Jump to main content.

Newsroom  |  Alerts  |  News Links  |  News Archive  |  Email News 

Agriculture Newsroom

Quick Finder
Ag 101 Agency contacts Agribusiness Animal Feeding Operations Aquaculture Crops Fact Sheets Farm, Ranch Advisory Committee Food Safety Forestry Fuels and Engines Grants Laws & Regulations Methyl Bromide Newsroom Policies Proposed Rules Publications Ranching Research Worker Protection Standard More…
Newsroom
Highlights

The news releases, reports, and other documents listed below have been selected by the Ag Center because they are of direct importance to the environmental compliance efforts of the agricultural community. The items are in chronological order, with the most recent listed first.

November 16
EPA Seeks Comment on New Permit for Animal Feeding Operations in Idaho
The public is encouraged to take a close look at a new proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Discharge Permit, required by the Clean Water Act, that would affect animal feeding operations in Idaho. If enacted as proposed, this permit will regulate discharges to surface waters from many Idaho feedlots, including those on tribal lands. When improperly managed, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) can be significant sources of excess nutrients, hormones and bacteria, which may impair water quality and deplete oxygen levels, causing serious damage to the environment. The general permit would allow a CAFO operator to discharge to surface waters only if they are in compliance with new regulations regarding production areas and land applications areas. Also, under the new permit, CAFO owners and operators must submit a nutrient management plan for review in addition to the required standard notice of intent. CAFOs that have had permits in the past, or currently discharge or propose to discharge, will have 90 days to submit their notice of intent and nutrient management plans to obtain coverage under the new permit. The full proposed permit is available online at Region 10's NPDES Permits Web page. The public comment period will run for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. For more information about CAFOs and permitting, visit EPA's CAFO Industry Effluent Guideline Web page.

November 13
EPA Publishes Final Rule on Air Quality Designations for the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Effective December 14, 2009, EPA has established the initial air quality designations for most areas in the United States, including Indian Country, for the 2006 24-hour fine particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Through these designations, EPA is identifying the geographic boundaries of areas that meet or violate the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. This is an important step toward providing the public health and welfare protections of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. For those areas designated nonattainment, states must develop a State Implementation Plan and tribes may develop a Tribal Implementation Plan that provides for attainment of the NAAQS. Pursuant to section 172(b), EPA is announcing that states and tribes must submit these plans no later than three years from the effective date of these designations. Fine particles are extremely small airborne particles made up of a complex mixture of components, both liquid and solid. Common constituents of ambient PM2.5 include sulfate (SO4); nitrate (NO3); ammonium (NH4); and elemental carbon, and are emitted by, and formed from emissions of, a wide range of sources like power plants and industrial boilers; animal feeding operations and fertilizer production; and mobile sources and power plants.

November 12
Notice of SFIREG Full Committee Public Meeting
The Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO)/State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group (SFIREG) Full Committee will hold a 2-day meeting December 7 - 8, 2009, in Arlington, VA. Topics may include but are not limited to: EPA policy which reduces pesticide pollution and waste - torn bags, leaking containers; NPDES permits; drift labeling; container/containment; and funding/priorities.

November 10
EPA Awards Over $300,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
EPA has awarded $325,263 to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF). The funds will be used to administer a comprehensive and effective State Pesticide Regulatory Program and maintain an effective pesticide enforcement program. ODAFF will also use the funds for applicator certification, worker protection standards, and groundwater and endangered species programs.

EPA Announces Final Amendments to Oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule
EPA is announcing a final regulation that amends certain requirements for facilities subject to the Oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. The amendments clarify regulatory requirements, tailor requirements to particular industry sectors, and streamline certain requirements for a facility owner or operator subject to the rule. With these changes, the agency expects to encourage greater compliance with the SPCC regulations, thus resulting in increased protection of human health and the environment. This rulemaking marks the completion of the SPCC action, which was proposed on October 15, 2007, finalized on December 5, 2008, and for which the agency requested public comments again on February 3, 2009. This action modifies the December 2008 rule by removing the provisions to: exclude farms and oil production facilities from the loading/unloading rack requirements; exempt produced water containers at an oil production facility; and provide alternative qualified facilities eligibility criteria for an oil production facility. This final rule is effective on January 14, 2010.

