[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 150 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40354-40361]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-19757]


      
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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 150 / Friday, August 2, 1996 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 40354]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

7 CFR Part 301

[Docket No. 96-016-10]


Karnal Bunt

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We are proposing to establish criteria for levels of risk for 
areas with regard to Karnal bunt, and to establish criteria for seed 
planting and movement of regulated articles based on those risk levels. 
We believe this action is warranted because it would relieve 
unnecessary restrictions on areas regulated because of Karnal bunt, 
while guarding against the artificial spread of that disease.

DATES: Consideration will be given only to comments received on or 
before September 3, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Please send an original and three copies of your comments to 
Docket No. 96-016-10, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, 
suite 3C03, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please 
state that your comments refer to Docket No. 96-016-10. Comments 
received may be inspected 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. Persons wishing to 
inspect comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to 
facilitate entry into the comment reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike Stefan, Operations Officer, 
Domestic and Emergency Operations, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 
134, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, (301) 734-8247.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Karnal bunt is a serious fungal disease of wheat (Triticum 
aestivum), durum wheat (Triticum durum), and triticale (Triticum 
aestivum X Secale cereale), a hybrid of wheat and rye. Karnal bunt is 
caused by the smut fungus Tilletia indica (Mitra) Mundkur and is spread 
by spores. The spores can be carried on a variety of surfaces, 
including plants and plant parts, seeds, soil, elevators, buildings, 
farm equipment, tools, and even vehicles. Spores and the sporidia they 
produce also can be windborne. Although the sporidia are fragile and 
may be able to move only short distances, teliospores are thought to 
move longer distances.
    Karnal bunt is a serious disease that can affect both yield and 
grain quality when present at levels over 3 to 5 percent. It adversely 
affects the color, odor, and palatability of flour and other foodstuffs 
made from heavily infested wheat. Wheat containing a significant amount 
of bunted kernels is reduced in quality. Karnal bunt does not present a 
risk to human or animal health.
    On March 8, 1996, Karnal bunt was detected in Arizona during a seed 
certification inspection done by the Arizona Department of Agriculture. 
On March 20, 1996, the Secretary of Agriculture signed a ``Declaration 
of Extraordinary Emergency'' authorizing the Secretary to take 
emergency action under 7 U.S.C. 150dd with regard to Karnal bunt within 
the States of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. In an interim rule 
effective on March 25, 1996, and published in the Federal Register on 
March 28, 1996 (61 FR 13649-13655, Docket No. 96-016-3), the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) established the Karnal bunt 
regulations (7 CFR 301.89-1 through 301.89-11), and quarantined all of 
Arizona and portions of New Mexico and Texas because of Karnal bunt. 
The regulations define regulated articles and restrict the interstate 
movement of these regulated articles from the quarantined areas.
    After the establishment of the regulations, Karnal bunt was 
detected in lots of seed that were either planted or stored in certain 
areas in California. On April 12, 1996, the Secretary of Agriculture 
signed a ``Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency'' authorizing the 
Secretary to take emergency action under 7 U.S.C. 150dd with regard to 
Karnal bunt within California. In an interim rule effective on April 
19, 1996, and published in the Federal Register on April 25, 1996, 
APHIS also quarantined portions of California because of Karnal bunt 
(61 FR 18233-18235, Docket No. 96-016-5). In an interim rule effective 
on June 27, 1996, and published in the Federal Register on July 5, 
1996, APHIS removed certain areas in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas 
from the list of areas quarantined because of Karnal bunt (61 FR 35107-
35109, Docket No. 96-016-6). That list was amended in a technical 
amendment effective on July 9, 1996, and published in the Federal 
Register on July 15, 1996 (61 FR 36812-36813, Docket No. 96-016-8). In 
an interim rule effective June 27, 1996, and published in the Federal 
Register on July 5, 1996, APHIS amended the regulations to provide 
compensation for certain growers and handlers, owners of grain storage 
facilities, and flour millers in order to mitigate losses and expenses 
incurred because of Karnal bunt (61 FR 35102-35107, Docket No. 96-016-
7). Comments on each of the interim rules must be received on or before 
September 3, 1996.
    On July 17, 1996, APHIS conducted a public forum in Washington, 
D.C., to accept public comment on the Karnal bunt regulations, and, in 
a separate notice in today's Federal Register, gives notice of three 
additional public forums on Karnal Bunt to be held in mid-August. 
Members of the public are invited to comment on this proposed rule and 
the interim rules at the three remaining public forums.
    APHIS developed the provisions of this proposed rule in 
consultation with State regulatory officials. The purpose of this 
proposal is to relieve unnecessary restrictions on the movement of 
articles regulated because of Karnal bunt, while at the same time 
maintaining restrictions on movement that are adequate to guard against 
the spread of the disease.
    In Sec. 301.89-3 of the existing regulations, criteria for 
quarantining areas because of Karnal bunt are set forth, along with a 
list of quarantined areas. Under the existing regulations, regulated 
articles from all quarantined areas are subject to the same 
restrictions, regardless of the relative

