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Notification of Roundup Ready GM bentgrass escape from field tests
(Thanks to Third World Network for circulating this
information.)
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/compliance11.html
Company/Institution: Scotts Company Date: 2004 On
August 3, 2004, the Scotts Company of Marysville, OH, and
APHIS entered into a stipulation to settle alleged
violations of permit conditions requiring the immediate
notification upon discovery of accidental or unauthorized
releases of regulated articles. [7 CFR 340.4 (f)(10)(i)].
APHIS alleged that, on two occasions, Scotts failed to
notify APHIS about the accidental release of Roundup Ready
Creeping Bentgrass (RRCB), which resulted from
unanticipated wind events at a field test site in
Jefferson County, OR and carried dried RRCB seed heads
beyond the field test location. Scotts provided a mitigation
plan and committed to additional control measures outlined
in a Compliance Agreement with BRS. In addition to paying
a civil penalty, Scotts was required to implement training
and procedures to prevent future violations. BRS is
currently conducting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
to evaluate whether a petition by Scotts and Monsanto
Company to deregulate RRCB poses any plant pest risks.
This is the first time BRS has conducted an EIS in
response to a petition for deregulation. Creeping
bentgrass is unique in that it is a widespread,
wind-pollinated perennial, which can hybridize with many
wild relatives and persist without human intervention. For
more information on the EIS please visit BRS' News and Hot
Topics. Interested persons can send comments to USDA on
this draft EIS-deadline of Dec 2:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/new_info.html
18 November 2004 Extension of Comment Period: Environmental
Impact Statement; Petition for Deregulation of Genetically
Engineered Glyphosate-Tolerant Creeping Bentgrass. (Docket
No. 03-101-3) We are extending the comment period for
the notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement for the Monsanto and Scotts petition for
Genetically Engineered Glyphosate-Tolerant Creeping
Bentgrass [Docket No. 03-101-2]. The comment period will
be extended until December 2, 2004. This action will allow
interested individuals additional time to prepare and
submit comments. We will continue to consider comments
until the closing date of the extension.
(BRS = US
Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Biotechnology Regulatory
Service; APHIS = The Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, an agency of the USDA, administers GMO plant
testing in the field.)
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