November 9
Small Business Panel To Reconsider Regulatory Exemptions for Insect Repellents
EPA is seeking recommendations from small business on whether insect repellents applied to the skin should continue to be exempt from federal pesticide regulation. Currently, pesticide products that pose minimum risks to humans and the environment are exempt from federal regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, provided that the products are composed of certain ingredients and are labeled according to very specific criteria under the Act. EPA’s reconsideration of the current exemption is based on concern that some exempted pesticide products may not perform effectively. The changes under consideration are intended to safeguard public health by assuring that minimum risk skin-applied insect repellent products perform effectively, and users receive protection from insects or ticks that may transmit serious diseases.

Comments Requested on Draft Strategy for Restoration and Protection of the Chesapeake Bay
EPA announces the availability of a draft strategy for restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and requests public comment. The draft strategy contains a comprehensive package of federal initiatives to restore clean water, conserve treasured places, protect fish and wildlife, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. These objectives will be accomplished by empowering local efforts, making decisions based on science and forging a new era of federal leadership and accountability. Close collaboration of efforts with the six states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the District of Columbia will also be critical. To restore clean water, EPA will create a framework for performance and accountability to guide federal and state pollution control programs, and expand regulatory tools to reduce pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations and urban and suburban runoff. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will intensively target voluntary conservation incentives at high priority areas. New emphasis is also placed on improving stormwater management on federal land and reducing polluted runoff from transportation infrastructure. The draft strategy is available at the Chesapeake Bay Executive Order Web site. Comments on the draft strategy must be submitted on or before January 8, 2010.

November 6
Request for Nominations to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC)
EPA invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC). The FRRCC is a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92463. The FRRCC was established in 2008 and provides independent advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. Members serve as representatives from academia, industry (e.g., farm groups and allied industries), non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments. Members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for two-year terms with the possibility of reappointment. Applicants are encouraged to submit all nominations materials by December 31, 2009 in order to ensure fullest consideration. It is anticipated that vacancies will be filled by spring 2010.

National Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center November Newsletter and Webcast Exit EPA
The November edition of the National Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center (LPELC) newsletter is available. Topics include: November Webcast Has Changed! Will Focus on Nutrient Use Efficiency; December Webcast Will Focus in Air Quality Regulations--especially the recently finalized Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule; Technology Summaries for Mitigating Air Emissions From Animal Manure Now Available; LPELC Community Up and Running; Fact Sheet Highlights Ag Chemicals in the Environment; Livestock Helps Rangelands Recover from Fire; and Search USDA's Ag Census Data by Watershed. The next live webcast, scheduled for November 20, 2009, is entitled “Snap-shot Assessments of Nutrient Use on Commercial Dairy Farms.” The speaker is Dr. Mark Powell of USDA ARS, who will describe and demonstrate the usefulness of rapid assessment methods to provide snap-shot measurements of feed, fertilizer and manure use on dairy farms.

November 5
EPA Awards Over $200,000 to the Arkansas State Plant Board
EPA has awarded $226,593 to the Arkansas State Plant Board. The funds will be used to administer a comprehensive and effective State Pesticide Regulatory Program, ensure pesticides are used in compliance with labeling instructions, and ensure pesticides produced and/or distributed in Arkansas comply with federal and state regulations. The funds will also provide laboratory support for pesticide analysis and an effective pesticide enforcement program.

EPA Soliciting Applications for Environmental Justice Grant Funding
EPA is accepting grant applications for a total of $1 million in funding for projects aimed at addressing environmental and public health issues in communities. EPA expects to award approximately 40 grants of up to $25,000 each and will accept applications until January 8, 2010. Local governments and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. The goals of the Environmental Justice Grant Funding Program are to help communities understand and address environmental challenges and create self-sustaining, community-based partnerships focused on improving human health and the environment. Past projects have focused on issues including exposure to toxins, farm worker pesticide protection, mercury in fish, indoor air quality, drinking water contamination, and pollution from shipping ports. In addition to the traditional criteria, EPA is encouraging applications that address the disproportionate impacts of climate change in communities by emphasizing climate equity, energy efficiency, renewable energy, local green economy, and green jobs capacity building. More information is available at EPA's Environmental Justice Small Grants Program Web site.

