[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 74 (Monday, April 19, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 19191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-9514]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Migratory Bird Hunting; Application for Approval of HEVI-
METALTM as a Nontoxic Shot Material for Waterfowl Hunting

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of review.

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SUMMARY: We have reviewed Standard Resources Corporation's (Standard) 
application for approval of HEVI-METALTM shot as nontoxic 
for waterfowl hunting in the United States. We have found that the 
information provided in the application is inconclusive and we are 
requiring additional information from the manufacturer before further 
consideration is given.

ADDRESSES: Standard's application may be reviewed in Room 634 at the 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Migratory Bird Management, 4401 N. 
Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Andrew, Chief, Office of Migratory 
Bird Management, (703) 358-1714, or James R. Kelley, Jr., Wildlife 
Biologist, Office of Migratory Bird Management, (703) 358-1964.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We continue to provide opportunity for 
submission for approval of alternative types of shot for waterfowling 
that, when spent, does not pose a significant toxic hazard to migratory 
birds and other wildlife when ingested. Currently, only bismuth-tin and 
steel shot are unconditionally approved by the Service for use in 
waterfowling. Tungsten-iron (published October 7, 1998; 63 FR 54016), 
tungsten-polymer (published October 7, 1998; 63 FR 54022), and 
tungsten-matrix (published October 19, 1998; 63 FR 55840) shot types 
received temporary conditional approval for the 1998-99 waterfowl 
hunting season. We are currently reviewing applications for approval 
for shot types other than those previously referenced in this notice. 
We anticipate that approval of additional suitable candidate shot 
materials as nontoxic is feasible in the near future.
    On April 9, 1999 (64 FR 17308), we announced our intention to 
review Standard's Tier 1 application for approval of HEVI-
METALTM under the revised test procedures for shot and shot 
coatings that we published in 50 CFR 20.134 (December 1, 1997; 62 FR 
63608). A toxicologist from the U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent 
Wildlife Research Center, assisted in review of the application. Part A 
of the application contained a statement of proposed use, a chemical 
and physical description of the shot material, information on expected 
variability of shot during production, an estimate of yearly 
production, and a 5-pound sample of the fabricated shot. Part B of the 
application contained a discussion of the acute toxicities of HEVI-
METALTM components to mammals and to birds, information on 
the fate of ingested shot on a small sample of captive-reared mallard 
ducks, and a summary of the known toxicities of HEVI-METALTM 
components for vertebrates. Part C of the application considered the 
effects of firing on the shot, the half-life of components of breakdown 
products, the estimated environmental concentration in soil and water, 
and other environmental impacts of components of the shot.
    We have determined that the Tier 1 information provided for HEVI-
METALTM does not provide sufficient information to allow us 
to conclude that it does not impose a significant danger to migratory 
birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. Specific toxicological 
concerns have been provided to the applicant. In light of our concerns, 
the applicant is advised to proceed with the additional testing 
described for Tier 2 before further consideration is given to the 
candidate shot. Tier 2 test requirements are outlined in 50 CFR 20.134.

    Authorship: The primary author of this document is James R. 
Kelley, Jr., Wildlife Biologist, Office of Migratory Bird 
Management.

    Dated: April 2, 1999.
Jamie Rappaport Clark,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 99-9514 Filed 4-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P