Archive for January, 2016
EPA Seeks Comments on Draft NPDES General Permit
Jan 26th
All ten EPA Regions have proposed for public comment a draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System pesticide general permit. The draft PGP covers point source discharges from the application of pesticides to waters of the United States. Once finalized, this draft PGP will replace the existing permit that will expire at midnight on October 31, 2016.
The draft PGP has the same conditions and requirements as the existing PGP and would authorize certain point source discharges from the application of pesticides to waters of the United States in accordance with the terms and conditions described therein. EPA proposes to issue this permit for five (5) years in all areas of the country.
National Pesticide Consultations Stakeholder Meeting Postponed
Jan 20th
EPA, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service had scheduled National Pesticide Consultations Stakeholder Meeting on January 25, 2016, as part of the Agencies continuing efforts to implement the National academy of Sciences’ recommendation on pesticide ESA consultations. This meeting has been postponed.
Agency representatives explained that, based on feedback from the November 30th stakeholder calls, external stakeholders are interested in a 2-day ESA workshop covering a variety of topics related to the pesticide consultations.
After discussing the needs associated with hosting a 2-day workshop that meets stakeholder needs, the Agencies have determined that it is not feasible to host the workshop this January.
EPA Signs Cooperative Agreement with UC Davis to Develop Pesticide Safety Resources
Jan 8th
EPA has entered into a cooperative agreement, the “Pesticide Educational Resource Collaborative,” with the University of California Davis Extension (UC Davis) in partnership with Oregon State University to support the development of resources and materials on the safe use of pesticides by applicators and handlers in agricultural, commercial, and residential settings.