November 4
EPA Proposes New Pesticide Labeling To Control Spray Drift and Protect Human Health; Requests Comment on Draft Interpretation, Support Documents
EPA has rolled out proposed guidance for new pesticide labeling to reduce off-target spray and dust drift. The actions in the draft pesticide registration (PR) notice, when implemented, will improve the clarity and consistency of pesticide labels and help prevent harm from spray drift. The new instructions will prohibit drift that could cause adverse health or environmental effects. In addition to the draft notice on pesticide-drift labeling, EPA is seeking comment on a draft pesticide drift labeling interpretation document that provides guidance to state and tribal enforcement officials. An additional supporting document provides background information on pesticide drift, a description of current and planned EPA actions, a reader’s guide explaining key terms and concepts, and specific questions on which EPA is seeking input. Comments must be received on or before January 4, 2010.

Comments Requested on Petition To Protect Children from Pesticide Drift
EPA is requesting comment on a petition filed recently by environmental and farm worker organizations asking EPA to evaluate children’s exposure to pesticide drift and to adopt, on an interim basis, requirements for “no-spray” buffer zones near homes, schools, day-care centers, and parks. Comments must be received on or before January 4, 2010.

MU Extension Receives Grant To Help Amish, Mennonite Growers To Reduce Pesticides
EPA's Region 7 office has awarded the University of Missouri Extension a Strategic Agricultural Initiative grant totaling $51,158 to reduce the use of high-risk pesticides. This project will build on the University of Missouri Extension's previous work with Amish and Mennonite produce growers. These religious communities are locally known for fruit and vegetable production and participation in farmers markets and produce auctions. Last year, more than 200 growers in central and northern Missouri took part in the workshops, which covered the basics of soil quality, fresh produce storage, integrated pest management and weed control. University of Missouri and Iowa State extension agents will work to expand these opportunities to several communities throughout north-central Missouri and southern Iowa. EPA's Strategic Agricultural Initiative program awards grants for education, extension, demonstration and studies involving the use of sustainable pesticide practices in agriculture. This grant program is a prime example of a pesticide initiative that encompasses EPA’s core principles to improve environmental conditions and protect human health. Since 2001, Region 7 has awarded $461,394 to help farmers adopt better pest management practices.

November 3
EPA Takes Enforcement Action Against Agricultural Products Distributor for 21 Violations of Federal Pesticide Law
EPA has fined a California-based national distributor of agricultural products $99,600 for 21 alleged violations of federal pesticide law. The case was the result of investigations conducted by regulators in Arizona, Idaho, Navajo Nation, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, and EPA’s Pacific Southwest and Pacific Northwest Regional Offices. Following a Fort Mojave Indian Tribe inspector’s discovery of a pesticide product with a single page copy of a label which appeared to be missing several key safety elements, EPA requested that the state of Arizona conduct an inspection of the company.  In 2007, Arizona Department of Agriculture investigators found that the facility was distributing and selling a misbranded pesticide, in violation of federal law. A separate inspection in 2008 by Arizona Department of Agriculture investigators found that the company was distributing a minimum risk pesticide with a label that failed to meet regulatory requirements. Navajo Nation EPA, Idaho Department of Agriculture and U.S. EPA inspectors found other significant violations, including company applicators not wearing personal protective equipment as required by pesticide labels; misbranded pesticides, including one highly toxic pesticide which the company distributed and sold with a label that failed to include protective equipment requirements; and distribution of a restricted use pesticide to a non-certified applicator. The company has agreed to pay the fine to resolve this enforcement action.

Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

Top of Page

October 30
Final Mandatory GHG Reporting Preamble and Rule Text Published in Federal Register
The final greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting rule was signed by the Administrator on September 22, 2009. On October 30, 2009, the final rule was published in the Federal Register under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0508-2278. The rule will be effective December 29, 2009. This action includes final reporting requirements for 31 of the 42 emission sources listed in the proposal.