[[Page 40355]]

risks posed by different fields within the quarantined areas.
    We considered such broad restrictions necessary immediately 
following the detection of Karnal bunt, in order to guard against the 
artificial spread of the disease. However, based on subsequent 
information, including preharvest survey data, investigations of the 
source and destination of contaminated seed, and our experience 
enforcing the regulations, we believe that establishing levels of risk 
for fields and regulated articles is warranted, and would be adequate 
in protecting against the artificial spread of Karnal bunt.
    In the existing Karnal bunt regulations, areas regulated because of 
Karnal bunt are referred to as quarantined areas. Under this proposal, 
however, the type of restrictions imposed on regulated articles would 
in some cases differ depending on the risk level of individual areas 
within the currently quarantined areas. Therefore, we believe it would 
clarify the proposed regulations to use the term ``regulated areas'' 
rather than ``quarantined areas.'' Regulated areas would then be 
classified according to specific risk categories. We are proposing to 
make this terminology change throughout the Karnal bunt regulations.
    The current regulations in Sec. 301.89-3 set forth criteria for 
quarantining all or part of State due to Karnal bunt, and list those 
areas that are quarantined because of the disease. In addition to 
retaining the general criteria in the current regulations for 
regulating a State or part of a State, we are proposing to add a new 
paragraph (f) to Sec. 301.89-3 that would set forth criteria for 
classifying regulated fields according to the following risk 
categories:
    1. Fields in which preharvest samples tested positive for Karnal 
bunt;
    2. Fields known to be planted in the past 5 years with seed 
contaminated with Karnal bunt;
    3. Fields adjacent to fields in which preharvest samples tested 
positive;
    4. Fields associated only through ownership, management, the 
movement of equipment, or proximity within a distinct definable area 
with fields in which preharvest samples tested positive; and
    5. Fields within a regulated area that are not fields described in 
``2'' or ``4'' above, and that are part of a distinct definable area 
that includes no fields in which preharvest samples tested positive for 
Karnal bunt.
    A definition of distinct definable area would be added to 
Sec. 301.89-1 to mean ``a commercial wheat production area of 
contiguous fields that is separated from other wheat production areas 
by desert, mountains, or other nonagricultural terrain as determined by 
an inspector.'' Additionally, a definition of contaminated seed would 
be added to mean ``seed from sources in which the Karnal bunt pathogen 
(Tilletia indica (Mitra) Mundkur) has been determined to exist.''
    Fields for which notification of classification has not been given 
to the owner or the person in possession of the field shall be 
considered to be in the same category as fields associated through 
ownership, management, the movement of equipment, or proximity within a 
distinct definable area with fields in which preharvest samples tested 
positive.

Planting

    We are proposing to establish restrictions on the planting of 
wheat, durum wheat, and triticale seed in certain fields within a 
regulated area. Because the pathogen of Karnal bunt can remain viable 
in soil for extended periods of time, it is important in the control of 
the disease to restrict the planting of wheat, durum wheat, and 
triticale in fields that present a high risk of containing the Karnal 
bunt pathogen. Therefore, we are proposing to add a new Sec. 301.59-4 
to the regulations that would provide that for the 1996-1997 crop 
season 1 (1) wheat, durum wheat, and triticale may not be planted 
in fields in which preharvest samples conducted by Federal or State 
official tested positive for Karnal bunt, and (2) wheat, durum wheat, 
and triticale may not be planted in fields known to have been planted 
in the past 5 years with seed contaminated with Karnal bunt. 
Additionally, proposed Sec. 301.89-4 would require that, prior to 
planting, the seed of wheat, durum wheat, and triticale to be planted 
within a regulated area must have been treated with a fungicide that is 
registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and be sampled and 
tested negative for Karnal bunt.
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    \1\ The 1996-1997 crop season is that season in which wheat is 
harvested in 1997.
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Cleaning and Disinfection

    In Sec. 301.89-12 of this proposed rule, we are proposing to 
establish cleaning and disinfection requirements for farm equipment and 
soil-moving equipment according to the risk category of the field from 
which the equipment will be moved. Cleaning would be required for that 
equipment moved within the regulated area from fields considered to 
pose a significant risk of containing the causal agent of Karnal bunt. 
Specifically, these would include the following categories of fields:
    1. Fields in which preharvest samples tested positive for Karnal 
bunt;
    2. Fields known to be planted in the past 5 years with seed 
contaminated with Karnal bunt; and
    3. Fields adjacent to fields in which preharvest samples tested 
positive.
    Under Sec. 301.89-12(b) of this proposal, equipment only from the 
above described fields would need to be disinfected before being moved 
from a regulated area.

Movement Within a Regulated Area

    In the current regulations, conditions are set forth in 
Sec. 301.89-4 for the interstate movement of regulated articles from 
regulated areas. In some cases, articles moved from a regulated area 
must be accompanied by certificate or limited permit. In other cases, 
because of mitigating measures, a certificate or limited permit is not 
required. In this proposed rule, we are proposing to establish 
conditions for certain movements of regulated articles within a 
regulated area. In Sec. 301.89-5(a)(3) of this proposal, we are 
proposing that a regulated article need not be moved with a certificate 
or limited permit if it is moved within a regulated area, and if the 
regulated article has been cleaned as provided in Sec. 301.89-12 and 
301.89-13 of the proposed rule.

Vegetables

    Under Sec. 301.89-12(b) of this proposal, vegetable crops would 
need to be cleaned free of soil and plant debris prior to movement, or 
be moved under limited permit to processing facilities approved by the 
Administrator when moving from any of the following types of fields:
    1. Fields in which preharvest samples tested positive for Karnal 
bunt;
    2. Fields known to be planted in the past 5 years with seed 
contaminated with Karnal bunt; or
    3. Fields adjacent to fields in which preharvest samples tested 
positive.

