Pesticides; emergency exemptions, etc.: Triazamate,

[Federal Register: March 27, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 59)]

[Notices]

[Page 14936-14937]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr27mr98-79]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPP-181058; FRL-5780-4]

Triazamate; Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption; Solicitation of Public Comment

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: EPA has received a specific exemption request from the Washington Department of Agriculture (hereafter referred to as the ``Applicant'') to use the pesticide triazamate (CAS 112143-82-5) to treat up to 5,000 acres of true fir Christmas trees to control root aphids.

The Applicant proposes the use of a new (unregistered) chemical. Therefore, in accordance with 40 CFR 166.24, EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemption.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 13, 1998. ADDRESSES: Three copies of written comments, bearing the identification notation ``OPP-18058 ,'' should be submitted by mail to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch, Information Resources and Division (7502), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St. SW, Washington, DC 20460. In person, bring comments to: Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.

Comments and data may also be submitted electronically to: opp- docket@epamail.epa.gov. Follow the instruction under ``SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.'' No Confidential Business Information (CBI) should be submitted through e-mail.

Information submitted in any comment concerning this notice may be claimed confidential 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. A copy of the comment that does not contain CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public record. Information not marked confidential may be included in the public record by EPA without prior notice. The public docket is available for public inspection in Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Stephen Schaible, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460. Office location and telephone number: Floor 2, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, (703-308-9362); e-mail: schaible.stephen@epamail.epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:. Pursuant to section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136p), the Administrator may, at her discretion, exempt a state agency from any registration provision of FIFRA if she determines that emergency conditions exist which require such exemption. The Applicant has requested the Administrator to issue a specific exemption for the use of triazamate on true fir Christmas trees to control root aphids. Information in accordance with 40 CFR part 166 was submitted as part of this request.

According to the Applicant, the root aphid is not new to the Northwest, but has only recently been identified as posing a serious economic threat to true fir Christmas tree plantations. Root aphids feed on the roots of true fir trees, causing stunting and color loss in the foliage, and increasing susceptibility to disease. Losses extend from the first year through the life of the plantation. Attempts to chemically control the aphids during the winged stage during migration to and from fir trees have not been successful. Foliar and soil drench applications of several insecticides have also been tested, with none being adequately successful.

Under the proposed exemption, a maximum of two applications, at least 30 days apart and when aphids are present, at a rate of 0.5 lb/ acre of formulated product (0.25 lb/acre active ingredient) would be applied by ground or air. A maximum of 5,000 acres in Kitsap, Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties would be treated. Do not apply

[[Page 14937]]

through any type of irrigation system. No application will be permitted within 50 yards of any body of water. Do not enter or allow worker entry into treated areas during the restricted entry interval (REI) of 12 hours.

This notice does not constitute a decision by EPA on the application itself. The regulations governing Section 18 require publication of a notice of receipt of an application for a specific exemption proposing use of a new chemical (i.e., an active ingredient not contained in any currently registered pesticide), -OR- if an emergency exemption for a use has been requested in any 3 previous years, and a complete application for registration of the use and/or a tolerance petition has not been submitted to the Agency 40 CFR 166.24. Such notice provides for opportunity for public comment on the application.

The official record for this notice, as well as the public version, has been established for this notice under docket number [OPP-181058] (including comments and data submitted electronically as described below). A public version of this record, including printed, paper versions of electronic comments, which does not include any information claimed as CBI is available for inspection from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The official record is the paper record maintained at the address in ``ADDRESSES'' at the beginning of this document.

Electronic comments can be sent directly to EPA at:

opp- docket@epamail.epa.gov

Electronic comments must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Comments and data will also be accepted on disks in WordPerfect in 5.1/6.1 or ASCII file format. All comments and data in electronic form must be identified by the docket number [OPP-181058]. Electronic comments on this notice may be filedonline at many Federal Depository Libraries.

The Agency, accordingly, will review and consider all comments received during the comment period in determining whether to issue the emergency exemption requested by the Washinton Department of Agriculture.

List of Subject

Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests, Emergency exemptions.

Dated: March 19, 1998

James Jones,

Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

[FR Doc. 98-8072Filed3-26-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-F