Source: http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/news/jun2009.html
Timestamp: 2013-05-25 14:40:57
Document Index: 596397224

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 158', 'art 161', 'art 161', 'art 161', 'arts 158', 'art 161', 'art 158']

This document also announces the Agency's intent not to open a registration review docket for terpineols. This pesticide does not currently have any actively registered pesticide products and is not, therefore, scheduled for review under the registration review program. Comments must be received on or before August 24, 2009. EPA Releases Caprylic (Octanoic) Acid Registration Review Final Decision EPA announces the availability of its final registration review decision for caprylic (octanoic) acid, case 5028. Caprylic (octanoic) acid is an antimicrobial pesticide that is used as a food contact surface sanitizer in commercial food handling establishments. It is also used as a disinfectant in health care facilities and as an algaecide in greenhouses and interiorscapes on ornamentals. In addition, caprylic (octanoic) acid is characterized by low toxicity, is biodegradable, and is found extensively in nature. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0477.
EPA has established a registration review docket for Boll Weevil Attractants (docket ID # EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0335) and is opening the public comment period for this registration review. Registration review dockets contain information that will assist the public in understanding the types of information and issues that the Agency may consider during the course of registration reviews. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that each pesticide's registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment. Comments must be received on or before August 24, 2009. EPA Issues Technical Amendment Regarding Data Requirements for Antimicrobial Pesticides
In the Federal Register of October 24, 2007 (72 FR 60251), EPA issued a Final Rule which, among other things, redesignated 40 CFR part 158 as 40 CFR part 161. The regulations in redesignated part 161 were intended to apply to, and are applicable only to antimicrobial pesticides as was shown in the redesignation table. This technical amendment is issued to clarify the applicability of part 161, clear up any confusion among the users of the regulations in 40 CFR parts 158 and 161, and to correct the part heading for part 161 to show applicability to antimicrobial pesticides. The data requirements for conventional, biochemical, and microbial pesticides are set forth in 40 CFR part 158.
EPA Issues Revised Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Malathion EPA has modified certain risk mitigation measures that were specified in the 2006 Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide malathion. EPA conducted this reassessment of the malathion RED in response to public comments received during the comment period and to new data submitted by the technical registrant. The revised malathion RED includes a revised label table that modifies label language for consumer products, ultra low volume applications, and the use patterns for a number of specific crops. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2004-0348.
EPA is reviewing pesticide registrations for 2-(Decylthio)ethanamine Hydrochloride (docket ID # EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0336) and Silver and Compounds (docket ID # EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0334) to assure that they continue to satisfy the FIFRA standard for registration; that is, they can still be used without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Comments must be received on or before September 22, 2009.
EPA Regions and select States, Tribes, and Territories will have a new tool available to assist their regulated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) facilities in reporting Clean Water Act Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). NetDMR provides an internet-based reporting tool for NPDES facilities to electronically
sign and submit DMRs. Science Advisory Board Integrated Nitrogen Committee To Hold Two Public Teleconferences
The Science Advisory Board (SAB) Integrated Nitrogen Committee will conduct two public teleconferences on July 8, 2009 and July 9, 2009 to discuss the committee's draft report addressing the environmental problems presented by reactive nitrogen and providing recommendations related to an integrated nitrogen management strategy. Agendas and materials in support of the teleconferences will be placed on the SAB Web site in advance of each teleconference. Both teleconferences will begin at 12 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. (Eastern Time). June 22 EPA Launches Protection Team To Explore Widespread Bee Death EPA has formed a pollinator protection team to expand the Agency’s inquiry into the possible causes of declines in pollinators, especially honey bee populations in the U.S. The new multidisciplinary team will address the potential risks that pesticides may contribute to what is known as colony collapse disorder. Although the role that pesticides play in the phenomenon has not been scientifically established, the team will explore possible approaches, tools, and resources for reducing the potential risks of pesticides to pollinators. The team has also developed a strategic plan that focuses on three main goals for guiding the Agency’s work and direction in protecting pollinators in the years ahead: Advancing the Agency’s scientific knowledge and assessment of pesticide risks to pollinators; Improving risk management tools for mitigating potential risks to pollinators; Increasing and broadening EPA’s collaboration and communication with governmental and non-governmental organizations and the public in addressing pollinator issues.
