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News Archive: April 2003
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This information is provided for reference. Over time, links to news items may become unavailable, in these cases the item will remain listed, but no link will be provided. Also, please be aware that the information in any particular article may be outdated or superseded by additional information.April 29
Joint
Nutrient and Biological Criteria Development: Request for Proposals
EPA seeks to award financial assistance to states, tribal governments,
universities, and other eligible agencies to support eutrophication research
within various ecoregions and waterbodies nationwide, and to support the
development and implementation of biological assessments and criteria.
The focus of this research is on better understanding of the complex relationships
among nutrient loading and physical and biological responses of water
bodies.
April 24
EPA
Seeks Comments on Pesticide Emergency Exemptions Pilot Program
EPA is beginning a pilot process to determine a more efficient and targeted
review of a limited number of pesticide emergency exemption applications
that meet certain criteria, starting with the 2003 growing season. The
Agency is seeking public comment on this pilot program. Comments must
be received on or before June 23, 2003.
Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates
- Certain low-risk polymers when used as an inert ingredient (exemption from the requirement of a tolerance granted April 30)
- Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1F protein in cotton when applied/used as a plant-incorporated protectant (temporary exemption from the requirement of a tolerance granted April 30 and will expire May 1, 2004)
- Bifenthrin in or on almond hulls, bananas, citrus, herbs, pears, tree nuts, spinach, tomatoes, and food/feed products in food/feed handling establishments (tolerance granted April 30)
- Coumaphos, et al. -- pesticide emergency exemptions; agency decisions and state and federal agency crisis declarations
- Cyazofamid -- notice of filing a pesticide petition to establish a tolerance for cyazofamid in or on various food commodities
- Folpet -- notice of filing a pesticide petition to establish a tolerance for folpet in or on hops, dried cones
- Mefenpyr-diethyl in or on wheat and barley commodities (tolerance granted April 30)
- Myclobutanil -- receipt of application for emergency exemption to treat up to 7,000 acres of artichokes in California to control powdery mildew (May 7)
- Pesticide tolerance processing fees -- annual adjustment (effective June 6, 2003)
- Pyraflufen-ethyl in or on field corn, potato, and soybean (tolerance granted April 30)
- Thiacloprid -- notice of filing a pesticide petition to establish a tolerance for thiacloprid in or on various raw agricultural commodities
April 23
Comment
Period Reopened on Preliminary Comparative Ecological Assessment of Rodenticides
In a Federal Register notice on January 29, 2003, EPA opened a public
comment period on the Preliminary Comparative Ecological Assessment document
for nine rodenticides. The rodenticides included those addressed in the
Reregistration Eligibility Decisions for the rodenticide cluster (brodifacoum,
bromadiolone, bromethalin, chlorophacinone, diphacinone, and zinc phosphide),
as well as three other rodenticides -- warfarin, difethialone, and cholecalciferol.
The comment period has been reopened for 60 days, from March 31, 2003,
to May 30, 2003.
April 18
EPA
Requests Grant Proposals To Retrofit Diesel Vehicles
EPA is looking to partner with state, local, and tribal organizations
to reduce emissions from diesel-powered vehicles. Through this partnership,
grants totaling $500,000 will be awarded to transportation fleets such
as public and private school buses; waste haulers; private trucking fleets;
locomotives; and construction and/or agricultural fleets that agree to
retrofit existing diesel engines with improved or new technologies that
have been verified to reduce diesel exhaust emissions under EPA's Voluntary
Diesel Retrofit program. Applications must be submitted to U.S. EPA, Office
of Transportation and Air Quality, no later than May 22.
EPA
Releases Toxicological Review of Benzene
EPA has released the "Toxicological Review of Benzene -- Noncancer
Effects," a report that describes the potential noncancer health
hazards associated with environmental exposures to benzene. This document
supplements two previously released human health assessments of benzene,
and will be used to inform the Agency's future risk assessments and regulation
of benzene sources. Benzene is an industrial solvent and a component of
gasoline, and is also used in the manufacture of plastics, detergents,
and pesticides.
- More information on the toxicological review of benzene
- Federal Register notice
EPA
and Greenbiz.com Announce "Best Environmental Practices" Database
EPA and Greenbiz.com announce a new environmental best practices database,
"Greenbiz Leaders," featuring hundreds of examples of companies
that have successfully combined environmental responsibility with economic
profit. The more than 650 company examples selected for Greenbiz Leaders
are winners of federal, state, and local environmental award and recognition
programs. GreenBiz.com, a project of the National Environmental Education
and Training Foundation, developed the searchable database through a grant
from EPA's National Environmental Performance Track program.
April 17
EPA
Seeks Comment on Proposal To Implement Exclusive Use and Compensation
Rights for Data Submitters
EPA is making available for comment a proposal to implement exclusive
use and compensation rights for data submitted to EPA in support of tolerance
and tolerance exemption actions and discussing confidentiality of tolerance
and tolerance exemption data. Because of the cost of generating requested
data, the issue of data compensation and exclusive rights is important
to some stakeholders. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2002-0296,
must be received on or before July 16, 2003.
