[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-1241]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 19, 1994]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPP-180918; FRL 4754-2]

 

Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption to use 
Imidacloprid; Solicitation of Public Comment

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: EPA has received a specific exemption request from the Florida 
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (hereafter referred to 
as the ``Applicant'') to use the pesticide Imidacloprid (CAS 105827-78-
9) to treat up to 20,000 acres of peppers to control melon thrips 
Thrips palmi. The Applicant proposes the use of a new 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 February 3, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Three copies of written comments, bearing the identification 
notation ``OPP-180918,'' should be submitted by mail to: Public 
Response and Program Resources Branch, Field Operations Division 
(7506C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
401 M St., SW., Washington, D.C. 20460. In person, bring comments to: 
Rm. 1132, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.
    Information submitted in any comment concerning this notice may be 
claimed confidential by marking any part or all of that information as 
``Confidential Business Information.'' 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 Confidential 
Business Information must be provided by the submitter for inclusion in 
the public record. Information not marked confidential may be disclosed 
publicly by EPA without prior notice. All written comments filed 
pursuant to this notice will be available for public inspection in Rm. 
1132, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, 
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Andrea Beard, Registration 
Division (7505W), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, D.C. 20460. Office 
location and telephone number: Floor 6, Crystal Station #1, 2800 
Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, (703-308-8791).

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 imidacloprid on peppers to control melon thrips. Information in 
accordance with 40 CFR part 166 was submitted as part of this request.
    The Applicant states that the melon thrip has developed into a 
devastating pest in peppers since its discovery in Florida in December 
1990. The Applicant states that this pest has spread throughout 
Florida's lower east coast in less than two years, and is expected to 
spread throughout the entire state within a few years. The feeding 
activities of melon thrips cause damage to peppers by stunting growth, 
crinkling and deformation of leaves, shortening of internodes, and 
deformation and scarring of fruit. The health of the foliage affects 
the plant's photosynthetic ability, ultimately affecting yield. 
Deformation and scarring of the fruit can render the fruit 
unmarketable. The Applicant states that melon thrips populations must 
be kept at manageable levels throughout the entire pepper season, and 
claims that registered alternatives are not providing adequate control. 
The Applicant states that, if not adequately controlled, this pest 
could cause yield losses of up to 100 percent, depending upon level of 
infestation. In a survey of pepper growers in Palm Beach County, yield 
losses from this pest for the 1992-93 season were 40 to 100 percent, 
and translated to a dollar value of over $5 million. The Applicant 
states that if comparable losses were to occur over the entire pepper-
growing range, losses could reach over $18 million state-wide.
    The Applicant proposes to apply imidacloprid at a maximum rate of 
0.5 lb. active ingredient (a.i.), or 32 fluid oz. of product, per acre 
with one application allowed, on up to 20,000 acres of peppers. This 
amounts to a possible total of 10,000 lbs. of a.i., or 5,000 gal. of 
product. This is the first time that the Applicant has applied for the 
use of imidacloprid on peppers. 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). 
Such notice provides for opportunity for public comment on the 
application. Accordingly, interested persons may submit written views 
on this subject to the Field Operations Division at the address above.
    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 Florida Department of Agriculture 
and Consumer Services.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Pesticide and pests, Crisis exemptions.

    Dated: January 6, 1994.

Stephen L. Johnson,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

[FR Doc. 94-1241 Filed 1-18-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F