This information is provided for reference. Over time, links to news items may become unavailable, in these cases the item will remain listed, but no link will be provided. Also, please be aware that the information in any particular article may be outdated or superseded by additional information.

December, 2014

December Livestock and Poultry Learning Center Newsletter Exit
The December webcast is on engaging youth in manure management. The last newsletter of 2014 changes the format by having an "around the horns" section where stories are sorted by topic. Check it out and let us know if you like it! We include manure to energy, soils, biosecurity & PEDv, nutrient management, climate change, winter manure spreading and much more...

December 23, 2014

Nominations for EPA New England’s Annual Environmental Merit Awards-Deadline is January 30, 2015
EPA is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Environmental Merit Awards, which will recognize environmental achievements during the past year. Award categories are available for individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other organizations. Awards are also given under a lifetime achievement category. These regional awards have been given out annually since EPA was created in 1970. Past recipients have included scientists, community activists, business representatives, public officials and other individuals committed to preserving the environment. An independent EPA panel will select the winners based on the following criteria: long-term effects on the environment; ability to address an environmental problem or need; collaboration with others; ability of the program or accomplishments to be widely shared; clarity and effectiveness of the presentation; and promotion of innovative ideas or techniques. Awards are traditionally given in four categories: individual; business, industry, trade, and professional organization; local, state or federal government; and environmental, community or non-profit organization.

EPA Announces Availability of $2.7 Million in Environmental Education Local Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of $2,730,000 of funding for Environmental Education Local Grants. The maximum allowed grant under the program is $91,000. The purpose of the Environmental Education Local Grants Program is to support locally-focused environmental education projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues. The grants program also provides participants with the opportunity to develop skills needed in order to make informed environmental decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment.

December 19, 2014

EPA Finalizes Revisions to Export Labeling Regulations
EPA is finalizing its regulations on pesticide export labeling. Today’s rule corrects the inadvertent removal of a provision that occurred in the January 2013 revisions to these regulations. EPA is restoring the provision that allows information required under the regulations to be placed on collateral labeling (such as bulletins, leaflets, circulars, brochures, data sheets, or flyers) attached to a shipping container of pesticide products rather than on the immediate package of each individual product in the shipment.

December 18, 2014

EPA Announces 2014 Annual Environmental Enforcement Results
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released its annual enforcement and compliance results reflecting a focus on large cases driving industry compliance and that have a high impact on protecting public health and the environment. “By taking on large, high impact enforcement cases, EPA is helping to level the playing field for companies that play by the rules, while maximizing our ability to protect the communities we serve across the country,” said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Despite challenges posed by budget cuts and a government shutdown, we secured major settlements in key industry sectors and brought criminal violators to justice. This work resulted in critical investments in advanced technologies and innovative approaches to reduce pollution and improve compliance.”

December 17, 2014

EPA Prevents Harmful Chemicals from Entering the Marketplace
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to protect the public from certain chemicals that have the potential to cause a range of health effects from cancer to reproductive and developmental harm to people and aquatic organisms. “We are committed to protecting all Americans from exposure to harmful chemicals used in domestic and imported products,” said Jim Jones, assistant administrator for chemical safety and pollution prevention. “There must be a level playing field for U.S. businesses – which is why we’re targeting harmful chemicals no longer used in the U.S. that find their way into commerce, sometimes through imported products. This final action will give EPA the opportunity to restrict or limit any new uses of these chemicals, including imported goods with these chemicals.”

December 16, 2014

TODAY: EPA, USDA and White House to Highlight New Market-Based Water Quality Trading Program in Virginia
On Tuesday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will hold a press conference with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA) Tom Vilsack, Mike Boots of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Commonwealth of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, a private investor and an Appomattox, VA farmer to recognize an innovative, market-based nutrient trading program that Virginia has embraced to encourage economic investments and reduce phosphorus pollution to local waterways in order to meet water quality goals for the Chesapeake Bay.

Pesticide News Story: Upgrades to Endangered Species Web Tool: Bulletins Live! Two
EPA is releasing Bulletins Live! Two, an upgraded version of Bulletins Live!, a web-based map application used to access geographically-specific threatened and endangered species protection Bulletins. This system is an important tool for pesticide users since it makes it easier to find pesticide use limitations for specific areas. Go to www.epa.gov/oppfead1/endanger/bulletins.htm to view the new application. Please note, if you are using Internet Explorer and have accessed Bulletins Live! in the past, you will need to clear your history or set your browser to check for newer versions of stored pages. Bulletins generated by the application contain enforceable, geographically-specific pesticide use limitations that are necessary to ensure using a pesticide will not harm a threatened or endangered species or their critical habitat designated under the Endangered Species Act. A reference to Bulletins on a pesticide label ensures that the Bulletin’s pesticide use limitations are enforceable under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

December 15, 2014

Status Report to Congress on Endangered Species Act Implementation in Pesticide Regulation
The EPA and its federal partners, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), have written a report to Congress on the status of Endangered Species Act implementation in pesticide regulation. The EPA and its federal partners are committed to refining their approach to pesticide consultations to protect endangered and threatened species.
This report was required by the 2014 Farm Bill and summarizes actions carried out by the agencies since receiving the April 2013, National Academy of Sciences’ report, entitled “Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides.”

December 9, 2014

Guidance for Disinfectant Product Advertising and other Non-label Communication Referring to Enterovirus D68
EPA has established guidance for companies that manufacture or sell disinfectant products that can be used against Enterovirus D68 regarding what can be said in non-label communication for the disinfectants. This guidance is based on criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the use of antimicrobial products for disinfection of Enterovirus D68 on environmental surfaces. The full guidance is available online: Enterovirus D68 Guidance.

December 10, 2014

Request for Nominations of Candidates to the EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) Agricultural Science Committee
EPA invites nominations for the SAB Ag Science Committee (link to the FR Notice) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites public nominations of scientific experts to be considered for appointment to the EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) Agricultural Science Committee to provide advice to the chartered SAB regarding matters referred to the SAB that will have a significant direct impact on farming and agriculture-related industries. Nominations should be submitted in time to arrive no later than January 30, 2015.

December 8, 2014

TOMORROW: EPA Administrator to Deliver Remarks at Two Events at the National Press Club
Tomorrow, December 9, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy will participate in two events at the National Press Club. At 12:30 p.m. she will deliver remarks at Green 2.0 and New America Media’s public briefing, “Breaking the Green Ceiling”, followed by a speech at 1p.m. at the Safe Drinking Water Act 40th Anniversary Forum. Both events are open to members of the media, and press should follow directions below to RSVP.

December 5, 2014

Pesticide News Story: Announcing the SmartLabel Pilot Program
In an effort to make pesticide label information easier to find and the approval of pesticide labels more efficient, EPA is working with pesticide registrants to pilot an electronic label system. As part of the SmartLabel pilot, nine pesticide registrants will be developing and submitting pesticide labels to EPA through a fully electronic system instead of as paper or PDF files. One of the goals of the SmartLabel system is to make label information more quickly available to the public in an easily searchable format. As a fully electronic system, SmartLabel will make the label approval process more efficient by creating standardized label sections for all pesticide labels. The system will also make it easier to compare previous label versions without losing the necessary flexibility to make a label appropriate for each product.

December 3, 2014

Obama Administration Selects 26 Communities to Develop Local Food Projects, Encourage Economic Expansion/ Local Foods, Local Places Initiative encourages creative economic development in 26 communities in 19 states
Today, on behalf of the White House Rural Council, six federal agencies joined to announce 26 communities selected to participate in Local Foods, Local Places, a federal initiative providing technical support, to integrate local food systems into community economic action plans. Under this effort, a team of agricultural, transportation, environmental, public health and regional economic experts will work directly with the communities to develop specifically identified local food projects. Project proposals include repurposing vacant land into local food production, developing year-round retail markets for local food products, and establishing food hubs to increase local food supply chains.
USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Affairs Doug O’Brien and Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl made the announcement in Wheeling, W.Va. Wheeling will receive Local Foods, Local Places support to transition the historic and underused Vineyard Hill, into a productive regional hub for diversified local food production and value added products. The officials will also visit Youngstown, OH, which will receive Local Foods, Local Places support to reclaim vacant property for local food production.

December 2, 2014

Pesticide News Story: EPA Workshop on Inert Ingredient PRIA Applications
On December 16, 2014, EPA will host a half-day workshop on the application process for the use of inert ingredients in pesticide products. The workshop will take place in Arlington, Virginia. The goal of the workshop is to clarify the necessary elements of an application for approval to use an inert ingredient in a pesticide product. Complete application packages save applicants time and money, and reduce the number of application rejections.

