o u n t .     A t   S i t e s   5   a n d   1 0   ( a   c h a n n e l   c a r r y i n g   t i l e   f l o w   a n d   a   s i t e   d o w n s t r e a m   a f t e r   m i x i n g ) ,   t h e   c o n c e n t r a t i o n s   o f   a t r a z i n e   w e r e   g e n e r a l l y   i n   t h e   r a n g e   o f     > 0 . 1 p p b   t o   o v e r   1 0   p p b   a n d   r e d u c t i o n s   i n   c e l l   c o u n t   a r e   a p p a r e n t .     T h i s   v i s u a l   e x a m i n a t i o n   o f   t h e   d a t a   d o e s   n o t ,   o f   c o u r s e ,   d e m o n s t r a t e   a n   e f f e c t a t t r i b u t a b l e   t o   a t r a z i n e .     N o n e t h e l e s s ,   t h e s e   d a t a   d o   p r o v i d e   a   s u f f i c i e n t   b a s i s   f o r c o n d u c t i n g   a n   a n a l y s i s .     I n   a d d i t i o n ,   t h e r e   a r e   o t h e r   d a t a   g i v e n   i n   t h e   L a k s h m i n a r a y a n a e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 )   [ i . e . ,   T a b l e   3   o n   w a t e r   q u a l i t y ,   T a b l e   5   o n   p h y t o p l a n k t o n   c e l l   n u m b e r s ,   a n d T a b l e   6   o n   p h y t o p l a n k t o n   s p e c i e s ]   a n d   a d d i t i o n a l   d a t a   ( p a r t i c u l a r l y   o n   a t r a z i n e c o n c e n t r a t i o n s )   c o u l d   b e   a v a i l a b l e   f r o m   t h e   a u t h o r s .       I f   t h e s e   d a t a   w e r e   q u a n t i t a t i v e l y a n a l y z e d ,   a n   a n a l y t i c   a n d   o b j e c t i v e   a s s e s s m e n t   o f   t h e   L a k s h m i n a r a y a n a   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 ) c o u l d   b e   m a d e   a n d   w o u l d   b e   a p p r o p r i a t e   f o r   a   T i e r   4   a n a l y s i s . X V I I   -   3 4   Figure 5. Effects of atrazine on rates of photosynthesis in artificial outdoor streams ( taken from Figure 5 in Pearson and Crossland 1996). Pearson and Crossland 1996   –   T h i s   s t u d y   a t t e m p t e d t o   a s s e s s   t h e   e f f e c t s   o f a t r a z i n e   i n   o u t d o o r   a r t i f i c i a l   s t r e a m s c o n t a i n i n g   c o m m u n i t i e s   o f f r e s h w a t e r   i n v e r t e b r a t e s   a n d p e r i p h y t o n .     S i x   e x p o s u r e c o n c e n t r a t i o n s   w e r e   t e s t e d   ( 0 , 3 ,   1 0 ,   3 0 ,   1 0 0 ,   a n d   3 0 0   p p b ) .   T h e   e f f e c t s   o f   t h e s e e x p o s u r e s   o n   r a t e s   o f p h o t o s y n t h e s i s   a r e   i l l u s t r a t e d i n   F i g u r e   5   ( t a k e n   d i r e c t l y   f r o m F i g u r e   5   i n   P e a r s o n   a n d C r o s s l a n d   1 9 9 6 ) .     T h e   P R A   p r e s e n t s   a q u a l i t a t i v e   a s s e s s m e n t   o f   t h i s s t u d y   s t a t i n g   t h a t   o x y g e n p r o d u c t i o n   w a s   i n h i b i t e d   b y 1 0 0   a n d   3 0 0   p p b   b u t   n o t   3 , 1 0 ,   o r   3 0   p p b .     T h e   b a s i s   f o r   t h i s   a s s e r t i o n   i s   n o t   c l e a r   a n d   i s   n o t   s u p p o r t e d   b y   a n y q u a n t i t a t i v e   a n a l y s i s .     T h e r e   i s   o b v i o u s l y   a   r a t h e r   v a r i a b l e   a n d   c o m p l e x   c o n c e n t r a t i o n - t i m e - r e s p o n s e   r e l a t i o n s h i p .       I n   a   T i e r   4   a n a l y s i s ,   i t   w o u l d   b e   a p p r o p r i a t e   c o n d u c t   a m o r e   q u a n t i t a t i v e   a n a l y s i s   u s i n g   t h e   o r i g i n a l   d a t a ,   i f   p o s s i b l e ,   o r   a t   l e a s t   e s t i m a t e s   o f   t h e m e a s u r e d   v a l u e s   t a k e n   f r o m   F i g u r e   5 .     F o r   e x a m p l e ,   t h e r e   a p p e a r s   t o   b e   a   r e l a t i v e l y   s t a b l e   p e r i o d   o f   p h o t o s y n t h e s i s   b e t w e e n D a y s   4   a n d   1 0 .     B a s e d   o n   e s t i m a t e s   o f   t h e   r a t e s   o f   p h o t o s y n t h e s i s   a t   D a y   1 0   ( t h e   r e d d a s h e d   l i n e s   i n   F i g u r e   5 ) ,   t h e   a p p a r e n t   c o n c e n t r a t i o n - r e s p o n s e   r e l a t i o n s h i p s   a r e   p l o t t e d i n   F i g u r e   6 .     A s   i l l u s t r a t e d   i n   F i g u r e   6 ,   t h e r e   i s   a   d e c r e a s e   i n   o x y g e n   p r o d u c t i o n   a t   a l l c o n c e n t r a t i o n s   ( 3   t o   3 0 0   p p b )   a n d   t h i s   d e c r e a s e   a p p e a r s   t o   f o l l o w   a   c o n c e n t r a t i o n - r e s p o n s e   p a t t e r n .     W h i l e   P e a r s o n   a n d   C r o s s l a n d   ( 1 9 9 6 ,   p .   9 1 8 )   d o   s t a t e   t h a t : “ A t r a z i n e   c l e a r l y   i n h i b i t e d   c o m m u n i t y   p h o t o s y n t h e s i s   a t   t h e   t w o h i g h e s t   c o n c e n t r a t i o n s   o f   1 0 0   a n d   3 0 0   F g / l ” , t h i s   i s   d i f f e r e n t   f r o m   t h e   s t a t e m e n t   m a d e   i n   t h e   P R A   ( p .   