Pesticide Briefs
February 6, 2006

Product Cancellations

• Azinphos-methyl

Risk Assessments
It is important for you to know that EPA is conducting a Risk Assessment on a particular pesticide, because this means that there may be label restrictions in the future for this product. During the Risk Assessment period, you may make comments to EPA if you think label restrictions will impose a hardship on production of a commodity.

• Cypermethrin
• Dicamba
• Metaldehyde
• Iodomethane
• Imazaquin
• Bitertanol
• Inorganic Chlorates

Reregistration Eligibility Decisions
It is important for you to know that EPA is conducting a Reregistration study on a particular pesticide, because this means that there may be label restrictions in the future for this product. During the Reregistration period, you may make comments to EPA if you think label restrictions will impose a hardship on production of a commodity.

• Propargite
• Metiram
• Mancozeb
• Maneb
• Erioglaucine and tartrazine aquashade
• Ferbam
• Coppers

Pesticide Tolerances, Registration Applications, Registration Approvals
After a tolerance has been established, the registrant decides if the commodity/site will be put on the label. Having a tolerance does not automatically mean you can use the chemical. Even when a pesticide has been registered by EPA, you can not use the product until the commodity/site is on the label in your hand. Always read the pesticide label before applying!

• Verticillium pesticide product
• Dichlormid
• Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria and pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato specific bacteriophages
• Hexythiazox
• Trifloxystrobin
• Iodomethane
• Alpha-tocopherol
• Novaluron
• Isoxadifen-ethyl
• Thymol

Reports

• Breast cancer and environmental risk factors

Call for Grant Proposals Announced

• Pest management needs of minor specialty crop growers
• Methyl bromide transitions (Mbt) program
• Conference funding opportunity
• Get Started With Grants.gov

In the News

• Settlement agreement for UFW v.Johnson, regarding azinphos-methyl and phosmet
• EPA significantly strengthens and expands safeguards on human studies research (press advisory 1/26/06)
• Final rule on section 18's pesticide emergency exemption process
• EPA Authorizes Critical Uses of Methyl Bromide for 2006

Meetings

• EPA announces public meeting on endangered species protection program field

EPA requests

• EPA Solicits Comments on "For Use Only By" Labeling Statements

How to Get Information from EPA

AZINPHOS-METHYL; Order to Amend Registrations to Terminate Certain Uses
Date of publication: December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 248, Page 76827-76828 http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p24469.htm
Purpose: On May of 2002, Bayer CropScience, Makheteshim Chemical Works, Gowan Company, and Micro-Flo Corporation signed a Memorandum of Agreement with EPA implementing the provisions of the Azinphos-methyl IRED by dividing the universe of uses into three groups. Group 1 contained 23 crops with little use that were deleted from product labels immediately. Group 2 consists of seven uses that are scheduled to be phased out. Group 3 is comprised of 10 uses which have time- limited registrations pending the submission and evaluation of renewal applications and biomonitoring, product efficacy, and other data. In August 2003, the Agency approved the requested amendments to terminate the Group 1 uses of azinphos-methyl from the product registrations. New labels were approved without the Group 1 uses. The Group 1 uses, requested for termination by the registrant, consisted of the following: Alfalfa, beans (succulent and snap), birdsfoot trefoil, broccoli, cabbage (including Chinese), cauliflower, celery, citrus, clover, cucumbers, eggplant, filberts, grapes, melons (honeydew, muskmelon, cantaloupe, watermelons, and other melons), onions (green and dry bulb), pecans, peppers, plums and dried plums, quince, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes. EPA is issuing this cancellation order as a follow-up to the Agency's August 2003, approval of the requested amendments to terminate the Group 1 uses of azinphos-methyl from the product registrations.
Chemical(s): Azinphos-methyl
Comments: The cancellations are effective December 28, 2005. EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2002-0247.
Contact: Diane Isbell, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-8154; fax number: (703) 308-8041; e-mail address: isbell.diane@epa.gov.

CYPERMETHRIN Risk Assessments; Notice of Availability and Risk Reduction Options
Date of publication:December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 248, Page 76818-76820
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p24407.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessments and related documents for the pyrethroid pesticide cypermethrin, and opens a 60 day public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a RED for cypermethrin through a modified, 4-Phase public participation process.
Chemical(s): Cypermethrin
Comments: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA- HQ-OPP-2005-0293, must be received on or before February 27, 2006.
Contact: Yan Donovan, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Phone: (703) 605-0194; fax number: (703) 308-8041; e-mail address: donovan.yan@epa.gov.