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November, 2014

November Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Newsletter Exit
Manure application in winter brings increased risk of runoff reaching surface or groundwater resources. Practical and science-based options exist for managing and reducing the risk for livestock producers who have little or no manure storage, or for situations where a late fall or early freeze limit manure application options. More....

November 21, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY: EPA and City of San José tour composting and biogas facility turning food waste into renewable energy
On Tuesday, November 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator and City of San José officials will tour the city’s Zero Waste Energy Development anaerobic digestion facility where food scraps are turned into renewable energy and compost for local farms. The facility’s state-of-the-art dry anaerobic digesters use bacteria to break down food waste in an oxygen-free environment, converting it into methane biogas to generate electricity. The facility can digest and compost 90,000 tons of food waste and produce 1.6 megawatts per year. San José aims to achieve zero waste by 2022 and diverts 74 percent of materials from landfills through reuse, recycling, composting and anaerobic digestion.

November 20, 2014

EPA, federal and state agencies, rice growers, industry act to protect endangered salmon and steelhead trout in California
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, in cooperation with state agencies, rice growers and industry, announced an agreement to create federally enforceable restrictions of the pesticide thiobencarb, an herbicide used on rice crops, to protect threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead trout in California. “Working closely with our state and federal partners, our joint efforts will protect salmon and steelhead trout while maintaining rice production in California,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “This action also supports EPA’s commitment to minimize pesticide pollution in the San Francisco Bay Delta.”

November 17, 2014

Pesticide News Story: Expanding Opportunities for Minor Crops - Proposed Rule to Revise Crop Grouping
EPA is making available for public comment a proposed rule to revise the pesticide crop grouping regulations that allow the establishment of tolerances (maximum residue levels) for groups of related crops. The proposed revisions will expand the number of crops that can have tolerances established and thus will allow minor-use growers a wider choice of pest control tools, including lower-risk pesticides, to be used on minor crops, both domestically and in countries that export food to the United States. Crop groupings allow petitioners to request tolerances for multiple related commodities based on research data on a representative crop. This is the fourth in a series of revisions to the crop groupings. The proposed revisions, published in a November 14, 2014, Federal Register Notice, would revise the existing leafy vegetable and brassica vegetable crop groups, as well as establish new crop groups, including: stalk, stem and leaf petioles; tropical fruit, inedible peel; and tropical fruit, edible peel.

EPA Signs Memorandums of Understanding with Georgia College and State University, HHS and USDA Rural Development
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) entered into a new phase of collegial and federal agency cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the agency and Georgia College & State University (GC). EPA also signed a MOU with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 4 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and state directors from the U.S. Department of Agricultural, Rural Development (USDA RD) representing Alabama, Georgia South Carolina and Tennessee.

November 7, 2014

EPA Region 7 to Participate at National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk Event Nov. 13 in Kansas City, Mo. EPA officials will be available for interviews at the annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Trade Talk event at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Nov. 13. Interview topics include the Waters of the U.S. proposal; outreach to the agricultural community; nutrient management; and regulatory updates related to chemical safety, pesticides and grain storage.

November 6, 2014

Three Subsidiaries of the World’s Largest Fertilizer Producer to Reduce Harmful Air Emissions at Eight Production Plants
In a settlement with the United States, three subsidiaries of the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (PCS), the world’s largest fertilizer producer, will take steps to reduce harmful air emissions at eight U.S. production plants, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice announced today. The settlement resolves claims that these PCS subsidiaries violated the Clean Air Act when they modified facilities in ways that released excess sulfur dioxide into surrounding communities.

EPA Responds to NRDC’s 2nd Petition to Cancel Pet Uses of Two Pesticides
In 2009, EPA considered two petitions from the Natural Resources Defense Council to cancel the use of propoxur and tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) in pet products. In response, EPA developed new human health risk assessments for the pet uses of both pesticides. In 2013, EPA found unacceptable risks to children from exposure to propoxur pet collars. EPA and the manufacturers reached an agreement to cancel propoxur pet collar products. This decision was reached as a result of discussions about how to reduce children’s exposure to propoxur in pet collars. Read more about the March 2014 propoxur decision.

November 5, 2014

EPA and USDA to Hold Public Listening Sessions on Pollinator Strategy/Sessions to be held November 12 and 17 in the D.C. metro area
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host two public listening sessions to solicit stakeholder input to assist the Pollinator Health Task Force in development of a federal strategy to protect honey bees and other pollinators. The Task Force is asking for input on the types of activities that could be part of the strategy, including public private partnerships, research, educational opportunities, pollinator habitat improvements and pesticide risk mitigation.

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October, 2014

October Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Newsletter Exit
October's edition is chock full of good stuff, including a preview of the webcast on a feed nutrient management planning tool, the Waste to Worth conference, and several articles on water quality & nutrients. This addition is also heavy on information about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and animal welfare. Other topics include animal mortality resources, dung beetles, odor, goats as weed control, and more.

October 30, 2014

Reorganization of OPP’s Registration Division - Improves workflow, Increases Efficiency
In order to better meet commitments under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA III), the Registration Division in EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs has undergone a staff reorganization effective October 18, 2014. The reorganization created two additional risk management branches and so will allow for a greater number of staff to work more directly on registration actions. The Registration Division is responsible for conventional chemical risk management for new chemical registrations, new product registrations, registration amendments and new use reviews, tolerances, experimental use permits, and emergency exemptions for conventional chemical pesticides.

October 29, 2014

Farmers in Stanislaus County encouraged to drop off unwanted pesticides at free event on Oct. 30 in Modesto
Farmers in Stanislaus County, Calif. can bring their obsolete and unwanted pesticides to the Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner's Office at a free pesticides collection event on Thursday October 30, 2014. The event, which is by appointment only, will be held 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the County Agricultural Commissioner's Office, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, Calif.

EPA Inspection Reveals Clean Water Act Violations by Winifred Feed Lot, LLC, near Frankfort, Kansas
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency personnel conducted inspections in northeastern Kansas in December 2013. As a result of one of the inspections, the owner of a beef feedlot, Winifred Feed Lot, LLC, has agreed to pay a $16,150 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA), according to a proposed consent agreement.

October 23, 2014

EPA Proposes to Remove 72 Chemicals from Approved Pesticide Inert Ingredient List
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting public comment on a proposal to remove 72 chemicals from its list of substances approved for use as inert ingredients in pesticide products. “We are taking action to ensure that these ingredients are not added to any pesticide products unless they have been fully vetted by EPA,” said Jim Jones, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “This is the first major step in our strategy to reduce risks from pesticides containing potentially hazardous inert ingredients.”

October 21, 2014

EPA Launches a Voluntary Star-Rating Program to Reduce Pesticide Drift and Protect People, Wildlife and the Environment /More stars equals greater potential for reducing spray drift
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a new voluntary Drift Reduction Technology (DRT) program to encourage the use of verified, safer pesticide spray products to reduce exposure and pesticide movement while saving farmers money in pesticide loss.

October 16, 2014

EPA Finds Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments of Little or No Benefit to U.S. Soybean Production
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an analysis of the benefits of neonicotinoid seed treatments for insect control in soybeans. Neonicotinoid pesticides are a class of insecticides widely used on U.S. crops that EPA is reviewing with particular emphasis for their impact on pollinators. The analysis concluded that there is little or no increase in soybean yields using most neonicotinoid seed treatments when compared to using no pest control at all. A Federal Register notice inviting the public to comment on the analysis will publish in the near future.

EPA honors Calif. companies Amyris and Solazyme for using green chemistry to create renewable and sustainable plant-based fuels
Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Amyris Inc. in Emeryville and Solazyme, Inc., in South San Francisco, Calif. with Presidential Green Chemistry Awards for creating renewable and sustainable plant-based fuels and other products. The Calif. companies are among five organizations nationwide honored for developing safer chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances.

October 15, 2014

Student Team at University of Missouri-Columbia to Receive $14,874 to Study Treatment of Food Waste with Pig Manure
A student team at the University of Missouri-Columbia will receive $14,874 from EPA to study the feasibility of treating food waste mixed with swine manure and gather data from the process related to energy use, greenhouse gases and recovered nutrients.

EPA Announces Final Decision to Register Enlist Duo, Herbicide Containing 2, 4-D and Glyphosate/Risk assessment ensures protection of human health, including infants, children
The EPA is registering the herbicide, Enlist Duo with first-time ever restrictions to manage the problem of resistant weeds. The pesticide is for use in controlling weeds in corn and soybeans genetically-engineered (GE) to tolerate 2,4-D and glyphosate. The agency’s decision reflects a large body of science and an understanding of the risk of pesticides to human health and the environment.

