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.)