Tab A - Page 49 
damage problem through the use of bacteria modified by recombinant DNA 
techniques or It may lead to frost damage experiments Involving different frost 
prevention methods. 
If the field test is not conducted. It will not be known whether It Is 
possible to develop this technology that promises to prevent frost damage without 
unreasonable economic or environmental costs. 
5.3.9 Worst Case Considerations 
No worst case analysis Is required, because NIH Is not considering 
significant adverse effects on the human environment In connection with an 
envi ronmental impact statement and there is no substantial uncertainty about 
either the likelihood or magnitude of environmental harm that might occur from 
the field test. Nevertheless, the following observations are presented, based 
on the analysis In this assessment. 
As noted In Section 5.3.3, it is remotely possible, although highly 
unlikely, that the modified bacteria could be transported off site to a 
neighboring field In sufficient numbers to become established. Not only is it 
unlikely that a significant number would be transported from the site, It Is 
unlikely that, if they were, they would be deposited In the same location in 
sufficient numbers to become established, particularly since plant surfaces 
will already be occupied by much larger populations of natural ly-occurring 
epiphytic bacteria. 
46 
[ 243 ] 