October 10, 2014

EPA’s WaterSense Program Recognizes Texas A and M AgriLife Center for National Excellence in Education
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its 2014 WaterSense Partners of the Year for their commitment to promoting water efficiency and strengthening the resilience of communities across the country. The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas was also recognized for excellence in outreach and education. The center was awarded for their efforts to advance and promote the WaterSense program and water efficiency. Among Texas A&M AgriLife’s achievements include transforming an on-campus home to demonstrate the benefits of indoor and outdoor water savings, holding classes and trainings for landscape and irrigation professionals, participating in regional outreach events, and even touring across Texas with an 8’ x 12’ model WaterSense labelled home.

October 8, 2014

Pesticide News Story: EPA to Host Webinar on the Basics of School Integrated Pest Management – October 21
A webinar, The Basics of School Integrated Pest Management, hosted by the EPA’s Center of Expertise for School IPM, will be held on October 21, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. IPM is a smart, sensible, and sustainable approach to managing pests. IPM takes action to address the underlying causes that enable pests to thrive.

October 7, 2014

EPA Increases Access to Chemical Information/Agency seeks input on improvements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has posted additional data and added new functions to ChemView, EPA’s publicly-accessible, one-stop online tool to find information for chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). “In the absence of TSCA reform, EPA is moving ahead to improve access to chemical health and safety information, and increase the dialogue to help the public choose safer ingredients used in everyday products,” said James Jones, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “The additional data along with a customer satisfaction survey will make chemical information more readily available for decision-makers and consumers.”

October 3, 2014

EPA Inspection Finds Clean Water Act Violations by E and M Farms, Inc., Dairy Operation near Ossian, Iowa
As a result of an inspection of northeastern Iowa livestock operations by EPA Region 7 staff last spring, the owner of E&M Farms, Inc., has agreed to pay a $7,500 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its dairy operation near Ossian.

October 2, 2014

EPA Settlement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Helps Protect Soil and Groundwater from Contamination
An underground storage tank (UST) at the Lake Moomaw Marina Store in Warm Springs, Va., will now be regularly monitored and inspected under a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to resolve alleged violations of UST regulations. The Lake Moomaw Marina Store is owned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Pesticide News Story: EPA Announces New Efficacy Protocol for Certain Copper-based Sanitizer Products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a recommended protocol for testing the antimicrobial efficacy of copper-containing surfaces. The testing described in this protocol is intended to support registration of products bearing non-food contact, surface sanitizer claims. The Agency is accepting comments on the protocol for 60 days. At a later time, EPA expects to issue a Data Call-In to require testing using this protocol for currently registered copper and copper alloy-based surface products.

October 1, 2014

Pesticide News Story: EPA Updates Dietary Exposure Analysis Model
EPA has updated the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model-Food Commodity Intake Database (DEEM-FCID)/Calendex to include more recent food consumption data. New online applications will also make it easier for the public to access and interpret the data. DEEM-FCID/Calendex is a dietary exposure analysis model for performing chronic and acute exposure assessments. DEEM-FCID/Calendex can be used to estimate dietary intake of toxicants, nutrients, pesticides, food additives and natural constituents – in other words, for any component of food or water. The software also allows for estimation of exposures for each eating occasion rather than considering the entire day’s food and drink intake at once. This allows EPA to make more refined risk assessments where appropriate.

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September, 2014

September Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Newsletter Exit
The September news announces part 2 in the series on composting animal mortalities. Abstract submission for Waste to Worth has been extended until November 17, 2014. There were multiple items on poultry and antibiotics, as well as the Waters of the U.S. rule, solid manure digestion, and how the drought has reshaped the U.S. cattle map.

September 30, 2014

EPA Region 7 Administrator, Brody Middle School Students to Increase Awareness of Water Quality Oct. 3 in Des Moines, Iowa
EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks will be in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday, Oct. 3, to visit with Brody Middle School seventh grade students about EPA’s role in protecting water quality. Brooks’ visit will include a role-play exercise featuring six groups of students representing EPA, scientists, farmers, concerned citizens, Des Moines Water Works, and non-profits. Afterwards, a group of students will participate in a water quality testing exercise at Des Moines Water Works Park.

Pesticide News Story: Transformation of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act Website
The EPA has redesigned the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2012 (PRIA 3) website. The new website is available at www2.epa.gov/pria-fees. The purpose of the redesign is to make PRIA 3 information more easily accessible to stakeholders and the public, regardless of the type of device being used (for example laptop, tablet or smartphone). We are not making any technical or regulatory changes to PRIA 3.

September 29, 2014

ADVISORY: EPA Administrator to Deliver Keynote Speech at Water Environment Federation’s Annual Conference
On Monday, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will deliver a keynote speech at the Water Environment Federation’s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Administrator McCarthy’s remarks will focus on why the Clean Water Act proposed rule is so vital to protecting our water resources, communities and economy. She will discuss the cost of inaction when it comes to climate change and how investing in clean water technology will spur economic growth and help us overcome challenges facing our nation’s water resources. A new report, “The Economic and Labor Impact of the Water Sector,” profiled 30 U.S. communities—servicing 83 million people—that will be investing in infrastructure projects over the next 10 years, resulting in $52 billion in annual economic output and supporting 289,000 jobs nationwide.

September 26, 2014

Pesticide News Story: Now Available: Updated Salmon Mapper for Protecting Endangered and Threatened Salmon In the Pacific Northwest and California
EPA is releasing an updated Salmon Mapper. The interactive map includes enhanced spatial resolution and the most recent geospatial data depicting salmon-supporting stream reaches where no-spray buffer zones apply in California, Oregon and Washington State for 12 pesticides that are subject either to the original 2004 injunction in Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC) v. EPA or the August 15, 2014, stipulated injunction in Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) v. EPA. The pesticides included in the NCAP v. EPA stipulated injunction are carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion and methomyl. The pesticides that remain subject to the original WTC v. EPA injunctive relief order are 1,3-dichloropropene, bromoxynil, diflubenzuron, fenbutatin oxide, metolachlor, prometryn and propargite.

September 22, 2014

EPA Awards $81,600 to Mesa Community College for Innovative Center for Urban Agriculture
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded an environmental education grant of $81,600 to Mesa Community College for the development of a cutting-edge “Center for Urban Agriculture” program which will include a degree program, urban farm site and engaging local elementary schools.

Pesticide News Story: EPA Recognizes National Farm Safety and Health Week: Supports Safer and Healthier Agricultural Environment
EPA is recognizing National Farm Safety and Health Week (September 21-27) to promote the importance of a safer and healthier agricultural work environment. The 2014 theme, “Safety Counts: Protecting What Matters,” underscores EPA efforts to support the health and safety of farmworker communities.

• EPA announced in February 2014 proposed changes to the Agency’s pivotal farmworker protection effort: the agricultural Worker Protection Standard. EPA is proposing significant improvements to protect the nation’s two million farm workers and their families from pesticide exposure. Representing more than a decade of extensive stakeholder input, these revisions protect workers while supporting agricultural productivity and preserving the traditions of family farms. Read more: EPA's Agricultural Worker Protection Standard.

September 18, 2014

Yakima fertilizer manufacturer signs settlement with EPA to resolve hazardous waste violations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with Kronos Micronutrients to resolve violations of federal hazardous waste laws, according to an EPA settlement. The company is a fertilizer manufacturer in the town of Moxee, Washington, located in the Yakima Valley.

September 17, 2014

Pesticide News Story: Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides – 3rd Interagency Workshop on Joint Interim Approaches to NAS Recommendations
On October 6, 2014, EPA and its federal partners, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, will hold a one-day workshop to provide a forum for stakeholders to offer scientific and technical feedback on the joint interim approaches issued in November 2013 by EPA, FWS, NMFS and USDA in response to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report entitled, “Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides.”

September 16, 2014

Southeast Diesel Collaborative Conference to be Held in Atlanta
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will join a consortium of federal, state and local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry to hold the Southeast Diesel Collaborative (SEDC) Ninth Annual Partners Meeting in Atlanta on September 23-24, 2014. The SEDC will also host a preconference workshop on September 22nd which will focus on Successful Communication and Outreach strategies. The SEDC is a public-private partnership composed of stakeholders from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The goal of the collaborative is to improve air quality and public health by reducing emissions from existing diesel engines.

