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Proposed Rules, Policies, and Guidance

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Requirements, policies, and guidance that EPA is proposing. Comments are solicited from the public before EPA issues final versions.

Comment Period Open

Comment Period Closed

d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin) Risk Assessments and Risk Reduction Options

This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessments, and related documents for the pesticide d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin), and opens a public comment period on these documents (phase three of four phase process). The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for sumithrin through a modified, four phase public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration decisions. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and safety standards. Comments must be received on or before May 13, 2008.

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Advisory Committee Invites Comments on Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for 62 Hazardous Substances

The National Advisory Committee for Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) for Hazardous Substances is inviting public comment on proposed AEGL values for 62 hazardous chemicals. This is the11th set of exposure levels proposed and published by the committee; the 11 sets of AEGL values cover 239 hazardous chemicals. The committee is developing AEGL values on an ongoing basis to provide federal, state, and local agencies with information on short-term exposures to hazardous chemicals. Comments are welcome on both the proposed AEGL values and the technical support documents placed in the public version of the official docket. Comments must be received on or before May 16, 2008.

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EPA Seeks Public Comment on Possible Drinking Water Contaminants

EPA is asking for public comment on a list of 104 possible drinking water contaminants that may need to be regulated in the future to ensure the continued protection of drinking water. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA includes on the draft Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) currently unregulated contaminants that are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems and that may require regulation. This draft CCL, which is the third such listing, lists 93 chemical contaminants or groups and 11 microbes, and describes the process and basis for selecting these contaminants. The draft list includes chemicals used in commerce, pesticides, biological toxins, disinfection byproducts, and waterborne pathogens. Comments must be received on or before May 21, 2008.

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Triforine Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has completed a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide triforine, a systemic fungicide registered for use on ornamentals for control of black spot, rust, and powdery mildew. EPA has determined that the database to support reregistration is substantially complete and that products containing triforine are eligible for reregistration, provided the risks are mitigated in the manner described in the RED. Comments must be received on or before May 23, 2008.

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Biopesticide Registration Review Dockets

EPA has established registration review dockets for the pesticides listed in the table in Unit III.A. With this document, EPA is opening the public comment period for these registration reviews. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Registration review dockets contain information that will assist the public in understanding the types of information and issues that the Agency may consider during the course of registration reviews. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment. This document also announces the Agency's intent not to open a registration review docket for thyme herbs and ground sesame plant. These pesticides do not currently have any active federally registered pesticide products and are not, therefore, scheduled for review under the registration review program. Comments must be received on or before May 27, 2008.

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Application for New and Amended Pesticide Registration

EPA is planning to submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR, entitled: "Application for New and Amended Pesticide Registration,'' is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2008. Before submitting the ICR to OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection. Comments must be received on or before June 2, 2008.

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EPA Seeks Comment on the Use of Consumer Research in Developing Improved Labeling for Pesticide Products

EPA is proposing to initiate a new information collection activity involving the conduct of surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews to test various versions of pesticide product labels and other informational materials developed for the general public. The pesticide label provides critical information about how to handle and safely use the pesticide product and avoid harm to human health and the environment. Comments must be received on or before June 2, 2008.

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Acrolein Revised Risk Assessments and Solicitation of Risk Reduction Options

EPA is making available the Agency's revised risk assessments, a response to comments, and related documents for acrolein. EPA also is soliciting public comment on risk reduction and alternative options for acrolein. In addition, in order to allow a more completed benefits assessment for identified risks of concern, the Agency is soliciting information to several questions referenced in their alternative assessment summary and uncertainties document to help better understand the importance of acrolein to irrigation. Comments must be received on or before June 2, 2008.

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Tributyltin Compounds Risk Assessments

EPA is releasing for public comment its human health and environmental fate and effects risk assessments and related documents for tributyltin oxide, tributyltin benzoate, and tributyltin maleate, and soliciting public comment on risk management ideas or proposals. Comments must be received on or before June 2, 2008.

