Division of Environmental Health State Veterinarian

Reindeer Slaughtering and Processing (18 AAC 36): Proposed Repeal

Frequently Asked Questions

November 17, 2020 at 1 p.m.

These FAQs will be updated as additional written questions are received.

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What regulations are proposed to be eliminated?

The amendment proposes to repeal the Alaska Administrative Code dealing with Reindeer Slaughtering and Processing (18 AAC 32 Article 4) and conforming edits.

Why repeal 18 AAC 32 Article 4, Reindeer Slaughtering and Processing Requirement regulations?

These regulations were promulgated in 1999 in response to the elimination of the funding for DEC's meat inspection program. However, these regulations were never used by animal owners due to alternative State (18 AAC 31 Alaska Food Code) and Federal (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service 9 C.F.R. § 300-592) options.

How will these changes impact Alaskan reindeer herders?

Since their promulgation in 1999, these regulations have not been used because of the options available at the state and federal level. Therefore, it is not expected to impact Alaskan reindeer herders.

When will these changes take effect?

If after the public comment period the Department decides to proceed with the proposed changes, the regulation package will be reviewed by the Department of Law and delivered to the Lt. Governor for review and finalization. If changes are approved, they will take effect 30 days after the Lt. Governor signs the updated regulation package, which is anticipated early 2021.

How do I submit comments on these proposed regulations?

Comments from the public and the regulated industry on the proposed regulation changes may be submitted in several ways, including:

• Online: Submit Comments
• Mail: Shannon Miller, Department of Environmental Conservation, 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, AK 99577
• Email: shannon.miller@alaska.gov
• Fax: 907-269-7654
• The comments must be received not later than 11:59 p.m. on December 23, 2020.
• We do not respond individually to comments on proposed regulations changes. After we have a chance to review the written comments received and then consider them in deciding what changes (if any) to make in our regulations, we will prepare a summary of the comments and our responses to them, which will be sent to everyone who submits a timely written comment on the proposed changes and provides a return address.
• If you are a person with a disability who needs a special accommodation in order to participate in this process, please contact Garrett Odom by email at garrett.odom@alaska.gov or by phone at 907-465-3945 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 not later than December 11, 2020 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.

What if I have another question that is not answered here?

DEC will respond to questions that are relevant to the proposed changes if the questions are received in writing at least ten days before the end of the public comment period. If questions are submitted after that, we may, but we are not required to, respond to those questions. The questions and answers will be available on the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website. One consolidated answer may be provided for a group of questions that are similar, as appropriate.