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150dd to prevent the spread of the imported fire ant; 5 and

(3)(i) Is free of an imported fire ant infestation, based on his or her visual examination of the article;

(ii) Has been grown, produced, manufactured, stored, or handled in a manner that would prevent infestation or destroy all life stages of the imported fire ant; or

(iii) Has been treated in accordance with methods and procedures prescribed in the Appendix to this subpart ("III. Regulatory Procedures").

(b) An inspector will issue a limited permit for the interstate movement of a regulated article not eligible for a certificate if the inspector determines that the regulated article:

(1) Is to be moved interstate to a specified destination for specified handling, utilization, or processing (the destination and other conditions to be listed in the limited permit), and this interstate movement will not result in the spread of the imported fire ant because the imported fire ant will be destroyed by the specified handling, utilization, or processing;

(2) Is to be moved interstate in compliance with any additional emergency conditions the Administrator may impose under 7 U.S.C. 150dd to prevent the spread of the imported fire ant; and

(3) Is eligible for interstate movement under all other Federal domestic plant quarantines and regulations applicable to the regulated article.

(c) An inspector shall issue blank certificates to a person operating under a compliance agreement (in accordance with $301.81-6 of this subpart) or authorize reproduction of the certificates on shipping containers, or both, as requested by the person operating under the compliance agreement. These certificates may then be completed and used, as needed, for the interstate movement of regulated articles that

5 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.

have met all of the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0579-0088)

[57 FR 57327, Dec. 4, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 67133, Dec. 29, 1994; 59 FR 67609, Dec. 30, 1994]

8301.81-6 Compliance agreements.

Persons who grow, handle, or move regulated articles interstate may enter into a compliance agreement 6 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 the "Imported Fire Ant Program Manual," as set forth in the appendix to this subpart, and meet applicable State training and certification standards as authorized by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (86 Stat. 983; 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.

[57 FR 57327, Dec. 4, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 67609, Dec. 30, 1994]

§301.81-7 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

6 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, Domestic and Emergency Operations, 4700 River Road Unit 134, Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1236.

the reasons for the cancellation will be confirmed in writing as soon as circumstances allow 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.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0579-0102)

[57 FR 57327, Dec. 4, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 67133, Dec. 29, 1994]

8301.81-8 Assembly and inspection of regulated articles.

(a) Persons requiring certification or other services must request the services from an inspector at least 48 hours before the services are needed.

(b) The regulated articles must be assembled at the place and in the manner the inspector designates as necessary to comply with this subpart.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0579-0088)

[57 FR 57327, Dec. 4, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 67133, Dec. 29, 1994]

§301.81-9 Attachment and disposition

of certificates and limited permits. (a) The consignor must ensure that the certificate or limited permit authorizing interstate movement of a regulated article is, at all times during interstate 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

7 See footnote 4 to §301.81-5(a).

on the waybill, are sufficient to identify the regulated article; and

(b) The carrier must furnish the certificate or limited permit authorizing interstate movement of a regulated article to the consignee at the shipment's destination.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0579-0088)

[57 FR 57327, Dec. 4, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 67133, Dec. 29, 1994]

§301.81-10 Costs and charges.

The services of the inspector during normal business hours will be furnished without cost to persons requiring the services. The United States Department of Agriculture will not be responsible for any other costs or charges.

APPENDIX TO SUBPART "IMPORTED FIRE ANT"-PORTION OF "IMPORTED FIRE ANT PROGRAM MANUAL" 8

III. Regulatory Procedures

A. Instructions to Inspectors. Inspectors must know and follow instructions in this manual, the PPQ Treatment Manual, the pesticide label, and exemptions (Section 18 or 24(c) of FIFRA) for the treatment or other procedures used to authorize the movement of regulated articles. These will serve as a basis for explaining such procedures to persons interested in moving articles affected by the quarantine. Inspectors shall furnish complete information to anyone interested in moving regulated articles.

If there are questions concerning a particular treatment, contact your supervisor. B. Authorized Chemicals. The following chemicals are authorized for the treatment of regulated articles under the IFA quarantine:

INSECTICIDES

Bifenthrin (Talstar®)
Chlorpyrifos (Dursban®)
Diazinon

Fenoxycarb (AWARD®)
Hydramethylnon (AMDRO®)
Pyriproxyfen (Distance®)
Tefluthrin (FIREBAN®)
C. Approved Treatments.

A copy of the entire "Imported Fire Ant Program Manual" 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.

