Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations

Published date14 February 2019
Citation84 FR 4060
Record Number2019-02354
SectionNotices
CourtEnvironmental Protection Agency
Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 31 (Thursday, February 14, 2019)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 31 (Thursday, February 14, 2019)]
                [Notices]
                [Pages 4060-4063]
                From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
                [FR Doc No: 2019-02354]
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                ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                [EPA-HQ-OPP-2018-0010; FRL-9987-70]
                Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and
                Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
                AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
                ACTION: Notice.
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                SUMMARY: EPA has granted emergency exemptions under the Federal
                Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of
                pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions were granted during
                the period of April 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018 to control unforeseen
                pest outbreaks.
                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael L. Goodis, Director
                Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
                Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington,
                DC 20460-0001; main telephone number: (703) 305-7090; email address:
                RDFRNotices@epa.gov.
                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                I. General Information
                A. Does this action apply to me?
                 You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
                agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
                The following list of North American Industrial Classification System
                (NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a
                guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them.
                Potentially affected entities may include:
                 Crop production (NAICS code 111).
                 Animal production (NAICS code 112).
                 Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
                 Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
                 If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this
                action to a particular entity, consult the person listed at the end of
                the emergency exemption.
                B. How can I get copies of this document and other related information?
                 The docket for this action, identified by docket identification
                (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2018-0010, is available at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory
                Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency
                Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334,
                1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public
                Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
                Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public
                Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP
                Docket is (703) 305-5805. Please review the visitor instructions and
                additional information about the docket available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets.
                II. Background
                 EPA has granted emergency exemptions to the following State and
                Federal agencies. The emergency exemptions may take the following form:
                Crisis, public health, quarantine, or specific. EPA has also listed
                denied emergency exemption requests in this notice.
                 Under FIFRA section 18 (7 U.S.C. 136p), EPA can authorize the use
                of a pesticide when emergency conditions exist. Authorizations
                (commonly called emergency exemptions) are granted to State and Federal
                agencies and are of four types:
                 1. A ``specific exemption'' authorizes use of a pesticide against
                specific pests on a limited acreage in a particular State. Most
                emergency exemptions are specific exemptions.
                 2. ``Quarantine'' and ``public health'' exemptions are emergency
                exemptions issued for quarantine or public health purposes. These are
                rarely requested.
                 3. A ``crisis exemption'' is initiated by a State or Federal agency
                (and is confirmed by EPA) when there is insufficient time to request
                and obtain EPA permission for use of a pesticide in an emergency.
                 EPA may deny an emergency exemption: If the State or Federal agency
                cannot demonstrate that an emergency exists, if the use poses
                unacceptable risks to the environment, or if EPA cannot reach a
                conclusion that the proposed pesticide use is likely to result in ``a
                reasonable certainty of no harm'' to human health, including exposure
                of residues of the pesticide to infants and children.
                 If the emergency use of the pesticide on a food or feed commodity
                would result in pesticide chemical residues, EPA establishes a time-
                limited tolerance meeting the ``reasonable certainty of no harm
                standard'' of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
                 In this document: EPA identifies the State or Federal agency
                granted the exemption, the type of exemption, the pesticide authorized
                and the pests, the crop or use for which authorized, number of acres
                (if applicable), and the duration of the exemption. EPA also gives the
                Federal Register citation for the time-limited tolerance, if any.
                III. Emergency Exemptions
                A. U. S. States and Territories
                Alabama
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of flupyradifurone on a
                maximum of 500 acres of sweet sorghum (forage and syrup) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 180.679(b). Effective May 14,
                2018 to November 15, 2018.
                Arizona
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a
                maximum of 26,000 acres of sorghum (grain and forage) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 180.668(b); Effective April 30,
                2018 to November 30, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a maximum of 150,000 acres
                of cotton to control tarnished plant bug (Lygus spp.). A permanent
                tolerance in connection with an earlier registration action has been
                established in 40 CFR 180.668(a). Effective June 1, 2018 to October 31,
                2018.