Treatment of Millfeed

    Millfeed, a byproduct of the process of milling grain, is used as 
feed for livestock. Teliospores of telletia indica in millfeed are not 
destroyed in the milling process, nor in the process of being digested 
by livestock. Therefore, manure from animals that have been fed 
millfeed contaminated with the pathogen of Karnal bunt is considered 
capable of introducing that agent to a field. Protocols developed for 
the control of Karnal bunt have required that millfeed from grain moved

[[Page 40356]]

interstate from a quarantined area be treated with heat to destroy any 
Karnal bunt pathogen that might be present. However, we believe that 
millfeed from grain from certain fields in regulated area poses such an 
insignificant risk of spreading Karnal bunt that it need not be heat 
treated. Therefore, Sec. 301.89-13(c) requires that millfeed be treated 
with heat only if it is milled from grain from one of the following 
types of fields:
    (1) Fields in which preharvest samples tested positive for Karnal 
bunt;
    (2) Fields known to be planted in the past 5 years with seed 
contaminated with Karnal bunt;
    (3) Fields adjacent to fields in which preharvest samples tested 
positive; or
    (4) Fields associated only through ownership, management, the 
movement of equipment, or proximity within a distinct definable area 
with fields in which preharvest samples tested positive.
    We are proposing millfeed treated with heat be treated with a moist 
heat treatment of 170  deg.F for at least 1 minute. This treatment is 
considered effective based on the information currently available to 
us. The public would be notified in the Federal Register of any changes 
to this treatment that are developed through additional research.

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This 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 action amends the regulations to establish criteria for levels 
of risk for areas with regard to Karnal bunt, and to establish criteria 
for seed planting and movement of regulated articles based on those 
risk levels. This proposed rule is being published on an emergency 
basis in order to give affected growers the opportunity to make 
planting decisions for the 1996-1997 crop season on a timely basis. 
This emergency situation makes compliance with section 603 and timely 
compliance with section 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 
603 and 604) impracticable. This rule may have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. If we determine this 
is so, then we will discuss the issues raised by section 604 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act in our Final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis.

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 part 3015, subpart V.)

Executive Order 12988

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. If this proposed rule is adopted: (1) All State 
and local laws and regulations that are inconsistent with this rule 
will be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this 
rule; and (3) administrative proceedings will not be required before 
parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule contains no new information collection or 
recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(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.

PART 301--DOMESTIC QUARANTINE NOTICES

    Accordingly, 7 CFR part 301 would be amended as follows:
    1. The authority citation for part 301 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 150bb, 150dd, 150ee, 150ff, 161, 162, and 
164-167; 7 CFR 2.22, 2,80, and 371.2(c).

    2. Part 301 would be amended by revising ``Subpart--Karnal Bunt,'' 
Secs. 301.89-1 through 301.89-11, to read as follows

Subpart--Karnal Bunt

Sec.
301.89-1  Definitions.
301.89-2  Regulated articles.
301.89-3  Regulated areas.
301.89-4  Planting.
301.89-5  Movement of regulated articles from or within regulated 
areas.
301.89-6  Issuance of a certificate or limited permit.
301.89-7  Compliance agreements.
301.89-8  Cancellation of a certificate, limited permit, or 
compliance agreement.
301.89-9  Assembly and inspection of regulated articles.
301.89-10  Attachment and disposition of certificates and limited 
permits.
301.89-11  Costs and charges.
301.89-12  Cleaning and disinfection.
301.89-13  Treatments.
301.89-14  Compensation.


Sec. 301.89-1  Definitions.

    Administrator. The Administrator, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, or any person authorized to act for the 
Administrator.
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    Certificate. A document in which an inspector or a person operating 
under a compliance agreement affirms that a specified regulated article 
meets the requirements of this subpart and may be moved to any 
destination.
    Compliance agreement. A written agreement between APHIS and a 
person engaged in growing, handling, or moving regulated articles that 
are moved, in which the person agrees to comply with the provisions of 
this subpart and any conditions imposed under this subpart.
    Contaminated seed. Seed from sources in which the Karnal bunt 
pathogen (Tilletia indica (Mitra) Mundkur) has been determined to 
exist.
    Conveyances. Containers used to move wheat, durum wheat, or 
triticale, or their products, including trucks, trailers, railroad 
cars, bins, and hoppers.
    Distinct definable area. A commercial wheat production area of 
contiguous fields that is separated from other wheat production areas 
by desert, mountains, or other nonagricultural terrain as determined by 
an inspector.
    Farm tools. An instrument worked or used by hand, e.g., hoes, 
rakes, shovels, and axes.
    Infestation (infected). The presence of Karnal bunt, or any stage 
of development of the fungus Tilletia indica (Mitra) Mundkur, or the 
existence of circumstances that make it reasonable to believe that 
Karnal bunt is present.
    Inspector. An APHIS employee or designated cooperator/collaborator 
authorized by the Administrator to enforce the provisions of this 
subpart.
    Karnal bunt. A plant disease caused by the fungus Tilletia indica 
(Mitra) Mundkur.
    Limited permit. A document in which an inspector affirms that a 
specified regulated article not eligible for a certificate is eligible 
for movement only to a specified destination and in accordance with 
conditions specified on the permit.
    Mechanized cultivating equipment and mechanized harvesting 
equipment. Mechanized equipment used for soil tillage, including 
tillage attachments for farm tractors--e.g., tractors, disks, plows, 
harrows, planters, and subsoilers; mechanized equipment used for 
harvesting purposes--e.g., combines, cotton harvesters, and hay balers.
    Milling products and byproducts. Products resulting from processing 
wheat, durum wheat, or triticale,

[[Page 40357]]

including animal feed, and waste and debris.
    Movement (moved). The act of shipping, transporting, delivering, or 
receiving for movement, or otherwise aiding, abetting, inducing or 
causing to be moved.
    Person. Any association, company, corporation, firm, individual, 
joint stock company, partnership, society, or any other legal entity.
    Premises. All structures, conveyances, or materials associated with 
a grain storage facility at a single location.
    Soil. That part of the upper layer of earth in which plants can 
grow.
    Soil-moving equipment. Equipment used for moving or transporting 
soil, including, but not limited to, bulldozers, dump trucks, or road 
scrapers.
    State. The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana 
Islands, or any State, territory, or possession of the United States.