1. Equipment-Used Soil-Moving Methods: Used soil-moving equipment is eligible for movement when an inspector determines that one of the following procedures has been done:

a. It has been brushed free of noncompacted soil;

b. It has been washed free of noncompacted soil; or

c. Noncompacted soil has been removed with air pressure equipment using compressors designed specifically for this purpose. Such compressors must provide free air delivery of no less than 30 cubic feet per minute at 200 pounds per square inch.

Certification Period: As long as kept free of noncompacted soil.

Limitations: Regardless of the type of cleaning equipment used, all debris and noncompacted soil must be removed unless it is steam-heated by a "steam jenny" to disinfest the articles. Used soil-moving equipment, such as bulldozers, dirt pans, motor graders, and draglines, are difficult to clean sufficiently to eliminate pest risk.

Precaution: Steam may remove loose paint and usually is not recommended for use on equipment with conveyor belts and rubber parts.

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1. A watertight container for mixing the treating solutions.

2. Open-top, watertight container sufficiently large to accommodate the treating solution and plants.

Procedure: Locate immersion tank in wellventilated place. Do not remove burlap wrap or plastic containers with drain holes prior to immersion Immerse soil balls and containers, singly or in groups, so that soil is

completely covered by solution. Plants must remain in solution until bubbling ceases. Plant balls should have space between them when grouped in trays, baskets, or other dipping containers. After removal from dip, plants may be set on drainboard until adequately drained.

Thorough saturation of the plant balls or containers with the insecticide solution is essential. As treating progresses, freshly prepared treating mixture should be added to maintain liquid at immersion depth. Dispose of tank contents 8 hours after mixing. Clean tank before recharging. Disposal must comply with State and local regulations.

Precautions: Runoff of the solution from the treatment area should not be permitted. Excess solution (and used solution) must be disposed of in accordance with State and local regulations.

Method B-Drench

Equipment

1. A large-capacity bulk mixing tank, either pressurized or gravity-flow for mixing and holding the insecticide solution.

2. Properly equipped hoses and watering nozzles that can be attached to the mixing tank and used to thoroughly saturate the plant balls with the insecticide solution.

Procedure

1. Plants Balled with Burlap-Apply the chlorpyrifos solution as a substitute for plain water to the plants during the routine watering activities. Do not remove burlap wrap from plants prior to treatment. Treat plants singly or in groups with the chlorpyrifos solution to the point of runoff on a twice daily schedule for 3 consecutive days.

the

The above treatment should be carried out in a well-ventilated place normally used to maintain plants prior to shipment. The treatment will be enhanced by adding any agricultural wetting agent such as Ortho77R, Tronic®, TecowetR, etc., to the chlorpyrifos solution at the labeled rate (usually 1⁄2 pint per 100 gallons of water). 2. Containerized Plants Apply bifenthrin or chlorpyrifos solution to the point of saturation one time only. The volume of the treating solution must be at least % (20%) of the volume of the container. Precautions: Thorough saturation of the plant balls or containers with the insecticide solution is essential. Runoff of the solution from the treatment area should not be permitted. Excess solution (and used solution) must be disposed of in accordance with State and local regulations.

Method C-Topical Application Apply bifenthrin according to the label instructions for topical application. The meth

od may be used only with nursery stock in 3and 4-quart containers. Penetration of the pesticide in larger containers does not provide sufficient residual activity.

Irrigate all treated containers with 1.5 inches of water following application.

Precautions: Runoff of the solution from the treatment area should not be permitted. Excess solution (and used solution) must be disposed of in accordance with State and local regulations.

Manufacture of the 10WP (wettable powder) formulation was discontinued in 1998; however, the EPA will allow this product to be utilized until supplies are exhausted.

Method D-Granular Incorporation
(Bifenthrin)

Apply bifenthrin according to the label instructions for granular incorporation. Mix thoroughly to distribute product evenly throughout the soil or potting media. After potting, containers must be watered to the point of saturation.

Precautions: Saturation of the soil or potting media with the granular bifenthrin is essential. Water that drains from the treatment area, which may contain bifenthrin, must be disposed of in accordance with State and local laws.

Method E-Granular Incorporation
(Tefluthrin)

Apply tefluthrin according to the label directions for granular incorporation. Mix thoroughly to distribute the granular tefluthrin evenly throughout the soil or potting media. After potting, containers must be watered to the point of saturation.

Precautions: Saturation of the soil or potting media with the tefluthrin is essential. Water that drains from the treatment area, which may contain tefluthrin, must be disposed of in accordance with State and local laws.

