[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 184 (Friday, September 23, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-23614]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 23, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

7 CFR Part 301

[Docket No. 93-135-2]

 

Imported Fire Ant; Addition of Authorized Chemical Treatment

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are amending the appendix to the imported fire ant 
regulations to add the insecticide tefluthrin (FIREBAN) to 
the list of authorized chemicals for the treatment of containerized 
nursery stock that is to be certified for interstate movement from 
quarantined areas. We are also adding provisions regarding the proper 
use of tefluthrin. This action gives nurseries another choice of 
insecticides with which to meet the certification requirement for 
interstate movement of containerized nursery stock.

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 23, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert L. Brittingham, Operations 
Officer, Domestic and Emergency Operations, Plant Protection and 
Quarantine, APHIS, USDA, room 640, Federal Building, 6505 Belcrest 
Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782, (301) 436-8247.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren and Solenopsis 
richteri Forel, are aggressive, stinging insects that, in large 
numbers, can seriously injure or even kill livestock, pets, and humans. 
Imported fire ants feed on crops, and their large, hard mounds damage 
farm and field machinery.
    The restrictions in ``Subpart--Imported Fire Ant'' (7 CFR 
Secs. 301.81 through 301.81-10, referred to below as ``the 
regulations'') prevent the spread of the imported fire ant (IFA) on 
articles moving interstate by quarantining IFA-infested States or IFA-
infested areas within States and imposing restrictions on the 
interstate movement of certain articles, known as regulated articles, 
from these quarantined States or areas.
    Sections 301.81-4 and 301.81-5 of the regulations provide, among 
other things, that regulated articles requiring treatment before 
interstate movement must be treated in accordance with the methods and 
procedures prescribed in the Appendix to Subpart ``Imported Fire 
Ant''--Portion of ``Imported Fire Ant Program Manual'' (referred to 
below as ``the Appendix''). The Appendix sets forth the treatment 
provisions of the ``Imported Fire Ant Program Manual.''
    On July 20, 1994, we published in the Federal Register (59 FR 
36996-36998, Docket No. 93-135-1) a proposal to amend the Appendix by 
adding granular tefluthrin to the list of authorized chemicals for the 
treatment of regulated articles under the regulations. We also proposed 
to: (1) Amend paragraph III.C.3. of the Appendix by adding provisions 
regarding the material to be treated, the dosage rate, and the exposure 
period, and by adding a new ``Method E--Granular Incorporation 
(Tefluthrin);'' (2) amend paragraph III.C.4., under the ``Exclusion'' 
heading, to allow tefluthrin to be used as an alternative to bifenthrin 
in treating soil or potting media for plants grown on the premises to 
prevent infestation with or spread of the imported fire ant; and (3) 
amend paragraph III.C.4., under the ``Enforcement'' heading, by adding 
``tefluthrin'' to a reference to chemical treatments that are described 
in paragraph III.C.3. of the Appendix.
    In addition, we proposed to make two miscellaneous changes in 
paragraph III.C.4. The first, under the ``Exclusion'' heading, was to 
add the word ``drench'' immediately after the word ``bifenthrin'' in 
paragraph (b), to make it clear that only drench applications are to be 
used in treating plants received from outside sources. The second 
miscellaneous change, under the ``Enforcement'' heading, was to remove 
the word ``liquid'' in the phrase ``liquid chlorpyrifos and 
bifenthrin'' to make it clear that the bifenthrin can be in either 
liquid or granular form.
    We solicited comments concerning our proposal for a 30-day comment 
period ending August 19, 1994. We received six comments by that date. 
They were from a nursery association, distributors of agricultural 
chemical treatments, and a State department of agriculture. All 
responses were in favor of the proposed rule. However, a few commenters 
brought to our attention new information which warrants changes to the 
proposal. These changes are discussed below.
    We had proposed to add granular tefluthrin to the list of 
authorized chemicals under the tradename FORCE. Several 
commenters noted that the insecticide tefluthrin marketed under the 
tradename FORCE is only for use on field corn. The company 
which will distribute granular tefluthrin for the treatment of 
containerized nursery stock will market tefluthrin under the tradename 
FIREBAN. We are, therefore, adding granular tefluthrin to the 
Appendix under the tradename FIREBAN, rather than under the 
tradename FORCE.
    We had also proposed that the granular tefluthrin be applied at a 
dosage rate of 25 parts per million (ppm), with no limit on the 
certification period. We then received, as part of a comment, data 
which enables APHIS to support the treatment of soil or potting media 
with granular tefluthrin, for limited periods, at rates lower than the 
25 ppm rate originally proposed. This data was not available when the 
proposal to this rule was published. However, we have reviewed the data 
included in the comment and have determined that a dosage rate of 10 
ppm is efficacious for 6 months and that a dosage rate of 15 ppm is 
efficacious for 12 months. Therefore, this final rule adds provisions 
for dosage rates of granular tefluthrin at 10 ppm and 15 ppm, for the 
limited periods indicated. Treatment at a dosage rate of 25 ppm will 
remain an option, as proposed, in order to certify containerized 
nursery stock for interstate movement from quarantined areas for more 
than 12 months. Allowing treatment at lower dosage rates will reduce 
the amount of insecticide used, thus reducing the economic burden on 
persons moving containerized nursery stock interstate from imported 
fire ant-quarantined areas for limited periods.
    Finally, one commenter inquired whether or not we intend to limit 
the use of granular tefluthrin to IFA-free nurseries only. The answer 
is no. We are adding granular tefluthrin to the list of authorized 
chemicals for the treatment of containerized nursery stock that is to 
be certified for interstate movement from quarantined areas (listed in 
Sec. 301.81-3 of the regulations). Any containerized nursery stock that 
qualifies as a regulated article (see Sec. 301.81-2) and that is moved 
interstate from a quarantined area must be treated with an authorized 
chemical (or otherwise handled in accordance with Secs. 301.81-4 and 
301.81-5), regardless of whether or not the nursery is IFA-free.
    Therefore, based on the rationale set forth in the proposed rule 
and in this document, we are adopting the provisions of the proposal as 
a final rule, with the changes noted above.

