CONTENTS:
(1)    DIAZINON PHASE OUT
(2)    METHYL BROMIDE
(3)    HERBICIDE PERFORMANCE DATA
(4)    EFFICACY DATA NEEDED
(5)    REMAINING USE OF PESTICIDE ETHYL PARATHION CANCELED
         (10/17/00)
(6 )   TERBUFOS
(7)    EPA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT
         FOR MALATHION (6/23/00)
(8)    NEW BIOCHEMICAL PESTICIDE REGISTERED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO
         METHYL BROMIDE (6/23/00)
(9)    EPA PROPOSES REVOKING METHYL PARATHION TOLERANCES 
         (6/23/00)
(10)  EPA CONTINUES IMPLEMENTATION OF AZINPHOS-METHYL RISK
         REDUCTION MEASURES (6/23/00)
(11)  CHLORPYRIFOS ON THE WEB (6/12/00)
(12)  CHLORPYRIFOS AGREEMENT (6/12/00)
(13)  EPA ANNOUNCES RECALL OF TWO PESTICIDE PRODUCTS SOLD IN
         FAULTY PULL 'N SPRAY CONTAINERS (5/30/00)
(14)  DUST MITE PRODUCTS RECALLED (1/14/00)
(15)  DISULFOTON (5/5/00)
(16)  PHOSMET (5/5/00)
(17)  PHOSTEBUPIRIM AND TETRACHLORVINPHOS (5/5/00)
(18)  COUMAPHOS (5/5/00)
(19)  TRICHLORFON AND CHLORPYRIFOS METHYL (5/5/00) 
(20)  ETHYL PARATHION AND FENITROTHION (5/5/00)
(21)  AZINPHOS-METHYL (5/5/00)
(22)  NEW BIOCHEMICAL PESTICIDE (5/5/00)
(23)  NEW OFF! (5/5/00) 
(24)  NON-OP’S FOR 2000 (5/5/00)
(25)  MEVINPHOS AND PHOSALONE RISK ASESSMENTS (2/18/00)
(26)  ACEPHATE, DISULFOTON, AND METHAMIDOPHOS (2/18/00)
(27)  PHOSMET (2/18/00)
(28)  HOMEOWNER BROCHURES (2/18/00)
(29)  EPA PROPOSES VOLUNTARY CANCELLATION OF SULFOTEPP (2/18/00)
(30)  EPA PUBLISHES NOTICE OF PROPOSED USE DELETIONS FOR 
         AZINPHOS METHYL (2/18/00)
(31)  CYANAZINE (2/18/00)
(32)  EPA SUSPENDS REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN METHOXYCHLOR 
         PRODUCTS (2/18/00)
(33)  EPA PROPOSES TO CLOSE TELONE SPECIAL REVIEW (2/18/00)
(34)  CLINTON PLANS CHEMICAL REDUCTION ORDER (2/18/00)
(35)  IR-4'S EFFORTS LEAD TO REGISTRATION OF BIFENTHRIN ON MINOR 
         CROPS (2/18/00)
(36)  MITIGATING HERBICIDE RISKS: ANALYSIS CONTINUES ON BUFFER 
         ZONES (2/18/00)
(37)  BT. CORN INSECT RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCED FOR 2000
         GROWING SEASON (12/17/99)

(1) DIAZINON PHASE OUT
Q&A on diazinon:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/diazinon.htm

EPA to phase out popular insecticide diazinon.  Health risks to children.  By Peter Eisler, USA TODAY, 12/2000
WASHINGTON -- The government will announce a ban today on the insecticide
diazinon, the last widely used pest-control product made from a class of chemicals linked to health risks for children.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a voluntary agreement with diazinon's chief manufacturer, Syngenta, to phase out all home and garden applications of the pesticide over the next four years, according to sources familiar with the deal.

Used in everything from household ant and roach killers to grub-killing lawn sprays, diazinon is marketed under such brands as Ortho, Spectracide and Real-Kill.  The agreement is a major milestone in pesticide regulation, effectively marking the end of organophosphates, or OPs, chemicals derived from nerve gas agents developed during World War II.  Once among the nation's most widely used pesticides, OPs were singled out for a regulatory crackdown six years ago amid studies linking them to neurological disorders and other health problems in children.

''All of these chemicals act through the same biochemical mechanism in the brain . . . they all occupy the same chemical family as sarin nerve gas,'' said Philip Landrigan of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, leader of a coalition of pediatricians seeking to abolish the use of OP pesticides.  Under the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, Congress ordered sweeping safety reviews of all pesticides, starting with OPs. But thousands of pesticide uses have yet to be evaluated. Chemical and agriculture interests have fought the process, arguing that the EPA is targeting safe pesticides needed to protect crops.

Diazinon manufacturers say the product poses no health threat with normal application, and the EPA, which considers it less risky than other banned OPs, will continue to allow some commercial crop uses. But Syngenta officials say they can't justify paying for new studies needed to prove diazinon's safety for consumer use.

The EPA's agreement to a phase out ''confirms the value and safety of this product,'' Syngenta's Eileen Watson said.  Environmental and consumer groups urged retailers to halt diazinon sales immediately.  ''This is probably the best EPA could do for consumers in the face of pressure from a pesticide industry that's exposed people to unsafe products for decades,'' said Richard Wiles of the Environmental Working Group.
''Policy here is slowly catching up to science.

Tuesday December 5 3:33 AM ET.  EPA Phasing Out Pesticide Diazinon.  By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Environmental Protection Agency has reached agreement
for the phaseout of a widely used pesticide, diazinon, because of its potential health risks to children, agency sources said Tuesday.  The chemical, used in household ant and roach sprays and in a wide range of garden and lawn sprays, is among a class of chemicals known as organophosphates which attack the nervous system and are believed to pose special threats to children, even at low doses.