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Chromated Copper Arsenate Revised Risk Assessments

EPA is making available the Agency's revised risk assessments for chlorinated copper arsenate (CCA). The assessment was initially issued for comment through a Federal Register notice published on March 17, 2004. Also included in the docket are a response to comments and other related documents. EPA also is releasing for public comment a preliminary benefits assessment for CCA. The registered pesticides assessed in this reregistration case are arsenic acid, arsenic pentoxide, chromic acid, and sodium dichromate. The chemical case is generically referred to as "CCA'', although it also includes wood preservative uses of other inorganic arsenic-based wood preservatives such as ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (ACZA). Comments must be received on or before June 16, 2008.

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Creosote Revised Risk Assessments, Related Documents

EPA has released its revised risk assessments for the pesticide creosote. The assessment was initially issued for comment through a Federal Register notice published on December 5, 2003. Also included in the docket are a response to comments and other related documents. In addition, the Agency has opened a public comment period on risk reduction options for creosote as well as on the qualitative economic impacts analysis. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision for creosote through the full, six-phase public participation process. Comments must be received on or before June 16, 2008.

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Pentachlorophenol Revised Risk Assessments

EPA has released its revised risk assessments for the restricted-use antimicrobial pesticide pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its micro-contaminants, dioxin/furan (CDDs/ CDFs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and has opened a public comment period. The assessment was initially issued for comment through a Federal Register notice published on March 30, 2005. Also included in the docket are a response to comments and other related documents. EPA also is soliciting public comment on potential risk reduction options for pentachlorophenol, and on a preliminary benefits assessment for identified risks of concern. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for PCP through the full, six-phase public participation process. Comments must be received on or before June 16, 2008.

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Formaldehyde/Paraformaldehyde Risk Assessments

EPA is releasing its human health and environmental fate and effects risk assessments and related documents for formaldehyde/paraformaldehyde, and is soliciting public comment on risk management ideas or proposals. Formaldehyde is used for disinfection of poultry houses and as a materials preservative for residential uses; paraformaldehyde is used as a mildewcide in closets. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde through a modified, four-phase public participation process. Comments must be received on or before June 23, 2008.

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HHT Risk Assessments

EPA is releasing its risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine (HHT), also known as grotan, and is opening a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. HHT is an antimicrobial chemical that displays some fungicidal activity. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for HHT through a modified, four-phase public participation process. Comments must be received on or before June 23, 2008.

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Antimicrobial Pesticide Barium Metaborate Available for Review

EPA has established registration review dockets for the pesticides listed in the table in Unit III.A. With this document, EPA is opening the public comment period for this registration review. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Registration review dockets contain information that will assist the public in understanding the types of information and issues that the Agency may consider during the course of registration reviews. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment. Comments must be received on or before June 24, 2008.

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Seven Pesticide Registration Review Dockets

EPA has established registration review dockets for the pesticides listed in the table in Unit III.A. With this document, EPA is opening the public comment period for these registration reviews. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, the pesticide can perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Registration review dockets contain information that will assist the public in understanding the types of information and issues that the Agency may consider during the course of registration reviews. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment. Comments must be received on or before June 24, 2008.

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Sulfometuron Methyl Risk Assessments

EPA has released its risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide sulfometuron methyl and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. Sulfometuron methyl is a non-selective herbicide used primarily for weed control in forestry and for vegetative management in rights-of-way, roadways, and railroads. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for sulfometuron methyl through a modified four-phase public participation process. Comments were due April 28, 2008.

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Tetramethrin Risk Assessments and Risk Reduction Options

EPA has released its risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide tetramethrin and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. Tetramethrin is a broad-spectrum, first-generation synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for tetramethrin through a modified four-phase public participation process. Comments were due April 28, 2008.

