EPA Pesticide Program Update
from EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs 09/19/01
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides
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IN THIS UPDATE:
1) EPA PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON DISPOSAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR NON-ANTIMICROBIAL,
RESIDENTIAL/HOUSEHOLD USE PESTICIDE
PRODUCT LABELS
2) EPA FURTHER EXTENDS PUBLIC COMMENT
PERIOD FOR Bt CROP REASSESSMENT
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1) EPA PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON DISPOSAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR NON-ANTIMICROBIAL,
RESIDENTIAL/HOUSEHOLD USE PESTICIDE
PRODUCT
LABELS
On September 13, 2001, EPA's Office of Pesticide
Programs published a Pesticide Registration Notice (PR-
Notice) that provides revised guidance to pesticide
producers for the development of disposal instructions for
non-antimicrobial, residential/household use pesticide
product labels. Revised disposal instructions will direct
consumers to call their local solid waste authorities for
specific disposal instructions and provide state and local
governments greater latitude in carrying out their
responsibilities for product disposal and waste management
programs.
Changes to the current disposal label statements should
enhance the proper disposal of pesticide products and
reduce potential risks to human health and the environment.
These changes include the addition of the phrase "call your
local solid waste agency," inclusion of a toll-free phone
number, and the removal of the phrase "wrap in paper."
Wrapping containers prior to disposal in the trash does not
appear to provide reliable protection to sanitation workers
and may result in accidental or unknown exposures.
EPA found that the differences between existing label
disposal instructions and local disposal guidance may,
understandably, confuse consumers, complicate local
educational efforts, and interfere with state and local
responsibilities. In 1996, while conducting consumer
research to identify how to provide consumers with clear
information on product labels, the Agency discovered that
states and localities often direct the disposal of
residential/household use pesticides to their local household
hazardous waste (HHW) management facilities or programs
rather than to landfills. EPA found that in many states,
HHW management programs are based on state law that
directs liquids of any kind, as well as HHW, away from
landfills. Municipal codes, local practices and educational
programs, in addition to state law, have been developed to
tell consumers what to do with these materials.
You may obtain an electronic copy of this PR-Notice, as
well as other PR-Notices, at
http://www.epa.gov/PR_Notices/. The Agency has
established an official record for this action under docket
control number OPP-00654A. The official record consists
of the documents specifically referenced in this action, a
response to comments document, public comments
received during the comment period, and other information
related to this action. For more information, contact the
Pesticide Docket at (703) 305-5805 and electronically on
EPA's home page at http://www.epa.gov/PR_Notices/.
You may also contact Amy Breedlove at 703-308-9069
or by fax at 305-5884; e-mail address: breedlove.amy@epa.gov.
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2) EPA FURTHER EXTENDS PUBLIC COMMENT
PERIOD FOR Bt CROP REASSESSMENT
On September 10, EPA granted a second extension of the
public comment period for the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
corn reassessment. The comment period will now close on
Friday, September 21, 2001. The National Academy of
Sciences (NAS) has announced that they are accelerating
the publication of six articles concerning the effect that Bt
corn pollen may potentially have on Monarch butterflies. In
order to allow the public additional time to review this data,
which are expected to publish by early next week, EPA has
extended the comment period for Bt corn products.
However, the comment period for Bt cotton has not been
extended.
EPA has extended the time allowed for public comment on
the reassessment of the Bt corn registration in order to
ensure that our decisions are based on the best available
scientific analysis and to provide transparency in our
decision-making process. A Federal Register notice
announcing this extension will be published shortly. In
addition, the six manuscripts are now available through our
public docket.
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EPA distributes its Pesticide Program Updates to external
stakeholders and citizens who have expressed an interest
in O.P. activities and decisions. We have established
an electronic list serve for people who want to keep abreast of
pesticide issues and decisions. This update service is part
of EPA's continuing effort to improve public access to
Federal pesticide information. To subscribe or unsubscribe
to our automatic mailing list, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/form/form.html
For general questions on pesticides and pesticide
poisoning prevention, contact the National Pesticide
Telecommunications Network (NPTN), toll-free, at:
1-800-858-7378, by e-mail at nptn@ace.orst.edu,
or by visiting their Web site at:
http://ace.orst.edu/info/nptn/
For information about ongoing activities in the
Office of Pesticide Programs, visit our homepage
at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides
Or call or write us directly at:
Communication Services Branch
Office of Pesticide Programs (7506C)
US Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2403
703-305-5017