Under an agreement scheduled to be announced by the EPA later Tuesday the use
of diazinon will be banned for use indoors and will be phased out over a four-year period for outdoor lawn and garden applications, a source familiar with the proposal said, speaking on condition of anonymity.  The insecticide is commonly found on the shelves of hardware and lawn and garden shops under trade names such as Ortho, Spectracide and Real-Kill.

The chemical's manufacturer has maintained that the insecticide poses no health risks with normal application as instructed on the product packages.  But the manufacturers contend that the extensive tests needed to prove the product safe under a stricter law enacted in 1996 could not be justified, so they agreed with the phaseout, sources said.

Diazinon is one of 45 pesticides known as organophosphates, a group of chemicals derived from the same family of chemicals as the sarin nerve gas agent developed during World War II.

Organophosphates attack the nervous system and have been under special review
by the EPA for more than four years because of their potential health effects on children, including their impact on neural development.

Under the Food Quality Protection Act, passed by Congress in 1996, the EPA is required to restrict or ban a pesticide's use if it poses a specific threat to children. Last May, an EPA draft study concluded that diazinon, may pose a greater health risk than previously thought.

It is one of several widely used pesticides that the EPA has restricted or banned as part of its review of organophosphates. In June, the agency, also citing health risks to children, banned the chemical chlorpyrifos for use in gardens and homes.  Chlorpyrifos for decades was widely used under the trade name Dursban in everything from flea collars to bug spray for gardens and lawns. Some restricted agricultural uses for chlorpyrifos were continued

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(2). IR-4 METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM PRELIMINARY RESULTS: PROMISING.
Strawberries: Field trials with methyl bromide alternatives are complete in Florida and nearly complete in California. Methyl bromide/chloropicrin was used as the standard treatment. Preliminary data show that iodomethane/cholorpicrin and Telone in combination with either metam sodium or Basamid (dazomet) provided control of nematodes, soilborne diseases and weeds equal to or better than the standard
treatment. 

Tomatoes: IR-4’s tomato program is now underway with two trials each in Florida and California. Preliminary results from Florida show that several treatments provide tomato growth and vigor equal to the standard treatment of methyl bromide/chloropicrin. No data are available yet from the California trials.  A full report will be available in November. For more information, contact Dr. Jack Norton, jnorton@hunterdon.csnet.net. (9/00/15)

(3).  VEGETABLE HERBICIDE SCREENING PROGRAM FUNDED BY IR-4 IS UNDERWAY.
IR-4 has initiated a new program to collect herbicide performance data from all USDA regions to support herbicide registrations for minor crops. The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) has expressed concern through its Herbicides for Minor Uses Committee that lack of data on crop safety and effectiveness of new reduced risk herbicides and for new uses for old herbicides will slow the process of herbicide registration.  The IR-4 New Technology Team has funded trials for herbicide uses on
cucurbits and spinach, two crops that have few options for weed control. Principal investigators will collect data on crop tolerance, weed efficacy and yield for 9 herbicide uses on cucurbits and 5 uses on spinach. For more information on the IR-4 screening program, contact Marija Arsenovic, arsenovic@aesop.rutgers.edu.  (9/00/17)

(4). IR-4 SEEKS EFFICACY DATA. 
The lack of available efficacy data has become a stumbling block for proceeding with residue trials, especially with new chemistries. IR-4 has named Margaret Reiff as point person to search for data sources, and collect and track efficacy data. She will be exploring professional societies, the internet, manufacturers, research and extension specialists, commodity organizations, growers and foreign sources. Data resulting from the search will be evaluated to see if it meets the needs of the IR-4 program to expedite the magnitude of residue studies. For more information, contact Margaret Reiff at margir4@calweb.com.  (9/00/19)

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(5) REMAINING USE OF PESTICIDE ETHYL PARATHION CANCELED (10/17/00)
EPA and the manufacturer, Cheminova, have signed an agreement to cancel all remaining uses of the organophosphate pesticide ethyl parathion.  It is one of the most acutely toxic pesticides still registered for use in the United States.  Ethyl parathion is also one of the most highly restricted pesticides on the market today according to the agency's revised risk assessments.  The agreement builds on an earlier one reached in 1991 between EPA and the registrants which limited ethyl parathion use to nine crop sites and added restrictions to the application and post-application work practices to reduce acute toxicity risks.  Despite the restrictions, EPA's revised risk assessments for ethyl parathion released earlier this year indicate that high risks may remain for workers and wildlife.  However, ethyl parathion residues in food crops grown in the United States and drinking water do not pose significant dietary risk concerns.  The pesticide has no residential uses, though some exposure may result from spray drift.  The new agreement immediately stops the use of ethyl parathion on corn grown for seed, which poses the greatest potential risk to workers who reenter treated fields.  It phases out use on other agricultural crops (alfalfa, barley, corn, cotton, canola, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, and wheat) over the next three years, ending all use of ethyl parathion in the United States by Oct. 31, 2003.  The agreement also halts the import of technical grade ethyl parathion into the United States and cancels registrations of ethyl parathion used to manufacture other end-use pesticide products.
The registrations of the end-use products will be canceled effective Dec. 31.

EPA also wants to phase down the use of terbufos over the next five years. A figure of 1 million pounds per year after five years was mentioned.  USDA Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP) presented the following benefits for terbufos in corn production:

1. Although several alternatives for corn rootworm control are on the market, growers still place a great deal of confidence in terbufos as evidenced by the 25% market share of corn rootworm insecticide sold. There is always an advantage to growers in having many tools in the IPM toolbox.  Removing even one of these tools would likely increase
the cost of corn rootworm control for the grower due to reduced competition in the market.