September 15, 2014

EPA Settles with DuPont over Violations of Federal Pesticide Laws that Led to Widespread Tree Deaths and Damage/ DuPont to pay $1,853,000 penalty to resolve alleged violations of pesticide reporting and distribution laws
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with the E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). DuPont will pay a $1,853,000 penalty to resolve allegations that the company failed to submit reports to EPA about potential adverse effects of an herbicide product called Imprelis, and sold it with labeling that did not ensure its safe use. When customers applied the misbranded Imprelis product, it led to widespread death and damage to trees.

September 12, 2014

EPA Registers New Nematicide Alternative to Restricted-Use Soil Fumigants, Including Methyl Bromide
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is registering a new active ingredient, fluensulfone, a non-fumigant nematicide that provides lower-risk chemical control of nematodes than methyl bromide and other Restricted Use soil fumigants. Under the Montreal Protocol, EPA has phased out methyl bromide because its use depletes the ozone layer.

September 11, 2014

Pesticide News Story: Tribal Pesticide Program Council Meeting - October 6-9, 2014
EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs will host the Tribal Pesticide Program Council meeting on October 6-9, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Tentative agenda topics include a State of the Council report, updates on regional tribal activities, Pest Detector Training, strengthening tribal-state coordination, pollinator protection plans, cooperative agreement performance measures, and the National Program Manager guidance. The TPPC is a tribal technical resource and a program and policy development dialogue group, focused on pesticide issues and concerns. It is composed of authorized representatives from federally recognized tribes and Indian nations and intertribal organizations.

September 10, 2014

EPA Stop Sale Order Protects Philadelphia Residents from Buying Misbranded Pesticides
A Stop Sale Order issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to China Town Dollar, Inc. in Philadelphia will protect the health of city residents from three misbranded pest glue traps, which are anti-pest products regulated under the federal pesticide law.

September 8, 2014

EPA Hosts Webinar September 30 on Creating Tick-Safe Schools Using Integrated Pest Management
A webinar, Creating Tick-Safe Schools Using IPM, will be held on September 30, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. This webinar is one in a series of EPA webinars to help school districts adopt a proactive approach to pest control by offering information on plans for implementing Integrated Pest Management. Integrated Pest Management is a smart, sensible, and sustainable approach to managing pests. IPM takes action to address the underlying causes that enable pests to thrive. Register for the Creating Tick-Safe Schools webinar: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/211517777.

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July 31, 2014

Pesticide News Story: Get Answers to Your Questions about Pesticide Ingredients in EPA’s Newest Resource Directory
The Pesticide Program’s newest resource directory is titled “Ingredients Used in Pesticide Products” and contains valuable information on pesticide product chemicals, both active and inert ingredients. The target audiences for the resource directory include consumers, press, and registrants interested in finding out more about a pesticide ingredient. The directory explains the different types of pesticides and ingredients. It currently contains fact sheets on a few of the more commonly searched-for active ingredients and pesticides groups, and more will be added over time. Our online databases of chemicals, inert ingredients, and pesticide product labels are also conveniently provided in the directory. The Ingredients Used in Pesticide Products resource directory can be found at http://www2.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products.

July 24, 2014

EPA Kicks Off Third-Annual Campus RainWorks Challenge to Develop Innovative Approaches to Stormwater Management
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching its third-annual Campus RainWorks Challenge, a prize contest that engages college students in developing innovative green infrastructure systems to reduce stormwater pollution and build resilience to climate change.
Through Campus RainWorks, teams of undergraduate and graduate students, working with a faculty advisor, develop a proposed green infrastructure project for the campus, showing how managing stormwater at its source can benefit the community and the environment.

EPA Seeks Comments on Potential Revisions to its Risk Management Program
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Request for Information (RFI) to seek comment on potential revisions to its Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations and related programs to modernize its regulations as required under Executive Order (EO) 13650: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security.

July 23, 2014

Pesticide News Story: Registration Review Proposed Interim Decisions for Nine Pesticides Now Available for Public Comment
The EPA is releasing for public review and comment proposed interim Registration Review decisions on nine pesticides.
These proposals reflect the EPA’s progress in moving from the early stage of registration review, in which new dockets are opened and work plans are established for pesticides beginning the process, to the later stage in which human health and ecological risk assessments are updated as needed and risk mitigation decisions are developed, with input from stakeholders and the public.

July 17, 2014

EPA Introduces New Graphic to Help Consumers Make Informed Choices about Insect Repellents
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today unveiled a new graphic that will be available to appear on insect repellent product labels. The graphic will show consumers how many hours a product will repel mosquitoes and/or ticks when used as directed.

July 16, 2014

EPA Administrator McCarthy to attend Commission on Environmental Cooperation
Today and Thursday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will join host Canadian Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq and Mexican Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Juan José Guerra Abud in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada for the 21st Regular Session of the Council for the Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
During the council session, Administrator McCarthy will discuss the Strategic Priorities for 2015-2020 and the Operational Plan for 2013-2014. Primary topics for discussion include mitigating and adapting to climate change, incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into environmental decision-making, and the pursuit of green growth and sustainable practices in North America.

July 15, 2014

Zep Inc. Pays $905,000 for Alleged Violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
Zep Inc., located in Atlanta, GA, has agreed to pay $905,000 to resolve alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. As part of the settlement, Zep Inc., has certified that it is now in compliance with FIFRA.
The alleged violations are related to the sale and distribution of the unregistered and misbranded pesticide, “Formula 165”, ” as a supplemental distributor without first obtaining a supplemental distribution agreement with the registrant between April 21, 2010, and January 6, 2012. The lack of a supplemental agreement also meant that ZEP Inc. was not authorized to manufacture or sell or distribute the pesticide.

EPA Honors Dunwoody’s Sprouts Farmers Market for its Climate Protection Efforts
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored Sprouts Farmers Market of Dunwoody, Georgia, for its innovative climate-friendly refrigeration technology. Regional Administrator Heather McTeer Toney presented the store with a GreenChill Platinum-Level Store Certification, the highest honor under the GreenChill Partnership program, for its deployment of a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system.
The innovative technology being used in this store is recognized by EPA as both a major accomplishment under GreenChill as well as a significant step toward achieving the President’s Climate Action Plan goal to cut emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of potent greenhouse gases.

July 14, 2014

EPA Proposes Revision to Pesticide Export Labeling Regulations
The EPA is proposing to revise its regulations on pesticide export labeling. Once final, this rule would correct the inadvertent removal of a provision of the regulations that occurred in the January 2013 revisions to these regulations.

July 7, 2014

EPA Takes Action To Bring Suffolk County Company into Compliance with Pesticides Regulations; Fines Company for Selling Unregistered Cleaning and Surface Disinfectant Products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with Air Techniques, Inc. of Melville, New York, to settle violations of federal law governing pesticides. The company, which sells wholesale cleaners and a surface disinfectant that are used to clean instruments, equipment and surfaces in dental offices and medical facilities, sold unregistered pesticides and imported pesticides into the U.S. without proper notification. The company will pay a $375,000 penalty and come into compliance with federal pesticide law.

Media Call Advisory: EPA Administrator to Preview Missouri Visit with Farmers and Discussion of Efforts to Protect U.S. Waterways
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will hold a press call tomorrow, Tuesday, July 8 at 9:00 a.m. EDT to preview her trip to Missouri on Wednesday and Thursday. While in Missouri, McCarthy will meet with farmers, stakeholders and agribusiness leaders to discuss Waters of the US, a proposed rule that clarifies and protects our nations’ waters under the Clean Water Act.

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June 25, 2014

EPA Announces Revised Interim Guidance for Efficacy Evaluations of Products Making Clostridium Difficile Claims
The Environmental Protection Agency is revising the interim guidance for conducting efficacy evaluations of products making sporicidal claims against Clostridium difficile. Antimicrobial pesticide registrants and the laboratories that provide data to support their registrations should begin using the new Guidance for the Efficacy Evaluation of Products with Sporicidal Claims Against Clostridium difficile. The new guidelines will help ensure that EPA-registered antimicrobial pesticides are effective against C. difficile, which is especially critical in health care settings.

US EPA Administrator to Deliver Remarks at George Mason University’s Washington Youth Summit on the Environment
On Thursday, June 26, 2014, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will deliver remarks to 200 high school students participating in George Mason University’s Washington Youth Summit on the Environment program. Administrator McCarthy’s speech will focus on climate change with an emphasis on the Clean Power Plan proposal, a vital piece of President Obama's Climate Action Plan, which for the first time cuts carbon pollution from existing power plants, the single largest source of carbon pollution in the United States.

