY 2008 Water Program Guidance for public review and comment. The draft guidance describes FY 2008 program priorities and strategies for accomplishing the environmental goals established in the new EPA strategic plan. Comments on the draft guidance were due April 6.

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Monocarbamide Dihydrogen Sulfate Tolerance Reassessment Decision

EPA has released its Tolerance Reassessment Decision (TRED) for the low-risk pesticide monocarbamide dihydrogen sulfate (urea sulfate), and has opened a public comment period on this document, related risk assessments, and other support documents. EPA has reviewed urea sulfate through a modified, streamlined version of the public participation process. Comments were due April 2, 2007.

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Modification of Dimethoate Reregistration Eligibility Decision Available for Comment

EPA has released its intention to modify certain risk mitigation measures that were imposed as a result of the 2006 Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide dimethoate, and has opened a public comment period on these changes. EPA conducted this reassessment of the dimethoate RED in response to public comments received. The commentors have requested that the Agency make certain modifications in the dimethoate RED label requirements including: specifying a maximum seasonal application rate, rather than a maximum number of applications per season; and increased seasonal rates for peppers and cherries. Comments were due March 30, 2007.

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U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory

EPA is seeking public comment on a draft report that analyzes sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The report, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2005, will be open for public comment for 30 days after the Federal Register notice is published. After responding to public comments, EPA will submit, through the U.S. Department of State, the final inventory report to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), fulfilling its annual requirement as a party to this international treaty on climate change. The inventory tracks annual greenhouse gas emissions at the national level and presents historical emissions from 1990 to 2005. The inventory also calculates carbon dioxide emissions that are removed from the atmosphere by "sinks," e.g., through the uptake of carbon by forests, vegetation, and soils. Comments were due March 29, 2007.

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Antimycin A Risk Assessments

EPA has released risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide antimycin A, and has opened a public comment period. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for antimycin A through a modified, four-phase public participation process. Comments were due March 19, 2007.

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Syngenta Documents Requesting Nonregulated Status for Genetically Engineered Corn  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has received a petition from Syngenta Seeds, Inc., seeking a determination of nonregulated status for rootworm-resistant corn derived from a transformation event designated as MIR604. The petition has been submitted in accordance with federal regulations concerning the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms and products. The public is invited to comment on whether this corn presents a plant pest risk. The draft environmental assessment for the proposed determination of nonregulated status is included in the documents available for comment. Comments on the petition were due March 12, 2007; comments on the draft environmental assessment were due February 9, 2007. The Federal Register notice contains information on how to submit comments and where to get more information or copies of the documents.

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Modification of Ethofumesate RED

EPA has released its intention to modify certain risk mitigation measures that were imposed as a result of the 2005 Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide ethofumesate, and has opened a public comment period on these changes. EPA conducted this reassessment of the ethofumesate RED in response to new dermal absorption data submitted by the technical registrant, Bayer CropScience, Inc. Comments were due March 9, 2007.

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Extension of Comment Period for Chloropicrin Risk Assessments

EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of November 29, 2006, announcing the availability of EPA's human health and environmental fate and effects risk assessments and related documents for the fumigant chloropicrin. The comment period for the notice ended on January 29, 2007. On January 24, 2007, EPA extended the comment period until February 23, 2007. With this action, EPA is extending the comment period for an additional five days. Comments were due February 28, 2007.

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Reopening of Comment Period on Draft Guidance for Registrants on Use of Antimicrobial Pesticides in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Systems

EPA is reopening the comment period and seeking additional public comment on a draft Pesticide Registration Notice (PR Notice) entitled "Use of Antimicrobial Pesticide Products in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Systems." This notice would, once final, provide guidance to registrants concerning EPA-registered sanitizer, disinfectant, and other antimicrobial products whose labels bear general directions for use on or incorporation within hard, non-porous, or porous surfaces, but which are not specifically registered for treatment of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Comments were due February 27, 2007.

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Reregistration Eligibility Decisions for Two Antimicrobial Pesticides

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) for the pesticides n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the ADBAC and DDAC dockets. ADBAC is an antimicrobial used in agricultural, food handling, commercial, institutional, industrial, residential, public access, and medical settings, and may be applied as a wood preservative. DDAC is an antimicrobial used in indoor and outdoor hard surfaces, eating utensils, laundry, carpets, agricultural tools and vehicles, egg shells, shoes, milking equipment and udders, humidifiers, medical instruments, human remains, ultrasonic tanks, reverse osmosis units, water storage tanks, and may be applied as a wood preservative. Comments were due February 27, 2007, identified by the following docket ID numbers:

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Allethrins Risk Assessments

EPA has released its risk assessments and related documents for the allethrin series of pesticides (bioallethrin, esbiol, esbiothrin, and pynamin forte), and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the allethrins through a modified, four-phase public participation process. The allethrins are synthetic pyrethroids used as insecticides on both indoor and outdoor use sites. Comments were due February 26, 2007.

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Draft Grant Guidelines for State Compliance Report on Government Underground Storage Tanks

EPA has posted draft grant guidelines for the state compliance report on underground storage tanks. For more information about the draft grant guidelines for state compliance report on government underground storage tanks, contact Steven McNeely at mcneely.steven@epa.gov or 703-603-7164. Comments were due February 22, 2007.

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Federal Plan for "Other" Solid Waste Incineration Units Constructed on or Before December 9, 2004

On December 16, 2005, EPA promulgated emission guidelines (EG) for existing "other" solid waste incineration (OSWI) units. Sections 111 and 129 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) require States with existing OSWI units subject to the EG to submit plans to EPA that implement and enforce the emission guidelines. Indian Tribes may submit, but are not required to submit, Tribal plans to implement and enforce the EG in Indian country. State plans are due on December 16, 2006. If a State or Tribe does not submit an approvable plan, EPA is required to develop, implement, and enforce a federal plan for that State or Tribal area within 2 years after promulgation of the EG (December 16, 2007). This action proposes a federal plan for OSWI units not covered by effective State or Tribal plans. Comments were due February 16, 2007.

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Draft Guidance Manual Offers Nutrient Criteria for Wetlands

EPA has announced the availability of a draft nutrient criteria technical guidance manual for wetlands. This document provides State and Tribal water quality managers and others with information on how to develop numeric nutrient criteria for wetlands as State or Tribal law or regulation; however, it does not contain site-specific numeric nutrient criteria. EPA is soliciting information, data, and views on issues of science pertaining to the information the Agency used to develop this document. Submissions were due February 12, 2007.

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