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Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Ammonium Thiosulfate

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision for the pesticide ammonium thiosulfate, and has opened a public comment period on this document, related risk assessments, and other support documents. Ammonium thiosulfate is an inorganic thiosulfate herbicide used to kill oxalis and spurge weeds on lawns in the western United States. EPA has reviewed ammonium thiosulfate through a modified, streamlined version of the public participation process. Comments were due April 21, 2008.

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Nominations to FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel

EPA is selecting two new members to serve on the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) as a result of membership terms that will expire this year. The Agency has released the names, addresses, professional affiliations, and selected biographical data of persons who have been nominated, and is inviting public comment on the nominations. The comments will be used to help the Agency select the new panel members. Comments were due April 18, 2008.

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Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking of Revised National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Regulations for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

This action is a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to EPA's June 30, 2006, notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) revising the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), in response to the order issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Waterkeeper Alliance et al. v. EPA, 399 F.3d 486 (2d Cir. 2005). In the June 2006 NPRM, EPA proposed to require only CAFOs that discharge or propose to discharge to seek coverage under a permit. In this SNPRM, EPA is proposing a voluntary option for CAFOs to certify that the CAFO does not discharge or propose to discharge based on an objective assessment of the CAFO's design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Comments were due April 7, 2008.

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EPA Proposes Better Approach To Reporting Hazardous Substances from Farm Animal Waste

EPA has proposed a rule change to provide an administrative reporting exemption for air releases of hazardous substances -- primarily ammonia and hydrogen sulfide -- from animal waste at farms. EPA is proposing a rule enabling response authorities to better focus their attention on hazardous substance releases that require emergency response while reducing reporting burdens on America’s farms. EPA’s proposed rule provides an administrative reporting exemption for air releases of hazardous substances -- primarily ammonia and hydrogen sulfide -- from animal waste at farms. Release notifications must still be made to emergency response authorities when hazardous substances are released to the air from sources other than animal waste (e.g., ammonia tanks), as well as releases of hazardous substances to soil and water. Comments were due March 27, 2008.

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Comment Period Extended for Draft Guidance, Pesticide Registrants on Label Statements Regarding Third-Party Endorsements and Cause Marketing Claims

In the Federal Register of October 31, 2007, EPA issued a draft Pesticide Registration Notice (PRN) to describe EPA’s framework for evaluating label statements regarding third-party endorsements and cause-marketing claims. The Agency has opened a docket (Docket ID # EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-1008) to receive comments on this draft PRN. Comments on the draft PRN were initially due by December 31, 2007. In response to several requests, EPA has decided to extend the comment period for 90 days. The Agency is particularly interested in assuring that its state partners in pesticide regulation and other stakeholders have adequate opportunity for comments. Comments were due March 27, 2008.

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Pesticide Registration Review Dockets Opened for Various Pesticides

EPA has established registration review dockets for various pesticides and has opened the public comment period for these registration reviews. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. Comments were due March 18, 2008. The chemicals are:

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Risk Assessments for Organic Esters of Phosphoric Acid

EPA has released its risk assessments and related documents for organic esters of phosphoric acid and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision for organic esters of phosphoric acid through a modified, four-phase public participation process. Comments were due March 17, 2008.

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Diiodomethyl p-tolyl sulfone (Amical 48) Risk Assessments

EPA has released its risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide Diiodomethyl p-tolyl sulfone (Amical 48), and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Diiodomethyl p-tolyl sulfone through a modified, four-phase public participation process. Comments were due March 17, 2008.

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Comment Period Extended for Draft Policies and Procedures for Initial Endocrine Disruptor Screening

EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of December 13, 2007, announcing the availability of and soliciting public comment on EPA's draft policies and procedures for initial screening under the Agency's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). The notice provided for a 60-day public comment period ending February 11, 2008. In response to several requests from the public, EPA has extended the comment period for an additional 30 days. Comments were due March 12, 2008.