                California
                Department of Pesticide Regulation
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a
                maximum of 270,000 acres of cotton to control tarnished plant bug
                (Lygus spp.). A permanent tolerance in connection with an earlier
                registration action has been established in 40 CFR 180.668(a).
                Effective May 15, 2018 to October 31, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of methoxyfenozide on a maximum of 100,000
                acres of rice to control armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta) and Western
                Yellowstriped Armyworm (Spodoptera praefica). A time-limited tolerance
                in connection with this action has been established in 40 CFR
                [[Page 4061]]
                180.544(b). Effective June 21, 2018 to October 4, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on a maximum of 18,000 acres
                of pomegranates to control leaf-footed plant bugs. A time-limited
                tolerance in connection with this action has been established in 40 CFR
                180.442(b); Effective August 21, 2018 to December 31, 2018.
                Delaware
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemptions: EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on a
                maximum of 415 acres of apple, peach, and nectarine to control the
                brown marmorated stinkbug. Time-limited tolerances in connection with
                past actions were established in 40 CFR 180.442(b); Effective May 11,
                2018 to October 15, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of dinotefuran on a maximum of 415 acres of
                pome and stone fruit to control the brown marmorated stinkbug. Time-
                limited tolerances in connection with past actions were established in
                40 CFR 180.603(b); Effective June 8, 2018 to October 15, 2018. The
                request was granted because an emergency condition exists with
                significant economic losses expected. Since this request proposed a use
                for which an emergency exemption has been requested for 5 or more
                previous years (and supported by the Interregional Research Project
                Number 4 (IR-4) program) and a registration application or tolerance
                petition has not been submitted to EPA, in accordance with the
                requirements at 40 CFR 166.24, a notice of receipt published in the
                Federal Register on May 7, 2018 (83 FR 20070) (FRL-9979-46) with the
                public comment period closing on May 22, 2018.
                Georgia
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of flupyradifurone on a
                maximum of 50,000 acres of sweet sorghum (forage and syrup) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 180.679(b). Effective May 1, 2018
                to December 1, 2018.
                Illinois
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a
                maximum of 23,000 acres of sorghum (grain and forage) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 180.668(b); Effective July 17,
                2018 to November 30, 2018.
                Indiana
                Office of the Indiana State Chemist
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of pyridate on a maximum
                of 11,200 acres of mint for postemergence control of herbicide-
                resistant annual weeds such as redroot pigweed, Armaranthus retroflexus
                and other broadleaf weeds. Tolerances in connection with an earlier
                registration action are established in 40 CFR 180.462(a). Effective May
                18, 2018 to August 31, 2018.
                Kentucky
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of flupyradifurone on a
                maximum of 1,500 acres of sweet sorghum (forage and syrup) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 180.679(b). Effective May 8, 2018
                to November 15, 2018.
                Maryland
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemptions: EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on a
                maximum of 3,570 acres of apple, peach, and nectarine to control the
                brown marmorated stinkbug. Time-limited tolerances in connection with
                past actions were established in 40 CFR 180.442(b); Effective May 11,
                2018 to October 15, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of dinotefuran on a maximum of 3,730 acres
                of pome and stone fruit to control the brown marmorated stinkbug. Time-
                limited tolerances in connection with past actions were established in
                40 CFR 180.603(b); Effective June 8, 2018 to October 15, 2018. Since
                this request proposed a use for which an emergency exemption has been
                requested for 5 or more previous years (and supported by the IR-4
                program) and a registration application or tolerance petition has not
                been submitted to EPA, in accordance with the requirements at 40 CFR
                166.24, a notice of receipt published in the Federal Register on May 7,
                2018 (83 FR 20070) (FRL-9979-46) with the public comment period closing
                on May 22, 2018.
