APHIS Requests Comments Regarding Pest-Free Areas in the Republic of South Africa
July 28, 2009The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has received a request from the South African government to recognize 16 additional magisterial districts in 3 provinces as pest-free areas for citrus black spot. After reviewing the documentation submitted in support of this request, APHIS has determined that these areas meet the criteria in the regulations for recognition as pest-free areas. APHIS is making that determination, as well as an evaluation document prepared in connection with this action, available for review and comment. After reviewing the comments received on this notice, APHIS will announce its decision regarding the status of these areas with respect to their freedom from citrus black spot. If the determination remains unchanged, APHIS will add these areas in the Republic of South Africa to the list of pest-free areas.
APHIS will consider all comments received on or before September 25, 2009.
Comments may be submitted by either of the following methods:
- Federal eRulemaking Portal: Submit or view comments and view supporting and related materials available electronically.
- Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send two copies of your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2009-0037, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3C71, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS-2009-0037.
Comments received on this docket may be reviewed in APHIS’s reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, but it is best to call (202) 690-2817 to make sure someone is there before going.
For further information, contact:Phillip B. Grove, Regulatory Coordination Specialist, Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 156, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 734-6280.
