The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new regulations surrounding the use of paraquat dichloride herbicide and is accepting public comments on it through Jan. 11, 2021.
The proposed interim decision for paraquat, if finalized and adopted, would further restrict how the product can be applied by prohibiting aerial applications to crops except to cotton as a harvest aid. The proposal also includes a number of other new restrictions based on certain concerns for human health and ecological risks.
Summary of primary changes:
• Prohibiting aerial application for all uses and use sites except cotton desiccation.
• Prohibiting pressurized handgun and backpack sprayer application methods on the label.
• Limiting the maximum application rate for alfalfa to one pound of active ingredient per acre.
• Requiring enclosed cabs if area treated in 24-hour period is more than 80 acres.
• Requiring enclosed cabs or PF10 respirators if area treated in 24-hour period is 80 acres or less.
• Requiring a residential area drift buffer and 7-day restricted entry interval for cotton desiccation.
• Requiring a 48-hour REI for all crops and uses except cotton desiccation.
• Adding mandatory spray drift management label language.
More below, including links to submit public comments:
Read the announcement:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-proposes-new-safety-measures-paraquat
Read the docket proposal, which also includes a comment link:
https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0855