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DPR Bulletin No. 3
May 25,
2001
This is the third in a continuing series of online bulletins from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). Our goal is to keep interested parties up to date on practical information and developments that may not be included in DPR news releases or other announcements. Online bulletins are posted periodically.
FUMIGANT COMMENTS SOUGHT
DPR has completed an analysis of air monitoring for methyl bromide and other fumigants, as part of an ongoing effort to evaluate seasonal exposures. Ambient air samples were collected last year to determine whether current use restrictions sufficiently protect people when multiple fumigations occur. The detailed analysis explores factors contributing to the air concentrations detected; describes the relationship between monitoring results and health-based standards, and outlines risk management options. This document (with tables, maps, and appendices) may be downloaded or reviewed in the "Publications" section under the following link. www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/methbrom/mb_main.htm.
(To receive a hard copy of the analysis and supporting materials, call 916-324-4100.)
DPR will solicit comments on the analysis and risk management options through Friday, June 8. Comments should be sent to roshima@cdpr.ca.gov. DPR plans to announce its course of action on or about Monday, June 18.
SCHOOL IPM EXPO
DPR's first exposition for school integrated pest management (IPM) will be held July 18 at San Marin High, 15 San Marin Drive, Novato. Co-sponsored by DPR and the Marin County Department of Agriculture, the School IPM Expo will feature demonstration sessions for school administrators and pest managers, along with exhibits of commercial goods and services for school IPM programs. The expo was developed as part of the Governor's Children's Health Initiative.
Registration is $20 in advance (nonrefundable) and $25 at the door. Include your check, name and organization, phone number, and e-mail address. Mail to: AEIF, P.O. Box 1775, Elk Grove, CA 95759. Exhibitors may call 916-685-2579 for more information.
FIND LABELS ONLINE
DPR has enhanced its links to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Pesticide Products Information System with online access to product labels. The label images, in TIF format, allow users to look for a product by trade name, registrant, chemical and other criteria, and then review the label on that product for information about target pests and directions for use. (These labels are federally registered. Most but not all are registered in California. The online labels are solely for informational purposes and not for use in lieu of DPR-approved labels.) http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/registration/manual/chap2.htm
HERBICIDE REPORT FOR TRIBES
DPR has completed a three-year, collaborative study with several California tribes and the U.S. Forest Service to determine whether herbicides used in several national forests pose a risk to tribal members who gather and use plant materials. A summary report is available. www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/pubs/ forest/forstprj.htm
INSECTICIDE MONITORING CONTINUES
DPR continues to conduct environmental monitoring as part of state efforts to control two major pests -- the glassy-winged sharpshooter and the red imported fire ant. By monitoring the use of pesticides, DPR helps ensure applications do not pose unacceptable risks to people or the environment.
In the sharpshooter campaign, monitoring of imidacloprid treatments in Northern and Southern California have been completed.
DPR posts monthly reports on surface water monitoring for chemicals used against the fire ant in Southern California.
THE BUZZ ON NEW REGULATIONS
DPR has proposed amendments to regulations protecting bees from pesticide applications, and scheduled a public hearing June 5. This and other rulemaking packages are posted online, and interested parties may respond with e-mail comments. www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/legbills/r01001.htm
DPR STAFF HONORED
Four DPR staffers will be among a group honored by U.S. EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs at ceremonies scheduled June 5 in Washington, D.C. Jerry Campbell, Barry Cortez, Roberta Firoved, and Tom Leffingwell are members of the Minor Use Technical Work Group, which will receive an Excellence in Teamwork Award. The group helps U.S. EPA establish residue tolerances for California fruit, vegetable, and nut crops - so-called "minor use" crops.
NEW PLACE, NEW FACES
DPR's Pesticide Enforcement Southern Regional Office has moved to new quarters at 130 South Chaparral Court, Suite 130, Anaheim, CA 92808-2238. New phone numbers: 714-279-7690 or (fax) 714-279-7692.
Staff members include Senior Pesticide Use Specialists Jahan Motakef , a seven-year DPR staffer; Kari Carrillo, who has been with DPR for six years; Dan Weerasekera, who has been with DPR for three years; Peggy Byerly, who recently joined DPR after working as a deputy San Joaquin County agricultural commissioner; and Bhupinder Dhillon, who recently joined DPR after working as a biologist with the Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner's Office.
The staff also includes Pesticide Use Specialists Seyedali (Ali) Mehraban, a five-year DPR veteran; Brigit Fitting, who recently joined DPR from the grounds staff at the University of California at Los Angeles; and Naeem Siddiqui, who formerly worked with the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner's Office; and Office Technician Tanya Fernandez. Southern Regional Office staffers report to Jim Shattuck, Program Supervisor in Sacramento.
DPR APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS
Reuben Jimenez has joined DPR as Branch Chief for Personnel Services. He formerly served as Assistant Personnel Officer at the Department of General Services and has ten years of personnel management experience.
Two Agriculture Program Supervisors have been named in the Pest Management and Licensing Branch. Nan Gorder will head the Pest Management Analysis and Planning Section, which oversees the school IPM program, Pest Management and Alliance grants, and the IPM Innovator program. Mac Takeda will head the Licensing and Certification Section, which evaluates new license and renewal applications, issues licenses, and proctors license exams. He will also supervise the continuing education program and work with the University of California IPM program to bring new pest management information into DPR licensing exam and study guide materials.
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