Extension
for Amendments and Implementation of Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
Plans
EPA is extending, by eighteen months from the dates promulgated in the
July 2002 Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) amendments,
the dates for a facility to amend its SPCC Plan and implement the amended
Plan (or, in the case of facilities becoming operational after August
16, 2002, prepare and implement a Plan that complies with the newly amended
requirements). Facilities now will have until Aug. 17, 2004, to amend
their SPCC plans to conform with revisions to the SPCC regulations that
became effective last summer and until Feb. 17, 2005, to implement those
amendments.
Comment
Period Extended on Cancer Risk Assessment Guideline Documents
EPA has extended the comment period for the Draft Final Guidelines for
Carcinogen Risk Assessment and the draft Supplemental Guidance for Assessing
Cancer Susceptibility from Early-Life Exposure to Carcinogens. The availability
of these documents was originally announced in the Federal Register on
March 3, 2003 (68 FR 10012). The comment period was scheduled to close
on May 1, 2003. Now, EPA must receive comments by Monday, June 2, 2003.
April 16
Import
Tolerance Data Requirements Detailed in NAFTA Guidance
In an April 16, 2003, Federal Register notice, EPA issued for comment
proposed detailed guidance on data requirements that meet North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) standards for establishing pesticide import
tolerances (maximum residue levels allowed in foods) in Canada, Mexico,
and the United States. The guidance document does not change U.S. data
requirements for obtaining import tolerances in this country. This common
approach to the establishment of import tolerances is expected to promote
trade between North America and the rest of the world and maintain North
American high standards for food safety. Comments on the NAFTA import
tolerance guidance document must be received by June 16, 2003.
- Federal Register notice
- NAFTA import tolerance guidance document
- NAFTA import tolerance guidance Q's and A's
Fenthion
Voluntary Cancellation Requested
EPA has received a request from registrant Bayer Environmental Science
for voluntary cancellation of their organophosphate pesticide fenthion,
used primarily for adult mosquito control in two counties in Florida.
The Agency soon will publish a Federal Register notice inviting public
comment on the proposed cancellation of all uses of fenthion. Fenthion
may be produced and sold in the United States until June 30, 2004, and
may be used until November 30, 2004. Bayer will take back all unopened
fenthion products returned to the company by December 31, 2004. These
mitigation measures are expected to help reduce avian exposure during
the phase-out period.
April 15
EPA
Proposes Dramatic Reductions of Pollution from Nonroad Diesel Engines
EPA has announced a proposal to dramatically reduce emissions from nonroad
diesel engines used in construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment.
This comprehensive national program requires stringent nonroad engine
controls and reductions of sulfur in diesel fuel a program that
will achieve enormous air quality improvements throughout the country.
Written comments may be submitted until August 20, 2003. Public hearings
will be held in New York on June 10, Chicago on June 12, and Los Angeles
on June 17, 2003.
April 14
EPA
Releases Voluntary Guidelines For Septic Systems; Invites Comments on
Companion Handbook
EPA announced the release of new guidelines designed to help local governments
strengthen their management of septic systems and other small, privately
owned wastewater treatment systems. The public is also invited to review
and comment on the companion Handbook for Management of Onsite and Clustered
(Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems. The public comment period
closes on May 27, 2003.
- More information about septic systems
- Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems
- DRAFT Management Handbook for Management of Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems
April 10
EPA
Announces Rule To Reduce Diesel Emissions on California Farms
EPA has issued a direct final rule that will give California farmers the
option to replace existing stationary diesel-powered engines used in agricultural
operations with cleaner engines certified to nonroad mobile source emission
standards. This rule applies only to California operations, because California
is the only state with both severe and extreme ozone nonattainment areas
where agricultural engines have the potential to contribute emissions
above major source thresholds.
Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates
- Allethrin, et al. -- nomenclature changes in commodity descriptions (April 18)
- Bacillus thuringiensis -- request for amendment/extension of an experimental use permit in corn (April 23)
- Chromated copper arsenate wood preservative products -- response to requests to cancel certain chromated copper arsenate (CCA) wood preservative products and amendments to terminate certain uses of other CCA products (April 9)
- Cyprodinil -- notice of filing a pesticide petition to establish a tolerance for cyprodinil in or on certain raw agricultural commodities (April 21)
- Decanoic acid -- technical correction (April 9)
- Fluoxastrobin -- notice of filing a pesticide petition to establish a tolerance for fluoxastrobin in or on various food commodities (April 23)
- Indoxacarb -- temporary tolerance in or on peaches; supports an experimental use permit for Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia (proposed April 16)
- Minimal risk tolerance exemptions -- certain chemical substances classified as "minimal risk" (April 16)
- Propylene oxide, et al. -- nomenclature changes in commodity descriptions (April 17)
- Pseudozyma flocculosa strain PF-A22 UL (TGAI) technical grade of the active ingredient and SPORODEX L, an end-use product (EP) -- conditional registration (April 9)
April 7
EPA To Expand
and Strengthen Sewage Sludge Research and Programs
EPA has announced a strategy for expanding and strengthening sewage sludge
(biosolids) research and programs. Under the strategy, which responds
to recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences' National Research
Council, EPA will undertake the following activities: (1) update the science
underlying the rule by conducting research in priority areas, (2) strengthen
the sewage sludge program by incorporating results of research, both within
and outside EPA, and (3) continue ongoing efforts to increase partnerships
and communication with the public and other stakeholders.