EPA Proceeds with Revoking Regulations Allowing Carbofuran Pesticide Residues on Food
EPA is moving forward to implement the Agency’s May 2009 final rule revoking tolerances for the pesticide carbofuran. EPA continues to find that dietary exposures to carbofuran from all sources combined are not safe. EPA’s May 2009 action to revoke carbofuran tolerances was the culmination of a regulatory process that began in 2006 when the Agency published its risk assessments for carbofuran and determined that no uses were eligible for reregistration. EPA reminds growers that carbofuran should not be applied to any food crops after December 31, 2009, and encourages growers to switch from carbofuran to safer pesticides or other environmentally preferable pest control strategies. Use of carbofuran after this date could result in adulterated food products, which would be subject to enforcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

EPA Publishes Indexes to CFR Part 180 Tolerance Information for Pesticide Chemicals in Food and Feed Commodities
EPA's Tolerance Index Web page describes information that may be helpful in finding specific pesticide tolerance information available in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at Part 180. The pesticide tolerance information provided in the index is intended to help registrants, scientists, importers, trade associations, and extension agents identify: tolerances (maximum residue levels) or exemptions from tolerance requirements for a food or feed commodity; pesticide chemicals that belong to a particular commodity, crop group, or crop subgroup; and pesticide chemicals that belong to a particular pesticide type or pesticide family.

October 26
EPA To Hold Public Meetings on Chesapeake Bay ‘Pollution Diet’
EPA will hold a series of public meetings to discuss the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) – a strict "pollution diet" to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its network of local rivers, streams and creeks. Fourteen public sessions will be held throughout the watershed’s six states – Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, New York – and the District of Columbia from early November through mid-December 2009. The Bay TMDL will establish the pollution reductions necessary for meeting Bay clean water standards. EPA officials will outline the Bay TMDL and receive public input during the sessions. A draft TMDL will be issued in August 2010, followed by a public comment period. A final TMDL will be established by EPA in December 2010. The public meeting schedule is available at EPA's Chesapeake Bay TMDL Web site.

October 23
Proposed Registration Review Decision for Disulfoton Open for Public Comment
This notice announces the availability of EPA's proposed registration review decision for the pesticide disulfoton and opens a public comment period on the proposed decision. 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 unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Disulfoton is an organophosphate insecticide registered for use on asparagus, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cotton, coffee beans, lettuce, radish grown for seed, Christmas trees, Easter lilies, and residential ornamentals. Comments must be received on or before December 22, 2009.

EPA Cites Unlawful Filling of Wetlands at Wicomoco County, Md. Site
EPA has cited a Millersville, Md. couple and a Millsboro, Del. chicken processing company for unlawfully filling protected wetlands, a violation of the Clean Water Act. Citations were issued for filling in a non-tidal wetland on a property located northeast of the town of Willards, Wicomoco County, Md., which contains an unnamed ditch which flows to the Murray Branch, which flows to the Burnt Mill Branch, which flows to the Pocomoke River, which flows to the Chesapeake Bay. According to the complaint, the couple wanted to raise chickens on the site and relied on advice from Mountaire Farms that there were no wetlands on the site. During construction of chicken houses in June 2006, an inspector with the Maryland Department of the Environment noted that non-tidal wetlands were located on the property. Under the Clean Water Act, an Army Corps of Engineers permit is required before dredged or fill material may be discharged into wetlands areas. The permit requirement is designed to minimize the destruction of wetlands, which serve a number of critical environmental and economic functions -- including flood control, water filtration, wildlife habitat, and recreation. EPA seeks an $82,500 penalty for this alleged violation.

October 21
EPA Issues Test Orders for First 67 Chemicals Under the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program
EPA is initiating the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) Tier 1 screening for the first group of 67 chemicals by issuing test orders from October 29, 2009, through February 26, 2010. The EDSP Tier 1 screening data required to satisfy an order are due within 2 years of the date of issuance of the order. Details on the status of the orders will be provided on EPA's EDSP Web site, including the order issuance date, the recipient(s) of the order, each order recipient's response and the order due date.

EPA Issues Guidance for Testing and Labeling Pesticide Products that Help Prevent the Spread of H1N1 Influenza A Virus
In response to the emerging threat posed by the spread of Pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A Virus, EPA is clarifying testing requirements and providing labeling options for pandemic 2009 H1N1. EPA has previously posted information on its Web page regarding this virus, including a list of antimicrobial products registered for use against Influenza A viruses. This document provides guidance for antimicrobial pesticides sold as dilutable liquids and powders, ready-to-use or spray formulations, and towelettes, which are used to treat hard non-porous surfaces in healthcare facilities, commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential settings against Pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A Virus.