                Michigan
                Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of pyridate on a maximum
                of 1,250 acres of mint for postemergence control of herbicide-resistant
                annual weeds such as redroot pigweed, Armaranthus retroflexus and other
                broadleaf weeds. Tolerances in connection with an earlier registration
                action are established in 40 CFR 180.462(a). Effective May 18, 2018 to
                August 31, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of dinotefuran on a maximum of 35,280 acres
                of pome and stone fruit to control the brown marmorated stinkbug. Time-
                limited tolerances in connection with past actions were established in
                40 CFR 180.603(b); Effective June 8, 2018 to October 15, 2018. Since
                this request proposed a use for which an emergency exemption has been
                requested for 5 or more previous years (and supported by the IR-4
                program) and a registration application or tolerance petition has not
                been submitted to EPA, in accordance with the requirements at 40 CFR
                166.24, a notice of receipt published in the Federal Register on May 7,
                2018 (83 FR 20070) (FRL-9979-46) with the public comment period closing
                on May 22, 2018.
                Montana
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of indaziflam in
                rangeland, pastures, and conservation reserve programs on a maximum of
                55,000 acres to control Medusahead and Ventenata. Time-limited
                tolerances in connection with this action have been established in 40
                CFR 180.653(b); Effective August 1, 2018 to August 1, 2019.
                New Jersey
                Department of Environmental Protection
                 Specific exemptions: EPA authorized the use of dinotefuran on a
                maximum of 8,100 acres of pome and stone fruit to control the brown
                marmorated stinkbug. Time-limited tolerances in connection with past
                actions were established in 40 CFR 180.603(b); Effective June 8, 2018
                to October 15, 2018. Since this request proposed a use for which an
                emergency exemption has been requested for 5 or more previous years
                (and supported by the IR-4 program) and a registration application or
                tolerance petition has not been submitted to EPA, in accordance with
                the requirements at 40 CFR 166.24, a notice of receipt published in the
                Federal Register on May 7, 2018 (83 FR 20070) (FRL-9979-46) with the
                public comment period closing on May 22, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on a maximum of 8,200 acres of
                apple, peach, and nectarine to control the brown marmorated stinkbug.
                Time-limited tolerances in connection with
                [[Page 4062]]
                past actions were established in 40 CFR 180.442(b); Effective June 26,
                2018 to October 15, 2018.
                New Mexico
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a
                maximum of 140,000 acres of sorghum (grain and forage) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 180.668(b); Effective May 10,
                2018 to November 30, 2018.
                New York
                Department of Environmental Conservation
                 Specific exemptions: EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on a
                maximum of 7,321 acres of apple, peach, and nectarine to control the
                brown marmorated stinkbug. Time-limited tolerances in connection with
                past actions were established in 40 CFR 180.442(b); Effective July 6,
                2018 to October 15, 2018.
                North Carolina
                Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
                 Specific exemptions: EPA authorized the use of dinotefuran on a
                maximum of 4,000 acres of pome and stone fruit to control the brown
                marmorated stinkbug. Time-limited tolerances in connection with past
                actions were established in 40 CFR 180.603(b); Effective June 8, 2018
                to October 15, 2018. Since this request proposed a use for which an
                emergency exemption has been requested for 5 or more previous years
                (and supported by the IR-4 program) and a registration application or
                tolerance petition has not been submitted to EPA, in accordance with
                the requirements at 40 CFR 166.24, a notice of receipt published in the
                Federal Register on May 7, 2018 (83 FR 20070) (FRL-9979-46) with the
                public comment period closing on May 22, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a maximum of 425,000 acres
                of cotton to control tarnished plant bug (Lygus spp.). A permanent
                tolerance in connection with an earlier registration action has been
                established in 40 CFR 180.668(a). Effective June 15, 2018 to October
                30, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on a maximum of 3,000 acres of
                apple, peach, and nectarine to control the brown marmorated stinkbug.
                Time-limited tolerances in connection with past actions were
                established in 40 CFR 180.442(b); Effective June 26, 2018 to October
                15, 2018.
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of flupyradifurone on a
                maximum of 750 acres of sweet sorghum (forage and syrup) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 166.20(b). Effective July 3, 2018
                to November 15, 2018.