2. Terbufos provides the best protection of corn roots from rootworm damage of any insecticide on the market.  In field trials, terbufos provided greater root protection than tefluthrin 100% of the time.  Although this root protection does not always show up in corn yield, in cases where additional stresses occurred, such as dry weather, other
insect infestation, disease, etc., the additional root protection would be beneficial.

3. Terbufos provides the widest spectrum of insects controlled of the major corn insecticides.  This is particularly beneficial for white grub, seed corn maggot, wireworm, and billbug control. Satisfactory control of billbugs in organic soils cannot be accomplished with any of the other corn insecticides.

4. Terbufos is the most effective material for nematode control.  The overall benefits of nematode control in corn are difficult to establish because most growers do not sample for nematodes.  However, in sandy soil areas where nematodes are generally most severe, terbufos is the product of choice.

OPMP also mentioned additional corn rootworm control measures under development, including genetically engineered Bt corn with rootworm activity and a USDA/ARS areawide program evaluating carbaryl baits for rootworm adult control.  These new control measures are likely to reduce traditional corn rootworm insecticide use significantly when they come on line.  OPMP expressed that in its opinion, the buffer zones proposed by registrant were sufficient to prevent fish kill problems, but that EPA might consider requesting an 80-foot buffer instead of 66 feet since a typical 16-row corn planter is 40-feet wide, and two planter widths would be easier for growers to use than having to actually measure 66 feet.  The possibility of restricting use on areas with slopes over 10% where water runs directly into a farm pond was mentioned, but this may be difficult to enforce.  Additionally, OPMP expressed the opinion that a phase down would be unnecessary because the use of terbufos will probably go down anyway when the new control technologies are in place, and that should be sooner than 5 years.

The relative cost of terbufos was discussed. [Since the meeting, information about the cost was obtained and provided to EPA.  Terbufos is the most costly product on a per acre basis yet market share equals that of tefluthrin (Force) and chlorpyrifos (Lorsban).]

(7) EPA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT FOR MALATHION
EPA published for public comment a preliminary risk assessment for the organophosphate pesticide malathion on May 11.  EPA's preliminary risk assessment indicates that risks from exposure to malathion used in mosquito control or on crops are within acceptable limits.  The preliminary assessment has determined that there is insufficient scientific evidence to assess the potential for causing cancer in humans, and the suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity in laboratory studies will be reviewed by EPA's external Scientific Advisory Panel.  When malathion is used according to label directions, analyses show very low potential for human exposure and therefore cancer risk from malathion is not of concern.  Malathion is used on a variety of crops, home gardens, golf courses, mosquito control, and others.  Malathion and many other pesticides are being reviewed to determine whether their existing EPA registrations meet the stringent, new safety standards of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.  The preliminary risk assessment outlines the Agency's initial evaluation of malathion, and is subject to change following additional information and further scientific refinement.  The public will have 60 days to comment on the preliminary risk assessment for malathion.  EPA will review all comments received and then publish a revised risk assessment this Fall.  The revised risk assessment will also be made available for public comment.  At the same time, EPA will open a 60-day public comment period to invite possible risk mitigation ideas and proposals.  Copies of the preliminary risk assessment will be available on EPA's web site at:  www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/malathion.htm  or by calling the Pesticide Docket at 703-305-5805. 

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(8) NEW BIOCHEMICAL PESTICIDE REGISTERED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO METHYL BROMIDE
EPA registered a new biochemical pesticide, the Harpin protein (Trade Name MESSENGERTM ) on April 19,  as an alternative to conventional, synthetic pesticides such as methyl bromide.  This biochemical pesticide is registered for use on field crops, trees, turf, and ornamentals to control a wide variety of fungal, bacteria, and viral pathogens as well as several  insect pests.  Unlike most pesticides, the Harpin protein
does not act directly on the target pest.  Instead, it activates a natural defense mechanism in the host plant, called systematic acquired resistance, that makes the plant resistant to a wide range of fungal, bacterial and viral diseases.  The Harpin protein also protects against certain nematodes and fungal diseases that have few
effective controls except methyl bromide, a broad-spectrum pesticide that is believed to contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion and have adverse effects on human health.  The Harpin protein is non-toxic and not expected to pose risks to human health or the environment.  Because the product is applied at low rates and degrades rapidly in the field, no residues are expected on treated crops.  In addition, studies demonstrate no toxicity to humans and no adverse effects on many species of wildlife (e.g., birds, fish, honeybees, aquatic invertebrates, non-target plants and algae).  During its experimental use stage, the Harpin protein was used on tomatoes as a component of IPM programs, thereby decreasing the use of conventional pesticides by 70 percent
while outperforming them in effectiveness.  EDEN Biosciences Corp. of Bothell, Wash., was granted registrations for both the Harpin protein and MESSENGERTM (the only product containing this protein as an active ingredient).  For more information, see:
www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides.

(9)  EPA PROPOSES REVOKING METHYL PARATHION TOLERANCES
EPA is proposing to revoke or amend tolerances for methyl parathion on many fruits and vegetables children frequently eat, including apples, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums.  This proposal follows up on the cancellations by the registrant of the use of methyl parathion on these
and other commodities that EPA announced on Aug. 2, 1999.  This decision was based on EPA's determination that showed acute dietary risks from methyl parathion in food did not meet current requirements for an extra margin of safety to protect children under FQPA.  EPA made that determination after completing a comprehensive review of methyl parathion's uses.  EPA proposes to make these revocations and amendments effective upon publication of the final rule.  EPA is working with the Food and Drug Administration, who also issued guidance on how it will handle situations involving methyl parathion residues in foods that were legally treated with methyl parathion before January.  For more information on EPA's reassessment of methyl parathion, visit http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op.