Sec. 301.89-2  Regulated articles.

    The following are regulated articles:
    (a) Conveyances, including trucks, railroad cars, and other 
containers used to move wheat, durum wheat, or triticale;
    (b) Grain elevators/equipment/structures used for storing and 
handling wheat, durum wheat, and triticale;
    (c) Milling products or byproducts, except flour;
    (d) Plants, or plant parts, including grain, seed, or straw of all 
varieties of the following species:
    Wheat: Triticum aestivum;
    Durum wheat: Triticum durum; and
    Triticale: Triticum aestivum X Secale cereale;
    (e) Tilletia indica (Mitra) Mundkur;
    (f) Root crops with soil;
    (g) Soil from areas where field crops are produced;
    (h) Manure from animals that have fed on wheat, durum wheat, or 
triticale;
    (i) Used bags, sacks and containers;
    (j) Used farm tools;
    (k) Used mechanized cultivating equipment;
    (l) Used mechanized harvesting equipment;
    (m) Used seed conditioning equipment;
    (n) Used mechanized soil-moving equipment; and
    (o) Any other product, article or means of conveyance when:
    (1) An inspector determines that it presents a risk of spreading 
Karnal bunt due to its proximity to an infestation of Karnal bunt; and
    (2) The person in possession of the product, article, or means of 
conveyance has been notified that it is regulated under this subpart.


Sec. 301.89-3  Regulated areas.

    (a) The Administrator will regulate each State or each portion of a 
State that is infected.
    (b) Less than an entire State will be listed as a regulated area 
only if the Administrator:
    (1)(i) Determines that the State has adopted and is enforcing 
restrictions on the intrastate movement of the regulated articles 
listed in Sec. 301.89-2 that are equivalent to the movement 
restrictions imposed by this subpart; and
    (ii) Determines that designating less than the entire State as a 
regulated area will prevent the spread of Karnal bunt; or
    (2) Exercises his or her extraordinary emergency authority under 7 
U.S.C. 150dd.
    (c) The Administrator may include noninfected acreage within a 
regulated area due to its proximity to an infestation or inseparability 
from the infected locality for regulation purposes, as determined by:
    (1) Projections of the spread of Karnal bunt along the periphery of 
the infestation;
    (2) The availability of natural habitats and host materials within 
the noninfected acreage that are suitable for establishment and 
survival of Karnal bunt; and
    (3) The necessity of including uninfected acreage within the 
regulated area in order to establish readily identifiable boundaries.
    (d) The Administrator or an inspector may temporarily designate any 
nonregulated area as a regulated area in accordance with the criteria 
specified in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section. The 
Administrator will give written notice of this designation to the owner 
or person in possession of the nonregulated area, or, in the case of 
publicly owned land, to the person responsible for the management of 
the nonregulated area. Thereafter, the movement of any regulated 
article from an area temporarily designated as a regulated area is 
subject to this subpart. As soon as practicable, this area either will 
be added to the list of designated regulated areas in paragraph (e) of 
this section, or the Administrator will terminate the designation. The 
owner or person in possession of, or, in the case of publicly owned 
land, the person responsible for the management of, an area for which 
the designation is terminated will be given written notice of the 
termination as soon as practicable.
    (e) The following areas are designated as regulated areas:

Arizona

    Cochise County. The entire county.
    Graham County. The entire county.
    LaPaz County. The entire county.
    Maricopa County. The entire county.
    Mohave County. Beginning at the intersection of Arizona/Nevada 
State line and State Route 68; then east along State Route 68 to 
U.S. Highway 93; then southeast along U.S. Highway 93 to Interstate 
40; then east along Interstate 40 to U.S. Highway 93; then south 
along U.S. Highway 93 to the Mohave/Yavapai County line; then south 
along the Mohave County line to the Mohave/La Paz County line; then 
west along the Mohave County line to the Arizona/California State 
line; then north along the State line to the point of beginning.
    Pima County. Beginning at the intersection of the Pima County 
line, the Pinal County line, and the Papago Indian Reservation 
boundary; then east along the Pima County line to its easternmost 
point; then south along the Pima County line to the Cochise and 
Santa Cruz County lines; then west along the Pima County line to the 
United States/Mexico boundary; then west along the United States/
Mexico boundary to the Papago Indian Reservation boundary; then 
north along the Papago Indian Reservation boundary to the point of 
beginning.
    Pinal County. The entire county.
    Yuma County. The entire county.