June 20, 2014

EPA is Advancing Pollinator Science and Sharing Useful Information with Growers and Beekeepers
On June 20, 2014, President Obama issued a directive to federal agencies to create a federal strategy to promote honey bee and other pollinator health. The President’s directive created a Pollinator Health Task Force, co-chaired by EPA and USDA, and charged federal agencies with expanding federal efforts and taking new steps to reverse pollinator losses. Scientists believe that honey bee losses are likely caused by multiple stressors, including poor bee nutrition, loss of forage lands, parasites, pathogens, and pesticides. EPA will address the role of pesticides and take action, as appropriate, to protect pollinators.

June 18, 2014

Tractor Supply Company settles with EPA for failure to properly report propane storage at five Washington retail locations
Tractor Supply Company (dba Del’s Feed and Farm Supply Stores) has settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. According to the settlement, the company failed to properly report propane storage at five facilities in Washington and has agreed to pay a $134,400 penalty to resolve those violations.

June 17, 2014

EPA and Partners Celebrate Nation’s Largest Federally Owned Wind Farm; Site near Amarillo now generates power for nearby plant
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and partner organizations celebrated the dedication of the Pantex Renewable Energy Project (PREP) near Amarillo, TX. The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) led the development of the project, which includes the nation’s largest federally owned wind farm.

June 12, 2014

McGregor Company’s Nezperce, ID, Facility Nets EPA Penalty for Pesticide Violations
The McGregor Company, one of the largest independent fertilizer, agri-chemical, and equipment dealers in the Pacific Northwest, has settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act at its Nezperce, Idaho, pesticide repackaging and refilling facility. The settlement included a $24,720 penalty.

Wilco-Winfield, LLC, Oregon pesticide re-packager, settles with EPA for pesticide violations at its Mt. Angel facility
Wilco-Winfield, LLC, an Oregon pesticide refilling and repackaging company, has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The action was taken following an inspection conducted by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) in February 2013. As part of the settlement, EPA assessed a $15,360 civil penalty against the company.

June 6, 2014

EPA Opens Public Comment Period on Reinstituted Buffer Zones for Five Pesticides to Protect Pacific Salmon
EPA is requesting comments on a proposed stipulated injunction that, among other things, would reinstitute streamside no-spray buffer zones to protect endangered or threatened Pacific salmon and steelhead in California, Oregon and Washington state. The stipulated injunction would settle litigation brought against EPA by the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides and others in U.S. District Court in Washington state. These buffers were originally established by the same court in prior litigation brought against EPA by the Washington Toxics Coalition and others. Like the original buffer zones, the limitations in this proposed stipulated injunction would be part of a court order but would not be enforceable as labeling requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. To view the interactive map displaying the areas where buffer zones apply, go to Salmon Mapper

EPA Ensures Company Discloses Pesticide Hazards
Today, a Milwaukee pesticide manufacturer paid a $738,000 civil penalty to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for advertising “Rozol Prairie Dog Bait” (Rozol PD) without identifying it as a “restricted use” pesticide, and for making unapproved claims about the pesticide, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

EPA Announces Funding for Tribes to Clean Up Diesel Engines
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that grant funding is available for tribal applicants to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from older diesel engines. Diesel engines are extremely efficient, but emit air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOX) and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants are linked to serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death. This is the first time EPA is offering a separate tribal request for proposals for diesel emission reduction program (DERA) funds, and is in response to feedback from tribal communities.

June 5, 2014

New Educational Materials on Prairie Dog Control Pesticides Available for Certified Applicators
The Environmental Protection Agency has developed educational materials for certified pesticide applicators who use the anticoagulant rodenticides Rozol and Kaput-D Prairie Dog Bait to control black-tailed prairie dogs. The educational materials include a stewardship training program and instructions for conducting line transect searches.
These materials and additional information, including two videos, are available on EPA’s website at Anticoagulant Prairie Dog Bai Risk Mitigation Measures.

June 2, 2014

EPA Response to Petition by Growers for Endangered Species Act Transparency
EPA is responding to a petition submitted by Growers for Endangered Species Act Transparency. The petition, received in 2010, requested that EPA take action to establish clear and equitable procedures for notice and comment on EPA’s pesticide effects determinations for endangered species and other related actions.
Transparency and stakeholder involvement are a vital part of EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. EPA has taken steps to address the concerns raised in the petition through a number of projects.

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May, 2014

The May issue introduces a webcast on the "Waters of the U.S." Rule proposed by the EPA. We also provide more information on the 2015 Waste to Worth conference and a return of self-study CCA credits for archived webcasts. The national climate assessment and grassland/rangeland items filled the "hot topics" and "national resources" sections. Check it out for more articles on pathogens, nitrate filtering in the Mississippi River, and a review of ag law. Also be sure to take a look at the calendar of events. More...

Region 10 Tribal Newsletter
As part of President Obama’s commitment to upholding the nation’s trust responsibilities to American Indian and Alaska Natives, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn announced April 30 that the Interior Department is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would allow the Secretary of the Interior to consider petitions from Alaska Native tribes to take land into trust.
Currently, Alaska Native tribes do not have the ability to restore their tribal lands in the way that American Indian tribes located in contiguous United States do. Lands acquired are held in trust for the benefit of the tribe, allowing for agriculture, energy, infrastructure, health and housing projects to move forward and strengthening tribal economies.

May 30, 2014

EPA and Reckitt Benckiser Inc. Reach Agreement to Cancel Certain Rodenticide Products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached agreement with Reckitt Benckiser Inc. to cancel 12 d-CON mouse and rat poison products that do not currently comply with EPA safety standards.
“Millions of households use mouse and rat poison products each year. Cancelling these products will help prevent risks to children, pets and wildlife,” said Jim Jones, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “This voluntary move will get us far faster results than would otherwise be achieved through an administrative process.”

May 28, 2014

EPA Solicits Comments on Information Collection Activities Relating to Pesticide Drift Reduction Technologies
The EPA is continuing its efforts to collect information about application technologies that can reduce pesticide spray drift. Through a Federal Register Notice, we are requesting public input on the information collection activities for our Drift Reduction Technology (DRT) Program and announcing that the required Information Collection Request (ICR) has been sent to the Office of Management and Budget for approval.

EPA Solicits Proposals to Implement the Pesticide Regulatory Education Program for Fiscal Years 2015 through 2019
The EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, in coordination with the Office of Compliance, posted at Grants.gov a request soliciting proposals from eligible states, tribes, and state and tribal institutions to implement the Pesticide Regulatory Education Program (PREP) for fiscal years 2015 through 2019.

May 27, 2014

EPA Reducing Air Pollution from Old Diesel Engines; Grant Provides $246,931 to Protect People from Harmful Air Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is supporting local efforts to reduce air pollution in Erie and Niagara counties in New York State by providing $246,931 to help one organization in these areas retrofit old, dirty diesel engines on 19 transit buses with less polluting models. The projects will cut emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter among other pollutants. These pollutants are linked to health problems, including asthma, lung and heart disease and premature death.

May 23, 2014

The next webcast will be titled "EPA’s Proposed Waters of the U.S. Regulations" and will be held on June 20, 2014 at 2:30 pm (eastern). More...

May 20, 2014

U.S. EPA settles with Irvine, Calif. company to ensure safe handling of pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that an Irvine, Calif. company, Advanced Sterilization Products, has agreed to pay a $136,800 penalty for the sale and distribution of unregistered and misbranded pesticides to veterinary clinics and laboratories nationwide. “Companies must understand that it is illegal to sell pesticides that have not been registered with the EPA,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Safe handling of pesticide products depends on critical information displayed on their approved labels.”

May 19, 2014

Pesticide News Story: Child-Resistant Packaging Web Information Available in New Format
As part of the EPA’s effort to build a more user-friendly website, we have reformatted the child-resistant packaging Web content so that visitors can find the information they need more quickly and easily. The redesigned Web page, Child-Resistant Packaging for Pesticides, includes information that was on the previous Web page and offers a simplified and sortable Guide to CRP for Pesticides table. This table replaces the four tables on the previous Web page.

May 14, 2014

EPA Extends Comment Period for Proposed New Safety Measures to Protect Farm Workers from Pesticide Exposure
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the comment period for the proposed revisions to the agricultural Worker Protection Standard for an additional 60 days, until August 18, 2014, in response to requests from growers, industry, farmworker advocates and states for additional time to provide input.

