EPA seeks comment on new regulation

EPA is seeking comments from pesticide users, registrants, and other interested parties on draft Reasonable and Prudent Measures (RPMs) and Alternatives (RPAs) included in a draft Biological Opinion received from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on June 16, 2010. This draft Biological Opinion addresses the potential effects from 12 pesticides to Pacific salmon and steelhead listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The 12 pesticides are: Azinphos Methyl, Bensulide, Dimethoate, Disulfoton, Ethoprop, Fenamiphos, Methidathion, Methamidophos, Methyl Parathion, Naled, Phorate, and Phosmet.

EPA is also encouraging input from State, Tribal, and local governments on the draft RPMs and RPAs to determine whether the alternatives or measures can be reasonably implemented and whether there are different measures that may provide adequate protection but result in less impact to pesticide users.

The draft Biological Opinion is included in the docket (EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0654) and posted to EPA’s Web site. Comments on the draft RPMs and RPAs must be submitted within 30 days of the date the Biological Opinion was included in the docket in order for EPA to consider these comments in its response to the draft Biological Opinion. Comments received by EPA on other aspects of the draft Biological Opinion will be forwarded to the Service for their consideration. No extensions to this comment period will be provided because NMFS has a legal deadline to issue the final Biological Opinion by August 31, 2010.