EPA considers exemption for fenoxaprop-p-ethyl

The US EPA has received a specific exemption request from the Oregon Department of Agriculture to use the herbicide,fenoxaprop-p-ethyl to treat up to 40,000 acres of grasses grown for seed to control weeds. EPA is soliciting public comments before February 2, 2012.

As part of this request, the applicant asserts that an emergency arose from loss of a previously-used herbicide special local need registration, and the resulting weed problems. The applicant states that currently available herbicides do not provide adequate weed control, and weeds must be meticulously controlled. This is because contamination of the grass seeds with weed seeds will result in significant reduction in sales, with certain states and counties completely prohibiting sale of grass seed containing noxious weed species; thus significant economic losses are expected if weeds are not controlled.

The Applicant proposes to make no more than one application at a rate of up to 0.0825 lb. active ingredient (a.i.) per acre. Up to 40,000 acres may be treated statewide for a total amount of active ingredient used of up to 3,300 lbs.

The Agency, will review and consider all comments received during the comment period in determining whether to grant the exemption.