Reregistration Notification Network (RNN) Archives
2000

The OPMP Monthly, formerly the Reregistration Notification Network (RNN), is a publication of the Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The OPMP Monthly is a cooperative effort of National Pesticide Impact Assessment Program of the USDA-NAPIAP, Interregional Project No. 4 (IR-4), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the American Crop Protection Association (ACPA).

The last edition was published March 20, 2000. For additional information, consult the OPMP home page. Direct questions and comments to your state liaison representative or access the Western Region Pest Management Center (WRPMC) Web page or send an e-mail to OPMP. The telephone number is (202) 720-4074, and the fax number, (202) 720-3191.

--Rick Melnicoe, director, Western Region Pest Management Center

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OPMP Monthly and RNN Archives

2000 ARCHIVES (This Page)
1999 ARCHIVES
1998 ARCHIVES
1996-1997 ARCHIVES

OPMP Monthly 3/20/00

EPA Proposes Revised Public Participation Process for
    Pesticide Registration Decisions
Research Accomplishments Report Released (Press
    Advisory 3/9/00)
Federal Register Notice Announces First Public Meeting of Newly
    Established Inerts Disclosure Stakeholder Workgroup and
    Public Docket

OPMP Monthly 3/6/00

Revised Risk Assessments for Ethyl Parathion and Fenitrothion Released; Risk Management Comments Requested

OPMP Monthly 2/24/00

Scientific Advisory Panel Reports on Ecological Requirements for
    Plant Pesticides
Advisory Issued on Worker Fatality Risk from Skin Exposure to
    Toxic Chemical
Revised Risk Assessments for Acephate and Methamidophos
    Released; Risk Management Comments Requested
EPA Extends Comment Period on Supplemental Notice on Pesticide
    Containers to March 20th
EPA and Industry Launch a Home and Garden Public Safety
    Campaign at the Philadelphia Flower Show

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OPMP Monthly 3/20/00

From the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, March 2000
OPMP Monthly

EPA Proposes Revised Public Participation Process for Pesticide Reregistration Decisions

On March 15, EPA published a proposal to revise the public participation process now in use for the reassessment of the organophosphate pesticides and extend the process to all pesticides going through reregistration and tolerance reassessment. EPA began this public participation initiative as a pilot in July 1998, after consultation with the Tolerance Reassessment Advisory Committee (TRAC), as a way to increase transparency of regulatory processes and consultation with affected stakeholders. Based on lessons learned during the pilot and further consultation with stake- holders, EPA is now proposing a revised process that further enhances public participation. The process includes six phases with two public comment periods, as well as expanded public engagement before starting the process. The notice also describes how the process will apply to pesticides that are now in the review process. EPA has established a 30-day comment period on this proposal. The Federal Register notice is available from the Government Printing Office web site.

Research Accomplishments Report Released (Press Advisory 3/9/00)

EPA's Office of Research and Development has published a report, "Research & Development: Research Accomplishments" which summarizes the Agency's significant scientific research contributions in 1997 and 1998. During that time the Agency assessed human health and ecological risks and activities to prevent and mitigate pollution such as: health effects of airborne particulate matter, drinking water contaminants, risk assessment, the potential of chemicals to interfere with the endocrine system of humans and wildlife, risks to children, pollution prevention, and arsenic in drinking water. Two examples of research accomplishments are development of improved methods for reducing outbreaks of waterborne illness and computer based models of long-range transport of air pollution that can be used by states in designing pollution control programs. The report can be ordered by phone at 800-490-9198 and will soon be available at: http://www.epa.gov/ORD/publications.

Federal Register Notice Announces First Public
Meeting of Newly Established Inerts Disclosure
Stakeholder Workgroup and Public Docket

On March 16, EPA published a notice in the Federal Register (Vol.65, No. 52) about the establishment of (1) a Pesticide Product Inert Ingredients Disclosure Stakeholder Workgroup and (2) a docket for the public to review documents derived from this workgroup. In addition, the notice announces the date and location of the workgroup's first public meeting scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday, March 20 and 21, and explains the process for giving oral statements during the scheduled public comment period (see agenda), and for submitting written comments to the public docket. The Federal Register notice is available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a000316c.html.

Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) Inert Disclosure Stakeholder Workgroup Meeting
Holiday Inn
625 First Street
Alexandria VA 22314
Telephone number (703) 548-6300
Ballrooms A & B
March 20-21, 2000

AGENDA
MARCH 20, 2000
10:00	Welcome
	Workgroup Mission
	Q&As from workgroup
10:30	Workgroup members presentation (approximately 7 minutes each)
	Why is inert disclosure important to you?
	What do you expect to get out of this group?
12:00	LUNCH BREAK
1:00	Workgroup members presentations (continued)
2:15	Statutory Framework
	Requirements under FOIA and EPA regulations
	Q&As from workgroup
3:00	AFTERNOON BREAK
3:15	National Pesticide Telecommunication Network
	Consumer Labeling Initiative
	Incident Data
	Q&As from workgroup
4:00	Public comment period
4:45	Meeting closes
MARCH 21, 2000
9:00	Background on Inert Regulation: OPP's listing policy
	Q&As from workgroup
9:30	Workgroup discussion
12:00	Next steps

EPA distributes its Pesticide Program Updates to external stakeholders and citizens who have expressed an ongoing interest in OPP activities and decisions. This update service is part of EPA' s continuing effort to improve public access to critical information.

For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit our home page.

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 20460
703-305-5017

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OPMP Monthly 3/6/00

From the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, March 2000
OPMP Monthly

Revised Risk Assessments for Ethyl Parathion and Fenitrothion
Released; Risk Management Comments Requested

Note: Below is a message from EPA informing the public that the "revised" risk assessment for ethyl parathion is being released. EPA will accept public comments on the revised risk assessment for a 60-day time period. However, comments during this period are supposed to address only risk mitigation measures that the industry and growers feel may reduce the risks EPA feels are still present with ethyl parathion use. But, if you have any comments on any topic in this revised risk assessment from EPA, send those comments to the Agency (you have nothing to lose). If there is something in the risk assessment that growers would not be able to live with (long REIs, etc.), let EPA know how this would affect growers. If you have any questions please contact Karen Angulo of EPA, Special Review and Reregistration Division, at (703) 308-8004. Thank you for taking an interest in the future of this agricultural chemical.--OPMP Office

On March 1, EPA released the revised risk assessments for the organophosphate pesticides ethyl parathion and fenitrothion. The release of the risk assessments was announced in a Federal Register notice (Volume 65, No. 41, Pages 11050-11052), which is available on the Government Printing Office web site. EPA has made the risk assessment documents available in the OPP docket. Information on visiting the docket or contacting the docket by telephone (703-305-5805) or by mail is included in the Federal Register notice. EPA plans to post the revised risk assessments for these chemicals on the OPP web site in the near future. In the interim, the documents also can be obtained electronically by contacting Karen Angulo. No technical briefings were held for these chemicals because of their limited use patterns.

The Federal Register notice also announces an opportunity for a 60-day public participation period during which the public may submit risk management and mitigation ideas, and recommendations and proposals for transition related to ethyl parathion and fenitrothion. Comments must be received by May 1, 2000, identified by docket number OPP-34171A for ethyl parathion, and OPP-34197A for fenitrothion.

For more information, contact Karen Angulo at 703-308-8004.

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EPA distributes its Pesticide Program Updates to external stakeholders and citizens who have expressed an ongoing interest in OPP activities and decisions. This update service is part of EPA's continuing effort to improve public access to critical information.

For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit our home page.

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 20460
703-305-5017

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OPMP Monthly 2/24/00

From the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, February 2000
OPMP Monthly

Scientific Advisory Panel Reports on
Ecological Requirements for Plant Pesticides

On February 17, 2000 EPA made public a report from its Scientific Advisory Panel on recommendations to help ensure that the best science is used to inform the agency's regulatory decisions regarding such biotech products as Bt corn. EPA requested this report from its advisory panel as part of a continuing effort to obtain the highest quality of scientific information.

This report provides useful recommendations on how to strengthen the scientific basis for the decision making at EPA, said Stephen L. Johnson, Associate Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. EPA continues to take strong steps to ensure the best possible regulation of biotech products, and we will take into account these recommendations as our program to protect public health and the environment moves forward.

The Scientific Advisory Panel is an independent peer review body to provide scientific advice to EPA, with the members selected on the basis of their professional qualifications to assess the impact of pesticides on public health and the environment. The panel report is available on the web at: http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap

Advisory Issued on Worker Fatality Risk
From Skin Exposure to Toxic Chemical

EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are issuing a chemical advisory because skin exposure to even small amounts of the heated liquid form of 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) can cause rapid death to workers. The substance, which is a solid at room temperature, is used as a feedstock to make herbicides and some other chemical products. The focus of concern is the potential risk to workers inside chemical plants and not risk to consumers or community members living near a facility.

EPA received a report of a worker death associated with exposure to the liquid form of 2,4-DCP in October 1998. Investigation of the fatality showed that a similar worker death had occurred in 1992 at a facility outside of the United States. The Agency identified other facilities that had reported past or present use of 2,4-DCP and sent out an early alert letter about the hazard in April 1999. All of the cases have involved workers getting their skin splashed with the molten form of 2,4-DCP, followed quickly by collapse and death.

To raise awareness about the hazard and to provide recommendations for protecting workers, EPA worked with OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety to develop an advisory, which is being sent to: past and current users of the chemical; selected trade associations; labor unions; professional associations; government agencies and international contacts.

Revised Risk Assessments for Acephate and Methamidophos
Released; Risk Management Comments Requested

On February 22, EPA released the revised risk assessments for the organophosphate pesticides acephate and methamidophos. The release of the risk assessments was announced in a Federal Register notice (Volume 65, No. 35, Pages 8702-8703), and will be available on the Government Printing Office web site. In addition, EPA has posted the revised risk assessments for acephate and methamidophos on the OPP web site.

The Federal Register notice also announces an opportunity for a 60-day public participation period during which the public may submit risk management and mitigation ideas, and recommendations and proposals for transition related to acephate and methamidophos. Comments must be received by April 24, 2000 identified by docket number OPP-34164B for acephate and OPP-34166B for methamidophos.

For more information, contact Karen Angulo at 703-308-8004.

EPA Extends Comment Period on Supplemental
Notice on Pesticide Containers to March 20th

EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs is extending the comment period for its supplemental notice on pesticide containers for an additional 30 days. This is the second extension EPA has granted, following an earlier 60-day extension from December 1999 to February 19, 2000. In response to two requests, EPA is extending the comment period again, to March 20, 2000, to ensure that all parties have ample time to review the supplemental notice and to comment.

EPA published the original supplemental Federal Register notice on October 21, 1999, opening a 60-day comment period on four issues affecting the 1994 proposed rule on containers and containment. The 1994 proposed rule sought to establish standards for the design, care and management of pesticide containers and containment structures. The four issues currently open for public comment are: (1) narrowing the scope of the container standards to focus on the pesticides and containers that pose a relatively greater risk; (2) implementing the exemption for antimicrobial pesticides as set forth in the Food Quality Protection Act; (3) adopting the Department of Transportation (DOT) packaging standards for pesticides that are not considered hazardous materials by DOT and; (4) defining "small business" in terms of pesticide formulators, dealers and commercial applicators as identified in the small entity impact analysis.

The comment period applies only to the supplemental notice described above. EPA will use the 1994 proposed rule, the 1999 supplemental notice, and related public comments to develop the final rule.

This extension will be published in the Federal Register and will be available on the Internet. The October 21, 1999 supplemental Federal Register notice (Volume 64, No. 203, Pages 56918-56944) is available on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. For additional information, please contact Nancy Fitz at 703-305-7385.

EPA and Industry Launch a Home and Garden
Public Safety Campaign at the Philadelphia Flower Show

On March 6, at the Philadelphia Flower Show, EPA and members of the garden and household products industry will hold a press conference to launch a nationwide campaign called "Read the Label FIRST!" This campaign is part of the Consumer Labeling Initiative (CLI), an ongoing partnership to improve labels on gardening and cleaning products and to help teach consumers how to use and dispose of these products safely. This CLI campaign coincides with new, easier-to-read labels on many home pesticide and cleaning products now available on store shelves. More information is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/labeling.

WHO: EPA and the CLI partners
WHAT: Press Conference to launch "Read the Label FIRST!", a consumer campaign on safer product use.
WHEN: Monday, March 6, at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: The Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Note: The press conference will be held at the EPA booth in Hall B. The information line for the flower show is 215-988-8899. More information on the flower show is found at: http://www.philaflowershow.com. For more information, call Bonnie Smith at EPA Region III in Philadelphia, PA at 215-814-5543.

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EPA distributes its Pesticide Program Updates to external stakeholders and citizens who have expressed an ongoing interest in OPP activities and decisions. This update service is part of EPA's continuing effort to improve public access to critical information.

For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit our home page.

Or call or write us directly at:

Communication Services Branch
Office of Pesticide Programs (7506C)
US Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
703-305-5017