Source: https://www.regulations.gov/?_escaped_fragment_=documentDetail;D=FWS-R9-MB-2012-0028-0005
Timestamp: 2016-08-26 06:58:19
Document Index: 533889692

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 20', 'art 516', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20']

Skip Navigation HomeHelpResourcesContact Us Advanced Search Start of Main Content Migratory Bird Hunting: Application for Approval of Copper-clad Iron Shot and Fluoropolymer Shot Coatings as Nontoxic for Waterfowl Hunting This Proposed Rule document was issued by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) For related information, Open Docket Folder Show agency attachment(s) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
ActionProposed rule; availability of draft environmental assessments.
SummaryWe, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to approve copper-clad iron shot and fluoropolymer coatings for hunting waterfowl and coots. We published a notice of application for nontoxic shot approval for copper-clad iron shot in theFederal Registeron June 20, 2012 (77 FR 36980), and one for the fluoropolymer shot coatings on July 6, 2012 (77 FR 39983). Having completed our review of the application materials for both, we have concluded that neither the shot nor the coatings are likely to adversely affect fish, wildlife, or their habitats.
DatesElectronic comments on this proposal via http://www.regulations.gov must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on October 26, 2012. Comments submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than October 26, 2012.
Addresses Document Availability. You may view the application and our draft environmental assessments by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Search for Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2012-0028 forcopper-clad iron shot, or Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2012-0038 for fluoropolymer shot coatings.
Request a copy by contacting the person listed underFOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Written Comments: You may submit comments by either one of the following two methods:
Federal eRulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on either or both of the dockets.
U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attention: FWS-R9-MB-2011-0060; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 North Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203-1610.We will not accept email or faxes. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information that you provide.
For Further Information ContactDr. George Allen, at 703-358-1825.
Supplementary InformationBackgroundThe Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (Act) (16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j) implements migratory bird treaties between the United States and Great Britain for Canada (1916 and 1996 as amended), Mexico (1936 and 1972 as amended), Japan (1972 and 1974 as amended), and Russia (then the Soviet Union 1978). These treaties protect most migratory bird species from take, except as permitted under the Act, which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to regulate take of migratory birds in the United States. Under this authority, we control the hunting of migratory game birds through regulations in 50 CFR part 20. We prohibit the use of shot types other than those listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 20.21(j) for hunting waterfowl and coots and any species that make up aggregate bag limits.
Many hunters believe that some nontoxic shot types compare poorly to lead and may damage some shotgun barrels. A small and decreasing percentage of hunters have not complied with nontoxic shot regulations. Allowing use of additional nontoxic shot types may encourage greater hunter compliance and participation with nontoxic shot requirements and discourage the use of lead shot. The use of nontoxic shot for waterfowl hunting increased after the ban on lead shot (Anderson et al. 2000), but we believe that compliance would continue to increase with the availability and approval of other nontoxic shot types. Increased use of nontoxic shot will enhance protection of migratory waterfowl and their habitats. More important is that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is obligated to consider all complete nontoxic shot submissions.ApplicationsEnviron-Metal, Inc., of Sweet Home, Oregon, seeks approval of copper-clad iron shot as nontoxic. We evaluated the impact of approval of this shot type in a draft environmental assessment, which we are making available for public review (seeADDRESSES). The iron core of the shot has long been approved, so our concern with this shot is the copper cladding on the iron core. The data from Environ-Metal indicate that the copper will not be toxic when ingested by waterfowl, and should not pose a significant danger to migratory birds, other wildlife, or their habitats. We conclude that the shot should not be of concern if deposited in the environment or if ingested by waterfowl or predators.
