[Federal Register: April 19, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 74)] [Notices] [Page 19191] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr19ap99-83] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Hunting; Application for Approval of HEVI- METAL<SUP>TM</SUP> as a Nontoxic Shot Material for Waterfowl Hunting AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of review. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We have reviewed Standard Resources Corporation's (Standard) application for approval of HEVI-METAL<SUP>TM</SUP> shot as nontoxic for waterfowl hunting in the United States. We have found that the information provided in the application is inconclusive and we are requiring additional information from the manufacturer before further consideration is given. ADDRESSES: Standard's application may be reviewed in Room 634 at the Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Migratory Bird Management, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Andrew, Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, (703) 358-1714, or James R. Kelley, Jr., Wildlife Biologist, Office of Migratory Bird Management, (703) 358-1964. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We continue to provide opportunity for submission for approval of alternative types of shot for waterfowling that, when spent, does not pose a significant toxic hazard to migratory birds and other wildlife when ingested. Currently, only bismuth-tin and steel shot are unconditionally approved by the Service for use in waterfowling. Tungsten-iron (published October 7, 1998; 63 FR 54016), tungsten-polymer (published October 7, 1998; 63 FR 54022), and tungsten-matrix (published October 19, 1998; 63 FR 55840) shot types received temporary conditional approval for the 1998-99 waterfowl hunting season. We are currently reviewing applications for approval for shot types other than those previously referenced in this notice. We anticipate that approval of additional suitable candidate shot materials as nontoxic is feasible in the near future. On April 9, 1999 (64 FR 17308), we announced our intention to review Standard's Tier 1 application for approval of HEVI- METAL<SUP>TM</SUP> under the revised test procedures for shot and shot coatings that we published in 50 CFR 20.134 (December 1, 1997; 62 FR 63608). A toxicologist from the U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, assisted in review of the application. Part A of the application contained a statement of proposed use, a chemical and physical description of the shot material, information on expected variability of shot during production, an estimate of yearly production, and a 5-pound sample of the fabricated shot. Part B of the application contained a discussion of the acute toxicities of HEVI- METAL<SUP>TM</SUP> components to mammals and to birds, information on the fate of ingested shot on a small sample of captive-reared mallard ducks, and a summary of the known toxicities of HEVI-METAL<SUP>TM</SUP> components for vertebrates. Part C of the application considered the effects of firing on the shot, the half-life of components of breakdown products, the estimated environmental concentration in soil and water, and other environmental impacts of components of the shot. We have determined that the Tier 1 information provided for HEVI- METAL<SUP>TM</SUP> does not provide sufficient information to allow us to conclude that it does not impose a significant danger to migratory birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. Specific toxicological concerns have been provided to the applicant. In light of our concerns, the applicant is advised to proceed with the additional testing described for Tier 2 before further consideration is given to the candidate shot. Tier 2 test requirements are outlined in 50 CFR 20.134. Authorship: The primary author of this document is James R. Kelley, Jr., Wildlife Biologist, Office of Migratory Bird Management. Dated: April 2, 1999. Jamie Rappaport Clark, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 99-9514 Filed 4-16-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P