2 1 8 ) :   “ O x y g e n   p r o d u c t i o n   ( i n d i c a t i v e   o f   p e r i p h y t o n   p h o t o s y n t h e s i s   )   i n o u t d o o r   r e c i r c u l a t i n g   s t r e a m   m i c r o c o s m s   w a s   i n h i b i t e d   b y   1 0 0 a n d   3 0 0   F g / L   a t r a z i n e   b u t   n o t   b y   3 ,   1 0 ,   o r   3 0   F g / L   ( P e a r s o n   a n d C r o s s l a n d   1 9 9 6 ) . ” X V I I   -   3 5   Figure 6. Apparent concentration response pattern at Day 10 ( data estimated from Figure 4). T h e   f i r s t   s t a t e m e n t   ( t h a t   m a d e   b y   P e a r s o n   a n d   C r o s s l a n d   1 9 9 6 )   i s   c o r r e c t ,   a t   l e a s t   a s   a q u a l i t a t i v e   a n d   i n f o r m a l   a s s e s s m e n t   i n   t h a t   t h e   e f f e c t s   d o   a p p e a r   t o   b e   m o s t p r o n o u n c e d   a t   1 0 0   a n d   3 0 0   p p b .     T h e   s t a t e m e n t   m a d e   i n   t h e   P R A ,   h o w e v e r ,   i s u n s u p p o r t e d   a n d   b a s e d   o n   t h e   D a y - 1 0   d a t a   s u m m a r i z e d   i n   F i g u r e   6   t h e   s t a t e m e n t a p p e a r s   t o   b e   i n c o r r e c t .     P e a r s o n   a n d   C r o s s l a n d   ( 1 9 9 6 )   d o   n o t   s t a t e   t h a t   3 0   F g / L   i s   a n N O E C   a n d   t h e   d a t a   p r e s e n t e d   b y   P e a r s o n   a n d   C r o s s l a n d   ( 1 9 9 6 )   d o   n o t   a p p e a r   t o s u p p o r t   t h i s   a s s e r t i o n . O t h e r   t h a n   s o m e   i n c i d e n t a l   s u m m a r i e s   i n   t a b l e s ,   t h e   a b o v e   q u o t a t i o n   f r o m   t h e   P R A   i s t h e   o n l y   i n f o r m a t i o n   i n   t h e   P R A   o n   t h e   P e a r s o n   a n d   C r o s s l a n d   ( 1 9 9 6 )   s t u d y .     A d d i t i o n a l a n a l y s i s   i s   n e c e s s a r y   t o   s u p p o r t   a   T i e r   4   P R A   o r   a n y   r i s k   a s s e s s m e n t .     A s   i l l u s t r a t e d   i n F i g u r e   5 ,   P e a r s o n   a n d   C r o s s l a n d   ( 1 9 9 6 )   p r o v i d e   s u f f i c i e n t   d a t a   t o   c o n d u c t   a   m o r e q u a n t i t a t i v e   c o n c e n t r a t i o n - r e s p o n s e   a s s e s s m e n t .     B e t t e r   s t i l l ,   a   T i e r   4   a s s e s s m e n t w o u l d   a t   l e a s t   a t t e m p t   t o   o b t a i n   t h e   o r i g i n a l   d a t a   a n d   t h e n   c o n d u c t   a   m o r e   q u a n t i t a t i v e a s s e s s m e n t .     E P A   b e l i e v e s   t h a t   t h i s   s t u d y   a p p e a r s   t o   b e   a   g e n e r a l l y   w e l l   c o n d u c t e d s t u d y .   T h e   i n c l u s i o n   o f   a   m i s - s u m m a r y   o f   t h e   s t u d y   r e s u l t s   i n   t h e   P R A   i s   u n f o r t u n a t e a n d   t e n d s   t o   d i m i n i s h   i t s   c r e d i b i l i t y . Kettle et al. 1987   T h i s   s t u d y   a s s e s s e d   t h e   e f f e c t s   o f   a t r a z i n e   o n   f i s h   p o p u l a t i o n s   i n a r t i f i c i a l   p o n d s .     S i x   p o n d s   w e r e   s t u d i e d :   2   c o n t r o l s ,   2   t r e a t e d   a t   2 0   p p b ,   a n d   2   t r e a t e d   a t 5 0 0   p p b .     I n   T a b l e   1   o f   t h e   s t u d y   ( K e t t l e   e t   a l .   1 9 8 7 ,   p .   4 9 ) ,   t h e   n u m b e r   o f   b l u e g i l l   y o u n g p r o d u c e d   i s   g i v e n   a s   1 5 0 7   a n d   1 2 4 4   f o r   t h e   t w o   c o n t r o l   p o n d s ,   1 1 8   a n d   0   f o r   t h e   2 0   p p b p o n d s ,   a n d   4 3   a n d   6 2   f o r   t h e   5 0 0 p p b   p o n d s .       A s   d i s c u s s e d   b y   K e t t l e e t   a l .   1 9 8 7   ( p .   5 1 ) ,   t h e   s t u d y   w a s   n o t d e s i g n e d   t o   d e t e r m i n e   w h e t h e r   o r   n o t t h e   o b s e r v e d   e f f e c t s   w e r e   d i r e c t ( t o x i c i t y )   o r   i n d i r e c t   b u t   o t h e r   d a t a p r e s e n t e d   o n   t h e   s t o m a c h   c o n t e n t s o f   t h e   a d u l t   f i s h   s u g g e s t e d   t h a t   t h e e f f e c t s   w e r e   p r o b a b l y   s e c o n d a r y   t o e f f e c t s   o n   m a c r o p h y t e   c o m m u n i t i e s .     T h i s   m a y   b e   a n d   i s   p r o b a b l y   r e l a t e d t o   t h e   r e d u c e d   n u m b e r s   o f   f o o d   i t e m s a n d   p r e y   t a x a   i n   t h e   s t o m a c h   o f   f i s h f r o m   t h e   t r e a t e d   p o n d s   t h a t   i s   a l s o s u m m a r i z e d   i n   T a b l e   1   o f   t h e   s t u d y ( K e t t l e   e t   a l .   1 9 8 7 ,   p .   