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.
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