California

    Imperial County. The entire county.
    Riverside County. That portion of Riverside County in the Blythe 
and Ripley areas bounded by a line drawn as follows: Beginning at 
the intersection of State Highway 62 and the Riverside-San 
Bernardino County line, then east along the Riverside-San Bernardino 
County line to its intersection with the California-Arizona State 
line; then south along the California-Arizona State line to its 
intersection with the Riverside-Imperial County line; then west 
along the Riverside-Imperial County line to its intersection with 
Graham Pass Road; then northeast along Graham Pass Road to its 
intersection with Chuckwalla Valley Road; then west and northwest 
along Chuckwalla Valley Road to its intersection with Interstate 
Highway 10; then west along Interstate Highway 10 to its 
intersection with State Highway 177; then northeast and north along 
State Highway 177 to its intersection with State Highway 62; then 
northeast along State Highway 62 to the point of beginning.

New Mexico

    Dona Ana County. The entire county.
    Hidalgo County. Beginning at the intersection of the Arizona/New 
Mexico State line and Interstate 10; then east along Interstate 10 
to the Hidalgo/Grant County line; then south and east along the 
Hidalgo County line to the Luna County line; then south along the 
Hidalgo County line to its southernmost point; then west and north 
along the Hidalgo county line to point of beginning.
    Luna County. Beginning at the intersection of the Grant/Luna 
County line and Interstate 10; then east along Interstate 10 to U.S. 
Highway 180; then north along U.S. Highway

[[Page 40358]]

180 to State Route 26; then north along State Route 26 to State 
Route 27; then northeast along State Route 27 to the Luna/Sierra 
County line; then east along the Luna County line to the Dona County 
line; then south along the Luna County line to the United States/
Mexico boundary; then west along the United States/Mexico boundary 
to the Hidalgo County line; then north along the Luna County line to 
the point of beginning.
    Sierra County. Beginning at intersection of the Luna/Sierra 
County line and State Route 27; then north along State Route 27 to 
State Route 152; then east along State Route 152 to Interstate 25; 
then north along Interstate 25 to State Route 52; then northwest 
along State Route 52 to the Sierra/Socorro County line; then east 
along the Sierra County line to the Lincoln County line; then south 
along the Sierra County line to the Dona County line; then west 
along the Sierra County line to the point of beginning.

Texas

    El Paso County. The entire county.
    Hudspeth County. Beginning at the intersection of the El Paso/
Hudspeth County line and U.S. Highway 62/U.S. Highway 180; then east 
along U.S. Highway 62/U.S. Highway 180 to County Road 1111; then 
south along County Road 1111 to its terminus; then west along an 
imaginary line to the United States/Mexico boundary; then northwest 
along the United States/Mexico boundary to the El Paso/Hudspeth 
County line; then north along the El Paso/Hudspeth County line to 
the point of beginning.

    (f) The Administrator will classify fields in regulated areas 
according to the following categories, and will notify the owner or 
person in possession of the field of the field's classification:
    (1) Fields in which preharvest samples tested positive for Karnal 
bunt;
    (2) Fields known to be planted in the past 5 years with seed 
contaminated with Karnal bunt;
    (3) Fields adjacent to fields in which preharvest samples tested 
positive;
    (4) Fields associated only through ownership, management, the 
movement of equipment, or proximity within a distinct definable area 
with fields in which preharvest samples tested positive; and
    (5) Fields within a regulated area that are not fields described in 
paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(4) of this section, and that are part of a 
distinct definable area that includes no fields in which preharvest 
samples tested positive.
    (g) Fields for which the Administrator has given no notification of 
classification to the owner or the person in possession of the field 
shall be considered to be fields as described in paragraph (f)(4) of 
this section.


Sec. 301.89-4  Planting.

    (a) Wheat, durum wheat, and triticale may be planted in all fields 
within and outside a regulated area, except as follows:
    (1) For the 1996-1997 crop season 1, wheat, durum wheat, and 
triticale may not be planted in fields in which preharvest samples 
conducted by Federal or State official tested positive for Karnal bunt;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The 1996-1997 crop season is that season in which wheat is 
harvested in 1997.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) For the 1996-1997 crop season 1, wheat, durum wheat, and 
triticale may not be planted in fields known to have been planted in 
the past 5 years with seed contaminated with Karnal bunt.
    (b) Prior to planting, wheat seed, durum wheat seed, and triticale 
seed to be planted within a regulated area must:
    (1) Have been treated with a fungicide that is registered with the 
Environmental Protection Agency; and
    (2) Be sampled and test negative for Karnal bunt.


Sec. 301.89-5  Movement of regulated articles from or within regulated 
areas.

    (a) Any regulated article may be moved from a regulated area into 
or through an area that is not regulated only if moved under the 
following conditions:
    (1) With a certificate or limited permit issued and attached in 
accordance with Secs. 301.89-6 and 301.89-10;
    (2) Without a certificate or limited permit, provided that each of 
the following conditions is met:
    (i) The regulated article was moved into the regulated area from an 
area that is not regulated;
    (ii) The point of origin is indicated on a waybill accompanying the 
regulated article;
    (iii) The regulated article is moved through the regulated area 
without stopping, or has been stored, packed, or handled at locations 
approved by an inspector as not posing a risk of contamination with 
Karnal bunt, or has been treated in accordance with the methods and 
procedures prescribed in Sec. 301.89-13 while in or moving through any 
regulated area; and
    (iv) The article has not been combined or commingled with other 
articles so as to lose its individual identity;
    (3) Without a certificate or limited permit, for movement within 
the regulated area, if the regulated articles has been cleaned as 
provided in Sec. 301.89-12 and 301.89-13 of this subpart; or
    (4) Without a certificate or limited permit, provided the regulated 
article is a soil sample being moved to a laboratory approved by the 
Administrator 2 to process, test, or analyze soil samples.
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    \2\ Criteria that laboratories must meet to become approved to 
process, test, or analyze soil, and the list of currently approved 
laboratories, may be obtained from the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Domestic and 
Emergency Operations, 4700 River Road Unit 134, Riverdale, Maryland 
20737-1236.
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    (b) When an inspector has probable cause to believe a person or 
means of conveyance is moving a regulated article, the inspector is 
authorized to stop the person or means of conveyance to determine 
whether a regulated article is present and to inspect the regulated 
article. Articles found to be infected by an inspector, and articles 
not in compliance with the regulations in this subpart, may be seized, 
quarantined, treated, subjected to other remedial measures, destroyed, 
or otherwise disposed of. Any treatments will be in accordance with the 
methods and procedures prescribed in Sec. 301.89-13.