4 9 ) . T h e   P R A   c o m m e n t s   o n   t h i s   s t u d y   a s f o l l o w s : X V I I   -   3 6   Figure 7. Relationship of atrazine concentrations to biomass of bluegills and tadpoles in artificial ponds ( from Figure 7 in de Noyelles et al. 1989). “ T h e   r e d u c t i o n   i n   b l u e g i l l   i n   t h e   2 0   m g / L   m e s o c o s m   ( w h i c h   w a s   n o t   r e p e a t e d   i n   l a t e r y e a r s   a t   t h e   s a m e   c o n c e n t r a t i o n )   i s   a n   u n e x p l a i n e d   a n o m a l y . ”     P R A ,   p .   2 2 5   t o   2 2 6 T h e   P R A   d o e s   n o t   e l a b o r a t e   o n   t h e   s t a t e m e n t t h a t   t h e   r e s u l t s   o f   t h i s   s t u d y   w a s   n o t   r e p e a t e d i n   l a t e r   y e a r s .     T h i s   a p p e a r s   t o   b e   a   r e f e r e n c e t o   d e N o y e l l e s   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 ) ,   a   s t u d y   t h a t   w a s c o n d u c t e d   a t   t h e   s a m e   f a c i l i t y   a s   t h a t   o f   K e t t e l e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 7 )   a n d   t h a t   i n c l u d e d   K e t t l e   a s   a c o a u t h o r . T h e   P R A   c h a r a c t e r i z e s   t h e   d e N o y e l l e s   e t   a l . ( 1 9 8 9 )   s t u d y   a s   f i n d i n g   t h a t :   “ B l u e g i l l   b i o m a s s i n   p o n d s   t r e a t e d   w i t h   1 0 0   t o   5 0 0   µ g / L   a t r a z i n e w a s   r e d u c e d   b y   5 0   t o   8 0 % ,   a s   c o m p a r e d   w i t h c o n t r o l s   a n d   p o n d s   t r e a t e d   w i t h   2 0   F g / L ( d e N o y e l l e s   e t   a l .   1 9 8 9 ) ”     ( P R A ,   p .   2 2 5 ) .     T h e   i m p l i c a t i o n   t h a t   n o   e f f e c t   o n   b l u e g i l l b i o m a s s   w a s   f o u n d   a t   2 0   p p b   i s   n o t   p r e c i s e .   T h i s   i s   i l l u s t r a t e d   i n   F i g u r e   7 ,   w h i c h   i s   a d a p t e d f r o m   F i g u r e   7   o f   d e   N o y e l l e s   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 ) .     A s i l l u s t r a t e d   i n   t h i s   f i g u r e ,   t w o   p o n d s   w e r e   t e s t e d a s   i n   t h e   e a r l i e r   s t u d y   b y   K e t t l e   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 7 ) .   I n   o n e   p o n d ,   n o   e f f e c t   o n   b i o m a s s   i s a p p a r e n t .     I n   t h e   o t h e r   p o n d ,   b i o m a s s   a p p e a r s t o   h a v e   b e e n   r e d u c e d   b y   a b o u t   2 5 % .   I t   i s   n o t   c l e a r   o n   w h a t   b a s i s   t h e   P R A   a s s e r t s t h a t   2 0   p p b   w a s   a   N O E C   i n   t h e   d e N o y e l l e s   e t a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 )   s t u d y .     I f   t h e   t w o   c o n t r o l   p o n d s   a r e s i m p l y   c o m p a r e d   t o   t h e   t w o   p o n d s   t r e a t e d   a t 2 0   p p b   u s i n g   a   s t a n d a r d   t - t e s t ,   t h e   d i f f e r e n c e s   w o u l d   n o t   b e   s i g n i f i c a n t   a n d   2 0   p p b   c o u l d b e   c h a r a c t e r i z e d   a s   a n   N O E C .     G i v e n   t h e   c o m p l e x i t i e s   a n d   v a r i a b i l i t y   o f   a r t i f i c i a l   p o n d s y s t e m s   a s   w e l l   a s   t h e   e a r l i e r   r e s u l t s   o f   K e t t e l   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 7 ) ,   t h e   w e i g h t - o f - e v i d e n c e s u g g e s t s   t h a t   2 0   p p b   m a y   b e   a t   o r   n e a r   t h e   t h r e s h o l d   f o r   o b s e r v a b l e   r e s p o n s e s   a n d   t h a t c l e a r   r e s p o n s e s   w e r e   s e e n   i n   3   o f   4   p o n d s . M o r e   g e r m a i n e   t o   t h e   c r i t i c i s m   o f   t h e   K e t t e l   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 7 )   s t u d y   m a d e   i n   t h e   P R A   i s   t h e f a c t   t h e   d e N o y e l l e s   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 )   s t u d y   i s   n o t   a   r e p l i c a t e   o f   t h e   K e t t e l   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 7 )   s t u d y .   T h e   d e N o y e l l e s   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 )   s t u d y   r e p o r t s   d a t a   a   b i o m a s s   p e r   p o n d   a n d   t h e   K e t t e l   e t   a l . ( 1 9 8 7 )   s t u d y   r e p o r t s   d a t a   a s   n u m b e r   o f   y o u n g   p e r   p o u n d .     T h u s ,   i f   t h e   P R A   i s   r e f e r r i n g X V I I   -   3 7   t o   t h e   d e N o y e l l e s   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 )   s t u d y   a s   t h e   b a s i s   f o r   a s s e r t i n g   t h a t   t h e   K e t t e l   e t   a l . ( 1 9 8 7 )   r e s u l t s   w e r e   n o t   r e p l i c a t e d ,   t h e   c o m p a r i s o n   i s   i n a p p r o p r i a t e . F i g u r e   7   a l s o   i n c l u d e s   d a t a   f r o m   t h e   d e N o y e l l e s   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 )   s t u d y   o n   a m p h i b i a n s .     