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Pesticide Registration Review Dockets Opened for Three Antimicrobials

EPA has established registration review dockets for three antimicrobial pesticides and has opened the public comment period for these registration reviews. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. Comments were due March 11, 2008. The chemicals are:

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Comment Period Extended for Petition Requesting Cancellation of  M-44 Sodium Cyanide Capsules, Sodium Fluoroacetate

EPA issued a notice in the November 16, 2007, Federal Register concerning a petition that EPA received from Sinapu; Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility; Beyond Pesticides; Forest Guardians; Predator Defense; Western Wildlife Conservancy; Sierra Club; The Rewilding Institute; Animal Defense League of Arizona; and Animal Welfare Institute. The petition requested EPA to issue a notice of intent to cancel the registrations of M-44 sodium cyanide capsules and sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080). The Agency is seeking further substantive comment on this petition, and will post a document with specific questions under docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP- 2007-0944. Comments were due March 5, 2008.

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Sixty-First Report of Toxic Substances Control Act Interagency Testing Committee

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Interagency Testing Committee (ITC) transmitted its 61st ITC Report to the EPA administrator on December 18, 2007. In the report, the ITC is revising the TSCA section 4(e) priority testing list by adding four cresols and removing 35 High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program orphan chemicals. The cresols were added to obtain dermal sensitization data. The 35 HPV Challenge Program orphan chemicals are being removed from the priority testing list because either: commitments were made to sponsor these chemicals under EPA's HPV Challenge Program, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development HPV Screening Information Data Set Program, and/or the International Council of Chemical Associations HPV Initiative; or the substances were determined by EPA to no longer be HPV chemical substances. Comments were due February 27, 2008.

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Emission Standards for Stationary Diesel Engines

EPA has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to solicit comment on several issues concerning options the Agency can pursue through federal rulemaking under the Clean Air Act to regulate emissions of pollutants from existing stationary diesel engines, especially those from larger, older stationary diesel engines. EPA has taken several actions over the past several years to reduce exhaust pollutants from stationary diesel engines. The Agency continues to be interested in exploring opportunities to further reduce these pollutants, particularly those from engines that have not been subject to federal standards. Comments were due February 25, 2008.

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Revised Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Aliphatic Solvents

This notice announces the availability of EPA's Revised Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide aliphatic solvents, signed on November 29, 2007, and opens a public comment period on this document, related risk assessments, and other support documents. EPA had reviewed the low-risk pesticide aliphatic solvents through a modified, streamlined version of the public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions, and following the receipt of comments, EPA is now issuing a revised RED. Comments were due February 19, 2008.

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Siduron Risk Assessments and Risk Reduction Options

This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessments, and related documents for the pesticide siduron, and opens a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for siduron through a modified, 4-Phase public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration decisions. This is Phase 3 of a 4-Phase process. Comments were due February 19, 2008.

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Comment Period Extended for Endosulfan Updated Risk Assessments and Usage Information

EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of November 16, 2007 concerning the availability of EPA's updated human health and ecological effects risk assessments for the organochlorine pesticide endosulfan, based in part on data submitted by endosulfan registrants as required in the 2002 Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED). The Agency is seeking comment on these updated assessments, as well as EPA's analysis of endosulfan usage information since the 2002 RED and its preliminary determinations regarding endosulfan's importance to growers and availability of alternatives. Comments were due February 19, 2008.

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Comment Period Extended for Draft List of Initial Pesticide Active Ingredients and Pesticide Inerts To Be Considered for Screening

EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of June 18, 2007, concerning the draft list of the first group of chemicals that will be screened in the Agency's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). The draft list was produced using the approach described in the September 2005 notice, and includes chemicals that the Agency, in its discretion, has decided should be tested first, based upon exposure potential. The June 18, 2007 Federal Register notice provided for a 90-day public comment period. EPA extended the comment period an additional 60 days in the Federal Register of September 12, 2007, and later extended the comment period for 45 days in the Federal Register of November 15, 2007. This document is extending the comment period for a third time for an additional 42 days. Comments were due February 11, 2008.