Sec. 301.89-6  Issuance of a certificate or limited permit.

    (a) An inspector 3 or person operating under a compliance 
agreement will issue a certificate for the movement of a regulated 
article outside or within a regulated area if he or she determines that 
the regulated article:
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    \3\ Inspectors are assigned to local offices of APHIS, which are 
listed in local telephone directories. Information concerning such 
local offices may also be obtained from the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Domestic and 
Emergency Operations, 4700 River Road Unit 134, Riverdale, Maryland 
20737-1236, or from Karnal Bunt Project, 1688 W. Adams St. Phoenix, 
Arizona 85007.
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    (1) Is eligible for unrestricted movement under all other 
applicable Federal domestic plant quarantines and regulations;
    (2) Is to be moved in compliance with any emergency conditions the 
Administrator may impose under 7 U.S.C. 150dd to prevent the artificial 
spread of Karnal bunt 4; and
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    \4\ Section 105 of the Federal Plant Pest Act (7 U.S.C. 105dd) 
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to impose emergency measures 
necessary to prevent the spread of plant pests new to, or not widely 
prevalent or distributed within and throughout, the United States.
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    (3)(i) Is free of Karnal bunt infestation, based on laboratory 
results of testing, and history of previous infestation;
    (ii) Has been grown, produced, manufactured, stored, or handled in 
a manner that would prevent infestation or destroy all life stages of 
Karnal bunt;
    (iii) Meets the conditions of Sec. 301.89-12(b); or
    (iv) Has been treated in accordance with methods and procedures 
prescribed in Sec. 301.89-13.
    (b) An inspector or a person operating under a compliance agreement 
will issue a limited permit for the movement within or outside the 
regulated area of a regulated article not eligible for a

[[Page 40359]]

certificate if the inspector determines that the regulated article:
    (1) Is to be moved to a specified destination for specified 
handling, utilization, or processing (the destination and other 
conditions to be listed in the limited permit and/or compliance 
agreement), and this movement will not result in the artificial spread 
of Karnal bunt because Karnal bunt will be destroyed or the risk 
mitigated by the specified handling, utilization, or processing;
    (2) Is to be moved in compliance with any additional emergency 
conditions the Administrator may impose under 7 U.S.C. 150dd to prevent 
the artificial spread of Karnal bunt; and
    (3) Is eligible for movement under all other Federal domestic plant 
quarantines and regulations applicable to the regulated article.
    (c) An inspector shall issue blank certificates and limited permits 
to a person operating under a compliance agreement in accordance with 
Sec. 301.89-7 or authorize reproduction of the certificates or limited 
permits on shipping containers, or both, as requested by the person 
operating under the compliance agreement. These certificates and 
limited permits may then be completed and used, as needed, for the 
movement of regulated articles that have met all of the requirements of 
paragraph (a) or (b), respectively, of this section.


Sec. 301.89-7   Compliance agreements.

    Persons who grow, handle, or move regulated articles may enter into 
a compliance agreement 5 if such persons review with an inspector 
each stipulation of the compliance agreement, have facilities and 
equipment to carry out disinfestation procedures or application of 
chemical materials in accordance with Sec. 301.89-13, and meet 
applicable State training and certification standards under the Federal 
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
136b). Any person who enters into a compliance agreement with APHIS 
must agree to comply with the provisions of this subpart and any 
conditions imposed under this subpart.
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    \5\ Compliance agreements may be initiated by contacting a local 
office of Plant Protection and Quarantine, which are listed in 
telephone directories. The addresses and telephone numbers of local 
offices of Plant Protection and Quarantine may also be obtained from 
the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and 
Quarantine, 4700 River Road Unit 134, Riverdale, Maryland 20737-
1236, or from the Karnal Bunt Project, 1688 W. Adams St., Phoenix, 
Arizona 85007.
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Sec. 301.89-8  Cancellation of a certificate, limited permit, or 
compliance agreement.

    Any certificate, limited permit, or compliance agreement may be 
canceled orally or in writing by an inspector whenever the inspector 
determines that the holder of the certificate or limited permit, or the 
person who has entered into the compliance agreement, has not complied 
with this subpart or any conditions imposed under this subpart. If the 
cancellation is oral, the cancellation will become effective 
immediately and the cancellation and the reasons for the cancellation 
will be confirmed in writing as soon as circumstances allow, but within 
20 days after oral notification of the cancellation. Any person whose 
certificate, limited permit, or compliance agreement has been canceled 
may appeal the decision, in writing, within 10 days after receiving the 
written cancellation notice. The appeal must state all of the facts and 
reasons that the person wants the Administrator to consider in deciding 
the appeal. A hearing may be held to resolve any conflict as to any 
material fact. Rules of practice for the hearing will be adopted by the 
Administrator. As soon as practicable, the Administrator will grant or 
deny the appeal, in writing, stating the reasons for the decision.