For more information, see EPA's Pollinator Protection Web page. June 19 EPA Amends Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Copper Pesticides
EPA has modified certain provisions that were specified in the 2006 Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the copper pesticides. EPA conducted this reassessment of the Coppers RED in response to public comments received during the comment period, and updated information that would impact product labeling. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0558.
New Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Information Available
EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) has launched a new Web site on pyrethrins and pyrethroids. The site includes information about EPA's reevaluation of these pesticides; a paper and related fact sheet on the Agency's analysis of whether an association exists between pyrethrin/pyrethroid exposure and asthma and allergies; a description of new environmental hazard and general labeling for non-agricultural outdoor use pyrethroid products, including tips for consumers to use in reducing the potential for pesticide runoff and drift; and other related topics and issues. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are insecticides included in over 3,500 registered products, many of which are used widely in and around households, including on pets, in mosquito control, and in agriculture. The use of pyrethrins and pyrethroids has increased during the past decade with the declining use of organophosphate pesticides, which are more acutely toxic to birds and mammals than the pyrethroids. June 17
EPA Extends Comment Period for Clomazone and Fomesafen Registration Review Draft Ecological Risk Assessments
EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of April 22, 2009 concerning the availability of EPA's draft ecological risk assessments for the registration review of both clomazone and fomesafen and opened a public comment period on these documents. EPA has extended the comment period for 60 days, from June 22, 2009 to August 21, 2009. EPA Proposes Registration Review Decision for Citric Acid
EPA announces the availability of its final work plan and proposed registration review decision for the pesticide citric acid and opens a public comment period on the proposed decision. Citric acid is a food-contact and non-food contact antimicrobial pesticide used in many products for residential and public access premises and as a disinfectant fruit and vegetable wash, sanitizer, virucide, and germicide. It is also an inert ingredient in other pesticide products. Citric acid is characterized by low toxicity, is biodegradable, and is found extensively in nature. Comments may be submitted to docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0855 by August 17, 2009. Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates
2-Butenedioic acid (2Z)-, monobutyl ester, polymer with methoxyethene, sodium salt -- exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (June 24)
2-Propenoic acid, butyl ester, polymer with ethyl 2-propenoate and N-(hydroxymethyl)-2-propenamide -- exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (June 24) Acetochlor -- modification of tolerances for residues in or on corn, field, forage; corn, field, stover; and corn, pop, stover (June 24) Alkyl amine polyalkoxylates -- exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues when used as inert ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and animals (June 17)
Chlorantraniliprole -- establishment of tolerances for residues in or on various almond and pistachio commodities; establishment of time-limited rotational crop tolerances for residues in or on various commodities, expiring April 25, 2010 (June 26) Glyphosate -- increased tolerance for residues in or on cotton, gin byproducts (June 24) Metolachlor, S-Metolachlor, Bifenazate, Buprofezin, and 2,4-D -- proposal to modify, establish or revoke certain tolerances (June 26) Oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane -- exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (June 24) Pesticide products -- applications to register pesticide products containing new active ingredients not included in any currently registered products (June 17) Starch, oxidized, polymers with Bu acrylate, tert-Bu acrylate and styrene -- exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation (June 24) Triallate -- establishment of tolerances for residues in or on bermudagrass, hay (June 24) Top of Page
June 12 EPA Extends Compliance Date for All Facilities and Establishes New Compliance Date for Farms Subject to SPCC Rule EPA has extended the compliance date for all facilities and established a new compliance date for farms subject to the oil Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) regulations. This final rule is part of EPA’s multi-phased strategy to address concerns with the SPCC regulation. Specifically, this SPCC rule amendment extends the dates by which the owner or operator of an SPCC regulated facility or farm must prepare or amend and implement an SPCC plan to November 10, 2010. More information on the SPCC Rule from EPA's Office of Emergency Management
June 10 EPA Amends Allethrins Reregistration Eligibility Decision
EPA announces the availability of its revised Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the allethrins series of pesticides. EPA amended the allethrins RED to include an assessment of a registered use for the allethrins (use in commercial animal housing automatic misting systems), which was not considered in the original RED. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0986.