                Oklahoma
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a
                maximum of 300,000 acres of sorghum (grain and forage) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 180.668(b); Effective April 10,
                2018 to November 30, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a maximum of 700,000 acres
                of cotton to control tarnished plant bug (Lygus spp.). A permanent
                tolerance in connection with an earlier registration action has been
                established in 40 CFR 180.668(a). Effective May 29, 2018 to October 30,
                2018.
                Oregon
                Department of Agriculture
                 Crisis exemption: EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a
                maximum of 7,000 acres of alfalfa grown for seed to control lygus bugs;
                Effective July 31, 2018 to August 14, 2018.
                Pennsylvania
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemptions: EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on a
                maximum of 24,974 acres of apple, peach, and nectarine to control the
                brown marmorated stinkbug. Time-limited tolerances in connection with
                past actions were established in 40 CFR 180.442(b); Effective May 11,
                2018 to October 15, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of dinotefuran on a maximum of 24,974 acres
                of pome and stone fruit to control the brown marmorated stinkbug. Time-
                limited tolerances in connection with past actions were established in
                40 CFR 180.603(b); Effective June 8, 2018 to October 15, 2018. Since
                this request proposed a use for which an emergency exemption has been
                requested for 5 or more previous years (and supported by the IR-4
                program) and a registration application or tolerance petition has not
                been submitted to EPA, in accordance with the requirements at 40 CFR
                166.24, a notice of receipt published in the Federal Register on May 7,
                2018 (83 FR 20070) (FRL-9979-46) with the public comment period closing
                on May 22, 2018.
                South Carolina
                Department of Pesticide Regulation
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a
                maximum of 19,600 acres of sorghum (grain and forage) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 180.668(b); Effective July 3,
                2018 to November 30, 2018.
                Texas
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of clothianidin on a
                maximum of 4,000 acres of immature citrus trees to manage the
                transmission of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease vectored by the Asian
                citrus psyllid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this action
                was established in 40 CFR 180.668(b); Effective May 1, 2018 to May 1,
                2019.
                Utah
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of indaziflam in
                rangeland, pastures, and conservation reserve programs on a maximum of
                10,000 acres to control Medusahead and Ventenata. Time-limited
                tolerances in connection with this action have been established in 40
                CFR 180.653(b); Effective June 10, 2018 to June 9, 2019.
                Virginia
                Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
                 Specific exemptions: EPA authorized the use of sulfoxaflor on a
                maximum of 16,591 acres of sorghum (grain and forage) to control
                sugarcane aphid. A time-limited tolerance in connection with this
                action has been established in 40 CFR 180.668(b); Effective April 4,
                2018 to November 30, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on a maximum of 29,000 acres
                of apple, peach, and nectarine to control the brown marmorated
                stinkbug. Time-limited tolerances in connection with past actions were
                established in 40 CFR 180.442(b); Effective May 11, 2018 to October 15,
                2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of dinotefuran on a maximum of 29,000 acres
                of pome and stone fruit to control the brown marmorated stinkbug. Time-
                limited tolerances in connection with past actions were established in
                40 CFR 180.603(b); Effective June 8, 2018 to October 15, 2018. Since
                this request proposed a use for which an emergency exemption has been
                requested for 5 or more previous years (and supported by the IR-4
                program) and a registration
                [[Page 4063]]
                application or tolerance petition has not been submitted to EPA, in
                accordance with the requirements at 40 CFR 166.24, a notice of receipt
                published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2018 (83 FR 20070) (FRL-
                9979-46) with the public comment period closing on May 22, 2018.