Sec. 301.89-9  Assembly and inspection of regulated articles.

    (a) Persons requiring certification or other services must request 
the services from an inspector 6 at least 48 hours before the 
services are needed.
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    \6\  See footnote 2.
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    (b) The regulated articles must be assembled at the place and in 
the manner the inspector designates as necessary to comply with this 
subpart.


Sec. 301.89-10  Attachment and disposition of certificates and limited 
permits.

    (a) The consignor must ensure that the certificate or limited 
permit authorizing movement of a regulated article is, at all times 
during movement, attached to:
    (1) The outside of the container encasing the regulated article;
    (2) The article itself, if it is not in a container; or
    (3) The consignee's copy of the accompanying waybill: Provided, 
that the descriptions of the regulated article on the certificate or 
limited permit, and on the waybill, are sufficient to identify the 
regulated article; and
    (b) The carrier must furnish the certificate or limited permit 
authorizing movement of a regulated article to the consignee at the 
shipment's destination.


Sec. 301.89-11  Costs and charges.

    The services of the inspector during normal business hours will be 
furnished without cost to persons requiring the services.
    The user will be responsible for all costs and charges arising from 
inspection and other services provided outside of normal business 
hours.


Sec. 301.89-12  Cleaning and disinfection.

    (a) Used mechanized cultivating equipment, used mechanized 
harvesting equipment, used farm tools, and used mechanized soil-moving 
equipment must be cleaned of all soil and plant debris prior to 
movement within a regulated area, and cleaned and disinfected prior to 
movement outside the regulated area from the following fields:
    (1) Fields in which preharvest samples tested positive for Karnal 
bunt;
    (2) Fields known to have been planted in the past 5 years with seed 
contaminated with Karnal bunt; and
    (3) Fields adjacent to a field in which preharvest samples tested 
positive for Karnal bunt.
    (b) Vegetable crops must be cleaned of all soil and plant debris 
prior to movement, or be moved under limited permit to processing 
facilities approved by the Administrator, for movement from any fields 
described in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this section.


Sec. 301.89-13  Treatments.

    (a) All conveyances, mechanized farm equipment, seed-conditioning 
equipment, soil-moving equipment, farm tools, grain elevators and 
structures used for storing and handling wheat, durum wheat, or 
triticale required to be cleaned and disinfected under this subpart 
must be cleaned by removing all soil and plant debris and disinfected 
by:
    (1) Wetting all surfaces to the point of runoff with a solution of 
sodium hypochlorite mixed with water applied at the rate of 1 gallon of 
commercial chlorine bleach (5.2 percent sodium hypochlorite) mixed with 
2.5 gallons of water. The equipment or site should be thoroughly washed 
down after 15 minutes to minimize corrosion; or
    (2) Applying steam to all surfaces until the point of runoff;
    (3) Cleaning with a solution of hot water and detergent, under high 
pressure (at least 30 pounds per square inch), at a minimum temperature 
of 180 deg. F.; or
    (4) Fumigating with methyl bromide at the dosage of 15 pounds/1000 
cubic feet for 96 hours.
    (b) Soil, and straw/stalks/seed heads for decorative purposes must 
be treated

[[Page 40360]]

by fumigation with methyl bromide at the dosage of 15 pounds/1000 cubic 
feet for 96 hours.
    (c) Millfeed must be treated with a moist heat treatment of 170 oF 
for at least 1 minute if the millfeed resulted from the milling of 
grain from one of the following types of fields:
    (1) Fields in which preharvest samples tested positive for Karnal 
bunt;
    (2) Fields known to be planted in the past 5 years with seed 
contaminated with Karnal bunt;
    (3) Fields adjacent to fields in which preharvest samples tested 
positive; or
    (4) Fields associated only through ownership, management, the 
movement of equipment, or proximity within a distinct definable area 
with fields in which preharvest samples tested positive.


Sec. 301.89-14  Compensation.

