EPA Grants Emergency Salt Bomb for Mussel Invasion Fight
Published Date: 2/10/2025
Notice
Summary
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture wants to use potassium chloride to fight Quagga mussels on 1.26 acres. Since this chemical isn’t EPA-approved yet, they asked for a quick emergency OK. Because it’s urgent and limited, EPA skipped the usual public comment but still welcomes info from anyone interested.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Emergency Use of Unregistered KCl
The Idaho Department of Agriculture asked EPA for an emergency exemption to use potassium chloride (CAS No. 7440-09-7) to treat up to 1.26 acres to control Quagga mussels. The chemical is not registered by EPA, and EPA is considering this narrow, urgent request.
Public Comment Period Eliminated
Because the request is urgent and for a very limited use, EPA eliminated the normal public comment period for this emergency exemption request to treat up to 1.26 acres for Quagga mussels. EPA nonetheless says interested parties may still contact the Agency with information about the notice and treatment program.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal
The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02421 — David Bockoff, M.D.; Decision and Order
Dr. David Bockoff from Beverly Hills had his DEA registration suspended and is now losing it because he was found to be a danger to public health and safety. After a fair hearing, the decision to revoke his registration was confirmed, meaning he can no longer legally handle controlled substances. This affects Dr. Bockoff directly and signals a serious step to protect the public, with no money penalties mentioned but a clear end to his DEA privileges.
Next: 2025-02424 — New Postal Products
The Postal Service just filed a new deal for special mail services, and the Commission is checking it out. This affects businesses and customers who use these special mail options, with possible changes in prices or services soon. The public can share their thoughts before any final decisions are made.