APHIS Seeks Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Release of the insect, Bagous nodulosus, for the biological control of Flowering Rush in the Continental United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is making available to the public the draft environmental assessment (EA) for the release of the insect Bagous nodulosus for the biological control of flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) in the Continental United States.

The EA analyzes the potential environmental effects of Bagous nodulosus to reduce the severity of flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) infestations, an invasive aquatic perennial plant. We are making the EA available for public review and comment.

Anyone wishing to view or comment on the EA can at www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS-2024-0032 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of documents. Comments can also be sent to Docket No. APHIS-2024-0032, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.

All comments received will be considered and may result in changes to the proposed actions. For further information contact: Dr. Jinbo Wang, Assistant Director, Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits, Permitting and Compliance Coordination, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238; (301) 851-2327; email: Jinbo.Wang@usda.gov.

Comments will be accepted until October 3, 2024.