Pesticide News Story: EPA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Decision to Register Enlist Duo Herbicide Containing the Choline Salt of 2,4-D and Glyphosate
In response to requests, the EPA is extending for an additional 30 days the public comment period on the proposed regulatory decision to register Enlist Duo containing glyphosate and the choline salt of 2,4-D for use in controlling weeds in corn and soybeans genetically engineered (GE) to tolerate 2,4-D. Public comments on the Agency’s proposed regulatory decision must be submitted no later than June 30, 2014. Comments may be submitted to the EPA docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0195 at www.regulations.gov.

May 12, 2014

Jerome, Idaho dairy processor to ensure wastewater discharges meet federal standards
Municipal water systems are designed for a specific type and amount of wastewater,” said Ed Kowalski, Enforcement Director for EPA’s Pacific Northwest Regional Office. “Discharges from industrial facilities that exceed standards can impact water quality in downstream waterways and jeopardize the integrity of the treatment facility.”

May 9, 2014

Compliance with Environmental Laws Protects Air, Land, and Water across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, completed nearly 100 environmental compliance and enforcement actions in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington from July 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013.
Violations of environmental laws can put public health and the environment at risk. EPA enforces federal environmental laws to protect communities and to keep our region’s air, land, and water clean and healthy. These compliance and enforcement efforts also level the playing field by deterring violators who might otherwise have an unfair business advantage over environmentally compliant facilities and businesses.

May 8, 2014

EPA Requires Syngenta to Label Pesticides Accurately Syngenta Crop Protection, a pesticide manufacturer based in Greensboro, N.C., has corrected pesticide labeling violations stemming from incorrect labels it gave to a pesticide distributor in Tangent, Oregon, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Syngenta has agreed to pay a penalty of $50,100.
“Mislabeled pesticides are dangerous because they may display incorrect warnings and application instructions,” said Kelly McFadden, EPA Pesticide Unit Manager. “Labels protect people who use pesticides and the land on which they’re used.”

May 2, 2014

EPA Announces Funding Availability to Clean Up Diesel Engines Nationwide
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the availability of $9 million in grant funding for clean diesel projects to reduce diesel pollution and emissions exposure from the nation's existing fleet of diesel engines.
The funding comes from EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) and will target the most cost-effective projects and fleets operating in areas designated as poor air quality areas.

Pesticide News Story: EPA Announces Revision to Pesticide Export Labeling Regulations
EPA is announcing a revision to its regulations on pesticide export labeling. This direct final rule corrects the inadvertent removal of a provision that occurred in the January 2013 revisions to these regulations.
By issuing this rule, EPA will restore the provision to allow information required under the regulations to be placed on collateral labeling attached to a shipping container of pesticide products rather than on the immediate package of each individual product in the shipment. Collateral labeling includes bulletins, leaflets, circulars, brochures, data sheets, flyers or other written, printed or graphic matter that is to accompany the product or that is referred to on the label.

May 1, 2014

TOMORROW: U.S. EPA Administrator to Address the National Wildlife Federation
Tomorrow, Friday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will address the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and its state affiliates. She will focus on NWF’s theme for their annual meeting, Water: It Connects Us All.

EPA Stops Brooklyn Company from Selling Illegal Pesticides; Protects Public from Potential Health Risks
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with Atlantic Paste and Glue Co., Inc., of Brooklyn, New York, for violations of federal regulations governing pesticides. The company, which wholesales chemicals and related products, sold misbranded insect traps and imported the traps into the U.S. without properly notifying the EPA. The company will pay a $36,774 penalty and come into compliance with federal pesticide law.

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April, 2014

Region 10 Tribal Newsletter
The Region 10 Tribal Newsletter is a monthly EPA publication with information about environmental issues of interest to tribes in the Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Briefing for Tribes on Proposed Changes to Worker Protection Standard. The EPA has scheduled a call for the Tribal Pesticide Program Council and any interested tribes to learn about the proposed changes to the Farm Worker Protection Standard.

April 30, 2014

EPA Seeks Comment on Proposed Decision to Register Enlist Duo Herbicide Containing the Choline Salt of 2,4-D and Glyphosate
The EPA is making available for a 30-day public comment period a proposed regulatory decision to register Enlist Duo containing glyphosate and the choline salt of 2,4-D for use in controlling weeds in corn and soybeans genetically engineered (GE) to tolerate 2,4-D.
Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to glyphosate-based herbicides and are posing a problem for farmers. If finalized, EPA’s action provides an additional tool to reduce the spread of glyphosate resistant weeds. To ensure that Enlist Duo successfully manages weed resistance problems, the proposal would impose requirements on the manufacturer including robust monitoring and reporting to EPA, grower education and remediation and would allow EPA to take swift action to impose additional restrictions on the manufacturer and the use of the pesticide if resistance develops.

April 18, 2014

“How’s My Waterway” Now More User-Friendly / App Lets Users Check Health of Waterways Anywhere in the US
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an enhanced version of “How’s My Waterway,” an app and website to help people find information on the condition of thousands of lakes, rivers and streams across the continental United States from their smart phone, tablet or desktop computer.
The How’s My Waterway app and website uses GPS technology or a user-entered zip code or city name to provide information about the quality of local water bodies. The new version of the site includes data on local drinking water sources, watersheds and efforts to protect waterways, as well as a map-oriented version of “How’s My Waterway” designed for museum kiosks, displays and touch screens.

April 16, 2014

EPA Stops New Jersey Company from Selling Illegal Pesticides; Protects Public from Health Risks
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Hannam Mart and NJ Hannam Chain Inc. for selling insecticides and anti-bacterial cleaning products at the Hannam Mart retail store in Fort Lee, New Jersey that were not registered and improperly labeled. Products used to kill pests and bacteria must be registered with the EPA to ensure they will not make people sick. They must also have labels with instructions on their proper use written in English. The companies have agreed to stop selling the products and will pay a penalty of $22,950.

April 15, 2014

Industry Beta Testing for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program’s Electronic Response Module>
The EPA is developing a fully electronic, Web-based submission system to handle responses to future Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) test orders.
During the week of April 21, 2014, EPA will be conducting Industry Beta Testing of the response module. This test will allow industry participants to access the test module and provide feedback on the response module prior to the tool’s launch. This feedback will be key to the successful development of this and future electronic submission systems. This beta testing was previously scheduled for the week of March 31, 2014.

Updated Conditional Pesticide Registration Web Page Now Available
EPA has updated the conditional pesticide registration Web page to enhance transparency and to provide additional information about conditional pesticide registrations. With this update, we are adding a table showing all pesticide active ingredients initially registered under the conditional registration authority in FIFRA from FY 2000 to the present. This analysis shows that the vast majority of registrants had submitted the data, and EPA had completed data review. Overall, the analysis of the data supports EPA’s findings at the time of the initial product registrations that the pesticides were properly reviewed and labeled.

Huntington, West Virginia Winner of 2014 “Livable Communities” Competition
The Appalachian community of Huntington, West Virginia has been selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to receive technical assistance and implementation support through the Livable Communities in Appalachia program. The three organizations will work together to help Huntington improve its livability by promoting economic development, preserving rural lands, and increasing access to locally grown food.

April 14, 2014

EPA Scientist Receives Prestigious Award
Today, Dr. Steven Thomas Purucker of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was honored as a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

April 10, 2014

EPA Enforcement Settlement Addresses Pesticide Violations by Chemical Universe, Inc., of North Kansas City, Mo.
An inspection by the Missouri Department of Agriculture of Chemical Universe, Inc., a pesticide producer in North Kansas City, Mo., has revealed alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Through an enforcement action with EPA Region 7, the company has agreed to pay a $34,740 civil penalty to settle the allegations related to the improperly reported production and distribution of misbranded and unregistered pesticides.

EPA Awards Over $9 Million to Universities for Research to Help Predict the Implications of Chemicals on Human Health and the Environment
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced research grants to Arizona State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara to better understand the impacts of chemicals and nanomaterials throughout their life cycle—from design, manufacture, use and disposal.

April 08, 2014

EPA Recognizes National Healthy Schools Day; Encourages Smart, Sensible, Sustainable Approach to School Pest Control; Promotes Webinar on Indoor Air Quality
Protecting children’s health where they live, learn, and play is a top priority for the EPA. April 8, 2014, is National Healthy Schools Day, a day dedicated to promoting healthy school environments for children. Healthy Schools Day is coordinated by Healthy Schools Network, Inc. in cooperation with the EPA to promote EPA’s environmental health guidelines and programs for schools and children’s health.

