Pesticide Broadcast (Newsletter)

Stephen J. Toth, Jr., Pest Management Information Specialist
Wayne G. Buhler, Pesticide Education Specialist

Volume 12, Number 3, June 7, 2002

EPA Solicits Applications for Critical Use Exemptions From Methyl Bromide Phaseout

EPA is soliciting applications for the Critical Use Exemption from the phaseout of methyl bromide. This application process offers users of methyl bromide the opportunity to provide technical and economic information to support a critical use claim. Methyl bromide is a chemical pesticide that has been identified under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Clean Air Act, as an ozone-depleting substance. It is scheduled for complete phaseout by January 1, 2005. The Critical Use Exemption is designed to allow continued production and import of methyl bromide after the phaseout for those uses that have no technically and economically feasible alternatives. Because Critical Use Exemptions are exemptions from the January 1, 2005 methyl bromide phaseout, they will become effective after that date. Applicants for the exemption are requested to submit technical and economic information to EPA for U.S. review. The U.S. will then create a national nomination for review by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol. EPA encourages users with similar circumstances of use to submit a single application. Please contact your state regulatory agency to receive information about their involvement in the process. Applications for the Critical Use Exemption must be postmarked on or before September 9, 2002.

Source: Federal Register, May 10, 2002, Volume 67, Number 91, Pages 31798-31801.

Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication as a covenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact an agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in your county.

Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

Last modified on June 7, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.