Guide for FOIA Requests for Pesticide Information

Much scientific and regulatory information concerning pesticides is available to the public without submitting a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Start by reviewing Pesticide Information Resources to find sources that may include the information you are seeking.

If you decide that you do need to submit a FOIA request, the web pages listed here will help you understand the types of records the Office of Pesticide Programs creates and compiles in regulating pesticides, which includes assessing potential human health and environmental effects associated with pesticides.

On this page:

• Submitting a FOIA request
• Tips related to FOIA requests
• How we process your pesticide-related FOIA request

Submitting a FOIA Request

• Before submitting your FOIA request, decide whether you seek access to information that may be entitled to confidential treatment, or which otherwise may be exempt from disclosure under FOIA. See limitations on disclosure of information under pesticide law for more information.
  • Tip: Excluding such information from the scope of your request will speed completion of your request.
• Check out pesticide information resources. You may not need to file a FOIA request at all.

Submit your FOIA request. 

Tips Related to FOIA Requests

• Your FOIA request will not be processed without your name and mailing address. Include your email address and telephone number to improve response time.
• Be as specific as possible in identifying the records you want. Information to provide includes:
  • chemical name, pc code, EPA registration number, MRID number
  • scientific discipline, regulatory or science division
  • document type and document date or date range
• To speed completion of your request, include the statement: "This request does not encompass any information that may be entitled to confidential treatment, or that otherwise may be exempt from disclosure under FOIA"
• All FOIA requests are a matter of public record and may be placed in the Agency's public files.
• Due to a variety of circumstances, some records cannot be made fully accessible under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended in 1998). Therefore, if a person requesting a document needs accommodations due to a disability, additional assistance is available. The following three individuals serve as direct contacts by email and telephone to assist individuals who may need information not accessible to them:
  • Kimberly Smith (smith.kimberly@epa.gov), OPP FOIA Team Leader - (703) 305-6434
  • Devenchi Arnold (arnold.devenchi@epa.gov) - (703) 305-5698
  • Janet Bressant (bressant.janet@epa.gov) - (703) 305-6445

How We Process Your Pesticide-Related FOIA Request

• When you submit your FOIA request via the online form, you will be assigned a FOIA tracking number.
• Your request is then routed to the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP). It will be assigned a caseworker on the OPP FOIA staff.
• Within 20 working days of EPA’s receipt of your request, your caseworker will send you a written initial determination that in most instances includes some or all of the requested records.
  • Tip: We can process your request faster if you have narrowed the scope or volume of your request.
• When your request is completed, you will be advised in all instances of your right to submit a written appeal, regardless of whether the requested information was provided or records were withheld. An appeal of our final response must be received at the Agency within 30 calendar days.

If you incur billable charges, an itemized invoice will accompany our final response to your request.

If you have any questions about submitting a request, or about the status of your request, please contact pesticide program FOIA staff, listed above in tips section. Refer to the RIN in all communications with us concerning your request.