T h i s p a r t   o f   t h e   d e N o y e l l e s   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 )   s t u d y   i s   n o t   a d d r e s s e d   i n   t h e   P R A .     A s   n o t e d   i n F i g u r e   7 ,   t h e r e   i s   a   c l e a r   c o n c e n t r a t i o n - r e s p o n s e   r e l a t i o n s h i p   f o r   a   r e d u c t i o n   i n   t a d p o l e b i o m a s s   w i t h   e f f e c t s   a t   2 0   p p b .     A s   s u m m a r i z e d   e l s e w h e r e   i n   t h e   P R A   a s   p a r t   o f   t h e T i e r   3   r i s k   a s s e s s m e n t   ( p .   1 4 0 ) ,   L C 5 0   v a l u e s   f o r   a m p h i b i a n s   h a v e   b e e n   r e p o r t e d   a s   l o w a s   3 0   p p b .     T h i s ,   w h i l e   t h e   e f f e c t s   o n   b l u e g i l l s   c o u l d   b e   s e c o n d a r y ,   t h e   r e d u c t i o n   i n p o p u l a t i o n s   o f   t a d p o l e s   c o u l d   b e   p r i m a r y   ( t o x i c i t y ) .     G i v e n   c o n c e r n s   f o r   a m p h i b i a n p o p u l a t i o n s ,   t h i s   s o r t   o f   s e n s i t i v i t y   c o u l d   b e   m o r e   f u l l y   e x p l o r e d   i n   a   T i e r   4   a s s e s s m e n t . M o s t   i m p o r t a n t   t o   t h e   c o n c e p t   o f   a   T i e r   4   P R A ,   h o w e v e r ,   i s   t h e   f a c t   t h a t   t h e   s t u d i e s   b y K e t t e l   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 7 )   a n d   d e N o y e l l e s   e t   a l .   ( 1 9 8 9 )   r a i s e   a   r e a s o n a b l e   c o n c e r n   t h a t   l o w c o n c e n t r a t i o n s   o f   a t r a z i n e   m a y   i m p a c t   f i s h   a n d   p e r h a p s   a m p h i b i a n   p o p u l a t i o n s .     B o t h s t u d i e s   c a n   b e   c r i t i c i z e d   a n d   t h e r e   a r e   u n c e r t a i n t i e s   i n   h o w   t h e s e   s t u d i e s   o u g h t   t o   b e i n t e r p r e t e d .     N o n e t h e l e s s ,   t h i s   i s   p r e c i s e l y   t h e   k i n d   o f   i s s u e   t h a t   a   T i e r   4   P R A   s h o u l d a d d r e s s   b y   a t t e m p t i n g   t o   q u a n t i t a t i v e l y   c o n s i d e r   t h e   p l a u s i b i l i t y   t h a t   t h e   o b s e r v e d   e f f e c t s a r e   c o n s i s t e n t   w i t h   t h e   a v a i l a b l e   i n f o r m a t i o n   o n   d i r e c t   a c t i o n   ( t o x i c i t y )   o r   s e c o n d a r y e f f e c t s .     S u c h   a n   a n a l y s i s   w o u l d   n o t   b e   s i m p l e   a n d   w o u l d   i t s e l f   e n t a i l   t h e   q u a n t i t a t i v e a s s e s s m e n t   o f   b o t h   v a r i a b i l i t y   a n d   u n c e r t a i n t y .     T h i s   i s   w h a t   a   T i e r   4   a s s e s s m e n t   i s i n t e n d e d   t o   d o   i n   a   P R A .     S i m p l y   d i s m i s s i n g   t h e s e   s t u d i e s   w i t h   a   r e l a t i v e l y   c u r s o r y q u a l i t a t i v e   d i s c u s s i o n   i s   u n f o r t u n a t e   a n d   a l s o   t e n d s   t o   d i m i n i s h   t h e   c r e d i b i l i t y   o f   t h e P R A . 4. D. Risk Characterization G i v e n   t h e   l i m i t a t i o n s   i n   b o t h   t h e   e x p o s u r e   a s s e s s m e n t s   a n d   d o s e - r e s p o n s e a s s e s s m e n t s ,   c o m m e n t s   o n   t h e   r i s k   c h a r a c t e r i z a t i o n   a r e   s o m e w h a t   m o o t .     A s   n o t e d   i n S e c t i o n   4 . A   a n d   d e t a i l e d   i n   t h e   p r e v i o u s   s e c t i o n s ,   t h e   T i e r   4   a n a l y s i s   i s   n o t   p r o b a b i l i s t i c a n d ,   f o r   t h a t   m a t t e r ,   i t   i s   n o t   v e r y   q u a n t i t a t i v e . T h e   s u m m a r y   o f   t h e   r i s k   c h a r a c t e r i z a t i o n   i n   t h e   P R A   ( p .   1 6 )   s t a t e s : T h e   q u e s t i o n   o f   e c o l o g i c a l   s i g n i f i c a n c e   o f   a c u t e   o r   c h r o n i c   e f f e c t s   o n   a p a r t i c u l a r   f r a c t i o n   o f   s p e c i e s   i n   a   c o m m u n i t y   w a s   a d d r e s s e d   b y   t h e a n a l y s i s   o f   m o r e   t h a n   3 0   m i c r o c o s m   a n d   m e s o c o s m   s t u d i e s   w i t h   a t r a z i n e . T h e s e   s t u d i e s   d e m o n s t r a t e d   t h a t   l i t t l e   e c o l o g i c a l   d a m a g e   a n d   n o   l a s t i n g e f f e c t s   r e s u l t   f r o m   e x p o s u r e   o f   a q u a t i c   c o m m u n i t i e s   t o   a t r a z i n e c o n c e n t r a t i o n s   o f   50 µ g/ L   o r   l e s s   ( t h e   N o   O b s e r v e d   E f f e c t   C o n c e n t r a t i o n f o r   t h e   c o m m u n i t y ,   N O E C c o m m u n i t y   ) .     