Archive for December, 2015
EPA Extends Comment Period for Pesticide Applicator Certification Rule
Dec 21st
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently published the following notice:
EPA is extending the public comment period on the proposed changes to the certification rule for an additional 30 days. EPA is proposing stronger standards for pesticide applicators who are certified to apply the riskiest pesticides, known as restricted use pesticides (RUPs). The goal is to reduce the likelihood of harm from the misapplication of RUPs and ensure a consistent level of protection among states. More information about this rule is available at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/epa-proposes-stronger-standards-people-applying-riskiest-pesticides.
A formal announcement of the 30-day extension to the comment period will be published in the Federal Register shortly. The closing date for comments is now January 22, 2016.
Supporting Documents for Endangered Species Biological Evaluations Now Available
Dec 14th
EPA has published the following notice:
“Background documents for the first round of draft biological evaluations are now available for three pilot chemicals: chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion. EPA has been collaborating with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to develop interim scientific approaches to fulfill our responsibility under the Endangered Species Act to assess the impact of pesticides on threatened and endangered species and their designated critical habitat. These interim scientific approaches are based on recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences report, “Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides.” As part of this effort, the United States Department of Agriculture has provided expertise on crop production and pesticide uses and assistance with the use of the National Agricultural Statistics Service Cropland Data Layer to help define the footprint of agricultural use patterns.
Next Public Meeting on ESA Pesticides Implementation
Dec 9th
EPA, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service are working together trying to develop a process for implementing a report of pesticide ESA consultation that was published by the National Academy of Sciences. EPA and the Services have hosted several public meetings on this implementation project.
The next public meeting will be held on January 25, 2016, at FWS’ Virginia offices:
For further information, contact:
Craig W. Aubrey
Chief, Division of Environmental Review
Ecological Services Program
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters
Ecological Services, MS: ES
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041-3803
703-358-2171 (general)
703-358-2442 (direct)