4. Imported-Fire-Ant-Free Nursery-
Containerized Plants Only

This detection, control, exclusion, and enforcement program is designed to keep nurseries free of the imported fire ant and provides a basis to certify containerized nursery stock for interstate movement.

Participating regulated establishments must be operating under a compliance agreement. Such compliance agreements shall state the specific requirements that a shipper agrees to follow to move plants in accordance with the requirements of the program. Certificates and a nursery identification number may be issued to the nursery for use on shipments of regulated articles.

Detection

A successful treatment program depends upon early detection of imported fire ant

colonies. Nursery owners are required to survey visually their entire premises twice monthly for the presence of imported fire ants.

Nurseries participating in this program will be inspected by Federal or State inspectors at least twice per year. More frequent inspections may be necessary depending upon imported fire ant infestation levels immediately surrounding the nursery, the thoroughness of nursery management in maintaining imported-fire-ant-free premises, and the number of previous detections of imported fire ants in or near containerized plants. Inspections by Federal and State inspectors should be more frequent just before and during the peak shipping season. Any nurseries determined during nursery inspections to have imported fire ant colonies must be immediately treated to the extent necessary to eliminate the colonies.

Control

Nursery plants that are shipped under this program must originate in a nursery free of imported fire ant. Nursery owners must implement a treatment program with registered bait and contact insecticides. The premises, including growing and holding areas, must be maintained free of the imported fire ant. As part of this treatment program, all exposed soil surfaces (including sod and mulched areas) on property where plants are grown, potted, stored, handled, loaded, unloaded, or sold must be treated with a broadcast application of hydramethylnon (AMDRO®), fenoxycarb (AWARD®), or pyriproxyfen (Distance®) baits at least once every six months. The first application is more effective when applied early in the spring. An early spring bait application provides control before alate queens are produced or have time to establish new colonies. Follow label directions for use.

When properly used, baits are between 80 percent and 90 percent effective. Follow-up treatments with a contact insecticide must be applied to eliminate all remaining colonies. Mound drench treatments with a registered formulation of chlorpyrifos or diazinon are approved. Follow label directions for use.

Bifenthrin

Exclusion

For plants grown on the premises: Treatment of potting media with granular, flowable, or wettable powder formulation of bifenthrin prior to planting is required. This treatment reduces the risk of infestation of containers by alate queens flying in from adjacent or nearby infested premises. The dosage rate for granular bifenthrin is variable and is determined by the certification period

selected; for flowable bifenthrin it is 25 ppm; for wettable powder it is 25 ppm.

Apply this treatment according to the label instructions.

Mixing must be adequate to blend the required dosage of pesticide throughout the entire potting soil mixture.

For plants received from outside sources: To prevent the spread into a nursery free of the imported fire ant by newly introduced, infested nursery plants, all plants must be:

(a) Obtained from nurseries free of imported fire ant that are certified under a compliance agreement; or

(b) Treated with bifenthrin drench upon delivery in accordance with this imported fire ant regulatory treatment manual (III.C.3.b), and within 180 days be either:

(1) Repotted in treated potting soil media, (2) Retreated with bifenthrin drench, immersion, or topical application (III.C.3.b) at 180-day intervals, or

(3) Shipped.

Tefluthrin

For plants grown on the premises: Treatment of soil or potting media with granular, flowable tefluthrin prior to planting is permitted as an alternative to treatment with granular or wettable powder formulation of bifenthrin. This treatment reduces the risk of infestation of containers by alate queens flying in from adjacent or nearby infested premises. The dosage rate is variable, determined by the selected certification period, for the granular tefluthrin.

Apply this treatment according to the label directions.

Mixing must be adequate to blend the required dosage of granular tefluthrin throughout the entire soil or potting media.

Enforcement

The nursery owner shall maintain records of the nursery's surveys and treatments for the imported fire ant. These records shall be made available to State and Federal inspectors upon request.

If imported fire ants are detected in nursery stock during an inspection by a Federal or State inspector, issuance of certificates for movement shall be suspended until necessary treatments are applied and the plants and nursery premises are determined to be free of the imported fire ant. A Federal or State inspector may declare a nursery to be free of the imported fire ant upon reinspection of the premises. This inspection must be conducted no sooner than 30 days after treatment to ensure its effectiveness. During this period, certification may be based upon the drench or immersion treatment provided in paragraph III.C.3. of this manual, titled "Plants-Balled or in Containers."

Upon notification by the department of agriculture in any State of destination that a confirmed imported fire ant infestation was

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