Streptomycin Sulfate; Receipt of Application for Emergency Exemption, Solicitation of Public Comment

EPA has received a specific exemption request from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to use the pesticide streptomycin sulfate (CAS No. 3810-74-0) to treat up to 54,000 acres of fresh-market grapefruit to control citrus canker (caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri (Xac)). The applicant proposes a use of a pesticide which contains the active ingredient, streptomycin sulfate, also used in humans and animals as an antibiotic drug. EPA is soliciting public comment before making the decision whether or not to grant the exemption.