April 4, 2014

EPA Announces Voluntary Process to Provide Applicators with Online Access to Pesticide Labeling
Today, EPA is launching a new voluntary process by which registrants can opt to make legally valid pesticide labeling accessible online. Until now, no version of online labeling has been legally valid for the purpose of making a pesticide application. This Web-distributed labeling system will initially focus on agricultural and industrial pesticides and professional applicators.

MONDAY: U.S. EPA Administrator to Keynote Climate Discussion with Bipartisan Policy Center and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will deliver a keynote address to a workshop convened by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). This workshop is the third in a series on greenhouse gas (GHG) regulation of existing power plants under the Clean Air Act. Colette D. Honorable of NARUC will also deliver remarks.

April 2, 2014

Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides – EPA Workshop on Joint Interim Approaches to NAS Recommendations
On April 22, 2014, the EPA will hold a one day workshop to provide a forum for stakeholders to offer scientific and technical feedback on the joint interim approaches issued in November 2013, by the EPA, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report entitled, “Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides.”

EPA Seeks Small Entity Participation on Upcoming Medium- and Heavy-Duty Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This panel will focus on the agency’s proposed extension of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards beyond model year 2018.

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March, 2014

March's newsletter brings many great new resources your way, including a webcast on sidedressing manure on corn with a side of drainage control structures (More....). The climate team continues to offer their outstanding online course on climate change and animal ag. There are several organic production resources, including guidance on developing a nutrient management plan for organic farms. You will also find a grazing app, crop life cycle assessment research, and many great events and announcements. More...

March 31, 2014

EPA Takes Action to Protect Public from an Illegal Nano Silver Pesticide in Food Containers; Cites NJ Company for Selling Food Containers with an Unregistered Pesticide Warns Large Retailers Not to Sell These Products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued an order to the Pathway Investment Corp. of Englewood, New Jersey to stop the sale of plastic food storage containers that have not been tested or registered with the EPA, in violation of federal pesticides law. The company’s Kinetic Go Green Premium Food Storage Containers and Kinetic Smartwist Series Containers both contain nano silver as an active ingredient, and the company markets other products as containing nano silver, which the company claims helps reduce the growth of mold, fungus and bacteria. Such claims can only be made on products that have been properly tested and are registered with the EPA.

March 25, 2014

EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Clarify Protection for Nation’s Streams and Wetlands: Agriculture’s Exemptions and Exclusions from Clean Water Act Expanded by Proposal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) today jointly released a proposed rule to clarify protection under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands that form the foundation of the nation’s water resources. The proposed rule will benefit businesses by increasing efficiency in determining coverage of the Clean Water Act. The agencies are launching a robust outreach effort over the next 90 days, holding discussions around the country and gathering input needed to shape a final rule.

March 18, 2014

Pesticide News Story: National Poison Prevention Week: Simple Steps You Can Take to Prevent Poisoning
During National Poison Prevention Week, March 16-22, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is highlighting the dangers of removing pesticides and other household chemicals from their original containers and storing them in bottles or cans that can be mistaken for beverages. According to recently published poison-center data, annually more than 145,000 calls to poison centers involved disinfectants and other pesticides. Moreover, based on data from 1998-2009, the California Poison Control System and the Central California Children's Hospital identified more than 1,400 cases of accidental poisoning caused by storage of non-food substances in soda bottles, unmarked bottles, cups or glasses. Most poisoning happens in people's homes and is preventable.

Pesticide News Story: Industry Beta Testing for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program’s Electronic Response Module
The EPA is developing a fully electronic, Web-based submission system to handle responses to future Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) test orders.
During the week of March 31, 2014, EPA will be conducting Industry Beta Testing of the response module. This test will allow industry participants to access the test module and provide feedback on the response module prior to the tool’s launch. This feedback will be key to the successful development of this and future electronic submission systems.

March 14, 2014

EPA, Sergeant’s Pet Care and Wellmark International Reach Agreement to Cancel Potentially Harmful Insecticide Products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached agreement with Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc. and Wellmark International to cancel flea and tick pet collars containing propoxur marketed under the trade names including Bansect, Sentry, Zodiac and Biospot.

March 12, 2014

EPA Awards More than $500,000 to Schools to Help Reduce Children’s Exposure to Pesticides / Integrated pest management practices are shown to reduce pesticide use
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced three grants to facilitate integrated pest management practices in schools. This funding will help reduce student’s exposure to pests and pesticides in the nation’s schools, while saving money, energy and pesticide treatment costs.

EPA Files Complaint Against Zep, Inc. in Atlanta, GA for Alleged Violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed a complaint against Zep, Inc., located in Atlanta, GA, alleging the sale and distribution of an unregistered and misbranded pesticide, “Formula 165”, between April 21, 2010, and January 6, 2012, in violation with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

TODAY: U.S. EPA Administrator to Address National Congress of American Indians
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will address the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) this afternoon during the 2014 NCAI Executive Council Winter Session.

March 10, 2014

EPA Inspections Reveal Clean Water Act Violations by Former Dairy Owner near Rock Valley, Iowa
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) personnel conducted a series of inspections in March and May 2013 at the Double V Dairy, LLC, near Rock Valley, Iowa. As a result of the inspections, the former owner of the dairy has agreed to pay a $75,000 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, according to a proposed consent agreement.

March 3, 2014

UPDATE: Here's What They're Saying about EPA's Final Cleaner Fuel and Car Standards
Based on extensive input from auto manufactures, refiners, states and public health and environmental organizations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced sensible standards for cars and gasoline that will significantly reduce harmful pollution, prevent thousands of premature deaths and illnesses, while also enabling efficiency improvements in the cars and trucks we drive. These cleaner fuels and cars standards are an important component of the administration’s national program for clean cars and trucks, which also include historic fuel efficiency standards that are saving new vehicle owners at the gas pump today. The standards will significantly reduce ground-level ozone, particulate matter, benzene and other air toxics in the air we breathe.

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February, 2014

The February issue presents a webcast on gasification of manure, a new page on questions to ask before pursuing manure-to-energy technologies, biosecure manure management, and an online course on climate change and animal ag. The 'national resources' section includes an announcement on the locations of USDA's climate hubs, and a study comparing the environmental footprint of poultry production over the past 50 years. Hot topics include a beginning farmer success story, biochar scrubber for mercury, soil health, and a swine phosphorus survey. The events section grew this month and is a must-see. More...

February 28, 2014

EPA Reorganizes Pesticide Registration Information on Web
EPA has created a new area on its website that contains all of its information on pesticide registration. Pulling from existing material, the new pesticide registration area is designed to help users find what they need easily and quickly. Under clearly defined topic headings, visitors to this new Web area will have easy access to information on: pesticide registration, fees and fee waivers, how to register a pesticide, types of registrations under pesticide laws, types of pesticides that can be registered, and registration forms and guidance documents. EPA’s new pesticide registration site can be found at http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-registration.

February 26, 2014

EPA’s Pesticide Registration Improvement Act Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2013 Now Available
The EPA’s Pesticide Registration Improvement Act Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2013 is now available. This report covers the completion of the tenth year under PRIA. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the EPA is required to publish an annual report describing the agency’s implementation of PRIA. The Act authorizes the agency to collect two types of fees from registrants: registration service fees and maintenance fees. It also establishes statutory time frames for completing certain actions.

February 20, 2014

EPA Proposes New Safety Measures to Protect Farm Workers from Pesticide Exposure
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed revisions to the Worker Protection Standard in order to protect the nation’s two million farm workers and their families from pesticide exposure.
“Today marks an important milestone for the farm workers who plant, tend, and harvest the food that we put on our tables each day,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator. “EPA’s revised Worker Protection Standard will afford farm workers similar health protections to those already enjoyed by workers in other jobs. Protecting our nation’s farm workers from pesticide exposure is at the core of EPA’s work to ensure environmental justice.”

EPA awards $496,000 to the State of Utah to reduce diesel emissions along the Wasatch Front
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Utah Department of Environmental Quality a $496,000 grant to reduce diesel emissions from heavy- duty trucks based in seven counties along the Wasatch Front, an area challenged by levels of particulate matter that exceed federal air quality standards.

EPA Grant Will Help Univ. of Vermont Research on Reducing Pesticide Risks for Bees
EPA recently awarded an agricultural grant for $131,758 to the University of Vermont for a project to develop and promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to reduce the use of potentially harmful pesticides and lower risk to bees all while controlling pests and saving money.
Specifically, the UVM project is designed to reduce pesticide use and improve pest control, while increasing crop yields on 75 acres of hops in the Northeast. Under this project, researchers will develop and distribute outreach materials to help farmers adopt these practices. The project’s goal is to reduce insecticide and fungicide applications by 50 percent while decreasing numerous insect pests and downy mildew, a plant disease.