October 20
Proposed Registration Decision for Ulocladium Odemansii (U3 strain) Available for Public Comment
EPA is making its proposed registration decision for Ulocladium odemansii available for comment. The Biopesticides Registration Action Decision (BRAD) contains EPA's proposed registration decision and risk assessment. In addition, EPA is making the proposed product labels available for comment. Comments will be accepted through November 19, 2009.

October 16
Draft Ecological Risk Assessment Available for Urea Sulfate Registration Review
As directed by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) section 3(g), EPA is reviewing the pesticide registration for urea sulfate to ensure that it continues to satisfy the FIFRA standard for registration-- that is, that urea sulfate can still be used without unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Urea sulfate is a herbicide used as a desiccant on cotton as a cotton harvest aid/defoliant. EPA has completed a comprehensive draft ecological risk assessment, including an endangered species assessment, for all urea sulfate uses and is announcing the availability of the draft ecological risk assessment. Comments must be received on or before December 15, 2009.

Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

Top of Page

October 16
EPA Releases Test Guidelines and Schedule for Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program
As EPA prepares to order a comprehensive screening of chemical effects on hormones, the Agency is making available today the battery of scientific assays and test guidelines for conducting the assays, as well as a schedule for issuing test orders to manufacturers for each of 67 chemicals during the next three months. Now that the assays and test guidelines are available, EPA shortly will be issuing and announcing test orders to manufacturers to compel generation of the needed data. Data required under the test orders will provide information to help EPA identify whether chemicals have the potential to interact with the estrogen, androgen, and/or thyroid hormone systems, which regulate growth, metabolism, development, and reproduction. This program, which has been developed through a multi-year research program and validated through a transparent technical review process, will eventually screen all pesticide chemicals. The data generated from the screens will provide robust and systematic scientific information that will help EPA identify and regulate as appropriate potential endocrine disrupting chemicals. Pre-publication copies of the Notices on the assays and test guidelines and the schedule are available at EPA's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program Web site.

October 15
Proposed Registration Decision for Cold Pressed Neem Oil Open for Public Comment
Risk assessments and the proposed registration decision have been added to the docket for Cold Pressed Neem Oil (docket ID# EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0996). Comments are due November 14, 2009.

October 14
Pesticide Registration Notice Available Announcing Establishment of the Antimicrobial Exposure Assessment Task Force II
EPA is announcing the availability of a Pesticide Registration Notice (PR Notice) regarding the formation of the Antimicrobial Exposure Assessment Task Force II (AEATF II). PR Notices are issued by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) to inform pesticide registrants and other interested persons about important policies, procedures and registration related decisions, and serve to provide guidance to pesticide registrants and OPP personnel. This particular PR Notice (PR-2009-0337) provides information concerning the formation of an industry-wide task force to jointly develop mixer, loader, applicator and post-application exposure data for antimicrobial pesticides used in commercial, institutional, occupational, and consumer settings. EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0337.

EPA Releases Report to Congress: The Clean Diesel Program Protects Health and the Environment
EPA today released a report to Congress detailing the health, environmental and economic benefits of the agency’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program. The program, funded at $50 million last year, allowed EPA to fund the purchase or retrofitting of 14,000 diesel-powered vehicles and pieces of equipment, preventing respiratory illnesses and saving money in communities nationwide. The resulting benefits from the program include reducing 46,000 tons of nitrogen oxide, a key contributor to elevated smog levels, and 2,200 tons of particulate matter over the lifetime of diesel vehicles; conserving 3.2 million gallons of fuel annually under the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program, which saves operators $8 million annually; and generating public health benefits between $500 million to $1.4 billion.

Three Clean Diesel Funding Opportunities Available From EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality
EPA is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that reduce diesel emissions through a variety of diesel emission reduction strategies. Closing date for applications is December 8, 2009:

New Container Policy Reduces Pesticide Pollution and Waste
Under an interim policy announced today, retailers and distributors of pesticide products may be allowed to repair minor damage to pesticide containers. EPA developed the interim policy to ensure that such repairs are consistent with federal requirements for pesticide registration, production, and labeling. By allowing minor repairs to containers, the policy would enable products to be used as intended rather than being disposed of. The interim policy has very specific requirements, including an application and review process. Each applicant's “minor repair program” must receive specific approval from EPA for that individual proposal. For more information on the interim policy, please see EPA's Pesticide Container and Containment Web site.

