PESTICIDE BRIEFS
CONTENTS FOR 4/12/05
THE NATIONAL SCENE
PESTICIDE REGISTRATIONS:
(1) TOLERANCE REASSESSMENT DECISION FOR LOW RISK PESTICIDE
(2) (4-2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXY) BUTYRIC ACID AND 2,4-DB-DMAS (DIMETHYLAMINE 4-2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXY) BUTYRATE REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISION
(3) METHACRYLATE: PRODUCT CANCELLATION ORDER
(4) NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF REQUEST TO AMEND TO TERMINATE USES OF CERTAIN PESTICIDE REGISTRATIONS
(5) RISK ASSESSMENTS AND PRELIMINARY RISK REDUCTION
(6) AVAILABILITY OF REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISION
(7) RISK ASSESSMENT
(8) : REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISION DOCUMENTS
(9) REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISION
(10) ; NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF REQUESTS TO VOLUNTARILY CANCEL OR TO AMEND TO TERMINATE USES OF CERTAIN PESTICIDE REGISTRATIONS
(11) PENTACHLORONITROBENZENE ) REVISED RISK ASSESSMENTS AND PRELIMINARY RISK REDUCTION OPTIONS
(12) PETITION TO ESTABLISHED FOR ALACHLOR, CHLOROTHALONIL, METHOMYL, METRIBUZIN, AND THIODICARB
(13) RISK ASSESSMENTS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
(14) PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT FOR , PART 2
REPORTS
(15) EPA FOR 2004 IS NOW AVAILABLE
(16) EPA PROVIDES LIST OF WOOD FOR RESIDENTIAL USE
(17) EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: (18) FIRST ON THE PESTICIDE REGISTRATION IMPROVEMENT ACT (PRIA)
(19) BETTER LABELS FOR PRODUCTS
(20)
(21) NATIONAL WEB SITE
(22) ON AGRICULTURAL SELECT AGENTS AND TOXINS
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(1) NICOSULFURON; TOLERANCE REASSESSMENT DECISION FOR LOW RISK PESTICIDE
EPA has reassessed the uses of nicosulfuron and reached a tolerance reassessment decision for this low risk pesticide. Nicosulfuron is a sulfonyl urea herbicide registered for early- postemergent and postemergent use on corn. It may be used alone or in formulation with other active ingredients to control annual and perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds. Application methods include band treatment, broadcast, low volume spray (concentrate) using aircraft, or ground equipment. The maximum application rate is 0.06248 lb a.i./acre. The highest usage of nicosulfuron is on corn and approximately 200,000 pounds are used annually.
Nicosulfuron is in Toxicity Category III or IV for acute oral, dermal, inhalation, eye irritation, and dermal irritation. Nicosulfuron is not likely to be carcinogenic based on bioassays in the rat and mouse and lack of in vitro and in vivo mutagenic effects. Nicosulfuron showed no developmental or reproductive effects in rats and developmental effects in rabbits only at high doses. There were no indications of neurotoxic effects elicited by nicosulfuron in animal tests. EPA is now issuing for comment the resulting Report on FQPA Tolerance Reassessment Progress for nicosulfuron, known as a TRED, as well as related risk assessments and technical support documents. EPA can expeditiously reach decisions for pesticides like nicosulfuron, which pose no risk concerns, have low use, affect few if any stakeholders, and require no risk mitigation. Further information can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-16/p2976.htm
Contact: Meghan French, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), (703) 308-8004; fax: (703) 308-8005; french.meghan@epa.gov.
(2) 2,4-DB (4-2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXY) BUTYRIC ACID AND 2,4-DB-DMAS (DIMETHYLAMINE 4-2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXY) BUTYRATE REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISION
This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide 2,4-DB (4-2,4- dichlorophenoxy) butyric acid and 2,4-DB-DMAS (dimethylamine 4-2,4- dichlorophenoxy) butyrate. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents also are available in the 2,4-DB butyric acid and 2,4-DB-DMAS butyrate docket. 2,4-DB is a member of the chlorophenoxy class of herbicides which function by mimicking the action of auxins, plant growth hormones. 2,4-DB is used to control broadleaf weeds in alfalfa, clover, soybeans, peanuts, peppermint, spearmint, and birdfoot trefoil. 2,4-DB is manufactured as an acid and as the dimethylamine salt, 2, 4-DB-DMAS. For more information, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-16/p2977.htm
EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2004-0220. Contact: Mika J. Hunter, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), (703) 308-0041; fax: (703) 308-8041; Hunter.Mika@epa.gov.
(3) TRIBUTYLTIN METHACRYLATE: PRODUCT CANCELLATION ORDER
This notice announces EPA's order for the cancellation, voluntarily requested by the registrant (New Nautical Coatings, Inc.,) and accepted by the Agency, of a product containing the pesticide tributyltin methacrylate. This product is an anti-fouling pesticide for boats. This cancellation order follows a December 8, 2004 Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Request from the registrant to voluntarily cancel its sole tributyltin methacrylate product registration. In the December 8, 2004 Notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the cancellation unless the Agency received substantive comments within the 30-day comment period that would merit its further review of this request. The Agency received one comment on the Notice but it did not merit further review of the request. Accordingly, EPA hereby issues in this notice a cancellation order granting the requested cancellation. Any distribution, sale, or use of the tributyltin methacrylate product subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order including any existing stocks provisions. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-16/p2978.htm
The cancellation is effective February 16, 2005. EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2004-0365. Contact: Jill Bloom, Special Review and Reregistration Division(7508C), (703) 308-8019; fax: (703) 308-8041; bloom.jill@epa.gov
(4) DCPA; NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF REQUEST TO AMEND TO TERMINATE USES OF CERTAIN PESTICIDE REGISTRATIONS
EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of a request by the registrant - Amvac Chemical Corporation - to amend their registrations to terminate uses of certain products containing the pesticide DCPA (or dacthal). The requests would terminate DCPA use in or on alfalfa, arracacha, artichokes (Chinese and Jerusalem), beans, bean yam, beets, chestnuts (soil treatment and nursery stock), chufa, citron melon, cotton, crabapples (soil treatment and nursery stock), cucumber, edible canna, eggplant, garlic, ginger, kale, leren, peas, pepper, potatoes, residential uses (turf and ornamentals), squash (including pumpkin), sweet potatoes, tanier, turnips, walnuts (non- bearing and nursery stock), and yam. These requests would not terminate the last DCPA products registered for use in the U.S. EPA intends to grant these requests. Upon acceptance of these requests, any sale, distribution, or use of products listed in this notice will be permitted only if such sale, distribution, or use is consistent with the terms as described in the final order. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-16/p2979.htm
Contact: Jill Bloom, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), (703) 308-8019; fax: (703) 308-8041; bloom.jill@epa.gov.
(5) AMETRYN RISK ASSESSMENTS AND PRELIMINARY RISK REDUCTION
This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessments, preliminary risk reduction options, and related documents for ametryn, a triazine herbicide, and opens a public comment period on these documents. The public also is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address the risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for ametryn through a modified, 4-phase public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-25/p3530.htm
Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP- 2004-0411, must be received on or before April 26, 2005. Contact: Mark T. Howard, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), (703) 308-8172; fax: (703) 308-8172; howard.markt@epa.gov
(6) IMAZALIL; AVAILABILITY OF REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISION
This notice announces the availability of the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document for the pesticide active ingredient imazalil. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-25/p3532.htm
Imazalil is a systemic imidazole fungicide used to control a wide range of fungi on fruit, vegetables and ornamentals, including powdery mildew on cucumber and black spot on roses. Imazalil is also used as a seed dressing and for postharvest treatment of citrus, banana and other fruit to control storage decay. The data base to support the reregistration of imazalil is substantially complete, and the risks associated with imazalil use have been mitigated so that it will not pose unreasonable risks to people or the environment when used according to its approved labeling. The RED represents EPA's formal regulatory assessment of the human health and environmental data base of imazalil and presents the Agency's determination regarding which pesticidal uses are eligible for reregistration under FIFRA. EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2004-0107. EPA is not providing a comment period at this time. However, if there are questions or comments on the imazalil RED, they can be directed to Meghan French, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), (703) 308-8004; fax: (703) 308-8005; french.meghan@epa.gov.
(7) DIMETHIPIN RISK ASSESSMENT
This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide Dimethipin, a harvest-aid dessicant. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-25/p3533.htm . 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 Dimethipin through a modified, 4-Phase public participation process that the Agency uses to involve the public in developing pesticide reregistration and tolerance reassessment decisions. Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP- 2004-0380, must be received on or before April 26, 2005. Contact: Ambers Johnson, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), 703-305-9542; fax: 703-308-8041; johnson.amaris@epa.gov
(8) CARBOLIC AND OXYCARBOXIN: REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISION DOCUMENTS
This notice announces availability of the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) documents for the fungicide active ingredients carbolic and oxycarboxin. The data base to support the reregistration of carboxin and oxycarboxin is substantially complete, and the risks have been mitigated so that they will not pose unreasonable risks to people or theenvironment when used according to their approved labeling. The tolerances for carboxin were reassessed in December 2002. Carboxin has been found to meet the FQPA safety standard. There are no tolerances for oxycarboxin. There are no registered residential uses of carboxin or oxycarboxin. Aggregate chronic exposure to carboxin in food and drinking water is below the Agency's level of concern. Very limited residential exposure to oxycarboxin may be possible if treated ornamentals are obtained from an enclosed commercial structure such as a nursery or greenhouse and then brought back to a residence; however, this residential exposure would be minimal and does not exceed levels of concern. The Agency has determined that aggregate chronic exposure to carboxin in food and drinking water and oxycarboxin in plants treated in enclosed commercial structures is not of concern. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-25/p3534.htm
Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP- 2004-0233, must be received on or before April 26, 2005. Contact: Lance Wormell, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C),, Washington, (703) 603-0523; wormell.lance@epa.gov.
(9) THIRAM REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISION
This notice announces the availability of EPA's Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the fungicide thiram. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-25/p3535.htm .
EPA has determined that the data base to support reregistration is substantially complete and that products containing thiram are eligible for reregistration depending on their specific uses, provided the risks are mitigated in the manner described in the RED. Thiram is a member of the dithiocarbamate class of non-systemic fungicides. It is used as a fungicide to prevent crop damage in the field and to protect harvested crops (apples, peaches, and strawberries) from deterioration in storage or transport. It is also used as a seed protectant and to protect turf from fungal diseases. In addition, thiram is used as an animal repellent to protect crops from damage by rabbits, rodents, and deer. Thiram is applied both by commercial seed treaters and on-farm applicators.
An aggregate risk assessment looks at the combined risk from dietary exposure (food and drinking water pathways) as well as exposures from non-occupational sources (e.g., residential uses). Acute risks from aggregate exposures are not of concern, due to removal of strawberries from the label, a voluntary request for cancellation of apple uses, and requests for voluntary cancellation of most residential uses. Short-term aggregate risks are not of concern. The Agency concludes with reasonable certainty that aggregate exposure to food and drinking water will not result in an unacceptable chronic risk. The Agency's human heath risk assessment indicates no risks of concern. Thiram will no longer be available for sale or use by homeowner applicators. As such, all residential risks were calculated related to the non-residential turf uses that include golfing for adults and toddler exposures in areas that can be treated with thiram by certified pesticide applicators. No risk mitigation measures are required to address this scenario. To protect children from scenarios of concern for exposure to thiram-treated turf and to further protect from exposure to ornamentals treated with thiram as a deer repellent, the Agency is requiring label modifications as outlined in the RED. The Agency calculated the potential exposure and risk to pesticide handlers from 28 major occupational exposure scenarios based on the types of equipment and techniques that potentially can be used for thiram applications. For the most part, current label requirements (for personal protection single layer clothing, gloves, and no respirator) appear to be generally adequate. To reduce worker exposure, the Agency has determined that the following measures for specific scenarios are appropriate and required for reregistration eligibility:
• Comply with label changes with updated Worker Protection Standard and other regulations.
• Cancellation of the aerial and hand/spoon applications of granular formulations.
• Require water soluble bags be instituted for all wettable powder formulations.
• Cancellation of on-farm seed treatment for peanuts.
Workers can also be exposed to thiram residues by entering previously treated areas to perform activities. The Restricted Entry Interval (REI) is used by the Agency to manage risks for post- application workers doing activities that require contact with treated surfaces. The REI is the amount of time required after application before residues decline to a level so entry into the treated area and engaging in any task or activity would not result in exposures which are of concern. Current REIs are protective for most crops; however, risks for re-entry workers are of concern for very high exposure activities. The following mitigation addresses the risks of concern for high exposure activities associated with apples and sod:
• Cancellation of all turf applications for turf grown for sale or other commercial use such as sod.
• Cancellation of all apple uses.
The ecological risk assessment for birds shows risks for reproductive effects to birds. There is a chronic effect to mammals including endangered species. The Agency's assessment suggested that a number of endangered species may potentially be impacted by thiram; however, this RED includes only risk mitigation for the Attwater's Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri). The RED outlines mitigation measures that address the Agency's ecological risks of concern.
The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents are available in the thiram docket (OPP-2004-0183). The Agency is issuing the Thiram RED without a comment period. Contact: Craig Doty, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), (703) 308-0122; fax: (703) 308-8041; doty.craig.@epa.gov .
(10) AZINPHOS-METHYL; NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF REQUESTS TO VOLUNTARILY CANCEL OR TO AMEND TO TERMINATE USES OF CERTAIN PESTICIDE REGISTRATIONS
EPA is issuing a notice of receipt of requests by the technical registrants Bayer CropScience, Gowan Company, and Makhteshim Agan of North America, Inc to amend their registrations to terminate uses of certain products containing the insecticide azinphos-methyl. The requests would terminate azinphos-methyl use in or on caneberries, cotton, cranberries, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, and southern pine seed orchards. The sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of these products in the United States are permitted until August 31, 2005. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/February/Day-28/p3733.htm
The Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision (IRED) for azinphos-methyl was issued in October 2001, and included a determination that AZM uses should be canceled, phased out, or, in some instances, allowed to continue under time-limited registrations. Azinphos-methyl is an organophosphate insecticide first registered in 1959, and is widely used in agriculture on orchard fruits, berries, nuts, and other crops. During the development of the IRED, EPA evaluated the risks and benefits associated with azinphos-methyl use, considered all relevant risk mitigation options and implemented a variety of mitigation measures, including reductions in the rate and frequency of applications and precautionary labeling to reduce risks. Despite these mitigation measures, azinphos-methyl use poses residual worker and ecological risks of concern.
The technical registrants of azinphos-methyl entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on May 23, 2002. The MOA divided the crops into three groups:
Group 1, Voluntary Use Deletions;
Group 2, Phase-out of use on caneberries, cotton, cranberries, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, and southern pine seed orchards for end use products by December 31, 2005; and
Group 3, Time-limited Registrations on almonds; apples; crab apples; blueberries, lowbush and highbush; brussel sprouts; sweet and tart cherries; nursery stock; parsley; pears; pistachios; and walnuts. Group 3 uses are scheduled to be re-evaluated by October 31, 2005.
Contact: Diane Isbell, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), (703) 308-8154; fax: (703) 308-8041; isbell.diane@epa.gov.
(11) PENTACHLORONITROBENZENE (PCNB) REVISED RISK ASSESSMENTS AND PRELIMINARY RISK REDUCTION OPTIONS
This notice announces the availability of EPA's revised risk assessments for the fungicide pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB). For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/March/Day-02/p3996.htm.
PCNB is a fungicide used to control diseases on a number of field crops, turf, and ornamentals. Use sites include cole crops, green beans, cotton, potatoes, peanuts, lawns, golf courses, and sod farms. PCNB is applied to soil, foliage, and seeds. EPA is providing an opportunity, through this notice, for interested parties to provide risk management proposals or otherwise comment on risk management for PCNB. Risks of concern associated with the use of PCNB are: Concentrations of PCNB and its metabolites in drinking water which result in dietary risks, risk for residential handlers and post-application risks to children and adults exposed to treated turf, risks to golfers, occupational risk for a large number of scenarios (for both seed treatment and non-seed treatment handlers), and excess ecological risks (particularly for aquatic organisms). The Agency is soliciting information, via targeting specific risks of concern, in effective and practical risk reduction measures.
EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for PCNB. After considering comments received, EPA will develop and issue the PCNB RED. Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP-2004-0202, must be received on or before May 2, 2005. Contact: Jill Bloom, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), (703) 308-8019; fax: (703) 308-8041; bloom.jill@epa.gov.
(12) PETITION TO MODIFY OR REVOKE TOLERANCES ESTABLISHED FOR ALACHLOR, CHLOROTHALONIL, METHOMYL, METRIBUZIN, AND THIODICARB; EPA requests public comment on a petition, dated December 17, 2004, from the States of California, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, requesting that the Agency modify or revoke all tolerances for the pesticides alachlor, chlorothalonil, methomyl, metribuzin, and thiodicarb. The petitioner States request this action to obtain what they believe would be proper application of the additional ten-fold safety factor for the protection of infants and children as provided by FQPA. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/March/Day-09/p4469.htm
Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0050, must be received on or before May 9, 2005. Contact: Peter Caulkins, Special Review and Reregistration Division
(7508C); (703) 308-8000; fax: (703) 308-8005; caulkins.peter@epa.gov.
(13) NAPROPAMIDE RISK ASSESSMENTS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
This notice announces the availability of EPA's risk assessments and related documents for the pesticide napropamide. Napropamide is a selective preemergence herbicide belonging to the amide class of pesticides. It controls weeds by preventing root cell elongation, thus disrupting the growth process during germination. Napropamide is registered to control broadleaf weeds and annual grasses on numerous food/feed and non-food/feed use sites, including fruits and nuts, vegetables, ornamentals, turf/lawns, forestry sites and tobacco. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for napropamide. For more information, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/March/Day-16/p5211.htm
Comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number OPP- 2004-0162, must be received on or before May 16, 2005. Contact: Demson Fuller, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), (703) 308-8062; fax: (703) 308-7042; fuller.demson@epa.gov.
(14) PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT FOR PENTACHLOROPHENOL, PART 2
EPA is announcing the results of the second part of its preliminary risk assessment for the wood preservative, pentachlorophenol (PCP or "penta"). This notice announces the availability of documents that were developed as part of EPA's six-phase public participation reregistration process for hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and dioxins/furans, contaminants of PCP. The Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA) chapters for PCP were previously released for comment in the Federal Register notice published on November 30, 2004. This notice starts the 60-day public comment period for the PRAs for hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and dioxinsfurans only.
By allowing access and opportunity for comment on the PRAs, the Agency is seeking to strengthen stakeholder involvement and help ensure its decisions under the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) are transparent, and based on the best available information. This action will provide the public with information on the exposure risks of carcinogens,thereby protecting human health and the environment. The PRAs can be found in OPP Docket 2004-0402. The Federal Register notice for this current action can be found at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2005/March/Day-30/p6297.htm. The comment period begins on March 30, 2005, and ends on May 31, 2005.
(15) EPA ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2004 IS NOW AVAILABLE
EPA's Pesticide Program has made available online its 2004 annual report, entitled “Taking Care of Business: Protecting Human Health and the Environment” (http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/annual/2004/04annualrpt.pdf). The report highlights the accomplishments and key achievements in 2004. There are sections on registration, reregistration and tolerance reassessment, international harmonization, E-government, endangered species, biotechnology, partnerships, and other key areas as well.
(16) EPA PROVIDES LIST OF ALTERNATIVES TO CCA-TREATED WOOD FOR RESIDENTIAL USE
In response to requests from consumers regarding available alternatives to chromated copper arsenate (CCA)- treated wood for use in residential settings, EPA has made available online information about arsenic-free wood preservatives and alternative building materials. Effective December 31, 2003, wood can no longer be treated with CCA for most residential uses. Since the December 31 cancellation, EPA has received many queries about what alternatives to CCA-treated wood are available. You can find more information on these alternatives at http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/reregistration/cca/alternativestocca.htm. The CCA page is available online at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/antimicrobials/reregistration/cca/.
(17) EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: ROUNDUP READY ALFALFA ( from W.D. Hutchison, Univ. of Minnesota)
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), considered a premier forage crop, may soon join corn, soybean, and cotton as one of the glyphosate-resistant crops, also known as Roundup Ready (RR), to be part of the biotech cropping system in the United States. The University of California reports that the crop will be commercialized by 2005 pending regulatory approval. UC released a paper on “Roundup Ready Alfalfa: An Emerging Technology," which presents a comprehensive review of RR alfalfa as well as potential issues and impacts of this technology on both production systems and markets. Allen Van Deynze and colleagues found that glyphosate applied at the appropriate growth stage was found to generate at least 95 percent weed control of nearly all weed species invading alfalfa. The publication also addressed major concerns regarding RR technology such as weed species shifts, weed resistance, possible gene outflow to feral alfalfa, stand removal, and market acceptance for export. Strategies to address these issues were forwarded. See the full document at: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8153.pdf
(18) FIRST ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PESTICIDE REGISTRATION IMPROVEMENT ACT (PRIA)
EPA has announced the release of its “First Annual Report on the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA).” On January 23, 2004, a new section of FIFRA was established, initiating a system under which EPA charges fees for covered applications received for pesticide registrations on or after March 23, 2004. Under PRIA, EPA is required to make determinations on pesticide applications within specified review times. Additionally, Section 33(k) of FIFRA requires EPA to publish an annual report describing actions and decisions made.
The FY 2004 Annual Report details information about the Pesticide Registration process and ways in which EPA has improved the process. During FY 2004, the Agency received $14.7 million in new registration service fees. From these fees, the Agency spent $5 million, leaving a remaining balance of $9.7 million to for use in FY 2005. The majority of the expenditures from the Pesticide Registration Funds were to pay payroll costs and to expand data review output through contracts. The Agency also invested heavily in upgrading its information management system to track compliance with the PRIA decision time review periods.
The Agency has taken great strides in improving the Pesticide Registration process. Improvements include: revision of internal procedures to ensure that waiver decisions are always made within the sixty (60) day review period, improved coordination between EPA and the IR-4 Program to ensure the timely start of the decision review period and give minor use growers greater predictability ofwhen to anticipate registration decisions, and exploration of various mechanisms to enhance EPA's work-share efforts with Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR).
The PRIA Annual Report is available at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/fees/pria_annual_report_2004.htm . For more information about the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, go to: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/fees/.
(19) BETTER LABELS FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL PRODUCTS
EPA is issuing seven new recommendations to pesticide registrants and others to improve label statements for pesticide products used to control adult mosquitoes. The recommendations pertain to pesticide products applied by ultra-low volume aerial or ground application methods. The recommendations promote consistency and clarify labeling statements that may have been unclear to users. The improvements will help public health mosquito control officials use the most effective techniques while ensuring that use of these products will not pose unreasonable risks to public health or the environment. The recommendations are: (1) adult mosquito control applications should be limited to trained personnel;
(2) mosquito control directions and precautions should be clearly distinguished from any other use directions allowed on the label, such as agricultural crops;
(3) label precautions and directions should be revised as needed to make hazards to aquatic life as clear as possible, and also to allow the application of these products over or near a body of water allowable under some circumstances; (4) users should consult with the state or tribal agency for pesticide regulation to determine if permits or other regulatory requirements exist;
(5) labels should specify a spectrum of spray/fog droplet sizes, and indicate that droplet size should be determined according to directions from equipment manufacturers or other appropriate sources;
(6) precautionary language to protect bees should have a provision to allow mosquito control applications in order torespond to threats to public health which are identified by health or vector control agencies on the basis of evidence of disease organisms or diseases cases in animals or humans; and
(7) labels for adult mosquitoes should include limits on timing and number of applications to the same location.
To view the seven new recommendations, go to: http://www.epa.gov/opppmsd1/PR_Notices/pr2005-1.pdf
(20) SCHOOL IPM BILL (from Audrey Moore, USEPA Region 2 Regional Ag Policy Specialist)
A new School IPM bill was introduced into the Federal House January 4, 2005. Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.) reintroduced the "School Environment Protection Act" which would require local education agencies to implement IPM systems and minimize the use of pesticides in schools. For more information, go to: http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/sepa.pdf
Background: This Bill has been introduced previously to the House and Senate, including the 'School Environment Protection Act of 1999' ( H.R.3275). The 'School Environment Protection Act of 2005' was introduced in the House on January 4, 2005 as H.R.110. It amends FIFRA to require the Administrator of the EPA to:
(1) establish a National School IPM Advisory System to develop and update uniform standards and criteria for implementing IPM systems in schools;
(2) establish a National School IPM Advisory Board;
(3) provide grants to local educational agencies to develop such systems.
It prescribes prior notice requirements for the use of pesticides (other than a 'least toxic' pesticide) on school property. The proposed Act prescribes that a National School IPM Advisory Board will be tasked with developing a list of 'least toxic' pesticides.
The Act proposes to accept existing State School IPM programs 'that meet the standards and criteria established'.
Resources: Enter search word 'school IPM' at http://thomas.loc.gov/.
On list that loads, click on "School Environment Protection Act of 2005’ [H.R.110.IH].
On the above page click on 'Bill Summary and Status' hyperlink; then click on 'CRS Summary' hyperlink for an abstract of the Bill written by legislative analysts in the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress.
(21) SOYBEAN RUST NATIONAL WEB SITE
In response to the recent introduction of Soybean Rust into the United States, USDA facilitated the development of a federal, state, university and industry-coordinated framework for surveillance, reporting, prediction, and management of soybean rust for the 2005 growing season. A new national web site (http://www.usda.gov/soybeanrust/) includes links to local extension offices, the National Plant Diagnostic Network, and Regional Integrated Pest Management Center Resources. The purpose of the new USDA Soybean Rust Web Site http://www.usda.gov/soybeanrustis to support the goals of the coordinated framework and to provide stakeholders with timely and accurate information for managing soybean rust this year. This web site is a one-stop resource for soybean rust. It will be updated as new information becomes available.
(22) USDA FINALIZES REGULATIONS ON AGRICULTURAL SELECT AGENTS AND TOXINS
On March 18, 2005, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the publication of a final rule that, among other things, removes plum pox and Asian soybean rust from the list of select agents and toxins. The list of select agents and toxins was developed by USDA in conjunction with regulations governing the possession, use and transfer of these agents and toxins, which have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety, to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. This final rule revises the format and content of USDA’s regulations, which prescribe registration, biocontainment/biosafety, incident response and security measures for facilities handling these agents and toxins to protect against the use of such agents or toxins in domestic or international terrorism.
Asian soybean rust is a fungal disease which was naturally introduced into the southeastern United States in the fall of 2004. Because the disease spreads primarily by wind-borne spores, it will continue to spread naturally. Asian soybean rust has been removed from the list of select agents and toxins to facilitate timely research on effective means to manage the disease.
Plum pox potyvirus is a virus of stone fruit that causes yield losses to growers and reduces the marketability of fruit. Plum pox has been removed from the list of select agents and toxins because it does not spread easily by natural means and it would be difficult to spread intentionally.
These amended regulations are now substantially parallel to regulations promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The removal of plum pox and soybean rust from the list of select agents was effective upon signature of the rule. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register are available on the Internet at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. |
