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News Archive: July 2005

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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 Also, please be aware that the information in any particular article may be outdated or superseded by additional information.

July 28
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Public Meetings Exit EPA
The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC) has announced the dates and locations for six public meetings to obtain input on the recently released GLRC Draft Strategy to Restore and Protect the Great Lakes. The meeting schedule is as follows: July 28 in Gary, Indiana; August 1 in Grand Rapids, Michigan; August 4 in Superior, Wisconsin; August 18 in Detroit, Michigan; August 23 in Cleveland, Ohio; and August 30 in Buffalo, New York. The GLRC is a partnership of federal, state, local, and tribal government officials and other interests in the Great Lakes basin, created by executive order in 2004 to develop a restoration and protection plan for the Great Lakes. The draft plan was released on July 7, and the final plan is scheduled for completion on December 12, 2005.

Watershed Academy's Second Webcast Features "Getting in Step" Guide to Effective Watershed Outreach
On July 20, EPA's Watershed Academy sponsored its second Webcast on how to conduct effective watershed outreach campaigns. The Webcast, entitled "Getting in Step: Developing Your Message and Publicizing it Effectively," featured watershed outreach specialist Charlie McPherson from Tetra Tech, Inc. The on-line seminar attracted several hundred participants from 42 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada with people participating via streaming audio or phone lines and viewing the PowerPoint presentation on the Internet. The June 22 Webcast on "Eight Tools of Protection for Developing Areas" featured Tom Schueler with the Center for Watershed Protection. EPA plans to host a Webcast each month.

July 27
Office of Water Launches New Watershed Discussion Board
As part of its second Webcast, the Office of Water launched a new on-line Watershed Discussion Board. This forum offers watershed protection practitioners and citizens a platform to exchange ideas, so that innovative solutions and ideas can be easily shared in (near) real-time cyberspace. EPA hopes to engage watershed leaders from around the country in these interactive, on-line discussions. Anyone can view the discussion, but one must register to post messages and receive customized updates. The forum currently includes the following six categories:

Louisiana Man Convicted of Witness Tampering in Endangered Species Case
On July 14, a West Monroe, Louisiana, man was found guilty by a jury on two felony counts of witness tampering in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas in Little Rock. In March 2005, he had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of the Federal Bald Eagle Act and two misdemeanor charges of violating the Migratory Bird Act, admitting that he intentionally lured and killed animals by baiting deer carcasses and sardine cans with Temik, a highly toxic poison that he was not licensed to possess. The first trial, in April 2005, ended with a FIFRA conviction and a hung jury on witness tampering charges. In the witness tampering counts presented at the retrial, the evidence showed Craft threatened two witnesses and urged them to keep quiet about the investigation to federal authorities and instructed them on "how to testify."

EPA To Continue Case-by-Case Consideration of Activity-Based Worker Reentry Restrictions
EPA has opened a special docket describing the Agency's general approach for considering specific fieldworker activity information in setting restricted-entry intervals for pesticides. The docket (ID number OPP-2005-0079) includes the program's general approach and supporting documentation, including written comments, the Agency response, and other related documents. Based on its consideration of extensive stakeholder input, the Agency intends to continue its case-by-case consideration in making reentry decisions, as described in its 2001 guidance document. The approach described in the guidance is non-binding, and the Agency remains open to alternative approaches for addressing worker reentry risk concerns.

Public Meetings Announced for Proposed Registration Review Program
EPA has scheduled two public information sessions to explain its proposed approach to periodically reviewing each existing pesticide registration. Through registration review, EPA generally will review registered pesticides about every 15 years to ensure that they continue to meet current health and safety standards. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, August 23, 2005, in Arlington, Virginia. The second meeting will be on Thursday, September 1, 2005, in Chicago. At these public information sessions, staff from EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs will discuss, among other things, proposed scheduling procedures, the process for conducting reviews, differences and similarities between reregistration and registration review, and stakeholder and public participation opportunities in the new registration review program. EPA will respond to questions during the meeting, but comments to be fully considered by the Agency must be submitted in writing to the docket for the proposed rule, OPP-2004-0404.

Updated Schedule for Reregistration and Tolerance Reassessment Available
EPA has released an updated schedule for completing pesticide reregistration eligibility decisions (REDs), Interim REDs (IREDs), and tolerance reassessment decisions (TREDs) during the next several years. By following this schedule, the Agency plans to meet its statutory deadlines to complete tolerance reassessment and all food use REDs and IREDs by August 3, 2006, and REDs for other, non-food use pesticides subject to reregistration by October 3, 2008. To assist stakeholders and the public in planning their involvement, EPA also has updated its Public Comment Period Schedule, indicating when opportunities for public comment are expected to begin for pesticides undergoing reviews.

Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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July 20
Comments Sought on Pesticide Review Process for Older Pesticides
To ensure that pesticide registrations continue to meet current health and safety standards, EPA is seeking public comment on a proposed approach to review each existing pesticide registration every 15 years. This new registration review program, mandated by the Food Quality Protection Act, will begin in 2006 and make sure that, as the ability to assess risk evolves and as policies and practices change, "older" pesticides will still meet the statutory standard of no unreasonable adverse effects. During the 90-day comment period for this proposal, the agency will hold public information meetings on the proposed rule. EPA's proposed Procedural Regulations for Registration Review are available for comment until October 11, 2005.

Sixteen Leaders In Pesticide Stewardship Recognized
Sixteen members of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) were recognized for their efforts in preventing pollution and reducing pesticide risk at a ceremony July 15 in Arlington, Va. The 2005 "PESP Champions" used most or all of the following integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce the human health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use:

More information on Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP)

1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one (BIT) Risk Assessment Available for Comment
EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents for the antimicrobial pesticide 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one (BIT), and has opened a public comment period on these documents. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one using a modified, four-phase public participation process. 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one is used as a preservative in a variety of products. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0200, must be received on or before September 19, 2005.

Azadioxabicyclooctane Risk Assessment Available for Comment
EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents, such as supporting science chapters, for the pesticide azadioxabicyclooctane, an antimicrobial pesticide, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for azadioxabicyclooctane through a modified, four-phase public participation process. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0186, must be received on or before September 19, 2005.

Para-tertiary Amylphenol Risk Assessment Available for Comment
EPA has released its risk assessment and related documents, such as supporting science chapters, for the antimicrobial pesticide para-tertiary amylphenol (4-t-amylphenol), and has opened a public comment period on these documents. The public also is encouraged to suggest risk management ideas or proposals to address any risks identified. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for 4-t-amylphenol through a modified, four-phase public participation process. This chemical is an active ingredient in some disinfectant, sanitizer, and air deodorizing products. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0181, must be received on or before September 19, 2005.

Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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July 13
EPA Opens Comment Period for 1,3-Dichloropropene Risk Assessment
EPA has released its human health risk assessment for the soil fumigant 1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D), which is commonly referred to as telone, and has opened a public comment period on this document. Although 1,3-D has undergone reregistration and a Reregistration Eligibility Decision was published for 1,3-D in December 1998, EPA is concurrently assessing six soil fumigants to ensure that its risk assessment approaches are consistent, and to ensure that risk tradeoffs and economic outcomes can be adequately predicted in reaching risk management decisions for the five other soil fumigants. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0124, must be received on or before September 12, 2005.

EPA Invites Comments on Dazomet Risk Assessment
EPA has released its human health risk assessment and related documents for the pesticide dazomet, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for dazomet through the full six-phase public participation process. EPA also is concurrently assessing the risks of five other soil fumigant pesticides to ensure that its assessment approaches are consistent and to ensure that risk tradeoffs and economic outcomes can be adequately predicted in reaching risk management decisions. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0128, must be received on or before September 12, 2005.

Metam Sodium Risk Assessment Available for Comment
EPA has released its human health risk assessment and related documents for the pesticide metam sodium, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. EPA is developing a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for metam sodium through the full six-phase public participation process. EPA also is concurrently assessing the risks of five other soil fumigant pesticides to ensure that its assessment approaches are consistent and to ensure that risk tradeoffs and economic outcomes can be adequately predicted in reaching risk management decisions. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0125, must be received on or before September 12, 2005.

EPA Opens Comment Period for Risk Assessments of Methyl Bromide
EPA has released its human health and environmental fate and effects risk assessments and related documents for the fumigant methyl bromide, and has opened a public comment period on these documents. EPA is developing the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for methyl bromide through the full six-phase public participation process. EPA also is concurrently assessing the risks of five other soil fumigant pesticides to ensure that its assessment approaches are consistent, and to ensure that risk tradeoffs and economic outcomes can be adequately predicted in reaching risk management decisions. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0123, must be received on or before September 12, 2005.

EPA Invites Comments on Simazine Risk Assessments and Risk Reduction Options
EPA has released its human health and environmental fate and effects risk assessments and related documents for the chlorinated triazine pesticide simazine, and has opened 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 an Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision (IRED) for simazine through a modified four-phase public participation process. Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2005-0151, must be received on or before September 12, 2005.