Dichlorvos Docket Reopened for Review and Comment
EPA is opening an additional 30-day public comment period for the registration review of dichlorvos (DDVP). EPA established a registration review docket for DDVP (EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0209) and opened a 60-day public comment period for its registration review in the Federal Register issue of June 24, 2009. However, during this public comment period, the DDVP registration review docket was missing supporting documents listed in the "Reader's Guide to Dichlorvos (DDVP) Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0209." The Agency has since included these supporting documents in the docket and has chosen to open an additional 30-day comment period for the public to review and comment on the registration review of DDVP. Comments must be received on or before November 13, 2009.

October 7
EPA Solicits Comments on Draft Exposure Factors Handbook: 2009 Update
EPA is announcing a 60-day public comment period for the external review draft document titled, "Exposure Factors Handbook: 2009 Update" (EPA/600/R-09/052A), which was prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) within EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD). The Exposure Factors Handbook provides a summary of the available statistical data on various factors used in assessing human exposure. This Handbook is aimed at exposure assessors inside the Agency as well as those outside who use data on standard factors to calculate human exposure to toxic chemicals. These factors include: drinking water consumption; mouthing behavior; soil ingestion rates; inhalation rates; dermal factors, including skin area and soil adherence factors; consumption of fruits and vegetables, fish, meats, dairy products, and homegrown foods; breast milk intake; human activity factors; consumer product use; and residential characteristics. The draft document is available on the NCEA Exposure Factors Handbook 2009 Update Web page. Technical comments should be in writing and must be received by EPA by December 7, 2009.

Six New England Companies Settle with EPA for Pesticide Violations
Six New England companies that produce pesticide products recently settled with EPA for failing to properly submit annual production reports, as required by federal law. The law that governs pesticide use in the U.S., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), requires pesticide manufacturers to submit annual production reports to EPA. An EPA review concluded that each of the six companies has failed to properly submit this information.

EPA Solicits Comments on Petition To Suspend the Registration of Rozol Prairie Dog Bait and Cancel Certain Application Sites
EPA is publishing for public comment a June 5, 2009 petition from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) available in docket number EPA-HQ-OPP- 2009-0684, requesting that the Agency suspend the registration of the chlorophacinone product, Rozol Prairie Dog Bait (EPA Reg. No. 7173- 286), and cancel certain application sites for the product. The primary basis for the petition is the potential effect of this product on non-target species, including certain predators and scavengers of the black-tailed prairie dog. Comments must be received on or before November 6, 2009.

FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel Meeting Scheduled To Discuss Re-evaluation of Atrazine
There will be an informational meeting of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) to present the approach to re-evaluate atrazine. The meeting will be held on November 3, 2009 in Arlington, VA.

Rescheduled FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel Meeting on Pesticides Containing Nanoscale Materials
EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register of September 16, 2009, concerning a 4-day consultation meeting of the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel to consider and review a set of scientific issues related to the assessment of hazard and exposure associated with nanosilver and other nanometal pesticide products. The meeting was originally scheduled to begin on November 3, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. The time for the November 3, 2009 meeting has been changed from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (eastern time). All of the other information concerning the November 3, as well as the November 4 - 6, 2009 meeting, remains the same.

EPA Issues Pesticides Brochure Highlighting Work To Ensure Public Health and Environmental Protection in Indian Country and Alaska Native Villages
As part of its agenda to protect tribes from pesticide exposure, EPA's National Pesticide Tribal Program has released a brochure entitled, "The National Pesticide Tribal Program: Achieving Public Health and Environmental Protection in Indian Country and Alaska Native Villages" (PDF) (19 pp, 2.3MB, About PDF). The brochure has an introduction by the Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Steve Owens. It provides a snapshot of EPA’s work with tribes to attain the Agency's goal of helping protect human health and the environment by ensuring that pesticides and alternatives available in Indian country can be used according to label directions without causing unreasonable risks. Highlights of the brochure include case studies submitted by several tribes about pesticide regulatory agency collaborations and how grants, technical assistance and outreach help tribes with their pesticide safety programs which include the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools and in enforcement and compliance programs.

