On Oct. 22, EPA released a proposed interim decision on paraquat, which can be found in its entirety here. This decision includes additional safety measures for the handling and application of the herbicide.
Paraquat is a non-selective weed control commonly used for burndown applications, and it’s effective on resistant weed species such as ragweed and Palmer Amaranth.
Newly proposed language includes:
- To allow truck drivers who are not certified applicators to transport containers of paraquat that have been opened, and provided they are following Directions for Use
- Prohibits aerial application for all uses and use sites except cotton desiccation
- Prohibits pressurized handgun and backpack sprayer application methods on the label
- Limits the maximum application rate for alfalfa to one pound of active ingredient per acre
- Requires enclosed cabs if area treated in 24-hour period is more than 80 acres
- Requires enclosed cabs or PF10 respirators if area treated in 24-hour period is 80 acres or less
- Requires a residential area drift buffer and 7-day restricted entry interval (REI) for cotton desiccation
- Requires a 48-hour REI for all crops and uses except cotton desiccation
- Adding mandatory spray drift management label language
In a member alert, ARA highlighted its work on the truck driver detail as the association “brought this potential transportation issue to EPA’s attention because many truck drivers are not licensed commercial applicators and under the current Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP) restrictions drivers may not be legally allowed to transport paraquat, including empty containers for recycling, especially from the farm back to the ag retail location”.
ARA will provide comments on the proposed new label requirements by Dec. 22, 2021. Join ARA in submitting comments.