We have reviewed the shot and the shot coatings under the criteria in Tier 1 of the revised nontoxic shot approval procedures at 50 CFR 20.134 for permanent approval of shot and coatings as nontoxic for hunting waterfowl and coots. We propose to amend 50 CFR 20.21(j) to add the shot and the coatings to the list of those approved for waterfowl and coot hunting. Details on the evaluations of the shot and the coatings can be found in the draft environmental assessments.Copper-Clad Iron ShotCopper-clad iron shot is a composite in which copper is thermo-mechanically bonded to centerless-ground steel rod, then mechanically worked to final wire and shot configurations. Copper-clad iron shot may be produced with a variety of different proportions of copper and iron, ranging from 16 to 44.41% by weight copper, with a density of approximately 8.3 grams per cubic centimeter. Environ-Metal asserts that “there is little variability in composition to be expected” in production of the shot. Environ-Metal expects to produce about 50,000 pounds of copper-clad iron shot per year.Fluoropolymer CoatingsSpectra Shot is cut wire shotgun shot (steel shot) with a proprietary shot coating. Four different colors of the coated shot will be marketed as Spectra Shot TM Blue, Spectra Shot TM Green, Spectra Shot TM Orange, and Spectra Shot TM Yellow. The thickness of the coating will be 3 to 10 microns, with a corresponding weight per shot as follows: Spectra Shot TM Blue—0.209 milligram per shot; Spectra Shot TM Green—0.732 milligram per shot; Spectra Shot TM Orange—0.942 milligram per shot; and Spectra Shot TM Yellow—1.779 milligrams per shot. Spectra Shot expects annual use of the coated shot in hunting migratory birds in the United States to be 98,000 pounds.
Polyamide-imide copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, amorphous fumed silica, and methylphenyl polysiloxane are common to all Spectra Shot TM colors and make up the bulk of the coating. The pigments vary between coatings, and comprise 13.8% to 20.5% by weight of the dry film.Effects of the Approval on Migratory WaterfowlAllowing use of additional nontoxic shot types may encourage greater hunter compliance and participation with nontoxic shot requirements and discourage the use of lead shot. Furnishing additional approved nontoxic shot types and nontoxic coatings likely would further reduce the use of lead shot. Thus, approving additional nontoxic shot types and coatings would likely result in a minor positive long-term impact on waterfowl and wetland habitats.Effects on Endangered and Threatened SpeciesThe impact on endangered and threatened species of approval of copper-clad iron shot and fluoropolymer coatings alloys would be very small, but positive. Copper-clad iron shot and fluoropolymer coatings are highly unlikely to adversely affect animals that consume the shot or habitats in which the shot might be used. We see no potential effects on threatened or endangered species due to approval of the shot type or the coatings.
We obtained a biological opinion pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), prior to establishing the seasonal hunting regulations. The hunting regulations promulgated as a result of this consultation remove and alleviate chances of conflict between migratory bird hunting and endangered and threatened species.Effects on EcosystemsPreviously approved shot types have been shown in test results to be nontoxic to the migratory bird resource, and we believe that they cause no adverse impact on ecosystems. There is concern, however, about noncompliance with the prohibition on lead shot and potential ecosystem effects. The use of lead shot has a negative impact on wetland ecosystems due to the erosion of shot, causing sediment/soil and water contamination and the direct ingestion of shot by aquatic and predatory animals. Though we believe noncompliance is of concern, approval of the shot type and the coatings would have little impact on the resource, unless it has the small positive impact of reducing the rate of noncompliance.Cumulative ImpactsWe foresee no negative cumulative impacts if we approve the shot type and the coatings for waterfowl hunting. Their approval could help to further reduce the negative impacts of the use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl and coots. We believe the impacts of the approvals for waterfowl hunting in the United States should be positive.Required DeterminationsRegulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that this rule is not significant.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121)), whenever an agency is required to publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions).
b. This rule would not produce a Federal mandate of $100 million or greater in any year. It would not be a “significant regulatory action” under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.TakingsIn accordance with E.O. 12630, this rule does not have significant takings implications. A takings implication assessment is not required. This rule does not contain a provision for taking of private property.FederalismThis rule does not have sufficient Federalism effects to warrant preparation of a federalism summary impact assessment under E.O. 13132. It would not interfere with the ability of States to manage themselves or their funds.Civil Justice ReformIn accordance with E.O. 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has determined that this rule does not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.Paperwork Reduction ActThis proposed rule does not contain any new collections of information that require approval by the Office ofManagement and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB has approved our collection of information associated with applications for approval of nontoxic shot (50 CFR 20.134) and assigned OMB Control Number 1018-0067, which expires May 31, 2015.National Environmental Policy ActOur draft environmental assessment is part of the administrative record for this proposed regulations change. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. and Part 516 of the U.S. Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM), approval of copper-clad iron shot and fluoropolymer coatings would not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment, nor would it involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources. Therefore, preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required.Government-to-Government Relationship With TribesIn accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, “Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments” (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated potential effects on federally recognized Indian Tribes and have determined that there are no potential effects. This rule would not interfere with the ability of Tribes to manage themselves or their funds or to regulate migratory bird activities on Tribal lands.Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (E.O. 13211)On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 addressing regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and use. E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. This rule change would not be a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, nor would it significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. This action would not be a significant energy action, and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.Compliance With Endangered Species Act RequirementsSection 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), requires that “The Secretary [of the Interior] shall review other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter” (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(1)). It further states that the Secretary must “insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical] habitat” (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)). We have concluded that the regulation change would not affect listed species.Clarity of the RuleWe are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule we publish must:
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, we propose to amend part 20, subchapter B, chapter I of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:Part 20 Amended1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:
AuthorityMigratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a-j; Pub. L. 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703.
