Pesticide Broadcast (Newsletter)

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

Volume 17, Number 8, December 27, 2007

EPA Authorizes Critical Uses of Methyl Bromide for 2008

In accordance with the Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol, EPA has issued final methyl bromide production and import critical use exemptions for 2008. EPA also authorized uses that qualify for the 2008 critical use exemption. The exemptions for continued production and import of methyl bromide will honor the U.S. commitment to obtain methyl bromide for American farmers, in a manner consistent with the Montreal Protocol, while protecting the ozone layer.

This action is authorizing 4,813,452 kilograms (4,813.5 metric tonnes) of methyl bromide for approved critical uses in 2008, with 3,083,769 kilograms supplied from new production or import. Approved critical uses include strawberry and tomato production, as well as commodity fumigation. In 2008, production or import of methyl bromide in the United States will be almost 88 percent less than 1991 levels. After an October 2006 meeting of the Montreal Protocol parties, which authorized the use of 5,355,946 kilograms, EPA adjusted the authorized amount to account for the increased use of alternatives among methyl bromide users, and unused methyl bromide from previous years, effectively reducing more than 500,000 kilograms of potential methyl bromide releases.

Critical use exemptions are permitted under the Montreal Protocol for circumstances where there are no technically and economically feasible alternatives to methyl bromide. Further, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 direct the EPA to issue regulations to implement the provisions of the Montreal Protocol within the United States.

Allowance decisions for 2009 were made at 19th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Montreal, Canada in September. The agency is beginning the notice-and-comment rulemaking process for the 2009 calendar year.

More information on the final rule: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr.

Source: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs, EPA Pesticide Program Updates, December 21, 2007

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 December 27, 2007 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.