E f f e c t s   o n   s e n s i t i v e   p l a n t   s p e c i e s   m a y X V I I   -   3 8   o c c u r   a t   t h e s e   c o n c e n t r a t i o n s ,   b u t   t h e   e f f e c t s   a r e   t r a n s i e n t   d u e   t o   t h e r e v e r s i b i l i t y   o f   a t r a z i n e   e f f e c t s   o n   i n d i v i d u a l   p l a n t s ,   t h e   r e s i l i e n c e   o f   a l g a l p o p u l a t i o n s ,   a n d   t h e   e c o l o g i c a l   r e d u n d a n c y   o f   n a t u r a l   c o m m u n i t i e s .     T h e P a n e l   d i d   n o t   u s e   t h i s   i n f o r m a t i o n   d i r e c t l y   i n   t h e   q u a n t i t a t i v e   e v a l u a t i o n   o f a t r a z i n e   r i s k ,   b u t   t h e   m i c r o c o s m   a n d   m e s o c o s m   r e s u l t s   p r o v i d e d   a p e r s p e c t i v e   o n   t h e   m a g n i t u d e   o f   e f f e c t s   t h a t   a r e   i n c o r p o r a t e d   i n   t h e   J o i n t P r o b a b i l i t y   C u r v e s   a n d   T o t a l   R i s k   e s t i m a t e s . G i v e n   t h e   s t u d i e s   d e t a i l e d   a b o v e   ( a s   w e l l   a s   o t h e r   s t u d i e s   d i s c u s s e d   i n   t h e   r e p o r t ) ,   i t   i s n o t   c l e a r   h o w   t h e   r i s k   a s s e s s m e n t   c a n   r e g a r d   5 0   F g / L   a s   a   N O E C   f o r   a   c o m m u n i t y .   T h i s   m a y   b e   r e l a t e d   t o   t h e   a s s e s s m e n t   o f   “ r e c o v e r y ” ,   a s   d e t a i l e d   i n   t h e   P R A   ( p .   2 2 3 ) : A l t h o u g h   t h e   d e t a i l s   o f   t h e   t a x o n o m i c   s h i f t s   m a y   v a r y   w i t h   t h e   s i t u a t i o n , t h e   t e n d e n c y   f o r   r e s i s t a n t   s p e c i e s   t o   e x p a n d   i n t o   t h e   n i c h e s   v a c a t e d   b y s e n s i t i v e   s p e c i e s   i s   p r e d i c t a b l e .     T h i s   i s   p e r h a p s   t h e   m o s t   i m p o r t a n t m e c h a n i s m   f o r   e c o s y s t e m   r e c o v e r y   f r o m   a t r a z i n e   e f f e c t s .     I n   t e r m s   o f   t o t a l b i o m a s s   a n d   p r o d u c t i v i t y ,   a n   a q u a t i c   p l a n t   c o m m u n i t y   i s   l e s s   s e n s i t i v e t h a n   i t s   m o s t   s e n s i t i v e   s p e c i e s .   ” I n   o t h e r   w o r d s ,   a s   l o n g   a s   b i o m a s s   i s   m a i n t a i n e d ,   t h e   c o m m u n i t y   i s   c o n s i d e r e d r e c o v e r e d .     T h i s   i n t e r p r e t a t i o n   g o e s   w e l l   b e y o n d   t h e   b o u n d s   o f   P R A   b u t   i s   a   v e r y i m p o r t a n t   v a l u e   j u d g m e n t   a n d   r e a s o n a b l e   p e o p l e   m a y   d i s a g r e e .     A   f u l l e r   d i s c u s s i o n   o f t h e   i s s u e s   o f   c o m m u n i t y   s t r u c t u r e ,   d i v e r s i t y ,   a n d   s t a b i l i t y   w o u l d   b e   a p p r o p r i a t e   a t   t h e v e r y   l e a s t . 4. D. Recommendations T h e   T i e r   4   s e c t i o n   o f   t h e   P R A   i s ,   f o r   t h e   m o s t   p a r t ,   d i s a p p o i n t i n g .     T h e   o n l y “ p r o b a b i l i s t i c ”   c o m p o n e n t   o f   t h i s   t i e r   i s   e x t r e m e l y   d i f f i c u l t   t o   r e v i e w   b e c a u s e   i t   i s   n o t t r a n s p a r e n t .     T h e   c o n c l u s i o n s   o f   t h i s   p o r t i o n   o f   t h e   T i e r   4   a s s e s s m e n t   a r e   i n c o n s i s t e n t w i t h   a n y   r e a s o n a b l e   e x p e c t a t i o n s   a n d ,   g i v e n   t h e   f a i l u r e   t o   d e m o n s t r a t e   t h a t   t h e   p o n d m o d e l   r e f l e c t s   a n y   a v a i l a b l e   m o n i t o r i n g   d a t a ,   t h e   c o n c l u s i o n s   f r o m   t h e   M o n t e   C a r l o a n a l y s i s   a r e   n o t   c r e d i b l e   a s   p r e s e n t e d . T h e   e f f e c t s   a s s e s s m e n t   i n   t h i s   t i e r   i s   l a r g e l y   q u a l i t a t i v e .     T h e   a s s e s s m e n t s   o f   t h e s t u d i e s   t h a t   w e r e   r e v i e w e d   a s   p a r t   o f   t h e   c u r r e n t   e f f o r t   a p p e a r   t o   b e   s u p e r f i c i a l   a n d   i n s o m e   c a s e s   m i s l e a d i n g .     A n y   r i s k   a s s e s s m e n t   m u s t   p r e s e n t   a n   o b j e c t i v e   a n d   a n a l y t i c a l a s s e s s m e n t   o f   t h e   a v a i l a b l e   i n f o r m a t i o n .     T h e   T i e r   4   r i s k   a s s e s s m e n t   t e n d s   t o   r e l y   o n q u a l i t a t i v e   a n d   s u b j e c t i v e   p r o n o u n c e m e n t s   r a t h e r   t h a n   q u a n t i t a t i v e   a n d   o b j e c t i v e a n a l y s e s . X V I I   -   3 9