(10)  EPA CONTINUES IMPLEMENTATION OF AZINPHOS-METHYL RISK REDUCTION MEASURES
On June 22, EPA issued a final rule to revoke and lower certain tolerances for the pesticide azinphos-methyl.  The final rule: 
a)  Implements changes resulting from the August 2 agreement (revocation of the tolerance on sugarcane and lowering of tolerances on apples, crabapples,cranberries, grapes, pears, and quinces); 
b)  Revokes tolerances for commodities for which there are no registered uses;
c)  Revokes a tolerance for sugarcane bagasse, a crop that is no longer a significant animal feed item;
d)  Revokes a tolerance for dried citrus pulp, a commodity for which processing studies show no concentration in the processed commodity;
e)  Revokes 13 tolerances for various meat products and milk, for which available data show no indication of finite residues;
f)  Removes the tolerance for nectarines because that use is covered by the tolerance for peaches;
g)  Lowers tolerances on almond, potato, and almond hulls to achieve compatibility with international standards (Codex MRLs); and
H)  Changes commodity terminology and definitions to conform with current Agency practice.

The revocation of the tolerance on sugarcane will be effective June 30, 2000.  Other changes and revocations will take effect on September 20, 2000.  EPA must receive objections and requests for hearings, identified by docket number OPP-301003 by August 21, 2000. Of the 35 tolerances revoked in this rule, 22 count toward the Agency's goal to reassess 66% of pre-1996 tolerances by August 2002, as mandated by the Food Quality Protection Act.

The Federal Register notice (Vol. 65, No. 121, Pages 38748-38753) is available on the EPA web site at: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr.  EPA published the proposed rule on December 22, 1999 (Federal Register Vol. 64, No. 245, Pages 71708-71712); EPA received no comments on the proposal.

(11) CHLORPYRIFOS ON THE WEB (6/12/00)
For info on the chlorpyrifos agreement, go to: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/chlorpyrifos.htm
From this page you can go to:
(1)  Administrator's Announcement on New Risk Reduction Measures (6/8/00):
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/announcement6800.htm
(2)  Hazard Assessment of the Organophosphates (264 KB, PDF):
(3)  FQPA Safety Factor Recommendations for the Organophosphates (79 KB, PDF)
(4)  Fact Sheet Summarizing the Agreement with the Registrants (19 KB, PDF)
(5)  Questions and Answers for Consumers about Chlorpyrifos:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/chlorpyrifos/consumerqs.htm
The Q&A page takes you to the answer, “Is it safe to eat foods that have been treated with chlorpyrifos?” on this web page:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/chlorpyrifos/consumerqs.htm#4
The answer that EPA gives is, “Yes. Food treated prior to these use restrictions still provides a considerable margin of safety to consumers. This action simply makes it stronger. The health benefits of a varied diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables outweigh the risk of pesticide residues anticipated on treated fruit. Parents should continue to feed their children a balanced and nutritious diet rich in fruits and
vegetables.”

(12) CHLORPYRIFOS AGREEMENT (6/12/00)
The June 8 Dow AgroSciences - EPA agreement on chlorpyrifos includes a voluntary cancellation of most in-and-around-the-home uses of chlorpyrifos in the U.S., including use of the product as a full-barrier termiticide treatment in existing structures (post-construction). Use of products affected by this agreement will be allowed until existing stocks are depleted.  Use of chlorpyrifos in the U.S. as a termiticide for spot and local treatment will be allowed until December 31, 2002.  Chlorpyrifos will remain available in the U.S. for use as a termiticide for new construction (pre-treat) until December 31, 2005. This date may be extended, however, based on the results of an exposure study specific to this application.

Chlorpyrifos will remain available for various U.S. nonresidential uses such as golf courses and ornamental nurseries as well as for all U.S. crop uses except tomatoes.  The agreement includes refinements in agricultural applications that result in a reduction of chlorpyrifos residues in the U.S. on apples and grapes. This agreement is specific to the U.S. sale and use of chlorpyrifos.

Why did Dow AgroSciences sign this agreement?  Dow AgroSciences says, "The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) fundamentally changed the way pesticides are regulated in the United States, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency demonstrated to us that it intended to apply standards far more stringent under the FQPA than it had used in the past, and more restrictive than those currently used by the World Health Organization and regulators in other developed nations. While the safety of chlorpyrifos products obviously did not change as a result of this new legislation, the standards used by the EPA to evaluate pesticides did. Under these new circumstances Dow AgroSciences had to make some very difficult choices. Unfortunately, in the current regulatory environment continued efforts to retain such a broad array of uses no longer made business sense."

I am getting together some fact sheets to help you with questions from the public.  When I get them posted to the pesticide information web site, I'll send you the URL.

(13) EPA ANNOUNCES RECALL OF TWO PESTICIDE PRODUCTS SOLD IN FAULTY PULL 'N SPRAY CONTAINERS (5/30/00)
EPA is announcing a voluntary consumer product safety recall for two faulty Pull 'N Spray home pesticide products.  This alert only affects products sold in Pull 'N Spray containers;  the problem is with the faulty container, not with the pesticide itself.  The products are Monsanto Corporation's Roundup* Ready-To-Use Weed and Grass Killer and the Scotts Company's Ortho* Ready-To-Use Home Defense* Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer5, both sold in 1.33 gallon plastic containers with a t-handle pump and application wand.  This voluntary measure was issued after the manufacturers of the Pull 'N Spray products reported to EPA calls from consumers who described experiencing mechanical failures with the pump spray causing exposure to the pesticide.