    The following individuals are eligible to receive compensation from 
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for losses or 
expenses incurred because of the Karnal bunt regulation and emergency 
actions, as follows:
    (a) Growers who have destroyed crops. Growers in New Mexico and 
Texas who have destroyed crops of wheat pursuant to an Emergency Action 
Notification (PPQ Form 523) issued by an inspector are eligible to be 
compensated at the rate of $300 per acre of destroyed crop. To claim 
compensation, the grower must complete and submit to an inspector 
whichever of the following three forms are applicable, as determined by 
the inspector: ASCS Form 574, ASCS Form 578, and FCI Form 73. The forms 
will be furnished by USDA.
    (b) Growers and handlers who sell nonpropagative wheat grown in the 
regulated area. Growers and handlers who sell nonpropagative wheat 
grown in the regulated area are eligible to be compensated for the loss 
in value of their wheat due to the regulation for Karnal bunt, as 
follows:
    (1) Growers who sell nonpropagative wheat. For growers who sell 
wheat grown for nonpropagative purposes, compensation will be as 
described in paragraphs (b)(1)(ii) and (b)(1)(ii) of this section. 
However, compensation will not exceed $2.50 per bushel under any 
circumstances.
    (i) If the wheat was grown under contract, compensation will equal 
the contracted price minus the salvage value, as described in paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section.
    (ii) If the wheat was not grown under contract, compensation will 
equal the estimated market price for the relevant class of wheat 
(meaning type of wheat, such as Durum or Hard red winter) minus the 
salvage value, as described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. The 
estimated market price will be calculated by APHIS for each class of 
wheat, taking into account the prices offered by relevant terminal 
markets (animal feed, milling, or export) for the period between May 1 
and June 30, 1996, with adjustments for transportation and other 
handling costs.
    (2) Handlers who sell nonpropagative wheat. Handlers are eligible 
to be compensated only under the circumstances described in paragraphs 
(b)(2)(i) and (b)(2)(ii) of this section. Compensation for both 
circumstances will equal the estimated market price for the relevant 
class of wheat (meaning type of wheat, such as Durum or Hard red 
winter) minus the salvage value, as described in paragraph (b)(3) of 
this section. The estimated market price will be calculated by APHIS 
for each class of wheat, taking into account the prices offered by 
relevant terminal markets (animal feed, milling, or export) for the 
period between May 1 and June 30, 1996, with adjustments for 
transportation and other handling costs. However, compensation will not 
exceed $2.50 per bushel under any circumstances.
    (i) Handlers who honor contracts by paying the grower full contract 
price on wheat grown for nonpropagative purposes in the regulated area 
that was tested by APHIS and found positive for Karnal bunt; or
    (ii) Handlers who purchase contracted or noncontracted wheat grown 
for nonpropagative purposes in the regulated area that was tested by 
APHIS and found negative for Karnal bunt prior to purchase but that was 
tested by APHIS and found positive for Karnal bunt after purchase.
    (3) Salvage value. Salvage values will be as follows:
    (i) If the wheat is positive for Karnal bunt and is sold for use as 
animal feed, salvage value equals $6.00 per hundredweight or $3.60 per 
bushel for all classes of wheat.
    (ii) If the wheat is positive for Karnal bunt and is sold for a use 
other than animal feed, salvage value equals whichever is higher of the 
following: The average price paid in the region of the regulated area 
where the wheat is sold for the relevant class of wheat (meaning type 
of wheat, such as Durum or Hard red winter) for the period between May 
1 and June 30, 1996; or, $3.60 per bushel.
    (iii) If the wheat is negative for Karnal bunt and is sold for any 
use, salvage value equals whichever is higher of the following: The 
average price paid in the region of the regulated area where the wheat 
is sold for the relevant class of wheat (meaning type of wheat, such as 
Durum or Hard red winter) for the period between May 1 and June 30, 
1996; or, $3.60 per bushel.
    (4) To claim compensation. To claim compensation, a grower or 
handler must complete and submit to an inspector whichever of the 
following three forms are applicable, as determined by the inspector: 
ASCS Form 574, ASCS Form 578, and FCI Form 73. The forms will be 
furnished by USDA. Growers must also submit a copy of the contract the 
grower has for the wheat, if the wheat was under contract; handlers 
must also submit a copy of the contract the handler had with the grower 
for the wheat, if the wheat was under contract. Finally, a grower or 
handler must submit a copy of the receipt for the final sale of the 
wheat, showing the intended use for which the wheat was sold.
    (c) Nonpropagative wheat that is not sold. If a grower or handler 
of nonpropagative wheat in the regulated area is not able to or elects 
not to sell their wheat, they will be eligible to receive compensation 
at the rate of $2.50 per bushel. Compensation will only be paid if the 
grower or handler has destroyed the wheat by burying it in a sanitary 
landfill. To claim compensation, the grower or handler must complete 
and submit to an inspector whichever of the following three forms are 
applicable, as determined by the inspector: ASCS Form 574, ASCS form 
578, and FCI Form 73. The forms will be furnished by USDA. In addition, 
the grower or handler must submit a receipt from the sanitary landfill 
verifying how much wheat was buried.
    (d) Decontamination of grain storage facilities. Owners of grain 
storage facilities that have been decontaminated pursuant to an 
Emergency Action Notification (PPQ Form 523) issued by an inspector are 
eligible to be compensated, on a one time only basis, for up to 50 
percent of the cost of decontamination. However, compensation will not 
exceed $20,000 per premises (as defined in Sec. 301.89-1). Compensation 
is limited to the direct costs of decontaminating facilities. General 
clean-up, repair, and refurbishment costs are excluded from 
compensation. To claim compensation, the owner of the grain storage 
facility must submit to an inspector records demonstrating that 
decontamination was performed on all structures, conveyances, or 
materials ordered to be decontaminated by the Emergency Action 
Notification on the facility premises. The records must include a

[[Page 40361]]

copy of the Emergency Action Notification, contracts with individuals 
or companies hired to perform the decontamination, receipts for 
equipment and materials purchased to perform the decontamination, time 
sheets for employees of the grain storage facility who performed 
activities connected to the decontamination, and any other 
documentation that helps show decontamination has been completed.
    (e) Flour millers. Flour millers who, in accordance with a 
compliance agreement with APHIS, heat-treat millfeed made from wheat 
produced in the regulated area are eligible to be compensated at the 
rate of $35.00 per short ton of millfeed. The amount of millfeed 
compensated will be calculated by multiplying the weight of wheat from 
the regulated area received by the miller by 25 percent (the average 
percent of millfeed derived from a short ton of grain). To claim 
compensation, the miller must submit to an inspector a copy of the 
limited permit under which the wheat was moved to the mill and a copy 
of the bill of lading for the wheat (showing the weight of the wheat in 
short tons). Flour millers must also submit verification that the 
millfeed was heat treated, in the form of a copy of the limited permit 
under which the wheat was moved to a treatment facility and a copy of 
the bill of lading accompanying that movement.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 30th day of July 1996.
Terry L. Medley,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 96-19757 Filed 8-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P