                Washington
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of lambda-cyhalothrin on
                a maximum of 7,000 acres of asparagus to control the European asparagus
                aphid. Due to the long (120-day) pre-harvest interval required and no
                detectable residues expected, time-limited tolerances were not
                required; Effective July 20, 2018 to October 30, 2018. The request was
                granted because an emergency condition exists with significant economic
                losses expected. Since this request proposed a use for which an
                emergency exemption has been requested for 5 or more previous years
                (and supported by the IR-4 program) and a registration application or
                tolerance petition has not been submitted to EPA, in accordance with
                the requirements at 40 CFR 166.24, a notice of receipt published in the
                Federal Register on June 28, 2018 (83 FR 30443) (FRL-9979-46) with the
                public comment period closing on July 13, 2018.
                Wisconsin
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of pyridate on a maximum
                of 3,100 acres of mint for postemergence control of herbicide-resistant
                annual weeds such as redroot pigweed, Armaranthus retroflexus and other
                broadleaf weeds. Tolerances in connection with an earlier registration
                action are established in 40 CFR 180.462(a). Effective May 18, 2018 to
                August 31, 2018.
                West Virginia
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemptions: EPA authorized the use of dinotefuran on a
                maximum of 5,986 acres of pome and stone fruit to control the brown
                marmorated stinkbug. Time-limited tolerances in connection with past
                actions were established in 40 CFR 180.603(b); Effective June 8, 2018
                to October 15, 2018. Since this request proposed a use for which an
                emergency exemption has been requested for 5 or more previous years
                (and supported by the IR-4 program) and a registration application or
                tolerance petition has not been submitted to EPA, in accordance with
                the requirements at 40 CFR 166.24, a notice of receipt published in the
                Federal Register on May 7, 2018 (83 FR 20070) (FRL-9979-46) with the
                public comment period closing on May 22, 2018.
                 EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on a maximum of 5,986 acres of
                apple, peach, and nectarine to control the brown marmorated stinkbug.
                Time-limited tolerances in connection with past actions were
                established in 40 CFR 180.442(b); Effective June 26, 2018 to October
                15, 2018.
                Wyoming
                Department of Agriculture
                 Specific exemption: EPA authorized the use of indaziflam on a
                maximum of 300,000 acres of rangeland, pastures, and areas subject to
                the conservation reserve program to control Medusahead and Ventenata.
                Time-limited tolerances in connection with this action have been
                established in 40 CFR 180.653(b); Effective September 14, 2019 to
                September 14, 2019.
                B. Federal Departments and Agencies
                Agriculture Department
                Animal and Plant Health Inspector Service
                 Quarantine Exemptions: EPA authorized the use of acetic acid on
                nonporous surfaces to decontaminate from foot and mouth disease virus;
                Effective April 19, 2018 to April 19, 2021.
                 EPA authorized the use of sodium hypochlorite on porous and
                nonporous surfaces to decontaminate from viruses of foot and mouth
                disease, classical swine fever, and African swine fever; Effective
                September 17, 2018 to September 17, 2021.
                 EPA authorized the use of sodium hydroxide on nonporous surfaces to
                control prions; Effective September 25, 2018 to September 25, 2021.
                 EPA authorized the use of sodium hypochlorite on nonporous surfaces
                to control prions; Effective September 25, 2018 to September 25, 2021.
                National Aeronautics and Space Administration
                 Specific exemption. EPA authorized use of ortho-phthalaldehyde,
                immobilized to a porous resin, to treat the International Space Station
                (ISS) internal active thermal control system (IATCS) coolant for
                control of aerobic and microaerophilic water bacteria and unidentified
                gram-negative rods. Effective May 31, 2018 to May 31, 2019. This
                request was granted because without this use, the ISS would have no
                means of controlling microorganisms in the IATCS because there are no
                registered alternatives available which meet the required criteria.
                Since this request proposed a use of a new (unregistered) chemical, in
                accordance with the requirements at 40 CFR 166.24, a notice of receipt
                published in the Federal Register on June 14, 2018 (83 FR 27766) (FRL-
                9978-55), with the public comment period eliminated since the time
                available for a decision on the application required it.
                 Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.
                 Dated: December 21, 2018.
                Donna S. Davis,
                Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
                [FR Doc. 2019-02354 Filed 2-13-19; 8:45 am]
                 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
                

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