Approved shot type *Percent composition by weightField testing device **
Bismuth-tin97 bismuth, and 3 tinHot Shot® ***.
Iron (steel)iron and carbonMagnet or Hot Shot®.
Iron-tungstenany proportion of tungsten, and ≥1 ironMagnet or Hot Shot®.
Iron-tungsten-nickel≥1 iron, any proportion of tungsten, and up to 40 nickelMagnet or Hot Shot®.
Copper-clad iron84 to 56.59 iron core, with copper cladding up to 44.1 of the shot massMagnet or Hot Shot 7.
Tungsten-bronze51.1 tungsten, 44.4 copper, 3.9 tin, and 0.6 iron, or 60 tungsten, 35.1 copper, 3.9 tin, and 1 ironRare Earth Magnet.
Tungsten-iron-copper-nickel40-76 tungsten, 10-37 iron, 9-16 copper, and 5-7 nickelHot Shot® or Rare Earth Magnet.
Tungsten-matrix95.9 tungsten, 4.1 polymerHot Shot®.
Tungsten-polymer95.5 tungsten, 4.5 Nylon 6 or 11Hot Shot®.
Tungsten-tin-ironany proportions of tungsten and tin, and ≥1 ironMagnet or Hot Shot®.
Tungsten-tin-bismuthany proportions of tungsten, tin, and bismuthRare Earth Magnet.
Tungsten-tin-iron-nickel65 tungsten, 21.8 tin, 10.4 iron, and 2.8 nickelMagnet.
Tungsten-iron-polymer41.5-95.2 tungsten, 1.5-52.0 iron, and 3.5-8.0 fluoropolymerRare Earth Magnet or Hot Shot®.
[FR Doc. 2012-23657 Filed 9-25-12; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
Attachments View All (0) View document: No documents available. Attachments View All (0) Comment Now! Comment Period Closed Oct 26 2012, at 11:59 PM ET ID: FWS-R9-MB-2012-0028-0005 Tracking Number: View original printed format: Document Information Date Posted: Sep 26, 2012RIN: 1018-AY61CFR: 50 CFR Part 20Federal Register Number: 2012-23657 Show More Details Submitter Information Comments5 Comments Received* The use of Copper-clad Iron Shot and Fluoropolymer shot coatings do not pose a threat to endangered species or the ecosystem. If you look at the Environmental... View Comment See attached file(s) View Comment The information in the applications and the environmental assessments indicates that the shot and the coatings will have no effects on wildlife or habitats... View Comment Docket Information This document is contained in FWS-R9-MB-2012-0028 Related Dockets: NoneRelated RINs: NoneRelated Documents: Migratory Bird Hunting: Application for Approval of Copper...Migratory Bird Hunting: Application for Approval of Copper... Related Comments: View all * This count refers to the total comment/submissions received on this document, as of 11:59 PM yesterday. Note: Agencies review all submissions, however some agencies may choose to redact, or withhold, certain submissions (or portions thereof) such as those containing private or proprietary information, inappropriate language, or duplicate/near duplicate examples of a mass-mail campaign. This can result in discrepancies between this count and those displayed when conducting searches on the Public Submission document type. For specific information about an agency’s public submission policy, refer to its website or the Federal Register document. Document text and images courtesy of the Federal Register Home Search Advanced Search Browse By Category Learn About Us eRulemaking Program Media Toolkit Agencies Awards & Recognition Enhancements & Fixes Resources Site Data Regulatory Agenda Agency Reports Required by Statute API Overview Developers Help How to use Regulations.gov FAQs Glossary Connect With Contact Us Privacy and Security Notice User Notice Accessibility Statement Partner Sites We the People Federal Register Reginfo Congress.gov USA.gov E-Gov Opengov Participate Today!