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Registration Review Docket for Biopesticide Nosema Locustae; Dried Blood To Be Cancelled

EPA has established a registration review docket for the biopesticide Nosema locustae and has opened a public comment period on this review. In addition, EPA has announced its intent not to open a registration review docket for dried blood, which is undergoing a voluntary cancellation process and therefore is not scheduled for registration review. Comments were due February 11, 2008.

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Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Para-dichlorobenzene

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the low-risk pesticide para-dichlorobenzene and has opened a public comment period on this document, related risk assessments, and other support documents. Para-dichlorobenzene is a fumigant insecticide registered for use on indoor sites only. EPA has reviewed para-dichlorobenzene through a modified, streamlined version of the public participation process. Comments were due February 11, 2008.

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Corps of Engineers Clarification of Clean Water Act Exemptions for Irrigation Ditches, Drainage Ditches Exit EPA

The Army Corps of Engineers has issued a regulatory guidance letter (RGL 07-02) to further explain certain regulatory exemptions for irrigation ditches and drainage ditches consistent with the Clean Water Act (CWA) and implementing regulations. Specifically, the RGL clarifies when CWA Section 404(f) exempts from permitting requirements the discharge of dredged or fill material associated with the construction and maintenance of irrigation ditches and maintenance of drainage ditches. The RGL also clarifies certain terms in the regulations and provides a framework for determining the applicability of the exemptions. This RGL was effective July 4, 2007. Comments were due February 11, 2008.

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Chlormequat Chloride Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the low-risk pesticide chlormequat chloride and has opened a public comment period on the RED, related risk assessments, and other support documents. Chlormequat chloride is a plant growth regulator registered for use on ornamental plants grown in greenhouses, nurseries, and shadehouses. No food or feed uses or U.S. tolerances are associated with its use. EPA has reviewed chlormequat chloride through a modified, streamlined version of the public participation process. Comments were due January 28, 2008.

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Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Polypropylene Glycol

This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide polypropylene glycol, and opens a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the polypropylene glycol Docket. Butoxypolypropylene glycol (BPG) is the only active ingredient in the polypropylene glycol chemical case with any registered products. BPG is a repellant that is used to control flying and crawling insects. BPG can be applied to animals such as pets or horses directly, or to areas where animals live, like animal housing, bedding, or other areas animals may occupy. Comments were due January 22, 2008.

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Solicitation of Information for the Development of Risk Management Evaluations to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

This notice solicits information relevant to the development of risk management evaluations pursuant to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (hereafter Convention) for various chemicals that are being reviewed for possible addition to the Convention's Annexes A, B, and/or C as POPs. This notice alerts interested and potentially affected persons of these proposals and the status of their review under the Convention, and to encourage such persons to provide information relevant to the development of risk profiles and risk management evaluations under the Convention. Comments were due January 22, 2008.

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4-Aminopyridine Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide 4-aminopyridine and has opened a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the 4-aminopyridine docket. 4-aminopyridine is an avicide with flock-alarming properties. It is registered in the U.S. to control birds of public health concern around nesting, feeding, loafing, and roosting sites at structures, feedlots, landfills, and airports. 4-aminopyridine has been reviewed through the modified four-phase public participation process. Comments were due January 22, 2008.

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EPA, Army Corps Extend Public Comment Period for Joint Rapanos Guidance

EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) are extending the public comment period for the interagency joint guidance on the scope of Clean Water Act geographic jurisdiction following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Rapanos v. United States. EPA and the Corps issued the guidance in June 2007, consistent with the Supreme Court's decision in the consolidated cases Rapanos v. United States and Carabell v. United States regarding the scope of the agencies' jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. Comments were due January 21, 2008.

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Prometon Risk Assessments and Risk Reduction Options

EPA has released its risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide prometon, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. Prometon is a nonselective "bare-ground'' herbicide used to manage annual and perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for prometon through a modified four-phase public participation process. Comments were due January 7, 2008.

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Hypoxia Task Force Completes Assessment, Invites Comments on Revised Action Plan

The Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force has completed its assessment of progress to reduce the size of the Gulf hypoxia zone. At its 15th meeting, October 29-30 in Cincinnati, the task force approved draft revisions to the 2001 action plan and authorized release of the draft for public comment. Comments were due January 4, 2008.

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Amended Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Naphthalene Acetic Acid

EPA has released its amended Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the low-risk pesticide naphthalene acetic acid, its salts, ester, and acetamide, and has opened a public comment period on these documents, related risk assessments, and other support documents. EPA has reviewed naphthalene acetic acid through a modified, streamlined version of the public participation process. Comments were due January 4, 2008.

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Acrolein Human Health Risk Assessment

EPA has released its human health risk assessment and related documents for the pesticide acrolein, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. Acrolein is primarily used in irrigation canals and reservoirs to treat aquatic weeds, such as pondweed. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for acrolein through a six-phase public participation process. Comments were due January 2, 2008.

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Proposed Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Rule Amendments

On October 1, 2007, EPA proposed revisions to certain regulatory requirements for facilities subject to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule. The revisions will tailor and streamline requirements to particular industry sectors and facility owners or operators subject to the rule. Nothing in this proposed rule removes any regulatory requirement for owners or operators of facilities in operation before Aug. 16, 2002, to develop, implement and maintain an SPCC plan in accordance with the SPCC regulations then in effect. These facilities are required to maintain their plans until the applicable date for revising and implementing plans under the new amendments. The comment period for (Docket #EPA-HQ-OPA-2007-0584) closed on December 14, 2007.

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Pesticide Registration Review Docket for Zinc Borate

EPA has established a registration review docket for zinc borate and has opened a public comment period for this registration review. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. Comments were due December 11, 2007.

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Aldicarb Reregistration Eligibility Decision

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the N-methyl carbamate pesticide aldicarb and has opened a public comment period on this document. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the aldicarb docket. Aldicarb is a restricted-use systemic insecticide, acaricide, and nematicide. It is registered for use on agricultural crops including citrus, cotton, dry beans, peanuts, pecans, potatoes, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, and seed alfalfa (CA). In addition, aldicarb may be applied to field grown ornamentals (CA) and tobacco, and on coffee grown in Puerto Rico. Comments were due December 11, 2007.

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Sodium Fluoride Risk Assessment

EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents for the pesticide sodium fluoride and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for sodium fluoride through a modified four-phase public participation process. Comments were due December 10, 2007.

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EPA is seeking public comment on a draft white paper that recommends withdrawal of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guidance to test for the StarLink protein Cry9C in corn grain. StarLink is a biotechnology-derived variety of insect-resistant corn. It was approved by EPA for animal feed and industrial uses, but not for human consumption, because of unanswered questions relating to Cry9C being a possible allergen. However, there has been no scientific evidence linking StarLink to any allergic reactions. StarLink corn has not been planted since 2000, when EPA accepted the registrant’s voluntary cancellation request. Levels have steadily decreased to where new detections are virtually non-existent. Comments were due December 3, 2007.

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Pesticide Registration Review of Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl and Etofenprox

EPA has established registration review dockets for the following pesticides: Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, case 7209, and etofenprox, case 7407. The Agency has also opened a public comment period for these registration reviews. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. Comments were due November 27, 2007.

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Busan 77 Risk Assessment

EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents for the antimicrobial pesticide Busan 77 and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Busan 77 through a modified four-phase public participation process. Comments were due November 27, 2007.

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N-methyl Carbamate Revised Cumulative Risk Assessment

EPA has released its revised cumulative risk assessment for the N-methyl carbamate group of pesticides, and has opened a public comment period on this document and other support documents. As required by the Food Quality Protection Act, a cumulative risk assessment, which evaluates exposures based on a common mechanism of toxicity, was conducted to evaluate the risk from food, drinking water, residential, and other non-occupational exposures resulting from registered uses of N-methyl carbamate pesticides. The N-methyl carbamate group includes aldicarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, formetanate HCl, methiocarb, methomyl, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, and thiodicarb. Comments were due November 26, 2007.

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Comment Period Reopened on "Implementation of Emerging Pathogens and Disinfection Hierarchy for Antimicrobial Products"

EPA is reopening the comment period on the pesticide draft science guidance document entitled "Implementation of the Emerging Pathogens and Disinfection Hierarchy Guidance for Antimicrobial Products," announced in the Federal Register of July 25, 2007. Because additional time has been requested by several pesticide entities to prepare detailed comments on the planned implementation, the comment period has been opened for an additional 60 days. Comments were due November 19, 2007.

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Four Pesticide Registration Review Dockets

EPA has established registration review dockets for several pesticides and has opened a public comment period for these reviews. The four newly established dockets cover farnesol and nerolidol; Pseudomonas syringae; Pseudomonas fluorescens; and chitin. EPA will not open a docket for liquid nitrogen, because the last product containing this pesticide was cancelled in 2004. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. Comments were due November 19, 2007.

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Comment Period Extended for Soil Fumigants

As part of EPA's ongoing evaluation of soil fumigant pesticides, and in response to further requests from stakeholders, the Agency extended the public comment period on risk reduction options. On May 2, 2007, EPA issued revised human health risk assessments and requested public comment on risk-reduction options for the soil fumigants: methyl bromide, metam sodium, dazomet, and chloropicrin. Another soil fumigant, 1,3-dichloropropene (telone) is included for comparison purposes, but its reassessment is complete and few if any regulatory changes are anticipated. Comments were due November 3, 2007.

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Guidance on Recommended Environmental Hazard Statements for Outdoor Residential Pesticides

EPA is seeking public comment on a draft Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice entitled "Environmental Hazard Statements for Outdoor Residential Pesticides.'' The proposed guidance is directed toward current or prospective registrants of outdoor residential use pesticides. It recommends environmental hazard statements that are easier for consumers to understand than the language created for agricultural products. Comments were due November 2, 2007.

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Fenoxycarb, Urea Sulfate Registration Reviews

EPA has established registration review dockets for the pesticides fenoxycarb (case number 7401) and urea sulfate (case number 7213), and has opened a public comment period for these reviews. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Registration review dockets contain information that will help the public understand the types of information and issues that EPA may consider during the reviews. Comments were due October 30, 2007.

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Registration Eligibility Decision for Sodium Carbonate

EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the low-risk pesticide sodium carbonate, weak mineral bases, and has opened a public comment period on this document, related risk assessments, and other support documents. Sodium carbonate is a fungicide used as a neutralizer and buffering agent in industrial and manufacturing processes and as a hard surface disinfectant and sanitizer in institutional and residential settings. Comments were due October 29, 2007.

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EPA Proposes to Terminate Special Review of Dichlorvos (DDVP)

EPA has published a Proposed Determination to Terminate Special Review for the pesticide dichlorvos (DDVP). Since the initiation of the special review, additional data have become available. Based in part on these data, the Agency has changed its assessment of some of the risks associated with DDVP and has modified the terms and conditions of DDVP registrations accordingly. Moreover, during the recently concluded reregistration process for DDVP, EPA conducted an intensive and public review of whether DDVP registrations meet the FIFRA standard for registration, culminating in the Agency's 2006 Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision (IRED) for DDVP. Through the reregistration processes the Agency resolved remaining concerns regarding cancer and cholinesterase effects. Based on the IRED, requested label amendments, and the voluntary cancellation of uses by the registrant, EPA has determined that the risks that were the basis of the Special Review are no longer of concern and, therefore, the Agency is proposing to terminate the special review of DDVP. To the extent that the Agency further revises its assessment of DDVP, it will do so outside of the special review context. Comments were due October 26, 2007.

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Two Dockets for Pesticide Registration Review

Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment. EPA has established registration review dockets for the following pesticides (Comments were due October 4, 2007):

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