In response to requests from groups representing manufacturers and users of soil fumigants, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period for reregistration of soil fumigant pesticides including methyl bromide. EPA had opened a 60-day public comment period in July but it has now been extended for an additional 45 days, closing on October 30.
EPA is requiring important new safety measures for soil fumigant pesticides to increase protections for agricultural workers and bystanders – people who live, work, or otherwise spend time near fields that are fumigated. These measures are included in risk management Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) for the soil fumigants chloropicrin, dazomet, and metam sodium/potassium (including methyl isothiocyanate or MITC) methyl bromide.
Producers are strongly urged to provide comments on how the changes would affect their business. Information about how to provide comments can be found on-line under the Federal Register for July 16.
