[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 24, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20950]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 24, 1994]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPP-180949; FRL-4908-8]

 

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

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: EPA has received a public health exemption request from the 
Texas Department of Agriculture (hereafter referred to as the 
``Applicant'') to use the pesticide sodium fluoroacetate [CAS 62-74-8] 
to treat up to 34,837,687 acres in gray fox rabies epizootic areas in 
Texas to control vectors of rabies. 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 September 8, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Three copies of written comments, bearing the identification 
notation ``OPP-180949,'' 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, DC 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: Libby Pemberton, Registration 
Division (7505W), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental 
Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. Office 
location and telephone number: Floor 6, Crystal Station #1, 2800 
Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, (703-308-8326).

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 public health exemption for the 
use of sodium fluoroacetate to reduce gray fox, red fox, coyote, 
bobcat, striped skunk, ringtail, and raccoon populations in 43 counties 
in central Texas. Information in accordance with 40 CFR part 166 was 
submitted as part of this request.
    The Applicant indicates that in the first 6 months of 1994, 182 
cases of fox rabies were reported in 19 counties. At least 126 people 
from the most active counties in the epizootic received post-exposure 
rabies treatment during January and May, 1994. The Applicant claims 
that rabies is a disease of overpopulation which has resulted from the 
loss of fur markets. The Applicant claims that if not controlled the 
epizootic will continue to move towards human population centers.
    The Applicant proposes to apply sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 
1080) as a single dose bait (SDB). Each bait will contain five 
milligrams active ingredient. Only one SDB may be placed at any single 
site. Sites may not be closer than 300 feet on any one ownership. The 
number of baits in use may not exceed 10 on properties of less than 100 
acres; or 25 on properties of 101 to 639 acres; or a density greater 
than 50 on any section (640 acres of land). Baits will be checked every 
7 days. A maximum of 30 pounds of active ingredient will be required.
    This notice does not constitute a decision by EPA on the 
application itself. The regulations governing Section 18 require that 
the Agency publish notice of receipt in the Federal Register and 
solicit public comment on an application for an emergency exemption 
proposing use of a pesticide if the pesticide was the subject of a 
notice under section 6(b) of the Act and was subsequently cancelled, 
and is intended for a use that poses a risk similar to the risk posed 
by any use of the pesticide which was the subject of the notice under 
section 6(b).
    Accordingly, interested persons may submit written views on this 
subject to the Field Operations Division at the address above. The 
Agency will review and consider all comments received during the 
comment period in determining whether to issue the emergency exemption 
requested by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests, Crisis exemptions.

    Dated: August 19, 1994.

Lois Rossi,
Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

[FR Doc. 94-20950 Filed 8-23-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F