USDA Update: Dimethoate Risk Assessment

December 3, 2002
From: Rick Melnicoe
Note: E-mail message to the Reregistration Notification Network (RNN) mail server list

The following is a message I received today from Phil Poli at USDA regarding dimethoate. If you have a continued need for this material and can supply information requested, please contact me. I will forward the information and/or concerns to Phil as I receive it.

Rick Melnicoe
Director, Western Region Pest Management Center
Director, Office of Pesticide Information and Coordination (Statewide Pesticide Coordinator)
Department of Environmental Toxicology
One Shields Avenue
(4249 Meyer Hall for FED EX)
University of California
Davis, CA 95616-8588
Phone: (530) 754-8378
Fax: (530) 754-8379

Hello everyone: EPA is finalizing their risk assessment for the pesticide dimethoate. The Agency is in need of detail information concerning critical needs (uses) for dimethoate on a variety of crops and pests. It appears, from speaking with the EPA Chemical Review Manager Mr. Pat Dobak, that head lettuce, grapes and apples will be taken off the dimethoate label. Peas, succulent beans and spinach are in great jeopardy of being taken off the label, but EPA wants to know if there are critical needs for dimethoate on these crops.

EPA needs detailed information concerning the use on pecans, cherries, citrus (Western), and pears. However, any detailed information which you can supply to the Agency concerning application rates, application methods, seasonal application rates, type of equipment used in the field, types of protective clothing used when mixing and loading and during application, etc. is greatly needed at this time.

Please review the attached tables which have been supplied by EPA for their accuracy The Agency has supplied a table which shows risk mitigation proposals that they are considering for certain crops and application methods (aerial application will be deleted). Please review the proposed REI's and let EPA know if these are going to work in the field.

• Dimethoate Issues Summary Table By Group - Draft, November 27, 2002
  
• Dimethoate Draft Decision Table - November 26, 2002

The Chemical Review Manager's name is Mr. Pat Dobak and his number is (703) 308-8180, e-mail: dobak.pat@epa.gov

USDA wants the growers voice to be heard when EPA makes decisions concerning uses for these pesticides.