Notice of Availability of Tolerance Reassessment Decision for Cyhexatin
EPA has reassessed risks associated with use of cyhexatin and has released its Tolerance Reassessment Decision (TRED) for this pesticide. There are no existing U.S. product registrations for cyhexatin, but the manufacturers are supporting a tolerance for orange juice for import purposes. EPA will revoke all existing cyhexatin tolerances and will establish a time-limited tolerance for orange juice, pending submission and review of confirmatory generic data. The Agency's risk assessments and other related documents are available in the cyhexatin docket.

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July 12
EPA Seeks Comment on Proposed Settlement Agreement Regarding Endangered Species
EPA has published a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on a proposed settlement agreement concerning endangered species. The settlement agreement would resolve a lawsuit brought against the Agency by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Save Our Springs Alliance (SOSA). The agreement would establish a series of deadlines for the Agency to make “effects determinations” for pesticides containing any of six active ingredients (atrazine, diazinon, carbaryl, prometon, metolachlor, and simazine) to determine their potential effect on the Barton Springs salamander, Eurycea sosorum, or its designated critical habitat. EPA is requesting comment on the proposed settlement agreement and will use the comments to determine whether all or part of the proposed agreement warrants reconsideration and, therefore, renegotiation. Comments are due by July 27, 2005.

July 11
 EPA Settles With Three Southern California Pesticide Companies Over Reporting Requirements
EPA has settled with three southern California pesticide companies for failing to submit their 2004 pesticide reports on time, a violation of the federal pesticide law. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, companies must annually report pesticide production to the EPA; production records provide information on the quantity of pesticides produced and where they are produced. OPI Products, Inc., of North Hollywood, California, settled for $6,500. This company was subject to a 2004 EPA action due to similar violations. GenLabs Corporation, of Chino, California, settled for $5,200. This company received a warning letter from EPA for failing to report pesticide reports in 2004. Medical Chemical Corporation of Torrance, California, settled for $6,500. This company was subject to a 2004 EPA action due to similar violations.

EPA Fines Sparks Company for Selling Misbranded Pesticides
EPA fined Sierra Chemical Co. of Sparks, Nevada, $28,800 for the alleged sale and distribution of a misbranded pesticide in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Sierra Chemical allegedly sold and distributed a product known as Sani-Chlor, a sanitizer, without proper labeling. The product label had incorrect directions, making it difficult for the consumer to understand the proper use of the product.

July 8
Tribal Water Plan: Protecting Public Health and Water Resources in Indian Country
EPA has issued its final 2005-2008 plan for public health and water resources in Indian country. The Tribal Water Plan will be used by Agency management and staff as they work with tribes to protect the health of tribal communities and associated aquatic systems. This plan is designed to create federal/tribal partnerships that protect human health and the waters of Indian country by supporting the development and implementation of clean water and safe drinking water programs. It consolidates, in one document, a nationwide approach to tribal water protection.

July 7
Gulf of Mexico Program Office Funding Opportunity
EPA has issued a request for proposals for projects to reduce hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. An estimated amount of $275,000 for one to five cooperative agreements may be awarded under this announcement. Projects must actively involve stakeholders and focus on reduction of nutrient loads to the lower Mississippi River and its tributaries through innovative partnerships for developing locally led non-point source nutrient management solutions in the sub-basins of the Mississippi River watershed. Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m., Central Time, August 17, 2005.

Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

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July 1
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy Released
The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration released a draft strategy to restore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. At the "Summit I" event in Duluth, Minn., senior representatives of the collaboration presented the strategy for public comment. In December 2004, President Bush signed an executive order directing EPA to lead a regional collaboration of national significance for the Great Lakes. The collaboration is a unique partnership of key members from federal, state, and local governments, tribes and stakeholders for the purpose of developing a strategic plan to restore and protect the lakes. The draft is available for public comment until Sep 9, 2005.

Final EPA Staff Paper Recommends Stronger Particle Pollution Standards
A key document in EPA's review of national air quality standards for particle pollution recommends the administrator consider strengthening and refining current standards to better protect public health and visibility. Based on the latest science, the "final staff paper" does not change current air quality standards. It does, however, contain EPA staff recommendations for the administrator to consider in upcoming decisions about revising the Agency's national standards for fine (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10). The Clean Air Act requires EPA to periodically review air quality standards to ensure they provide adequate health and environmental protection and to update those standards if necessary.

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