Dicamba Risk Assessments; Notice of Availability
Date of publication: December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number, 248 , Page 76820-76823 http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p24409.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide dicamba, and opens a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for dicamba through a modified, 4-Phase public participation process.
Chemical(s): Dicamba
Comments: Comments identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA- HQ-OPP-2005-0479 must be received on or before February 27, 2006.
Contact: Kendra Tyler, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), telephone number: (703) 308-0125; fax number: (703) 308-8041; e-mail address: tyler.kendra@epa.gov.

METALDEHYDE Risk Assessments; Notice of Availability and Risk Reduction Options
Date of publication: December 30, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 250, Page 77382-77384
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-30/p8041.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessments, and related documents for the pesticide metaldehyde, and opens a public comment period on these documents. The public is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for metaldehyde through a modified, 4-Phase public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions.
Chemical(s): Metaldehyde
Comments: Comments identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0231 must be received on or before February 28, 2006.
Contact: Jill Bloom, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), telephone number: (703) 308-8019; fax number: (703) 308-8041; e-mail address: bloom.jill@epa.gov.

IODOMETHANE Risk Assessment; Notice of Availability
Date of publication: January 6, 2006
Citation: Volume 71, Number 4, Page 930-933
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-06/p28.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's human health risk assessment and related documents for the pesticide iodomethane and opens a public comment period on these documents. EPA has completed a human health risk assessment for the fumigant, iodomethane, and wants to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the risk assessment. Iodomethane is a new chemical under consideration by the Agency for registration and has been identified as a potential partial replacement for methyl bromide. Additionally, OPP has published a proposed rule in the Federal Register, which proposes to designate the use of the active ingredient, iodomethane, as a non-food use pesticide to be applied as a pre-plant soil fumigant for peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes. This determination is based on data showing that residues of iodomethane are quickly degraded or metabolized into non-toxic products and subsequently incorporated into natural plant constituents. Because iodomethane would be a non-food-use pesticide, no tolerance or tolerance exemption would be required as part of registration.
Chemical(s): Iodomethane
Comments: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA- HQ-OPP-2005-0252, must be received on or before February 6, 2006.
Contact: Mary L. Waller, Registration Division (7505C), telephone number: (703) 308-9354; fax number: (703) 308-1825; e-mail address: waller.mary@epa.gov.

Comments on both notices must be submitted to the docket (EPQ-HQ-OPP-2005-0252) at: www.regulations.gov by February 6, 2006. For information contact: Mary Waller, Registration Division, at 703 308 9354; e-mail: Waller.Mary@EPA.gov.

The EPA January 6 Federal Register tolerance proposal is posted at:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-06/p26.htm.

The human health risk assessment for iodomethane is announced in the following notice: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-06/p28.htm.

IMAZAQUIN; Tolerance Reassessment Decision for Low Risk Pesticide; Notice of Availability
Date of publication: December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 248, Page 76823-76825 http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p7991.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Tolerance Reassessment Decision (TRED) for the pesticide Imazaquin, and opens a public comment period on this document, related risk assessments, and other support documents. EPA has reviewed the low risk pesticide imazaquin through a modified, streamlined version of the public participation process.
Chemical(s): Imazaquin;
Comments: Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0478, must be received on or before February 27, 2006.
Contact: Wilhelmena Livingston, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C),, telephone number: (703) 308-8025; fax number: (703) 308-8005; e-mail address: livingston.wilhelmena@epa.gov.

PROPARGITE; Modification and Closure of Reregistration Eligibility Decision; Notice of Availability
Date of publication:December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 248, Page 76832
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p24408.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the modification of certain provisions of the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide propargite. EPA conducted this reassessment of the propargite RED in response to public comments received. The commentors requested that the Agency make certain modifications in the restricted entry intervals, spray intervals, use rates, and spray buffers.
Chemical(s):Propargite
Comments: EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket ID number EPA-HQ- OPP -2002-0009.
Contact: Dayton Eckerson, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), telephone number: (703) 308-8038; fax number: (703) 308-8041; e-mail address: eckerson.dayton@epa.gov.

METIRAM Reregistration Eligibility Decision
Date of publication: December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 248, Page 76830-76832 http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p24464.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide metiram. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the metiram Docket. Metiram is registered for use on apples, potatoes, and ornamental plants (leatherleaf ferns) in nurseries and greenhouses. Metiram is a member of the ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) group of fungicides, which also includes the related active ingredients mancozeb and maneb. Metiram and the two other fungicides share the common metabolite/degradate ethylene thiourea (ETU), which has been considered in the metiram RED.
Chemical(s): Metiram
Comments:. EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ- OPP-2005-0177.
Contact: Tawanda Spears, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), telephone number: (703) 308-8050; fax number: (703) 308-8005; e-mail address:spears.tawanda@epa.gov.

MANCOZEB Reregistration Eligibility Decision
Date of publication: December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 248 , Page 76828-76829
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p24465.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide mancozeb. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents are also available in the mancozeb Docket. Mancozeb is a member of the ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) group of fungicides, which also includes the related fungicides maneb and metiram. Mancozeb is used as a broad spectrum fungicide on a variety of agricultural crops, ornamentals, and turf.
Chemical(s): Mancozeb
Comments: The Agency announced the availability of the EBDCs preliminary risk assessments and supporting documents for a 90-day comment period and requested risk reduction options under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP;2004-0078.
Contact: Christina Scheltema, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), telephone number: (703) 308-2201; fax number: (703) 308-8005; e-mail address: scheltema.christina@epa.gov.

MANEB Reregistration Eligibility Decision
Date of publication: December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number248 , Page 76829-76830 http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p24468.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide maneb. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the maneb Docket. Maneb is registered for use on a wide variety of food/feed crops, including fruit and nut crops, vegetable crops, field and forage crops, grapes, field crop seeds, and others; ornamental plants in nurseries and greenhouses; and sod farms. Maneb is a member of the ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) group of fungicides, which also includes the related active ingredients mancozeb and metiram. Maneb and the two other fungicides share the common metabolite/degradate ethylene thiourea (ETU), which has been considered in the maneb RED.
Chemical(s):Maneb
Comments: The Agency announced the availability of the EBDCs preliminary risk assessments and supporting documents for a 90-day comment period and requested risk reduction options under docket ID number OPP-2004-0078.
Contact: Tawanda Spears, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), telephone number: (703) 308-8050; fax number: (703) 308-8005; e-mail address: Spears.Tawanda@epa.gov.

ERIOGLAUCINE and TARTRAZINE AQUASHADE; Reregistration Eligibility Decision; Notice of Availability
Date of publication: December 30, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 250, Page77384-77387 http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-30/p8033.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide Aquashade, and opens a public comment period on this document. The dyes erioglaucine (Acid Blue 9 or FD&C Blue No. 1) and tartrazine (Acid Yellow 23 or FD&C Yellow No. 5), when combined, act as an aquatic algaecide/herbicide, commonly referred to by the trade name Aquashade. It can be used in natural or manmade ponds, lakes, fountains, fish farms, and fish hatcheries, and may be applied by both professional applicators and homeowners.
Chemical(s): Erioglaucine and Tartrazine Aquashade
Comments: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0524,must be received on or before February 28, 2006.
Contact: Kendra Tyler, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), telephone number: (703) 308-0125; fax number: (703) 308-8041; e-mail address: tyler.kendra@epa.gov.

FERBAM Reregistration Eligibility Decision; Notice of Availability
Date of publication: December 30, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 250, Page 77387-77389 http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-30/p8034.htm
Date of publication: January 17, 2006
Citation: Volume 71, Number 10, Page 2543-2544
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-17/p407.htm
Purpose: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide ferbam, and opens a public comment period on this document. Ferbam is registered for use as a fungicide on citrus, pome and stone fruits, cranberries, and tobacco.
Chemical(s): Ferbam
Comments: EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2004-0337 (corrected number). The comment period closing date is March 20, 2006.
Contact: Amaris Johnson, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), telephone number: (703) 305-9542; fax number: (703) 308-8041; e-mail address: johnson.amaris@epa.gov.

COPPERS
EPA announced the availability of the human health assessment and ecological assessment in support of the pending Registration Eligibility Decision document for the coppers; see http://epa.gov/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-25/ for the announcement released in the Federal Register [Federal Register: January 25, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 16)]; [Notices]; [Page 4133-4135].
Comments on the documents are due to EPA on or before March 27, 2006 identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0558.
Contact: Rosanna Louie, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Washington, telephone number: (703) 308-0037; fax number: (703) 308-8005; e-mail address: louie.rosanna@epa.gov.
Background: EPA provides that coppers are used on a variety of agricultural sites, including food (fruits, vegetables and nuts) and ornamental crops to manage fungal diseases, and on aquatic sites as an herbicide, algaecide and molluscicide. Both conventional and antimicrobial uses of copper are addressed in the human health risk assessment. Since the ecological risk assessment only addresses conventional uses of the coppers, EPA will address antimicrobial applications in a separate ecological assessment document.

Because of limited use and usage information of copper pesticides, EPA was forced to default to many conservative assumptions (i.e.., current maximum labeled application and use rates) in the ecological exposure assessment. Since actual usage may be less, EPA would like to receive and refine the assessment with actual use and usage patterns. EPA is seeking comment on:

(1) Current use rates on its respective crops.

(2) Timing and locations of applications.

(3) Equipment used.

(4) Any mitigation proposals for current use patterns.

DICHLORMID; Extension of Time-Limited Pesticide Tolerance
Date of publication: December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number248 , Page 76697-76699
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p24470.htm
Purpose: This regulation extends the expiration/revocation date of the time-limited tolerances for residues of acetamide, 2,2-dichloro-N,N-di-2-propenyl- (dichlormid) in or on field corn (forage, grain, stover), pop corn (grain, stover), and sweet corn (forage, kernel plus cob with husks removed, stover) at 0.05 ppm. The current tolerances are set to expire on December 31, 2005. This rule extends the expiration/revocation date of these time-limited tolerances to December 31, 2008.
Chemical(s): Dichlormid
Comments: This regulation is effective December 28, 2005. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before February 27, 2006. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0477
Contact: Keri Grinstead, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, telephone number: (703) 308-8373; e-mail address: grinstead.keri@epa.gov.

XANTHOMONAS CAMPESTRIS PV. VESICATORIA AND PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE PV. Tomato Specific Bacteriophages; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance
Date of publication: December 28, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 248, Page 76700-76704 http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-28/p24540.htm
Purpose: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the bacteriophages that specifically target the bacterial pathogens Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato present on tomatoes and peppers when applied/used as bacteriocides on tomatoes and peppers. Omnylytics submitted a petition to EPA requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato specific bacteriophages when applied/ used as bacteriocides on tomatoes and peppers.
Chemical(s): Xanthomonas Campestris pv. Vesicatoria and Pseudomonas Syringae
Comments: This regulation is effective December 28, 2005. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before February 27, 2006. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0467.
Contact: Leonard Cole, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511C), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: 703-305-5412; e-mail address: cole.leonard@epa.gov.

HEXYTHIAZOX; Proposed Pesticide Tolerance
Date of publication: December 30, 2005
Citation: Volume 70, Number 250, Page 77363-77371
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/December/Day-30/p8037.htm
Purpose: This document proposes to establish tolerances for combined residues of hexythiazox (trans-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-cyclohexyl-4- methyl-2-oxothiazolidine-3-carboxamide) and its metabolites containing the (4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-2-oxo-3- thiazolidine moiety (expressed as parent) in or on grape; citrus fruit, crop group 10 (CA, AZ, TX only); citrus, oil; citrus, dried pulp; fruit, pome, group 11; apple, wet pomace; and cattle, sheep, goat, and horse meat byproducts under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA).
Chemical(s): Hexythiazox
Contact: Olga Odiott, Registration Division (7505C), telephone number: (703) 308-9369; e-mail address: odiott.olga@epa.gov.

TRIFLOXYSTROBIN
Notice of Filing of Pesticide Petitions for Establishment of Regulations for Residues of Trifloxystrobin in or on Corn and Soybeans
Date of publication: January 4, 2006
Citation: Volume 71, Number 2, Page 340-342
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-04/p8273.htm
Notice of Filing of a Pesticide Petition for an Amendment Establishing Tolerances for the Combined Residues of the Fungicide Trifloxystrobin in or on Food Commodities
Date of publication: January 18, 2006
Citation: Volume 71, Number 11, Page 2929-2930
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-18/p383.htm
Purposes: Bayer CropScience proposes to establish a tolerance for residues of the fungicide trifloxystrobin in or on the food commodities corn, sweet (kernel plus cob with husks removed) at 0.04 parts per million (ppm); corn, sweet, forage at 0.6 ppm; and corn, sweet, stover at 0.25 ppm. Also, Bayer CropScience proposes to establish a tolerance for residues of the fungicide trifloxystrobin in or on soybean, seed at 0.08 ppm; soybean, forage at 8.0 ppm; soybean, hay at 20.0 ppm; and soybean, grain aspirated fractions at 4.2 ppm.
Chemical(s): Trifloxystrobin
Comments: Comments identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0299 must be received on or before February 3, 2006.
Contact: Janet Whitehurst, Registration Division (7505C), telephone number: (703) 305-6129; e-mail address: whitehurst.janet@epa.gov.
Purpose (for 1/18 posting): IR-4 proposes to amend 40 CFR 180.555 by establishing tolerances for the combined residues of the fungicide trifloxystrobin and the free form of its acid metabolite (CGA-32113) in or on the food commodities barley, grain at 0.05 parts per million (ppm); barley, hay at 0.3 ppm; barley, straw at 5.0 ppm; oat, forage at 0.3 ppm; oat, grain at 0.05 ppm; oat, hay at 0.3 ppm; and oat, straw at 5.0 ppm.
Chemical(s): Trifloxystrobin
Comments: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0546 must be received on or before February 17, 2006.
Contact: Shaja Brothers Registration Division, (7505C), (703) 308-3194; e-mail: brothers.shaja@epa.gov.

IODOMETHANE; Pesticide Chemical Not Requiring a Tolerance or an Exemption from Tolerance
Date of publication: January 6, 2006
Citation: Volume 71, Number 4, Page 901-903
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-06/p26.htm
Purpose: EPA is proposing to designate the use of the active ingredient, iodomethane as a non-food use pesticide when applied as a pre-plant soil fumigant for peppers, strawberries and tomatoes by adding an entry to 40 CFR 180.2020 noting the non-food use determination.
Chemical(s): Iodomethane
Comments: Comments identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0252 must be received on or before February 6, 2006.
Contact: Mary L. Waller, Registration Division (7505C), telephone number: (703) 308-9354; e-mail address: waller.mary@epa.gov.

ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL
Notice of Filing of a Pesticide Petition for Establishment of a Regulation for Residues of Alpha-Tocopherol in or on Food Commodities
Date of publication: January 18, 2006
Citation: Volume 71, Number 11, Page 2925-2926
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-18/p379.htm
Purpose: BASF Corporation proposes to establish an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of alpha-tocopherol (CAS Reg. No. 10191-41-0) in or on food commodities when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide products. Because this petition is a request for an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance without numerical limitations, no analytical method is required.
Chemical(s): Alpha-Tocopherol
Comments: Comments identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0306 must be received on or before February 17, 2006.
Contact: Kathryn Boyle, Registration Division, (7505C), (703) 305-6304; e-mail: boyle.kathryn@epa.gov.

NOVALURON
Notice of Filing of a Pesticide Petition for an Amendment Establishing Tolerances for the Residues of the Insecticide Novaluron in or on Food Commodities
Date of publication: January 18, 2006
Citation: Volume 71 , Number11 , Page 2927-2929
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-18/p380.htm
Purpose: IR-4, proposes to amend 40 CFR 180.598 by establishing tolerances for residues of the insecticide novaluron (1-[3-chloro-4- (1,1,2-trifluoro-2-trifluoromethoxyethoxy)phenyl]-3-[2,6- difluorobenzoyl]urea) in or on the food commodities Brassica vegetables, head and stem (Subgroup 5A)at 0.5 parts per million (ppm). Makhteshim-Agan of North America, Inc., is the manufacturer and basic registrant of novaluron.
Chemical(s): Novaluron
Comments: Comments identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0531 must be received on or before February 17, 2006.
Contact: Barbara Madden, Registration Division, (7505C), (703) 305-6463; e-mail: madden.barbara@epa.gov.

ISOXADIFEN-ETHYL
Notice of Filing of a Pesticide Petition for an Amendment to a Regulation for Residues of Isoxadifen-Ethyl in or on Food Commodities
Date of publication: January 18, 2006
Citation: Volume 71, Number 11, Page 2926-2927
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-18/p409.htm
Purpose: Bayer CropScience proposes to increase the existing tolerances in 40 CFR 180.570 for residues of isoxadifen-ethyl (ethyl 5,5-diphenyl-2-isoxazoline-3-carboxylate), (CAS Reg. No. 163520- 33-0) in or on the food commodities corn, field, forage to 0.2 parts per million (ppm); and corn stover to 0.4 ppm when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide products.
Chemical(s): Isoxadifen-Ethyl
Comments: Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0305 must be received on or before February 17, 2006.
Contact: Kathryn Boyle, Registration Division, (7505C), (703) 305-6304; e-mail: boyle.kathryn@epa.gov.

THYMOL; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance
Date of publication: January 18, 2006
Citation: Volume71 , Number 11, Page 2889-2895
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-18/p436.htm
Purpose: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of the thymol (5-methyl-2-isopropyl-1- phenol) on honey, honeycomb, and honeycomb with honey when applied/used as treatment to decrease the incidence of Varroa mite infestation in the honey bee. Vita (Europe) Limited, c/o Landis International Limited, submitted a petition to EPA requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of thymol (5-methyl-2-isopropyl-1-phenol).
Chemical(s): Thymol
Comments: This regulation is effective January 18, 2006. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before March 20, 2006. identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0483
Contact: Andrew Bryceland, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511C), telephone number: (703) 305-6928; e-mail address: bryceland.andrew@epa.gov.

BREAST CANCER AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS
The Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors (BCERF) at the Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research, Cornell University, has several reports on their web site (http://envirocancer.cornell.edu)
1. Bibliography on women, the workplace, and breast cancer risk.
Dr. Suzanne Snedeker has compiled a bibliography on Women, the Workplace, and Breast Cancer Risk. Topics include: Occupations and Cancer Risk, Occupational Chemical Exposure, and Breast Cancer Risk in Specific Occupations. Go to: http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/Bibliography/Pesticide/bib.womenwork.cfm

2. Agricultural health study updates.
This web page (http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/Research/AGHealth/ ) includes links to new resources. The web site, "Understanding the Agricultural Health Study" (http://extension.tox.ncsu.edu ) was developed for the agricultural community through a collaboration of Extension educators from North Carolina State University and Iowa State University and Agricultural Health Study scientists. BCERF also links to a
presentation (http://extension.tox.ncsu.edu/4_presentations.htm) for pesticide applicators and pesticide safety educators that is available on the same web site.

BCERF strives to provide information on environmental risk factors and the risk of breast cancer and other hormonally dependent cancers. They provide information in a variety of forms helping readers make informed decisions for the reduction of breast cancer risk.

To receive the BCERF eUpdate, email the list manager, Ellen Hartman at eh79@cornell.edu. Include "add to eUpdate" in the subject line.

PEST MANAGEMENT NEEDS OF MINOR SPECIALTY CROP GROWERS
EPA has announced the availability of up to $615,000 in grant funds to support projects addressing critical pest management needs of U.S. minor and specialty crop growers. Interested parties may apply for grants by submitting proposals no later than February 21, 2006. The Agency anticipates funding up to five projects. The project period of performance is three years, with the possibility of extension. Projects will support EPA facilitation of the transition to reduced-risk pest management approaches for minor and specialty crops as required by FQPA. Examples of activities that may be funded include:

(1) projects that enable minor and/or specialty crop producers to take advantage of technical assistance and/or USDA Farm Bill or other conservation programs that can address critical pest management needs by using IPM tools and techniques.

(2) those that develop and demonstrate reduced-risk IPM techniques and tools that address critical pest management needs on commercial farms.

Additional examples are provided in the Request for Proposals document entitled "Minor and Specialty Crops Integrated Pest Management Special Projects," which can be accessed at www.epa.gov/pesticides/grants/index.htm." For more information, contact Pat Cimino at 703-308-9357 or cimino.pat@epa.gov

METHYL BROMIDE TRANSITIONS (MBT) PROGRAM
CSREES Announces the Availability of Grant Funds and Requests Applications for the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program

(Section 406 Program). Available funding is $3,106,000. The closing date is February 20, 2006. The anticipated award date is July 21, 2006. More information and the RFA can be found at:
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/fundview.cfm?fonum=1107

Contact Person: James L. Green National Program Leader - Horticulture - CSREES

202-401-6134 jgreen@csrees.usda.gov ; www.csrees.usda.gov

Other CSREES Funding Opportunities: www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/funding.cfm

(1) EPA mission related issues connected to protecting, human health and safeguarding the natural environment;
(2) advancing the scientific and technical research that promotes environmental protection;
(3) exploring current and emerging issues of importance to environmental
protection; and/or
(4) encouraging collaboration among the nation's best scientists and
engineers in academia, business and nonprofit research institutes.

Estimated Total Program Funding: $750,000 (to fund about 25 projects). EPA may award funding under this BAA in the following two categories:
1. Meeting and workshop support up to $25,000 per agreement including direct and indirect costs. This category is for major support of small scale, focused meetings and workshops on a specific subject or subjects, or for partial support of a larger conference.
2. Large conference support up to $75,000 per agreement including direct and indirect costs. This category is for major support of broader conferences that include a wide range of subjects relating to environmental research.

EPA will not consider applications for less than $5,000. In order for a proposal to be considered for funding, it must be received no later than three months prior to the start of the conference. This opportunity is open until January 18, 2007. All grants and cooperative agreements will have a duration of up to 1 year to provide for follow-up activities such as publication of reports and proceedings. Cost-sharing is not required for awards under this BAA. Full announcement: http://www.epa.gov/ord/grants_funding/pdfs/BAA_conferences_011706.pdf

Additional information on AZM and phosmet, including a fact sheet explaining the settlement agreement, is available on EPAs reregistration website at http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/azm.htm and http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/phosmet.htm. For more information, contact Diane Isbell at 703-308-8154 or isbell.diane@epa.gov.

This rule makes it clear that all pregnant women and all children are excluded from all such studies involving intentional exposure. For any new, intentional dosing studies
with pesticides, this final rule requires researchers to do the following: (1) assure that pregnant women and children are not participants, (2) comply with the requirements of the Common Rule (current ethical standards for research conducted or supported by the federal government); (3) submit detailed study protocols to EPA prior to initiation
so that EPA can review to ensure the study meets the new ethical protections and is scientifically sound; and (4) once the study is conducted, provide detailed information
to EPA describing how the study met the necessary ethical protections.

The sweeping requirements of this final rule will lay the groundwork and provide an important foundation for the Agency to build upon in future actions that may be determined necessary to provide further protections to public health.

EPA will hold a stakeholder briefing on Monday, February 13, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon for persons interested in hearing more about the final rule.  The stakeholder briefing will be held in Room 1110 ("the Fishbowl") of the Pesticide Program office in Crystal City.  The street address is 1801 S. Bell Street, Crystal Mall #2, Arlington, VA.  Seating is very limited, but conference call lines are available for this briefing.  We encourage you to participate by telephone by calling the following number starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time: 

Tel:  1-866-299-3188
Conference Number:  7033055445#   

Final Rule on Section 18's Pesticide Emergency Exemption Process
EPA, working collaboratively with State agencies and key stakeholders over several years is now streamlining aspects of the process for emergency exemptions under Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). By implementing a number of revisions that was published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2006, this final rule will reduce the burden to both applicants and EPA.
The rule enables the Agency to quickly assess an emergency exemption request for use of a specific pesticide in a pest-related emergency, while ensuring that use of the product will not result in unreasonable risks to human health or the environment.

The two most substantive improvements in the final rule were tested in limited pilot programs and forum to work well for both applicants and EPA. The first revision streamlines the application and review process for certain repeat requests by allowing States and federal agencies to re-certify in subsequent years that emergency conditions continue. The second revision establishes an improved and more uniform approach to determining and documenting "a significant economic loss," the most commonly used criterion for demonstrating an emergency condition.

In addition to these time-saving improvements, EPA is making several minor revisions to the regulations to clarify that quarantine exemptions may be used for control of invasive species, and to update or revise certain administrative aspects of the regulations. These revisions will in no way impair the Agency's ability to protect human health and the environment. The Federal Register notice is available on the Internet at:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/January/Day-27/p743.htm.
Those interested in seeing the proposed rule, public comments received and Agency responses, other related documents, and the final rule may access them in the docket via: http://www.regulations.gov, using the advanced search feature, selecting docket and using the Docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2004-0038.

Get Started With Grants.gov
Join Grants.gov and your fellow members of the Federal grant community for an exciting web-based event.
Get Started with Grants.gov Webcast
Thursday, February 9, 2006
2:00 PM EST
You’ll learn how to gain free, secure Internet access to all federal grants by learning how to register your organization, obtain a username and password and apply to be an Authorized Organization Representative.
There will also be a live Q&A session after the registration presentation to help answer all of your questions.
Register Today at:
http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=20035&s=1&k=732CF615ADD264C9A43218EEF2984AE2
One Site. Every Grant Opportunity.
www.grants.gov

EPA Announces Public Meeting on Endangered Species Protection Program Field Implementation
On February 22, 2006, EPA will host a public meeting to address the Agency's Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP), including EPA's overall approach to field implementation, the circumstances EPA will be employing this approach, the responsibilities of the public, and the roles of other government agencies. The meeting will also provide opportunity for the public to ask specific questions and receive answers about ESPP elements. The meeting will take place at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington,VA, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The tentative agenda for the meeting, along with hotel information and meeting logistics, can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/espp.

On November 2, 2005, EPA published a Federal Register notice announcing its approach to field implementation of the ESPP. The goal of the ESPP is to carry out responsibilities under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) in compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by providing appropriate protection to listed species and their designated critical habitat from potential harm due to pesticide use, while at the same time not placing unnecessary burden on the agriculture community and other pesticide users.