EPA Amends Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Permethrin
EPA has modified the 2006 Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for the pesticide permethrin based on the revised occupational and residential (ORE) risk assessment. EPA conducted this reassessment of the permethrin RED in response to new data submitted by the Consumer Specialty Product Association, Permethrin Dermal Absorption Group. Based on the new data received, the Agency has revised the ORE risk assessment and the permethrin RED, appropriately. In addition, the Agency revised the permethrin label table to reflect the updated labeling for permethrin residential, agricultural, and wide area public health use products. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2004-0385.
June 9 EPA Orders Allrounder Dairies To Stop Discharging EPA has issued cease and desist administrative orders to the Allrounder I and II Dairies in Hopkins County, Texas, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act. Findings from EPA inspections of the dairies included solid manure build-up and improperly-located mortality management areas. Numerous carcasses were observed floating, uncovered and partially exposed and in various stages of decomposition in a wetland area. Based on these findings, the dairies have been ordered to cease all discharges of pollutants, and within 30 days remove stockpiled manure from drainage areas and land apply or relocate the piles to an area that will ensure runoff is captured in an approved lagoon. The dairies have also been ordered to excavate and relocate their mortality management areas to an approved location that is not in a wetland and does not discharge to a wetland or waterway.
Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee Schedules Public Teleconference The Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC) will hold a public teleconference on Monday, July 13, 2009, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The purpose of this teleconference is for the FRRCC to discuss and approve its draft advice letters pertaining to livestock and poultry to EPA, and other issues that are of concern to farms, ranches, and rural communities. A copy of the meeting agenda will be posted at the FRRCC Web site. Public Meeting of the Science Advisory Board Committee on EPA's Report on the Environment
EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a public meeting of the SAB Advisory Committee on EPA's Report on the Environment. The Committee will conduct a consultation on proposed approaches to developing future versions of EPA's Report on the Environment. The meeting will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon (Eastern Time) in Washington, DC. June 8 Court Grants EPA 2-Year Stay in National Cotton Council et al v. EPA
June 5 National Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center June Newsletter and Webcast The June edition of the National Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center (LPELC) newsletter is available. Topics include: July Webcast: Carbon Footprint of Animal Agriculture; Manure Nutrient Management Information Is Just a Click Away; SARE Research and Education Grants Available; Phosphorus Leaching Differs in Dairy Manures; and Upper Midwest Manure Handling Expo. The next live webcast will be on June 19, 2009. The topic is "Managing Mortalities for Cow-calf and Dairy Operations." This presentation will include an overview of a recent FDA rule that is likely to impact the cost and/or availability of rendering for cow-calf and dairy producers. The speakers are: David Meeker of the National Renderers Association; Elizabeth Parker of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and Jean Bonhotal, a dairy producer with extensive experience in composting mortalities.
LPELC June Newsletter (PDF) (2 pp, 50K, About PDF)
LPELC Webcast Series June 4 EPA Schedules Meeting of the Human Studies Review Board
EPA's Office of the Science Advisor announces a public meeting of the
Human Studies Review Board to advise the Agency on EPA's
scientific and ethical reviews of research with human subjects. The public meeting will be held from June 24, 2009 in Arlington, VA. Topics for discussion are included in the Federal Register notice linked above. June 3
EPA Announces Appointment of Agricultural Counselor
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the appointment of Larry Elworth as the Agriculture Counselor at the agency. Mr. Elworth has more than 30 years experience in agriculture and brings to EPA an understanding of all sides of agricultural issues. He developed that understanding through years as an official shaping national farm policies, and as owner and manager of tree fruit and vineyard operations. He previously served as Executive Director of the Center for Agricultural Partnerships, a nonprofit organization that works with farmers on developing environmentally sound and economically profitable practices. He has worked on national and international pesticide policy, and overseen pest management, agricultural labor, and environmental policy for the Department of Agriculture and the Domestic Policy Council.