[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 83 (Monday, April 30, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25371-25374]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9865]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 375

[Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0101]
RIN 2126-AB51

Transportation of Household Goods in Interstate Commerce;
Consumer Protection Regulations: Released Rates of Motor Carriers of
Household Goods

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA harmonizes its regulations with a recent Surface
Transportation Board (STB) order that requires certain information
about household goods motor carrier liability to appear on the
estimates and bills of lading that carriers must provide to individual
shippers.

DATES: This final rule is effective May 15, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this rule are available for
inspection or copying in the docket, Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0101
available at www.regulations.gov, and at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Ground floor, Room W12-
140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Brodie Mack, FMCSA Household Goods
Enforcement and Compliance Team Leader,<PHONE_NUMBER>, email:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Legal Basis for the Rulemaking

    The Secretary of Transportation's (Secretary) general jurisdiction
to establish regulations over transportation of property by motor
carrier is found at 49 U.S.C. 13501. Household goods motor carriers are
a subset of all property motor carriers and are required by 49 U.S.C.
13902 to register with FMCSA as household goods motor carriers.
    The ICC Termination Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-88, 109 Stat. 803,
Dec. 29, 1995) abolished the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC),
which previously had jurisdiction over the commercial activities of
household goods motor carriers. Its functions relating to household
goods carriers were split between the STB and the Secretary. The STB
was given jurisdiction over most tariff issues, while the Secretary was
given jurisdiction over consumer protection matters.
    The Secretary has delegated these authorities to the FMCSA
Administrator (49 CFR 1.73(a)). This rulemaking applies only to
household goods motor carriers that provide for-hire transportation in
interstate or foreign commerce.
    FMCSA implements this final rule without notice and comment
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). While the Administrative Procedure Act
(APA) normally requires issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking and
an opportunity for public comment, the APA provides an exception when
an agency ``for good cause finds * * * that notice and public procedure
* * * are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.'' 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). This final rule updates 49 CFR part 375
to reflect recent changes the STB made to its requirements after
engaging in notice and comment

rulemaking. See Released Rates of Motor Common Carriers of Household
Goods, Surface Transportation Board, Docket No. RR 999 (Amendment No.
5), Order, Jan. 10, 2012 (Released Rates Order). These changes fall
within the STB's jurisdiction and FMCSA does not have authority to
exercise discretion in implementing them. Therefore, FMCSA finds that
the opportunity for notice and public comment is unnecessary and
contrary to the public interest under the APA.

II. Background

    STB is charged with the oversight of household goods motor
carriers' tariffs. Tariffs include the rates and terms under which
household goods carriers may provide transportation services. In
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 14706(f)(3), the Board authorizes household
goods carriers to set ``released rates,'' which are lower rates for
transportation services when the shipper agrees to release the carrier
from full liability for potential loss and damage to the shipper's
cargo. There are currently two generally applicable liability options
for interstate household goods moves. The first reimburses the shipper
for the replacement value of his or her goods, referred to as the full
value option. The second reimburses the shipper at a lower rate,
currently 60 cents per pound, and is referred to as the released rate
option. The Board's rules provide that any rate a carrier charges for
transportation services, whether under the full liability option or the
released rate option, must be published in the carrier's tariff.
    In a decision served January 21, 2011, the STB implemented a
congressional directive to enhance consumer protection in cases of loss
or damage that occur during interstate moves. See Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-
LU), Sec.  4215, Public Law 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1760 (2005). That
decision required household goods motor carriers to provide certain
information concerning the two available cargo liability options to
shippers on written estimates for household goods transportation. On
January 12, 2012, STB served another decision clarifying and modifying
certain aspects of the January 2011 decision. STB modified the order to
require household goods movers to place the following liability
election notice on the estimates they provide to prospective shippers:

    WARNING: If a moving company loses or damages your goods, there
are 2 different standards for the company's liability based on the
types of rates you pay. BY FEDERAL LAW, THIS FORM MUST CONTAIN A
FILLED-IN ESTIMATE OF THE COST OF A MOVE FOR WHICH THE MOVING
COMPANY IS LIABLE FOR THE FULL (REPLACEMENT) VALUE OF YOUR GOODS in
the event of loss of, or damage to, the goods. This form may also
contain an estimate of the cost of a move in which the moving
company is liable for FAR LESS than the replacement value of your
goods, typically at a lower cost to you. You will select the
liability level later, on the bill of lading (contract) for your
move. Before selecting a liability level, please read ``Your Rights
and Responsibilities When You Move,'' provided by the moving
company, and seek further information at the government Web site
www.protectyourmove.gov.

Released Rates Order, Appendix 1.
    That decision also directed household goods motor carriers to
provide the STB's required valuation statement on the shipper's bill of
lading. The valuation statement includes specific language that
requires the consumer either to choose the replacement value option and
declare a total value for the shipment, or choose the released rate
option. This statement is much lengthier than the notice carriers must
include in the estimate and contains specific information about the
cost to the shipper. Released Rates Order, Appendix 2. These
requirements go into effect May 15, 2012. See Released Rates of Motor
Common Carriers of Household Goods, Surface Transportation Board,
Docket No. RR 999 (Amendment No. 5), Order, Mar. 8, 2012 (extending
compliance date) (77 FR 15187).
    FMCSA is charged with overseeing consumer protection matters
related to the transportation of household goods. In this capacity,
FMCSA administers regulations requiring household goods motor carriers
to provide estimates and certain shipping documents to individual
shippers and establishes the terms and conditions under which those
documents must be provided.
    STB's January 2012 order affects FMCSA's regulations because it
mandates that specific language regarding carriers' rates and liability
be placed on the estimates and bills of lading that FMCSA requires
carriers to provide to prospective shippers. As a result, FMCSA amends
its regulations governing those documents to reflect the STB's new
requirements.

III. Discussion of the Rule

    FMCSA amends 49 CFR 375.401 and 375.505 to eliminate
inconsistencies resulting from the STB's recent publication of its
Released Rates Order. These changes incorporate the STB's new
requirements into FMCSA's regulations governing estimates and bills of
lading.
    FMCSA amends Sec.  375.401 by adding a new paragraph (g) which
states that household goods motor carriers must include STB's liability
election notice on all written estimates. This notice is a brief
statement advising prospective shippers that they will have to select
one of two options that govern the extent of the carrier's liability
for damage to their cargo. New paragraph (g) directs household goods
motor carriers to use the language set forth in the STB Released Rates
Order. FMCSA redesignates old paragraphs (g) and (h) as new paragraphs
(h) and (i) respectively.
    FMCSA also amends Sec.  375.505 to make it clear that the STB's
valuation statement, a lengthier statement which requires shippers to
select one of the two levels of liability, must appear on the shipper's
bill of lading. Previously, Sec.  375.505(e) permitted carriers to
provide the valuation statement on either the bill of lading or the
order for service. FMCSA removes paragraph (e) and revises subparagraph
(b)(12) to make conforming changes to remove any ambiguity about where
the valuation statement must appear.

IV. Regulatory Analyses

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    FMCSA has determined that this action does not meet the criteria
for a ``significant regulatory action,'' either as specified in
Executive Order 12866 as supplemented by Executive Order 13563 (76 FR
3821, January 18, 2011), or within the meaning of the DOT regulatory
policies and procedures (44 FR 1103, February 26, 1979). The estimated
economic costs of the rule do not exceed the $100 million annual
threshold and the Agency does not expect the rule to have substantial
congressional or public interest. Therefore, this rule has not been
formally reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121,
110 Stat. 857), FMCSA is not required to prepare a final regulatory
flexibility analysis under 5 U.S.C. 604(a) for this final rule because
the Agency has not issued a notice of proposed rulemaking prior to this
action.

C. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    A rule has federalism implications if the rule has a substantial
direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt
State law or impose a

substantial direct cost of compliance on the States. FMCSA analyzed
this rule under E.O. 13132 and has determined that it does not have
federalism implications.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This final rule does not impose an unfunded Federal mandate, as
defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1532 et
seq.), that will result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $143.1
million (which is the value of $100 million in 2010 after adjusting for
inflation) or more in any 1 year.

E. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    This final rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and
3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize
litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

F. Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children)

    FMCSA analyzed this action under Executive Order 13045, Protection
of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. The
Agency determined that this rule will not create an environmental risk
to health or safety that may disproportionately affect children.

G. Executive Order 12630 (Taking of Private Property)

    FMCSA reviewed this final rule in accordance with Executive Order
12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally
Protected Property Rights, and has determined it will not affect a
taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications.