EPA is working with the companies in alerting consumers to return these products to avoid any potential for container failure and, therefore, inadvertent pesticide exposure.  Both companies have begun removing more than 1.8 million Pull 'N Spray products from the marketplace.  Scotts and Monsanto will modify the containers and make labeling changes before returning the products to the marketplace to ensure the containers function properly.  Consumers who have purchased Pull 'N Spray products should return the container with any remaining contents to the retailer where purchased for a full refund.  The containers can be identified by the words Pull 'N Spray on the label or by the UPC codes.  The Roundup* UPC code item numbers are either 70183-58064 or 70183-58065.  The Home Defense* UPC code is 71549-01991.  When the mechanism does not function properly, it may spray the pesticide contents onto the user or may pop out of the container and strike the user.  The majority of the Pull 'N Spray product incidents were reports of skin and eye irritation associated with leaks resulting from container failures or misuses.  On rare occasions, a small number of consumers have reported some respiratory difficulty associated with exposure to the Home Defense product.

     EPA is reminding consumers to always read the label first before using pesticides in and around their homes or on their lawns and follow all label instructions.  As an added precaution, consumers may want to wear protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, to avoid potential exposure.

     For additional information about returns and refunds for these Pull 'N Spray products, consumers should call the Manufacturers' Consumer Helpline at 1-800-225-2883.  For additional information on the products, see:  www.epa.gov/pesticides.

(15) REVISED RISK ASSESSMENT FOR DISULFOTON RELEASED; RISK MANAGEMENT COMMENTS REQUESTED
The revised risk assessment for the OP disulfoton can be found at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/fedreg.htm .  Disulfoton is an insecticide used as a seed treatment or foliar spray.  The public may submit risk management and mitigation ideas, and recommendations and proposals for transition related to disulfoton.  Comments must be received by May 9, 2000 identified by docket number OPP-34165B.  For more information, contact Karen Angulo at 703-308-8004 or by email at angulo.karen@epa.gov.

(16) REVISED RISK ASSESSMENT FOR PHOSMET RELEASED; RISK MANAGEMENT COMMENTS REQUESTED BY MAY 19 
The revised risk assessment for the OP phosmet can be found at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/fedreg.htm .  Phosmet is an insecticide used on field crops, fruits, ornamentals, nuts and other commodities.  The public may submit risk management and mitigation ideas, and recommendations and proposals for transition related to phosmet. Comments must be received by May 19, 2000 identified by docket number OPP-34173B.  For more information, contact Karen Angulo at :-703-308-8004 or by email at angulo.karen@epa.gov.

(17) REVISED RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR PHOSTEBUPIRIM AND TETRACHLORVINPHOS RELEASED; RISK MANAGEMENT COMMENTS REQUESTED BY MAY 26
The revised risk assessments for the OP’s phostebupirim and tetrachlorvinphos can be found at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/fedreg.htm .  Tebupriimphos is a soil insecticide used in corn.  Tetrachlorvinphos is an insecticides used to control chicken mites and pests in livestock.  The public may submit risk management and mitigation ideas, and recommendations and proposals for transition related to phostebupirim and tetrachlorvinphos.  Comments must be received by May 26, 2000 identified by docket number OPP-34186A for phostebupirim and OPP-34175B for tetrachlorvinphos.  For more information, contact Karen Angulo at 703-308-8004 or by email at angulo.karen@epa.gov.

(18)  REVISED RISK ASSESSMENT FOR COUMAPHOS RELEASED; RISK MANAGEMENT COMMENTS REQUESTED BY JUNE 26
The revised risk assessment for the organophosphate coumaphos can be found at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/fedreg.htm .  This pesticide is used for control of insect pests on livestock.  There are no registered uses on food crops or in or around residences.  EPA uses the risk assessment to determine whether further risk mitigation measures may be needed to meet Agency safety standards during reregistration and
tolerance reassessment.  The public may submit risk management and mitigation ideas, and recommendations and proposals for transition related to coumaphos. Comments must be received by June 26, 2000, identified by docket number OPP-34196A.  For more information, contact Karen Angulo at 308-8004 or by email at angulo.karen@epa.gov.

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(19) REVISED RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR TRICHLORFON AND CHLORPYRIFOS METHYL RELEASED; RISK MANAGEMENT COMMENTS REQUESTED BY JUNE 27
The revised risk assessments for the OP’s trichlorfon and chlorpyrifos methyl can be found at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/fedreg.htm . Trichlorfon is an insecticide with a variety of uses including golf course turf, ornamental plants, residential lawns, and indoor non-food uses such as greenhouses and agricultural premises. Chlorpyrifos methyl is an insecticide with uses limited to treatment of stored grains, including wheat, barley, rice, oats, and sorghum, as well as empty grain bins.  EPA uses the risk assessment to determine whether further risk mitigation measures may be needed to meet Agency safety standards during reregistration and tolerance reassessment.  (EPA will be releasing a revised risk assessment for chlorpyrifos, another organophosphate used in a wide variety of agricultural and non-agricultural settings, in the near future.)

The public may submit risk management and mitigation ideas, and recommendations and proposals for transition related to these chemicals.  Comments must be received by June 27, 2000, identified by docket number OPP-34202A for trichlorfon and docket number OPP-34202B for chlorpyrifos methyl.  For more information, contact Karen Angulo at 308-8004 or by email at angulo.karen@epa.gov.

(20) RISK MITIGATION IN PROGRESS FOR ETHYL PARATHION AND FENITROTHION
EPA is reviewing comments on risk mitigation for the OP’s ethyl parathion and fenitrothion.  No technical briefings were held for these chemicals because of their limited use patterns.  For more information, contact Karen Angulo at 703-308-8004 or by email at angulo.karen@epa.gov.