EPA Begins New Scientific Evaluation of Atrazine
EPA is launching a comprehensive new evaluation of the pesticide atrazine to determine its effects on humans. At the end of this process, the agency will decide whether to revise its current risk assessment of the pesticide and whether new restrictions are necessary to better protect public health. One of the most widely used agricultural pesticides in the U.S., atrazine can be applied before and after planting to control broadleaf and grassy weeds. EPA will evaluate the pesticide’s potential cancer and non-cancer effects on humans. Included in this new evaluation will be the most recent studies on atrazine and its potential association with birth defects, low birth weight, and premature births.

October 6
EPA Awards Over $200,000 to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
EPA has awarded $236,811 to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). The funds will be used by LDAF to administer a comprehensive and effective pesticides program. In addition to LDAF’s regulatory and enforcement programs, activities include applicator certification and training, worker protection, water quality, endangered species, and implementation of the new container/containment rule.

Pesticide Registration Requests, Actions, and Tolerance Updates

Top of Page

October 6
National Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center October Newsletter and Webcast Exit EPA
The October edition of the National Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center (LPELC) newsletter is available. Topics include: November Webcast: Air Quality Regulations Update; Feed Nutrient Management for Dairy Producers; EPA Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule; and Events and Activities You Should Be Aware Of. The next live webcast, scheduled for October 16, 2009, is entitled “Managing Grazing Animals to Protect Water Quality.” It will include discussions on grazing animal behavior, stream bank management, and waterborne pathogens. Speakers are: Jim Russell, Steve Ensley, and Tom Isenhart, all of Iowa State University.

October 2
Brownfields Conference - November 16-18, 2009
The EPA Brownfields Program is cosponsoring the 13th National Brownfields Conference on November 16 - 18, 2009 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans LA. The National Brownfields Conference is the largest, most comprehensive conference in the nation focused on environmental revitalization and economic redevelopment. The Brownfields 2009 Conference will see stakeholders from community, planning, real estate, finance, and policy interests from across the nation converge to focus on brownfields cleanup, redevelopment, and a broad range of land revitalization solutions. Sessions on community gardens, urban farms, and compost are included in this free conference.

EPA Announces Settlement with Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture for Pesticide Misuse and Worker Protection Standard Violations
EPA recently settled with the Crop Protection Program of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture (PRDA). After three years of investigations conducted by EPA, in conjunction with partnering agencies, some of the program’s activities were found to be in violation of the federal pesticide law known as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The program has agreed to make a number of improvements to meet worker protection requirements and to ensure that during commercial applications at farms throughout Puerto Rico, pesticides are used in a manner that is consistent with labeling requirements.

October 1
Unregistered and Misbranded Pesticide at Dairy Supply Leads to Guilty Plea and Sentence (PDF) (1 pg, 96K, About PDF)
A former owner of a Tulare, California dairy supply company pleaded guilty on Wednesday and was sentenced to three years probation, an $8,000 fine, and payment of a total of $37,595 in restitution, on three misdemeanor violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This case was the product of an extensive investigation by the EPA's Criminal Investigation Division. According to the prosecuting attorney, the company produced, sold, and distributed a chlorine bleach product called “Liquid Sani” to dairies for use as a pesticide to sanitize and disinfect dairy equipment. FIFRA makes it a misdemeanor offense to distribute or sell a pesticide that has not been registered with EPA, to distribute or sell a misbranded pesticide, or to produce a pesticide at an establishment that has not been registered with EPA.

EPA Opens Transparency Window into Pesticide Registration Decisions
EPA is establishing a new transparent process that will allow the public to review and comment on risk assessments and proposed registration decisions for pesticides. This expanded process will apply to all new pesticide active ingredients and first food uses, first outdoor uses, and first residential uses. Starting October 1, 2009, for certain registration actions, EPA’s risk assessment and proposed decision will be added to the public docket and made available for a 30-day public comment period. Following the comment period, EPA will publish its decision and a response-to-comment document. By focusing public access on new pesticide ingredients and first food, outdoor, and residential uses, the public will have the opportunity to comment on all major new exposure patterns for pesticide registration.

Top of Page

To subscribe to the Ag Center News listserve:

  • Send an e-mail message to: "agcenter@epa.gov"
  • In the subject line of the message write: "Subscribe" 
  • In the body of the message write your e-mail address.

If you encounter difficulties subscribing to this list server or if you would like to be taken off the Ag Center News list server at any time, please send an e-mail to the Ag Center at: agcenter@epa.gov.

This page is sponsored by EPA's Ag Center. Ag Center logo

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.