Registration Review Schedule

EPA Schedule for Registration Review

Based on information posted on the EPA’s Web site as of fall 2008, here is the intended schedule for chlorpyrifos Registration Review. Note the dates for the public comment periods — these are dates when you can make your voice heard. Simply visit the EPA’s website for docket # EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0850, and follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Pesticide Registration Review Process

While each pesticide review is unique, all pesticides go through the following basic review process (summarized from the EPA website). Note that public responses to registration reviews are not only welcomed but also factor into the EPA’s assessments and decisions.

• DOCKET OPENING The EPA initiates a registration review by establishing and opening a docket and publishing a Federal Register notice to announce its availability for public comment. Each docket contains summary documents explaining what information the EPA has about the pesticide and the intended path forward for review, along with a fact sheet providing background on the product. The fact sheet also identifies preliminary information needs for human health and ecological assessments.

  During the comment period, anyone may submit data or information in response to the docket, which the EPA takes into consideration when reviewing the pesticide in question. Comment periods are generally open for at least 60 days.

• CASE DEVELOPMENT The EPA reviews the data and any changes that have occurred since the last registration decision to determine whether or not the pesticide should still be authorized for use.

  In cases requiring a new assessment, the EPA determines whether or not additional data are needed and, if so, requires registrants to collect and submit the necessary information. The EPA then makes their new assessment available to the public in draft form for comment.

  If the subsequent revised assessment indicates new risks or concerns, the EPA might also invite public suggestions about how to mitigate those risks.

• REGISTRATION REVIEW DECISION After finalizing its revised assessment, the EPA decides whether or not the pesticide in question can perform its intended function without posing unreasonable adverse effects for human health or the environment. If the pesticide does not meet this requirement, it also does not meet the legal standard required for registration.

• PUBLICATION OF PROPOSED DECISION The EPA publishes its registration review decision in the Federal Register and invites public comment for at least 60 days.

  At this time, the EPA will update the public docket with its proposed findings, identifying any new risk mitigation measures or other new requirements and specifying proposed changes in product use and labeling. It will also communicate deadlines for completing any required actions.

• FINAL DECISION After considering any public comments on the proposed decision, the EPA generally issues a registration review decision, including an explanation of any changes that have been made in the final document, as well as a response to significant stakeholder comments.

  The EPA publishes another Federal Register notice announcing the availability of its decision.