(21) EPA PUBLISHES NOTICE OF USE DELETIONS FOR AZINPHOS-METHYL
On April 19, 2000, EPA announced use deletions and registration cancellations for products containing azinphos-methyl.  The use deletions and cancellations are consistent with the agreement between EPA and the registrants of azinphos-methyl announced August 2, 1999. EPA is implementing the agreement to reduce risks associated with azinphos-methyl to humans and the environment.  Affected uses that
affect Delaware growers are ornamentals (except nursery stock), Christmas trees, shade trees, and forest trees.  As of April 19, 2000, sale, distribution, or use of azinphos-methyl products affected by this cancellation order is only permitted in accordance with the terms of the existing stocks provisions of the cancellation order.  Existing stocks of azinphos-methyl already in the possession of growers may be used
until depleted, provided the use is in accordance with the existing label or the August 2 risk reduction agreement.  The Federal Register notice (65 FR, Number 76, pages 20966-20968) providing details of this cancellation is available on EPA's web site at
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/fedreg.htm .  EPA plans to issue a final rule regarding changes to tolerances for azinphos-methyl in April 2000.  For more information, contact Barry O'Keefe, Special Review and Reregistration Division, at 703-308-8035 or via email at okeefe.barry@epa.gov.

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(22)  NEW BIOCHEMICAL PESTICIDE REGISTERED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL PESTICIDES
On April 19, 2000, EPA registered a new biochemical pesticide, the Harpin protein (Trade Name MESSENGER tm ), as an alternative to conventional, synthetic pesticides such as methyl bromide.  This biochemical pesticide is registered for use on field crops, trees, turf, and  ornamentals to control a wide variety of fungal, bacteria, and viral pathogens as well as several  insect pests.  Unlike most pesticides, the Harpin protein does not act directly on the target pest.  Instead, it activates a natural defense mechanism in the host plant, called  systematic acquired resistance, that makes the plant resistant to a wide range of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. The Harpin protein also protects against certain nematodes and fungal diseases that have few effective controls except methyl bromide, a broad-spectrum pesticide that is believed to contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion and have adverse effects on human health.  The  Harpin protein is non-toxic and not expected to pose risks to human health or
the environment.  Because the product is applied at low rates and degrades rapidly in the field, no residues are expected on treated crops.  In addition, studies demonstrate no toxicity to humans and no adverse effects on many species of wildlife (e.g., birds, fish, honeybees, aquatic invertebrates, non-target plants and algae).  During its experimental use stage, the Harpin protein was used on tomatoes as a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, thereby decreasing the use of conventional pesticides by 70% while outperforming them in effectiveness.  EDEN Biosciences Corporation of Bothell, WA.,was granted registrations for both the Harpin protein and  MESSENGER tm (the only product containing this protein as an active ingredient).  For more information, please contact Phil Hutton in the Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division at (703) 308-8260.  A fact sheet will also be available on EPA's web site at: www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides.

(23)  NEW BIOCHEMICAL INSECT REPELLENT REGISTERED BY OPP
EPA has registered a new, biochemical insect repellent derived from Eucalyptus plants.  The first end-use product, OFF! Botanicals 1 Insect Repellent, is a spray applied to human skin or clothing to provide protection from annoying mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats and no-see-ums.  This new insect repellent is effective for up to two hours.  The registrations were issued under a "conditional" status because EPA is awaiting the results of a field test on the effectiveness of this biopesticide in repelling biting flies, gnats and no-see-ums. For more information, please contact Jim Downing in OPP's Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division at (703) 308-9071.

(24) NON-OP CANDIDATES FOR 2000 – anticipated timeframes for delivery of
risk assessments to USDA:
January/February
oxamyl, terrazole, triallate, vinclozolin
March/April
aldicarb, benomyl, cacodylic acid, diclofop-methyl, endosulfan, imazalil, molinate, propargite, thiophanate-methyl, thiram
May/June
acifluorfen, lactofen, propylene oxide, thiabendazole
July/August
carbaryl, carbofuran, cypermethrin, dinocap, lindane
September/ October
mancozeb, metiram, maneb
November/ December
DSMA, CAMA, MSMA, Oxyfluorfen, atrazine, simazine

(25) MEVINPHOS AND PHOSALONE RISK ASESSMENTS
        EPA is conducting  preliminary risk assessments for Mevinphos and
Phosalone until March 13, 2000 under FQPA.  EPA cautions that the
mevinphos and phosalone risk assessment documents are only preliminary.
As new information becomes available and additional analyses are
performed, the Agency's conclusions about risks may change, and further
refinements of the documents may be appropriate.

        Interested parties are invited to provide written comments and input
to EPA.  The Agency is interested in obtaining additional data to further
refine the risk assessment, such as percent crop treated information or
residue data from food processing studies.  Comments addressing EPA's
risk assessment methods and assumptions as applied to mevinphos and
phosalone also would be useful.  The public is asked to limit comments
to issues directly associated with the mevinphos and phosalone risk
assessments.  EPA will provide other opportunities for public comment on
broader science issues associated with the organophosphate tolerance
reassessment program.  Comments must be received by March 13, 2000 and
identified by docket control number OPP-34215 for mevinphos and OPP-
34216 for phosalone.

The Federal Register notice is available on the Internet at
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.  The preliminary risk assessment, related
documents, and other information about the organophosphate pesticides,
including documents placed in the public docket also are available from
the Pesticide Docket (703-305-5805) and electronically on EPA's home
page, http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/.  For additional information,
please contact Karen Angulo at 703-308-8004.

(26) ACEPHATE, DISULFOTON, AND METHAMIDOPHOS
        The next three pesticides to enter the FQPA reregistration process
are acephate, disulfoton, and methamidophos.  Technical briefings were held
that presented ideas on risk management and transition.  A brief summary
of the revised risk assessment for each of these chemicals is available
on the EPA web site (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/).  The next step
will be a 60-day public participation period during which the public may
submit risk management and mitigation ideas, and recommendations and
proposals for transition. For more information, contact Karen Angulo at
703-308-8004 or angulo.karen@epa.gov via email.