H. Privacy Impact Assessment

    Section 522 of title I of division H of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2005, enacted December 8, 2004 (Pub. L. 108-447,
118 Stat. 2809, 3268, 5 U.S.C. 552a note), requires the Agency to
conduct a privacy impact assessment (PIA) of a regulation that will
affect the privacy of individuals. This rule does not require the
collection of any personally identifiable information.
    The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) applies only to Federal agencies
and any non-Federal agency which receives records contained in a system
of records from a Federal agency for use in a matching program. FMCSA
has determined this rule will not result in a new or revised Privacy
Act System of Records for FMCSA.

I. Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

    The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding
intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities do
not apply to this program.

J. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.),
Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and
Budget for each collection of information they conduct, sponsor, or
require through regulations. The changes in this rule are mandated by
the STB, exercising its authority over household goods motor carriers'
tariffs. Any change to the paperwork burden associated with these
requirements is required to be accounted for by the STB in connection
with its Released Rates Order. As this rule merely incorporates the
STB's requirements, FMCSA does not conduct, sponsor or require any
additional information collection through this rule.

K. National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Air Act

    FMCSA analyzed this rule in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Agency
has determined under its environmental procedures Order 5610.1,
published in the Federal Register March 1, 2004 (69 FR 9680), that this
action is categorically excluded from further environmental
documentation under Appendix 2, Paragraph 6(b) of the Order (69 FR
9702). This categorical exclusion (CE) relates to regulations that are
editorial in nature making technical corrections and minor amendments,
which applies to this rule as FMCSA is simply aligning its regulations
with the STB's regulations. Environmental impacts, if any, would have
been analyzed during the rulemaking by STB. In addition, the Agency
believes this rule presents no extraordinary circumstances that will
have any effect on the quality of the environment. Thus, the action
does not require an environmental assessment or an environmental impact
statement.
    FMCSA also analyzed this rule under the Clean Air Act, as amended
(CAA), section 176(c) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), and implementing
regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Approval of this action is exempt from the CAA's general conformity
requirement since it does not affect direct or indirect emissions of
criteria pollutants.

L. Executive Order 13211 (Energy Effects)

    FMCSA has analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution or Use. The Agency has determined that it is not a
``significant energy action'' under that Executive Order because it is
not economically significant and is not likely to have a significant
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 375

    Advertising, Arbitration, Consumer protection, Freight, Highways
and roads, Insurance, Motor carriers, Moving of household goods,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

V. The Final Rule

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, FMCSA amends 49 CFR part
375 in title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, chapter III, subchapter
B, as follows:

PART 375--TRANSPORTATION OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE;
CONSUMER PROTECTION REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 375 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 553; 49 U.S.C. 13102, 13301, 13501, 13704,
13707, 13902, 14104, 14706, 14708; subtitle B, title IV of Pub. L.
109-59; and 49 CFR 1.73.

0
2. In Sec.  375.401, redesignate paragraphs (g) and (h) as paragraphs
(h) and (i), and add new paragraph (g) to read as follows:

Sec.  375.401  Must I estimate charges?

* * * * *
    (g) You must include as a part of your estimate the liability
election notice provided in the Surface Transportation Board's released
rates order. Contact the STB for a copy of the Released Rates of Motor
Carrier Shipments of Household Goods.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  375.505, revise paragraph (b)(12) and remove paragraph (e)
to read as follows:

Sec.  375.505  Must I write up a bill of lading?

* * * * *
    (b)(12) The valuation statement provided in the Surface
Transportation Board's released rates order requires individual
shippers either to choose Full Value Protection for your liability or
waive the Full Value Protection in favor of the STB's released rates.
The released rates may be increased

annually by the motor carrier based on the U.S. Department of
Commerce's Cost of Living Adjustment. Contact the STB for a copy of the
Released Rates of Motor Carrier Shipments of Household Goods. If the
individual shipper waives your Full Value Protection in writing on the
STB's valuation statement, you must include the charges, if any, for
optional valuation coverage (other than Full Value Protection).

    Issued on: April 17, 2012.
Anne S. Ferro,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-9865 Filed 4-27-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P


[Federal Register: February 25, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 37)]
[Notices]
[Page 8760]
[DOCID:fr25fe10-133]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange
Commission, Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, Washington, DC
20549-0213.

Extension:
    Schedule 14D-9F; OMB Control No. 3235-0382; SEC File No. 270-
339.

    Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange
Commission (``Commission'') has submitted to the Office of Management
and Budget this request for extension of the previously approved
collection of information discussed below.
    Schedule 14D-9F is used (17 CFR 240.14d-103) by any foreign private
issuer incorporated or organized under the laws of Canada or any
Canadian province or territory or by any director or officer of such
issuer, where the issuer is the subject of a cash tender or exchange
offer for a class of securities filed on Schedule 14D-1F. The
information required to be filed with the Commission is intended to
permit verification of compliance with the securities law requirements
and assures the public availability of such information. The
information provided is mandatory and all information is made available
to the public upon request. Schedule 14D-9F takes approximately 2 hours
per response to prepare and is filed by approximately 6 respondents
annually for a total reporting burden of 12 hours.
    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 control number.
    Written comments regarding the above information should be directed
to the following persons: (i) Desk Officer for the Securities and
Exchange Commission, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,
Office of Management and Budget, Room 10102, New Executive Office
Building, Washington, DC 20503 or send an e-mail to: Shagufta_
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>and (ii) Charles Boucher, Director/CIO, Securities
and Exchange Commission, c/o Shirley Martinson, 6432 General Green Way,
Alexandria, Virginia 22312; or send an e-mail to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
Comments must be submitted to OMB within 30 days of this notice.

    Dated: February 18, 2010.
Florence E. Harmon,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2010-3770 Filed 2-24-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P