PEP-Talk, September, 2006
Pesticide Education Program
Ohio State University Extension
Joanne Kick-Raack, State Coordinator
Cindy Folck, Communications
Vol. 10, Issue 8
In This Issue
EPA Releases Pesticide Container and Containment Rule
EPA has released the final rule on standards for pesticide containers and containment. The rule was first proposed in 1994. The rule will affect pesticide registrants, distributors and retailers. The only requirement for private applicators is to follow instructions on the pesticide label regarding refilling, cleaning and recycling containers.
The rule has extensive language regarding the containers, both refillable and nonrefillable and containers used for repackaging of pesticide products. Containment structures are required for agriculture retailers as well as agriculture commercial and custom applicators. These structures include secondary containment dikes around stationary tanks, containment pads for pesticide dispensing areas, recordkeeping and monthly inspections of tanks and structures.
More information about the new regulation is available at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/containers.htm
(Sources: EPA Office of Pesticide Programs Update 8/16/06)
Syngenta in Court Over Metolachlor
A federal court has allowed the Syngenta lawsuit against EPA and other defendants to move forward. The suit is based on EPA’s handling of Syngenta’s registration of metolachlor. EPA approved the registration of S-metolachlor as a lower risk alternative to metolachlor, and asked Syngenta to voluntarily cancel registrations of the herbicide. Syngenta complied with the request.
However, before canceling Syngenta’s metolachlor registration, EPA granted several me-too conditional registrations for products based on the active registration of metolachlor and allowed registrations to rely on Syngenta data. Syngenta’s registration was canceled in August, 2002.
(Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 34, No. 44)
EPA Cancels Carbofuran
EPA has cancelled all uses of carbofuran, a systemic, broad-spectrum carbamate insecticide. Crop uses included wheat, alfalfa, grapes, oats, potatoes, ornamentals, sweet corn, field, popcorn, soybeans and sugar beets. There will be a four-year phase out for curcurbits and sunflowers. The pesticide was originally registered in 1969 and is restricted-use. A fact sheet about carbofuran is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/carbofuran_ired_fs.htm
Study Finds Herbicides Reduce Reliance on Foreign Oil
A study released in June by CropLife finds that use of herbicides has significant impacts for farmers. The impacts result in cost savings for farmers and reduced need for foreign oil and migrant labor. Over 300 million gallons of diesel fuel are saved when using herbicides compared to mechanical tillage and reduction of need for labor to pull weeds by hand. The environment is improved by eliminating 356 billion pounds of soil erosion by not having to plow weeds under the soil because herbicides are used. The study can be accessed at: http://www.croplifefoundation.org
(Source: The Label, University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension, Vol. 18, No. 6)
European Ban on Atrazine
Several countries in Europe have banned use of atrazine for agricultural weed control and the European Union will not reregister atrazine. This year, EPA released the reregistration eligibility decision for triazine products including atrazine indicating that the products are eligible to be registered. However there is increasing pressure from some groups to discontinue atrazine here in the U.S. The Natural Resources Defense Council just published a position paper in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health to encourage a ban of atrazine. The article is available at: http://ijoeh.com/pfds/IJOEH_1203_Sass.pdf
Endangered Species Process in Court
The process used by EPA for assessing endangered species for pesticide registrations must change according to a federal court in Seattle. Several environmental groups have taken EPA to court over changes in assessing endangered species in regards to registration approvals.
EPA has its own approval process under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The Endangered Species Act requires consultation from wildlife agencies such as the Fish and Wildlife Service. The court ruled that EPA should not replace formal endangered species consultation process with an internal EPA consideration.
Pesticide Crop Watch
Herbicides
Organic arsenic - EPA has announced that organic arsenic is not eligible for reregistration, including MSMA, DSMA, CAMA and cacodylic acid. The decision was based on the potential for organic arsenical products to transform to inorganic arsenic when applied, which could be transported to drinking water. Organic arsenic herbicides are used primarily on cotton and turf, including golf courses, recreational areas and rights-of-way. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/methanearsonic_acid/
Insecticides
Lindane – EPA has received requests from registrants to voluntarily cancel the remaining uses of lindane. The broad spectrum, organochlorine insecticide was used to treat the seeds of barley, corn, oats, rye, sorghum and wheat. A public comment period is open until September 22, 2006. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/lindane/
Fungicides
Copper or cupric ion – EPA has determined that agricultural uses of copper-containing pesticide products are eligible for reregistration. Copper is a broad-spectrum fungicide that is used on tomato, pepper, grape, berries, peach and tree nuts. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/copper_oxides/
Misc.
Metaldehyde – EPA has approved reregistration of metaldehyde, a molluscicide used to control slugs and snails in turf, ornamentals, berries and vegetables. To reduce accidental poisoning for domestic animals (mainly dogs) and wildlife, mitigation measures will be introduced for residential use products and include, with others:
- reduce number of applications and application rates
- add minimum retreatment intervals
- prohibit broadcast and foliar applications
- always include bittering agents
For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/metaldehyde/
Methyl bromide – EPA has released the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for methyl bromide. The decision is for methyl bromide’s commodity uses such as post-harvest fumigation of food commodities. The comment period is open until October 10, 2006. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/methyl_bromide/
(Sources for Pesticide Crop Watch: U.S. EPA Office of Pesticide Programs)
Upcoming Events
Wood Destroying Insect Inspection
October 4, 2006
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Taught at ODA in Reynoldsburg
Meets mandatory training requirement for Wood – Destroying Insect Inspection License
Ohio Commercial Recertification Schools
General Schools (turf, ornamental, industrial vegetation and pest control)
Akron – November 21, 2006
Wilmington – December 14, 2006
Perrysburg – February 8, 2007
Columbus – February 27, 2007
Field Crop Conferences (agronomic pest control and agriculture weed)
Lima – December 19, 2006
Wooster – January 17, 2007
Pesticide Applicator Training Inservice For County Educators
December 6 and 7, 2006
Agriculture Administration Auditorium, OSU Campus - Columbus
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OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, OSU Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868
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