(27) PHOSMET
        Phosmet is now going through FQPA reregistration. Info on this is
available on EPA's web site at:- (http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/).  A
brief summary of the revised risk assessment for this chemical is
available on the EPA web site (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/).  EPA
will issue a Federal Register  notice to provide an opportunity for
public viewing of the phosmet revised risk assessment and related
documents and to provide 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.
For more information, contact Karen Angulo at 703-308-8004 or
angulo.karen@epa.gov via email.

(28) HOMEOWNER BROCHURES
        Brochures for the homeowner on how to read the pesticide label can
be found at  http://www.ergweb.com/projects/cli/brochure.htm

(29)  EPA PROPOSES VOLUNTARY CANCELLATION OF SULFOTEPP
        On December 22, 1999, EPA published a Federal Register notice
announcing the availability of the Reregistration Eligibility Decision
(RED) document for the organophosphate pesticide sulfotepp.  The RED
represents EPA's formal regulatory assessment of the health and
environmental data on this chemical.  Based on the limited data
available for this chemical, risk assessment results showed high
estimated risks to workers and bystanders.  The companies that hold the
pesticide registrations for sulfotepp were unable to provide data needed
to refine the risk assessments and agreed to changes to their labels to
reduce risk.  They also have asked EPA to cancel their registrations
with an effective date of September 30, 2002.  This notice also
announces receipt of these requests for voluntary cancellation.  EPA
intends to accept these requests.  However, EPA will not proceed with
this cancellation if the registrants are able to develop and submit
acceptable data showing risks to workers and bystanders that do not
exceed the Agency's level of concern. Comments on the RED or the
proposed voluntary cancellation must be received by February 22, 2000,
identified  by docket control number OPP-34146B.  The Federal Register
notice (Vol. 64, No. 245, Pages 71754- 71757) is available on EPA's web
site:- (http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/).  The RED also is available on the
web at:- http://www.epa.gov/REDs/. For more information, contact Robbi
Farrell, 703-308-8065 or via email at:- farrell.roberta@epa.gov.

(30)  EPA PUBLISHES NOTICE OF PROPOSED USE DELETIONS FOR AZINPHOS METHYL
        On December 3rd, EPA published a notice in the Federal Register (64 FR 67899) announcing receipt of requests from the registrants to cancel certain uses of the pesticide azinphos methyl.  The use deletions are consistent with the agreement between EPA and the registrants of azinphos methyl announced August 2, 1999.  EPA is implementing the agreement to reduce risks associated with azinphos methyl to humans and the environment.  Affected uses are cotton in Louisiana and east of the Mississippi, sugarcane, ornamentals (except nursery stock), Christmas trees, shade trees, and forest trees. The registrants are currently relabeling azinphos methyl products to meet the terms of the agreement with the Agency.  As of December 31, 1999, sale or distribution of azinphos methyl that has not been relabeled is not allowed.  Existing stocks of azinphos methyl already in the possession of growers may be used until depleted provided the use is in accordance with the existing label or the August 2,
agreement.  EPA soon will issue a proposed rule to change and revoke food use tolerances affected by this agreement.  For more information, contact Barry O?Keefe, Special Review and Reregistration Division, at 703-308-8035 or via email at okeefe.barry@epa.gov.

(31) CYANAZINE
        Cancellation and termination of cyanazine production is effective
31DEC99. Existing stock product labels are good through 31DEC02.

(32) EPA SUSPENDS REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN METHOXYCHLOR PRODUCTS
        On January 14, 2000, EPA issued a suspension order to Kincaid
Enterprises, Inc., to prevent the further manufacture and sale of their
methoxychlor products.  This order, which is effective immediately,
affects the technical chemical, from which methoxychlor products are
formulated by other companies, and three methoxychlor products
manufactured by Kincaid.  Methoxychlor products manufactured by other
companies are not directly affected by this order, but if the suspension
remains in effect, they will no longer be able to obtain methoxychlor
for their products.

        Methoxychlor is an organochlorine insecticide, originally registered
as a replacement for DDT, which is used on fruits and vegetables to control
a variety of pests.  It also is used to control certain pests on livestock.

        This order was issued because the registrant has failed to submit
studies required to support reregistration of the chemical and is based
on requirements of a settlement agreement signed September 3, 1998.  If
the company is able to generate the required data, the suspension could
be lifted.  Existing stocks of the chemical in the hands of retailers
and users may continue to be used.  This suspension is based on overdue
environmental fate studies.  The Agency has not completed its risk
assessment for this compound.  Food tolerances remain in effect.  For
more information, contact Beth Edwards, Special Review and
Reregistration Division, at 703-305-5400 or via email at
edwards.beth@epa.gov.

(33)  EPA PROPOSES TO CLOSE TELONE SPECIAL REVIEW
        EPA proposes to close out the special review for Telone  without any
further regulatory action.  Since the initiation of the special review
in 1986 based on cancer concerns for workers, the Telone registrant, Dow
AgroSciences, has submitted additional worker exposure and air and
water monitoring studies and implemented a range of measures to mitigate
risks to workers and to residents in areas where Telone is applied.
Mitigation measures include:

Label changes to reduce levels of Telone that volatilize into the
atmosphere during fumigant transfers, application, and the
post-fumigation time period;

Requirements for shut-off valves to prevent Telone from spilling at row
turns, closed loading, soil sealing, a 300-foot no-treatment  buffer
from occupied structures, improved product stewardship, a phase-out of
drum  delivery, and reduced application rate.