April 4
Assessment
and Watershed Protection Program Grants
Initial proposals for FY 2003 Assessment and Watershed Protection Program
Grants are due May 15, 2003. Priority will be given to funding projects
that address two areas: (1) strengthening partnerships between EPA and
groups promoting watershed protection and restoration, and (2) improving
the guidance and technology to successfully develop and implement watershed
plans and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). However, these grants
can continue to be used by recipients to build and refine any element
of a comprehensive watershed program. Interstate associations, intertribal
consortia, and non-profit, non-governmental organizations are eligible
to apply.
National
Forum on Water Quality Trading
Spend two days this summer learning about market innovations to restore
watersheds and meet water quality goals with greater efficiency. You'll
learn the state of the art from practitioners and leaders in the agricultural
community, state environmental agencies, municipal and industrial dischargers,
and other watershed interests. Interactive sessions will answer your questions
on water quality trading's potential benefits, implementation challenges
and solutions, and what's next for this innovative approach. Sponsored
by the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water, USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Association of State and Interstate Water
Pollution Control Administrators, and the Water Environment Federation,
the forum will be held in Chicago on July 22-23, 2003.
April 2
Carbaryl:
Comments Invited on Revised Risk Assessments
EPA has announced the availability of revised risk assessments and related
documents for the carbamate pesticide carbaryl. The public is encouraged
to submit risk management ideas or proposals during a 60-day public participation
period. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0101, must be
received by EPA on or before June 2, 2003.
Diuron:
Comments Invited on Risk Assessments and Tolerance Reassessment Decision
EPA has announced the availability of risk assessments and tolerance
reassessment decision (TRED) documents for the pesticide diuron. Comments,
identified by docket ID number OPP-2002-0249, must be received on or before
June 2, 2003.
- More information on diuron
- TRED (PDF) for diuron (17 pp, 40K)
Tebuthiuron:
Comments Invited on Tolerance Reassessment Decision
EPA has announced the availability of EPA's tolerance reassessment
decision (TRED) and supporting risk assessment documents for the pesticide
tebuthiuron. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2002-0146, must
be received on or before May 2, 2003.
- More information on tebuthiuron
- TRED (PDF) for tebuthiuron (4 pp, 16K)
- Fact sheet on tebuthiuron (PDF) (7 pp, 65K)
Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates
- Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb1 protein in corn and Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab protein in corn -- application to register a pesticide product containing an active ingredient involving a changed use pattern to include claims for protection against leaf and stalk damage caused by lepidopteran insects and root damage caused by corn rootworms (Diabrotica spp).
- Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb1 protein in corn -- receipt of an application requesting an experimental use permit to test Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb1 protein and the genetic material necessary for its production (vector ZMIR39) in corn on 829 acres in 2003 and 2,299 acres in 2004. This plant-incorporated protectant is being tested against corn rootworm species.
- Bacillus pumilus (GB 34) when used as a seed treatment in or on soybeans and soybeans after harvest (exemption from a tolerance granted April 2).
- Fenpropimorph -- receipt of applications to register pesticide products containing new active ingredients for use as a wood preservative for control of sapstain, mold, and decay of freshly cut lumber and wood products during storage and transit and for use as a biocide fungicide/preservative additive in the manufacturing of wood composite products.
- Fludioxonil -- notice of filing pesticide petitions to establish tolerances on brassica, turnip greens, carrots, herbs, longan, lychee, pulasan, rambutan, and Spanish lime, and to amend tolerances on herbs and spices.
- Lactic acid, ethyl ester, and lactic acid, n-butyl ester, correction
- Modified acrylic polymers when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemical formulations, if such is used in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices (revises an existing exemption from the requirement of a tolerance, April 2).
- Polymeric Betaine -- receipt of applications to register pesticide products containing new active ingredients for use in vacuum-pressure treatment of wood to protect against insects, rot, and fungal decay.
- S-metolachlor in or on the raw agricultural commodities grass forage, grass hay, spinach, sugar beet, sugar beet molasses, sugar beet tops, sunflower seed, sunflower meal, and tomato (tolerance granted April 2).
- Thiamethoxam -- notice of filing pesticide petitions to establish/amend tolerances on imported coffee; pecans; leafy vegetable crops; head, stem, and leafy brassica crops; succulent beans; stone fruit crops; sunflower seed; peppermint tops; and spearmint tops.
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