Pesticide Broadcast (Newsletter)

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

Volume 15, Number 3, July 14, 2005

U.S. Growers Granted Methyl Bromide for 2006 Critical Uses As Annual Requests Decline

At the Second Extraordinary Meeting, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol authorized fully 90 per cent of the amount requested by the United States to meet critical needs of U.S. growers as they transition to ozone-safe alternatives. Specifically, the Parties authorized an additional 1177 metric tonnes (or 5 percent of 1991 baseline consumption, which is 25,528 metric tonnes) of methyl bromide for critical use exemptions for agricultural uses in the United States for the 2006 calendar year. Previously, at their 16th annual meeting in November, 2004, the Parties had authorized 6898 metric tonnes, or 27 percent of the U.S. 1991 baseline for the 2006 calendar year. This total authorization of 8075 metric tonnes amounts to 32 percent of 1991 baseline consumption for 2006. EPA will allocate these quantities to users with critical needs through a notice-and-comment rulemaking process.

Methyl bromide is used to fumigate soil before planting crops such as strawberries and tomatoes, as well as to fumigate stored commodities and grain mills. However, it is also classified as a Class I ozone-depleting substance. The United States is committed to phasing out methyl bromide as alternatives become available.

The critical use exemption process was established to provide relief to methyl bromide users who do not have any technically and economically feasible alternatives. Under the current structure of the Protocol, the Parties to the treaty authorize exemptions on an annual basis, and each year EPA promulgates a rule to allocate methyl bromide for critical uses. Methyl bromide allocations are strictly regulated and monitored by EPA.

The U.S. request for critical use exemptions has declined since 2005, reflecting some increased use of alternatives. The U.S. remains within the cap set by the treaty and has substantially reduced methyl bromide consumption since the early 1990s.

For the 2005 calendar year, the U.S. was granted a total of 37.5 percent of baseline, reflecting a supplemental amount authorized in November, 2004. EPA is undergoing the notice and comment rulemaking process to make these the supplemental quantities available for critical uses.

More information on the methyl bromide critical use exemption process is available at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr.

Source: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA News Advisory, Montreal Protocol Negotiation Summary

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 July 14, 2005 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.