Proposed Agricultural Worker Protection Standard: EPA Needs Your Input
On February 20, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed changes to the agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) to increase protections from pesticide exposure for the nation's 2 million agricultural workers and their families. This is an important milestone for the farm workers who plant, tend, and harvest the food that we put on our tables each day.
We are seeking your input by the date specified in the Federal Register notice, which will publish within 10 days at www.regulations.gov identified by docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0184-0002.  Your comments will help EPA to determine the final version of this regulation.

February 12, 2014

TODAY EPA Administrator to Join San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro for Press Conference at Solar Farm and Water Treatment Facility
Today, following a tour at the Dos Rios Water Recycling Center and Centennial Solar Farms, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will join San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro and San Antonio utility executives for a press conference to highlight San Antonio’s leadership in sustainability, water conservation and clean energy in the face of a changing climate. The energy and water recycling site is a model of how local utilities can work together to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

February 11, 2014

EPA Administrator Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Justice on 20th Anniversary of Executive Order
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy today reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to environmental justice in a meeting of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) held in Denver, Colorado. The meeting coincides with a Presidential Proclamation by President Obama commemorating the 20th anniversary of the February 11, 1994 signing of Executive Order 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.”

February 10, 2014

EPA Administrator McCarthy Joins Senior Obama Administration Officials in Fort Collins to Discuss Local Climate Change Efforts
Tomorrow, Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; and David Agnew, Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs will join Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat to tour projects to restore the Cache la Poudre River and strengthen its resilience to climate change impacts such as higher temperatures and extreme weather events. When floods struck the Front Range of Colorado in September 2013, the City’s proactive planning and river habitat conservation efforts helped mitigate the impacts on Fort Collins. Following the tour, the officials will hold a press conference at the Natural Resources Research Center in Fort Collins, which is one of seven Climate Hubs launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture last week to offer the practical, science-based tools and strategies farmers and ranchers need to adapt and succeed in the face of a changing climate.

February 6, 2014

Pesticide News Story: EPA Announces Final Plan for Federal Certification of Pesticide Applicators within Indian Country
Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is releasing the EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) within Indian Country. The EPA is taking this step to make RUPs available for use in Indian country where no current certification mechanisms exist. This action will give pesticide applicators who apply or seek to apply in Indian country access to the same pest control tools available elsewhere in the United States and ensure that these applicators have met competency standards.

Publicly Available Tool Reports On Different Types of Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data is now available for the reporting year of 2012. This annual report provides citizens with critical information about their communities, including data on certain toxic chemical releases to the air, water, and land, as well as information on waste management and pollution prevention activities by facilities across the country.

February 5, 2014

Pesticide News Story: EPA Announces Improvements to Protect the Rights of Data Owners and Ensure Compliance with Data Compensation Rules
EPA is announcing a final rulemaking to improve protection for data submitters, and a new guidance for EPA risk managers to improve compliance assurance. EPA expects that these changes will lead to greater efficiencies in the registration process, allowing applicants to benefit from greater clarity regarding when data compensation procedures should apply.

Pesticide News Story: Memorandum of Understanding on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act – Now Available for Public Comment
A draft Memorandum of Understanding between the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs and the Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service to protect migratory birds is now available for public comment. The comment period will end March 7, 2014. To submit comments, go to the docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0744 at www.regulations.gov. We will evaluate the comments and determine if significant changes will be made to the draft MOU. EPA anticipates signing the MOU at the annual Council for the Conservation of Migratory Birds meeting in April 2014.

February 04, 2014 

Central Data Exchange Registration Walkthrough for EDSP Test Order Recipients (Pesticides) – Tuesday, February 25, 2014 
EPA is developing a fully electronic, Web-based submission system to handle the receipt of responses to future Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) test orders. Recipients of these orders will be required to register with and submit through the Central Data Exchange (CDX) to use this system.
On Tuesday, February 25, 2014, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET, EPA will be conducting, for pesticide stakeholders, a Web-based walk through of the registration process in preparation for these orders.  Please note that the focus of the session is on the registration process, and that specific reporting requirements will not be discussed during the demonstration.

EPA's 2012 Toxics Release Inventory Shows Air Pollutants Continue to Decline 
Total releases of toxic chemicals decreased 12 percent from 2011-2012, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report released today. The decrease includes an eight percent decline in total toxic air releases, primarily due to reductions in hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions.

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January, 2014

January Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Newsletter Exit
The January issue looks at the webcast on nutrient recovery from manure treatment systems and future webcasts on gasification and more! It is the time of year to remember winter manure spreading bans are in place in many states. There are two archived webcasts on the risks and advisory tools and a proceedings paper on spreading bans. There are also a wide variety of curriculum materials on air quality, climate change, and a series aimed at high school teachers (includes greenhouse gases, manure 101, nutrients and more). Additional topics include proposed FDA rules, antibiotics, manure apps, energy efficiency, pit foaming, and much more!

January 30, 2014

EPA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Guidance Documents for Evaluating Pesticide Spray Drift: Proposals Would Further Protect Communities near Fields Where Crops Are Grown
EPA is announcing the availability of two draft guidance documents for public comment. These documents describe how off-site spray drift will be evaluated for ecological and human health risk assessments for pesticides. EPA is seeking to strengthen its protections for people and the environment from exposure to pesticides that drift from fields to nearby areas, including homes, schools and playgrounds. The Agency has a long-standing history of robust, routine assessments on every chemical to protect consumers from pesticide risks from treated food, workers who apply pesticides, and consumers who use pesticides in and around homes. These new approaches add to these routine assessments and will allow the Agency to estimate off-site drift, another step to protect communities living near fields where crops are grown from these exposures. The January 29, 2014, Federal Register Notice specifically seeks public input on these approaches that include:

• a policy for conducting human health risk assessments associated with the potential for exposure from off-site drift during pesticide applications and
• an updated method for estimating environmental exposures associated with spray drift.

EPA Releases Climate Assessment Update To National Stormwater Calculator
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released phase II of the National Stormwater Calculator and Climate Assessment Tool package. The updated calculator includes future climate vulnerability scenarios.

January 17, 2014

Pesticide News Story: RNAi White Paper Published in Advance of January 28 Scientific Advisory Panel Meeting
The EPA has posted a paper, "RNAi Technology as a Pesticide: Problem Formulation for Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment," and the charge to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) for the January 28, 2014, SAP meeting.
The agency will consult with the SAP on the EPA’s approach to assess the risk of RNAi gene silencing technology for pesticidal purposes.

Updated Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices Form (EPA Form 3540-1)
The EPA has now updated the form for Notice of Arrival (NOA) of Pesticides and Devices that is required for importing pesticides and pesticidal devices into the United States. These revisions should increase the efficiency of the Notice of Arrival process.

January 15, 2014

EPA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and Clark Atlanta University Find Success in Community Assistance Partnership Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Clark Atlanta University celebrate the completion of the first stages of a unique partnership that brings together academia, federal agencies, local governments, and grassroots organizations fostering sustainable growth and economic development in rural and small communities. The College/Underserved Community Partnership Program (CUPP) provides underserved communities with economic development plans, energy savings projects, land reuse evaluation, and vital technical support.

January 8, 2014

EPA Awards Almost Half a Million in Funding to Three Universities for Projects to Reduce Pesticide Risk Including Risks to Bees/Louisiana State, Penn State and University of Vermont at the forefront of groundbreaking technology
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced agricultural grants for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to reduce the use of potentially harmful pesticides and lower risk to bees all while controlling pests and saving money. “These collaborative projects can provide innovative solutions to reduce pesticide risks to pollinators and crops,” said James Jones, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “Initiatives such as these will encourage others to adopt promising technologies and practices across the nation to reduce pesticide risks while maximizing crop production and protecting public health.”

January 6, 2014

EPA Funds LSU Study to Protect Bees from Pesticides
Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will present a grant for more than $167,000 to Dr. Kristen Healy of the Louisiana State University AgCenter at a ceremony on Wednesday, January 8. The grant will fund a study to assess the impact of mosquito-control methods on honey bees.
The study will look at development and application of insecticides used to control adult mosquito populations to minimize impacts on honey bee health. The LSU team will use the study results to develop specific guidelines for safely using these insecticides, and to assist beekeepers in minimizing exposure of bee colonies.

• Ag News from 2015
• Ag News from 2013

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