Granular Carbofuran; Proposed Decision to Deny FMC Corp's Request for Reinstatement of the Corn and Sorghum Uses; Proposed Decision to Grant an Extension of the Phase-Out Period for Use on Rice; Call for Reduced Risk Alternatives to Control Rice Water Weevil

Resumo

FMC Corporation and grower groups have requested reinstatement of the corn and sorghum uses, and extension of the phase-out period for the rice use of granular carbofuran. These three uses of granular carbofuran are currently being phased out according to the terms of an Agreement in Principle between FMC Corp. and EPA that concluded the Special Review of granular carbofuran. This notice announces EPA's proposed decision to deny FMC's request for reinstatement of the use of granular carbofuran on corn and sorghum, and to grant FMC's request for an extension to the phase-out period for rice. EPA's proposed decision to extend the rice use is subject to 40 CFR 154.35 because the extension of use might increase avian risk, which was the basis of the Special Review of granular carbofuran. EPA is proposing an extension of the use of granular carbofuran on rice because there are currently no efficacious alternatives available. In conjunction with the proposed extension of the phase-out period of granular carbofuran on rice, EPA is encouraging the registration of reduced risk alternatives to control rice water weevil. Specifically, EPA is asking pesticide manufacturers who are currently de