EPA Amends REDs for Soil Fumigant Pesticides
EPA has modified certain risk mitigation measures that were specified in the 2008 Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) for the soil fumigant pesticides chloropicrin, dazomet, metam sodium/potassium, and methyl bromide. EPA conducted this reassessment in response to public comments received during the comment period and new data submitted by the Chloropicrin Manufacturers' Task Force and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The Agency received numerous comments on the RED mitigation measures and has made changes to the following measures based on a review of the impacts and risks described in the comments: buffer zones, buffer zone posting, respiratory protection, tarp perforation and removal, good agricultural practices, fumigant management plans, fumigant site monitoring, response information to neighbors, training, and notice to state and tribal lead agencies. The Agency also received new chloropicrin and dazomet flux studies and has taken these new studies into consideration and revised the chloropicrin and dazomet buffer zone tables. The label table incorporated into the chloropicrin, dazomet, metam sodium/ potassium, and methyl bromide RED amendments includes modifications which specify label language for the changes to the mitigation measures described above. Docket ID numbers for each pesticide are listed in the Federal Register notice linked above. Final Registration Review Decision Available for L-Lactic Acid EPA has released its final registration review decision for the pesticide L-Lactic Acid, case 6062. L-Lactic Acid is registered as a biochemical pesticide used as a mosquito attractant (in traps). In addition, L-Lactic Acid is also used as an antimicrobial disinfectant, indirect food contact surface sanitizer, fungicide, and virucide when applied to hard, non-porous surfaces such as tile, countertops, metal, or glass. Registration review is EPA's periodic review of pesticide registrations to ensure that each pesticide continues to satisfy the statutory standard for registration, that is, that the pesticide can perform its intended function without causing unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0383.
FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel Schedules Public Meeting
There will be a 3-day meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) to consider and review the use of structure activity relationships of estrogen binding affinity to support prioritization of pesticide inert ingredients and antimicrobial pesticides for screening and testing. The meeting will be held on August 25-27, 2009, in Arlington, VA.
EPA Releases Reregistration Eligibility Decision for Iodine and Iodophors EPA has released its Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) and supporting science documents for the pesticide iodine and iodophor complexes. The RED document for iodine and iodophor complexes was signed on July 27, 2006 with additional revisions described in a March 17, 2009 amendment. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0599.
Aspergillus flavus AF36 -- extension of the temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues on pistachio when applied/used as an antifungal agent to displace aflatoxin-producing fungi; the expiration date is extended to December 31, 2011 (June 3)
Clethodim, novaluron, diazinon, spirodiclofen, spirotetramat -- petitions proposing the establishment or modification of regulations for residues in or on various commodities (June 10) Nicotine -- product cancellation order, voluntarily requested by the registrant, effective January 1, 2014 (June 3) N,N'-methylenebismorpholine, N,N'- methylenebis (5-methyloxazolidin) -- applications to register pesticide products containing new active ingredients not included in any currently registered products (June 10) Pesticide chemicals -- exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance; technical amendments (June 3) Silver -- exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues in or on all foods when applied or used in public eating places, dairy processing equipment, and food-processing equipment (June 10) Sulfuryl fluoride -- application requesting an experimental use permit for 32,435 lbs of the active ingredient on 65 acres. The states in which the proposed program will be conducted include California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas (June 10) Triflumizole -- establishment of tolerances for residues in or on various commodities (June 3) Top of Page
June 1 EPA Announces Revised Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Allotments
EPA is announcing the revised Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) allotments that will be provided to the states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, American Indian Tribes, and Alaska Native Villages if the President’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2010 is enacted. These allotments reflect the results from EPA’s most recent Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment, which was released on March 26, 2009. The revised allocation percentages affect DWSRF Program appropriations for the four years from Fiscal Years 2010 through 2013. The goal of the DWSRF program is to provide states with a financing mechanism for ensuring safe drinking water to the public.