For additional information, contact Megan Thynge, Environmental Fate and Effects Division, (7507C), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (703) 305-6005, e-mail address: thynge.megan@epa.gov

Inorganic Chlorates Risk Assessments Available for Comment
EPA is requesting public comment on the Agency's human health and ecological risk assessments for the inorganic chlorate pesticides, primarily sodium chlorate, and seeks public input on risk reduction options for these chemicals. In addition to several non-pesticide manufacturing uses, the herbicide sodium chlorate is used as a defoliant and desiccant on agricultural crops to aid harvest, as well as for spot treatments to control weeds on roadsides, rights-of-way, and residential properties. However, registrants have recently asked to voluntarily cancel all residential uses. A strong oxidizing agent, sodium chlorate is a non-selective contact herbicide that can kill all green parts of plants. It is used primarily in the southeastern US on cotton, but also is used on other agricultural and non-agricultural sites. Sodium chlorate is an inert ingredient in some other pesticide formulations and also is used in drinking water systems as a precursor to chlorine dioxide generation.

Potential dietary food and drinking water risks are low and not of concern for all population subgroups, except infants below one year old at high-end chronic drinking water exposure levels. Potential risks were identified for only four of the total number of water systems sampled; high concentrations of chlorate ion appear to be a local problem affecting a relatively small number of water systems.

Regarding ecological effects, available data suggest that acute risks are not posed to fish, birds, or aquatic plants.  However, risks to fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic plants, birds, mammals, and terrestrial plants cannot be precluded due to numerous uncertainties based on the lack of needed toxicity data and use information.

EPA is developing a reregistration eligibility decision for the inorganic chlorates.  To inform the Agency's regulatory decisionmaking, EPA requests additional data to further refine its risk
assessments, including information on drinking water treatment practices, worker exposure data, percent crop treated information, residue data from field processing studies, eco-toxicity studies, and non-agricultural use information.  The public also is invited to provide risk
management proposals.

EPA's February 1, 2006, Federal Register notice is available on the Agency's website at
www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2006/February/Day-01/p841.htm. 
Comments must be received by the Agency by April 3, 2006. 
EPA's risk assessments and related information on the inorganic chlorates are available at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket #EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0507.

EPA Solicits Comments on "For Use Only By" Labeling Statements
The Office of Pesticide Programs is making available on its Web site an issue paper concerning statements such as "For Use Only By Pest Control Operators" or "For Professional Use Only" when such statements appear on the labels of products that have not been classified by EPA as Restricted Use. Such statements appear to limit product use to certain categories of users. However, if EPA has not classified the product for restricted use, such limitation statements are generally not enforceable under existing pesticide laws and regulations. The Agency is interested in receiving comments on the value or practical consequences of allowing or not allowing such statements on pesticide labels. The issue paper and instructions for submitting comments are available on the Office of Pesticide Programs' website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/labels/issues.htm. The Agency would like to receive comments by April 3, 2006.

EPA Authorizes Critical Uses of Methyl Bromide for 2006
Contact: John Millett, 202-564-4355 / millett.john@epa.gov
In accordance with the Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol, EPA finalized a rule exempting methyl bromide production and import for 2006 critical uses. EPA also authorized those uses that will qualify for the 2006 critical use exemption. The exemptions for continued production and import of methyl bromide will honor the U.S. commitment to obtain methyl bromide for American farmers, in a manner consistent with the Montreal Protocol, while protecting the ozone layer.

This action is authorizing 8,081,753 kilograms of methyl bromide for approved critical uses during 2006. This amount totals 32 percent of U.S. 1991 baseline consumption levels, and amounts to approximately 90 percent of the U.S. request for 2006.

Critical use exemptions are anticipated under the Montreal Protocol for circumstances where there are no technically and economically feasible alternatives to methyl bromide. Further, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 direct the EPA to issue regulations to implement the provisions of the Montreal Protocol within the United States.

Allowance decisions for 2007 were made at 17th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Dakar, Senegal during Dec. 12-16, 2005. For 2007, the U.S. nominated 29 percent of baseline, and a total of 26.4 percent was authorized. EPA is beginning the notice-and-comment rulemaking process for the 2007 calendar year.

For more information on the final rule, visit: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr

INFORMATION FROM EPA
Mailing address for all listed EPA staff: Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460

For information on pesticide reregistration see: www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm

EPA distributes “Pesticide Program Updates” to external stakeholders and citizens who have expressed an interest in pesticide activities and decisions. This update service is part of EPA's continuing effort to improve public access to Federal pesticide information.

For general questions on pesticides and pesticide poisoning prevention, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), toll free, at: 1-800-858-7378, by E-mail at npic@ace.orst.edu, or by visiting their website at: http://npic.orst.edu/

To report an environmental violation, visit EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints/index.html

For information about EPA's pesticide program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/