Effective Date

    This is a substantive rule that relieves restrictions and, pursuant 
to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553, may be made effective less than 30 
days after publication in the Federal Register. This rule gives 
nurseries another choice of insecticides with which to meet the 
certification requirement for interstate movement of containerized 
nursery stock, and provides a backup in case one of the insecticides is 
taken off the market or is unavailable for any reason. Immediate 
implementation of this rule is necessary so that nurseries may begin 
treating soil and potting media with granular tefluthrin in preparation 
for the shipping season beginning this September. Therefore, the 
Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has 
determined that this rule should be effective upon publication in the 
Federal Register.

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. For 
this action, the Office of Management and Budget has waived its review 
process required by Executive Order 12866.
    This rule amends the Appendix to the imported fire ant regulations 
to allow the use of the insecticide tefluthrin (FIREBAN), in 
granular form, for the treatment of containerized nursery stock that is 
to be certified for interstate movement from areas quarantined for 
imported fire ant.
    Approximately 2,645 nurseries move containerized nursery stock 
interstate from quarantined areas each year. Twelve of these nurseries 
would be considered large; 2,633 would be considered small, with annual 
sales below $500,000.
    Current regulations allow for the incorporation of granular 
bifenthrin for the treatment of containerized nursery stock that is to 
be certified for interstate movement from quarantined areas. A 50-pound 
bag of granular bifenthrin currently retails for about $38.50. The 
expected retail price for tefluthrin is not available, but should be 
comparable to that of bifenthrin. For this reason, APHIS anticipates 
that the economic impact to nurseries that use these products will not 
be significant.
    The addition of tefluthrin to the list of authorized chemicals 
gives nurseries another choice of insecticides so they can choose 
whichever product best suits their needs, and provides a backup in case 
one of the insecticides is taken off the market or is unavailable for 
any reason. The addition of tefluthrin could also stimulate competition 
for imported fire ant insecticides, which could drive down prices for 
all chemicals authorized under the IFA program. If this happens, 
nurseries will benefit by lower treatment costs.
    We do not anticipate that there will be a noticeable impact on 
small entities that distribute agricultural chemicals. Distributors of 
agricultural chemicals are diversified businesses that sell a wide 
variety of chemicals, fertilizers, and other farm and nursery supplies. 
We do not anticipate any significant economic impact on any other small 
entities.
    Under these circumstances, the Administrator of the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that this action will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

Executive Order 12372

    This program/activity is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.025 and is subject to Executive Order 12372, 
which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local 
officials. (See 7 CFR 3015, subpart V.)

Executive Order 12778

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, Civil 
Justice Reform. This rule: (1) Preempts all State and local laws and 
regulations that are inconsistent with this rule; (2) has no 
retroactive effect; and (3) does not require administrative proceedings 
before parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.

National Environmental Policy Act

    An environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact 
have been prepared for this rule. The assessment provides a basis for 
our conclusion that use of tefluthrin at the dosage rate of 25 ppm, or 
less for limited periods, will not present a risk of disseminating 
plant pests and will not have a significant impact on the quality of 
the human environment. Based on the finding of no significant impact, 
the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has 
determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared.
    The environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact 
were prepared in accordance with: (1) The National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) Regulations of the 
Council on Environmental Quality for Implementing the Procedural 
Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), (3) USDA Regulations 
Implementing NEPA (7 CFR Part 1b), and (4) APHIS Guidelines 
Implementing NEPA (44 FR 50381-50384, August 28, 1979, and 44 FR 51272-
51274, August 31, 1979).
    Copies of the environmental assessment and finding of no 
significant impact are available for public inspection at USDA, room 
1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except holidays. In addition, copies may be obtained by writing to the 
individual listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule contains no new information collection or recordkeeping 
requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.).

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 301

    Agricultural commodities, Plant diseases and pests, Quarantine, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

    Accordingly, 7 CFR part 301 is amended as follows:

PART 301--DOMESTIC QUARANTINE NOTICES

    1. The authority citation for part 301 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 150bb, 150dd, 150ee, 150ff, 161, 162, and 
164-167; 7 CFR 2.17, 2.51, and 371.2(c).

    2. Part 301, Subpart--Imported Fire Ant, Appendix to the subpart, 
is amended as follows:
    a. In paragraph III.B., under the ``Insecticides'' heading, 
``Tefluthrin (FIREBAN)'' is added following ``Fenoxycarb 
(AWARD)''.
    b. Paragraph III.C.3.c. is redesignated as paragraph III.C.3.d., 
and a new paragraph III.C.3.c. is added to read as set forth below.
    c. In newly redesignated paragraph III.C.3.d., the introductory 
text, the phrase ``chlorpyrifos and bifenthrin'' is removed and the 
phrase ``chlorpyrifos, bifenthrin, or tefluthrin'' is added in its 
place; and a new ``Method E--Granular Incorporation (Tefluthrin)'' is 
added at the end of the paragraph, to read as set forth below.
    d. In paragraph III.C.4., under the ``Exclusion'' heading, 
paragraph (b), introductory text, the word ``drench'' is added 
immediately after the word ``bifenthrin''; and a new paragraph, titled 
``Tefluthrin'', is added immediately following the existing text, to 
read as set forth below.
    e. In paragraph III.C.4., under the ``Enforcement'' heading, in the 
sixth paragraph, the phrase ``liquid chlorpyrifos or bifenthrin'' is 
removed and the phrase ``chlorpyrifos, bifenthrin, or tefluthrin'' is 
added in its place.

Subpart--Imported Fire Ant

* * * * *

Appendix to Subpart ``Imported Fire Ant''--Portion of ``Imported Fire 
Ant Program Manual''\8\

III. Regulatory Procedures

* * * * *
    C. Approved Treatments.
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    \8\A copy of the entire ``Imported Fire Ant Program Manual'' may 
be obtained from the Administrator, c/o Domestic and Emergency 
Operations, PPQ, APHIS, Federal Building, 6505 Belcrest Road, 
Hyattsville, MD 20782.
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* * * * *
    3. Plants--Balled or in Containers
* * * * *
    c. Tefluthrin: Granular Formulation.
    Material: Granular tefluthrin--incorporation into soil or 
potting media for containerized nursery stock.
    Dosage: The amount of granular tefluthrin needed to achieve a 
specified dosage varies with the bulk density of the soil or potting 
media. Follow label directions to calculate the amount of granular 
tefluthrin needed to achieve a specified dosage. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Certification  
   Granular tefluthrin dosage (parts per million)       period (months  
                                                       after treatment) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 ppm..............................................  0-6 months.       
15 ppm..............................................  0-12 months.      
25 ppm..............................................  Continuous.       
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    Exposure period: Containerized nursery stock can be certified 
for interstate movement from quarantined areas immediately upon 
completion of the treatment.
    d. * * *
* * * * *

Method E--Granular Incorporation (Tefluthrin)

    Apply tefluthrin according to the label directions for granular 
incorporation. Mix thoroughly to distribute the granular tefluthrin 
evenly throughout the soil or potting media. After potting, 
containers must be watered to the point of saturation.
    Precautions: Saturation of the soil or potting media with the 
tefluthrin is essential. Water that drains from the treatment area, 
which may contain tefluthrin, must be disposed of in accordance with 
State and local laws.
    4. Imported-Fire-Ant-Free Nursery--Containerized Plants Only
* * * * *

Exclusion

* * * * *

Tefluthrin

    For plants grown on the premises: Treatment of soil or potting 
media with granular tefluthrin prior to planting is permitted as an 
alternative to treatment with granular or wettable powder 
formulation of bifenthrin. This treatment reduces the risk of 
infestation of containers by alate queens flying in from adjacent or 
nearby infested premises. The dosage rate is variable, determined by 
the selected certification period, for the granular tefluthrin.
    Apply this treatment according to the label directions.
    Mixing must be adequate to blend the required dosage of granular 
tefluthrin throughout the entire soil or potting media.
* * * * *
    Done in Washington, DC, this 19th day of September 1994.
Terry L. Medley,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 94-23614 Filed 9-22-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P