Modification of the Telone registration to  prohibit use in certain
northern tier states based on ground water concerns, a 100-foot
no-treatment buffer around drinking water wells, prohibit use in areas
overlying karst geologies, and require additional monitoring to confirm
that use of Telone does not pose unreasonable risks  when used according
to product labels.

        Based on EPA's conclusions out of new data and the addition of these
mitigation measures, EPA has concluded that the use of Telone will not
cause unreasonable risks to human health or the environment and that all
labeled uses are eligible for reregistration.  The Telone Reregistration
Eligibility Decision (RED) document was published in December 1998.  As
the Agency's risk concerns have been addressed through a series of label
amendments, product stewardship, and ongoing monitoring, the Agency is
proposing that the Telone Special Review be terminated.

(34) CLINTON PLANS CHEMICAL REDUCTION ORDER
       The Clinton Administration last December drafted a new Executive
Order on Toxic Chemical Reductions that would require federal agencies
to reduce the "use" of fifteen or more chemicals by fifty percent in
five years. The draft Order has gone largely unnoticed and is currently
under review by the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

       Specifically, the draft order would require EPA to develop a list
of fifteen or more priority chemicals for use reduction. It is not clear
what risk management process,
if any, would be used in the listing process. In addition, the draft
Order would require federal agencies to eliminate the use of
organophosphate and carbamate pesticides at their facilities no later
than December 31, 2000.  There are also provisions for agencies to
conform landscaping services with environmentally beneficial practices.
Although the draft order only pertains to federal agencies, it could
have adverse impacts on commercial markets and all chemical/pesticide
users. It could also have an indirect effect if other customers follow
the lead of the federal government. In general, the action sends a
negative message to the public about chemical uses, risks, and exposures
and raises many unanswered questions. For example, if USDA is required
to eliminate its use of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, will
state and local governments,  or other public/private institutions, be
expected to do the same? If USDA is prohibited from using these
products, does this hamper their ability to review and communicate
pesticide management practices?

       NASDA is discussing this issue with industry organizations and
agricultural groups to determine the exact status of the draft
proposal, assess the potential impacts on agriculture, and determine
possible next steps.

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(35)  IR-4'S EFFORTS LEAD TO REGISTRATION OF BIFENTHRIN ON MINOR CROPS
        Bifenthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, has been registered
recently for use on brassica vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower,
etc.), cucurbits, edible-podded legumes, succulent shelled peas and
beans, globe artichoke, canola and sweet corn. Data to support all of
these tolerances, except sweet corn, was generated by the USDA
Inter-regional 4 (IR-4) Project. EPA gave bifenthrin submissions high
priority because many of the proposed uses were classified as
organophosphate alternatives. The future looks bright for more
bifenthrin registrations on minor crops. IR-4 recently submitted
petitions to EPA proposing bifenthrin tolerances on head lettuce, bell
and non-bell peppers, and the caneberry crop subgroup. Within the next
two years, IR-4 plans to submit petitions proposing tolerances on the
herb crop subgroup, and for celery, spinach and mustard greens. New
residue studies for bifenthrin uses on tomato and cilantro will begin in
2000. Bifenthrin is produced by FMC Corporation and marketed as
Capture®, Brigade® and Talstar®. For more information contact Ken Samoil
at IR-4 Headquarters: 732-932-9575x614 or samoil@aesop.rutgers.edu

(36)  MITIGATING HERBICIDE RISKS: ANALYSIS CONTINUES ON BUFFER ZONES
        The EPA Office of Pesticide Programs is developing a standard
approach for calculating buffer zones  (the distance to maintain between a
pesticide application site and sensitive nontarget areas). With this
approach, a spray drift model called AgDRIFT is used to determine the
distance necessary for spray drift deposits to fall below a certain
level. For herbicides, it is the level that causes up to a 25% reduction
in plant growth in laboratory tests. Typically, 10 species of crop
plants covering a range of taxa are tested, and EPA uses the 25% value
for the most sensitive species in its assessment.

        The Spray Drift Task Force, a registrant group, made a preliminary
analysis of theoretical buffer sizes calculated by EPA for 28
herbicides. The herbicides represent multiple classes of chemistry and
modes of action. For ground applications made with a low spray boom (2
ft. above ground), about 20% of the compounds required a buffer less
than or equal to 50 feet, while 70% required buffers of greater than 150
feet, and 15% needed buffers of 450 to 1,000 feet. For aerial
applications, the theoretical buffers are larger. Only one of the 28
compounds examined could get by with a buffer of less than 50 feet,
while 75% of the compounds required buffers of 450 to 1,000 feet.

        These calculations  are based on several worst-case assumptions.
Discussions are ongoing between the SDTF and EPA concerning ways to
better reflect more representative conditions. For more information,
contact Andrew Hewitt or Dave Johnson, both of Stewart Ag, at
660-762-4240. E-mail: ahewitt@marktwain.net or davejohn@marktwain.net

(37) Bt. CORN INSECT RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCED FOR 2000 GROWING SEASON (12/17/99)
EPA has announced new measures for resistance management in Bt. corn.
The additional measures to fully manage insect resistance for the 2000
growing season include:  registrants must require that growers plant a
minimum structured refuge of at least 20 percent non-Bt. corn; for Bt.
corn grown in cotton areas, registrants must ensure that farmers plant
at least 50 percent non-Bt. corn; registrants will expand monitoring in
the field as an early warning system to detect any potential resistance,
and will communicate voluntary measures that will protect non-target
insects, particularly the Monarch butterfly; and there will be sales and
planting restrictions in certain limited geographic areas for some
products.  The industry has agreed to the Agency's conditions.  For more
information on EPA's biotechnology regulatory program for plant
pesticides, see:  http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides.