Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
[Federal Register: June 7, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 109)]
[Notices]
[Page 32956-32960]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07jn06-75]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0387; FRL-8067-9]
Pesticide Emergency Exemptions; Agency Decisions and State and
Federal Agency Crisis Declarations
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: EPA has granted or denied emergency exemptions under the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use of
pesticides as listed in this notice. The exemptions or denials were
granted during the period January 1 through March 31, 2006 to control
emergency pest outbreaks.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: See each emergency exemption or denial
for the name of a contact person. The following information applies to
all contact persons: Team Leader, Emergency Response Team, Registration
Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number: (703) 308-8179.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA has granted or denied emergency
exemptions to the following State and Federal agencies. The emergency
exemptions may take the following form: Crisis, public health,
quarantine, or specific.
I. General Information
A. Does this Action Apply to Me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer.
Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
? Crop production (NAICS code 111)
? Animal production (NAICS code 112)
? Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311)
? Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532)
This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to certain entities. To determine
whether you or your business may be affected by this action, you should
carefully examine the applicability provisions discussed above. If you
have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a
particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?
1. Docket. EPA has established a docket for this action under
Docket identification number (ID) EPA-HQ-OPP- 2006-0387; (FRL-8067-9).
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at
http://www.regulations.gov
or at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket
(7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard
(South Building); 2777 S. Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA. This Docket
Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Docket Facility
is (703) 305-5805.
2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet under the `` Federal Register''
listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.
II. Background
Under FIFRA section 18, EPA can authorize the use of a pesticide
when emergency conditions exist. Authorizations (commonly called
emergency exemptions) are granted to State and Federal agencies and are
of four types:
1. A ``specific exemption'' authorizes use of a pesticide against
specific pests on a limited acreage in a particular State. Most
emergency exemptions are specific exemptions.
2. ``Quarantine'' and ``public health'' exemptions are a particular
form of specific exemption issued for quarantine or public health
purposes. These are rarely requested.
3. A ``crisis exemption'' is initiated by a State or Federal agency
(and is confirmed by EPA) when there is insufficient time to request
and obtain EPA permission for use of a pesticide in an emergency.
EPA may deny an emergency exemption: If the State or Federal agency
cannot demonstrate that an emergency exists, if the use poses
unacceptable risks to the environment, or if EPA cannot reach a
conclusion that the proposed pesticide use is likely to result in ``a
reasonable certainty of no harm'' to human health, including exposure
of residues of the pesticide to infants and children.
If the emergency use of the pesticide on a food or feed commodity
would
[[Page 32957]]
result in pesticide chemical residues, EPA establishes a time-limited
tolerance meeting the ``reasonable certainty of no harm standard'' of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
In this document: EPA identifies the State or Federal agency
granted the exemption or denial, the type of exemption, the pesticide
authorized and the pests, the crop or use for which authorized, number
of acres (if applicable), and the duration of the exemption. EPA also
gives the Federal Register citation for the time-limited tolerance, if any.
III. Emergency Exemptions and Denials
A. U. S. States and Territories
Alabama
Department of Agriculture and Industries
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
California
Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Pesticide Regulation
Crisis: On February 27, 2006, for the use of maneb on walnuts to
control bacterial blight. This program is expected to end on June 15,
2006. Contact: (Libby Pemberton)
Specific: EPA authorized the use of maneb on walnuts to control
bacterial blight; March 1, 2006 to June 15, 2006. Contact: (Libby
Pemberton)
EPA authorized the use of imidacloprid on pomegranates to control
silverleaf whiteflies; April 15, 2006 to August 15, 2006. Contact:
(Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of oxytetracycline on apples to control fire
blight; March 21, 2006 to August 1, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 8, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Colorado
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of difenoconazole on sweet corn seed
to suppress post emergence die-back complex and damping off caused by
several pathogens (Penicillium oxalicum, Fusarium oxysporum,
Aspergillis niger) of sweet corn; March 10, 2006 to March 9, 2007.
Contact: (Libby Pemberton)
EPA authorized the use of lambda-cyhalothrin on barley to control
Russian wheat aphids, cereal leaf beetle, and cutworms; April 7, 2006
to July 15, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 8, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Connecticut
Department of Environmental Protection
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to
control mummy berry disease; March 28, 2006 to June 30, 2006. Contact:
(Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; April 5, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
Delaware
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; April 5, 2006 to February 1, 2007.
Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on grapefruit to control
greasy spot; March 1, 2006 to October 1, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of thiophanate-methyl on citrus to control post-
bloom fruit drop and stem end rot; March 13, 2006 to March 1, 2007.
Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 8, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
Georgia
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 8, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of terbacil on watermelon to control
morningglory; March 9, 2006 to August 15, 2006. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Idaho
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of oxytetracycline on apples to control
fire blight; April 1, 2006 to August 1, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of lambda-cyhalothrin on barley to control
Russian wheat aphids, cereal leaf beetle and cutworms; May 1, 2006 to
July 30, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
Iowa
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; March 9, 2006 to February 1, 2007.
Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Illinois
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Indiana
Office of Indiana State Chemist
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; April 5, 2006 to February 1, 2007.
Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Kentucky
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Louisiana
Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Maine
Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Resources
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa
[[Page 32958]]
mite and small hive beetle; April 5, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of propiconazole on wild blueberries to control
mummy berry disease; March 28, 2006 to June 30, 2006. Contact: (Carmen
Rodia)
Maryland
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 8, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to
control mummy berry disease; April 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006. Contact:
(Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; April 5, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Michigan
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of thiophanate-methyl on blueberries
to control various fungal diseases; April 1, 2006 to September 20,
2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of oxytetracycline on apples to control fire
blight; April 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to control mummy
berry disease; April 1, 2006 to September 1, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of chlorothalonil on ginseng to control botrytis
and alternaria blight; March 15, 2006 to October 31, 2006. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of zoxamide on ginseng to control phytophthora
blight; March 15, 2006 to October 31, 2006. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of mancozeb on ginseng to control alternaria
stem and leaf blight; March 16, 2006 to October 31, 2006. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
Minnesota
Department of Agriculture
Quarantine: EPA authorized the use of cyproconazole on soybeans to
control Asian soybean rust; March 30, 2006 to March 30, 2009. Contact:
(Carmen Rodia)
Specific: EPA authorized the use of lambda-cyhalothrin on wild rice to
control riceworms; August 1, 2006 to September 10, 2006. Contact:
(Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; April 5, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
Mississippi
Department of Agriculture and Commerce
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to
control mummy berry disease; March 16, 2006 to August 31, 2006.
Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on sweet potatoes to control beetle
complex; March 27, 2006 to September 30, 2006. Contact: (Libby Pemberton)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Missouri
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 8, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Montana
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of lambda-cyhalothrin on barley to
control the cereal leaf beetle, Russian wheat aphid, and cutworms;
March 15, 2006 to July 30, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of tebuconazole on barley and wheat to control
Fusarium head blight; March 15, 2006 to July 20, 2006. Contact: (Libby
Pemberton)
EPA authorized the use of thiabendazole on lentils to control Ascochyta
blight; February 23, 2006 to June 1, 2006. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Nebraska
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
New Hampshire
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to
control mummy berry disease; March 16, 2006 to August 31, 2006.
Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to
control mummy berry disease; March 16, 2006 to May 30, 2006. Contact:
(Andrew Ertman)
New York
Department of Environmental Conservation
Crisis: On March 1, 2006, for the use of sodium hypochlorite on hard,
non-porous surfaces to control bacillus anthracis (anthrax spores).
This program ended on March 16, 2006. Contact: (Princess Campbell)
Specific: EPA authorized the use of desmedipham on red (table) beets to
control several important broadleaf weeds, including hairy galinsoga,
common ragweed, redroot pigweed, common lambsquarters, velvetleaf,
nightshade spp. and wild mustard; May 15, 2006 to August 15, 2006.
Contact: (Libby Pemberton)
EPA authorized the use of fomesafen on dry and snap beans to control
broadleaf weeds; June 1, 2006 to August 30, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to control mummy
berry disease; March 16, 2006 to June 30, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; March 9, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
[[Page 32959]]
North Carolina
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to
control mummy berry disease; March 14, 2006 to August 30, 2006.
Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of bifenthrin on sweet potatoes to control beetle
complex; March 27, 2006 to October 31, 2006. Contact: (Libby Pemberton)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
North Dakota
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of sulfentrazone on flax to control
kochia; March 31, 2006 to June 30, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of thiabendazole on lentils to control Ascochyta
blight; February 23, 2006 to June 1, 2006. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Ohio
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of sulfentrazone on strawberries to
control common groundsel; June 20, 2006 to December 15, 2006. Contact:
(Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 8, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
Oklahoma
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; April 5, 2006 to February 1, 2007.
Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Oregon
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of sulfentrazone on strawberries to
control broadleaf weeds; March 15, 2006 to February 28, 2007. Contact:
(Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thiabendazole on lentils to control Ascochyta
blight; February 28, 2006 to June 1, 2006. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of ethoprop on baby hops to control garden
symphylans (Scutigerella immaculata); March 15, 2006 to May 31, 2006.
Contact: (Libby Pemberton).
EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to control mummy
berry disease; March 16, 2006 to May 31, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of oxytetracycline on apples to control fire
blight; April 1, 2006 to August 1, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
Pennsylvania
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fomesafen on snap beans to control
broadleaf weeds; June 1, 2006 to August 30, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to control mummy
berry disease; April 1, 2006 to September 1, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 8, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
Rhode Island
Department of Environmental Management
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to
control mummy berry disease; April 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006. Contact:
(Andrew Ertman)
South Carolina
Clemson University
Specific: EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to
control mummy berry disease; March 28, 2006 to August 31, 2006.
Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; April 5, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
South Dakota
Department of Agriculture
Quarantine: EPA authorized the use of cyproconazole on soybeans to
control Asian soybean rust; March 30, 2006 to March 30, 2009. Contact:
(Carmen Rodia)
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; March 9, 2006 to February 1, 2007.
Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Tennessee
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; April 5, 2006 to February 1, 2007.
Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Virginia
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 8, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thiophanate-methyl on tomato to control
timber rot; March 3, 2006 to September 30, 2006. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Washington
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of propiconazole on filberts to
control Eastern filbert blight (Anisogramma anomala); February 22, 2006
to November 30, 2006. Contact: (Libby Pemberton)
EPA authorized the use of sulfentrazone on strawberries to control
broadleaf weeds; March 15, 2006 to February 28, 2007. Contact: (Andrew
Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of fenbuconazole on blueberries to control mummy
berry disease; March 16, 2006 to June 10, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of oxytetracycline on apples to control fire
blight; April 1, 2006 to August 1, 2006. Contact: (Andrew Ertman)
EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control varroa mite
and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1, 2007. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thiabendazole on lentils to control Ascochyta
blight; March 6, 2006 to June 1, 2006. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of thymol in beehives to control varroa mite;
March 15, 2006 to March 15, 2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
West Virginia
Department of Agriculture
Specific: EPA authorized the use of coumaphos in beehives to control
varroa mite and small hive beetle; February 23, 2006 to February 1,
2007. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
Wisconsin
[[Page 32960]]
Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
Specific: EPA authorized the use of propiconazole on cranberries to
control cottonball disease (Monilinia oxycocci); March 9, 2006 to June
15, 2006. Contact: (Libby Pemberton)
EPA authorized the use of chlorothalonil on ginseng to control botrytis
and alternaria blight; March 15, 2006 to October 31, 2006. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of zoxamide on ginseng to control phytophthora
blight; March 15, 2006 to October 31, 2006. Contact: (Stacey Groce)
EPA authorized the use of mancozeb on ginseng to control alternaria
stem and leaf blight; March 16, 2006 to October 31, 2006. Contact:
(Stacey Groce)
B. Federal Departments and Agencies
Agriculture Department
Animal and Plant Health Inspector Service
Crisis: On March 2, 2006, for the use of methyl bromide on
avocado;bananas; plantains; blackberries; raspberries; edible cucurbit
seeds; cottonseed for use as food or feed; cucurbit vegetables (not
currently labeled); gherkins; ginger tops, fresh; fresh herbs and
spices; kiwi fruit; leafy vegetables (not currently labeled); longan;
lychee fruit; mint, dried; fresh mint; opuntia; rambutan; root and
tuber vegetables (not currently labeled); dasheen (root and tuber); and
snow peas to eradicate any pest new to or not known to be widely
prevalent within the U.S. This program is expected to end on March 3,
2007. Contact: (Libby Pemberton)
List of Subjects
Environmental protection, Pesticides and pest.
Dated: May 22, 2006.
Lois Rossi,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. E6-8723 Filed 6-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif)