EPA UPDATES STAKEHOLDERS ON EMERGING PESTICIDE REGISTRATION ISSUES -- The subjects of the updates included: antimicrobial claims for emerging pathogens; an ongoing analysis of chronic toxicity studies; joint MRL decisions; streamlined reviews of analytical methods; the policies on "Contains Same Ingredient" and "Minimum Application Rate" statements; the PR Notice for Environmental Hazard statements; Label Review Manual and Blue Book revisions; faster PRIA billings; revised SOP's to estimate percent-crop-treated; and enhanced processing procedures for inerts and biopesticides. Includes sidebar on EPA's new Fragrance Notification Pilot.

E-LABEL SUBMISSIONS ARE BECOMING A REALITY AT EPA -- Paper label submissions are still mandatory, but OPP is testing procedures, and training staff in all Divisions, in preparation for the dawning e-label era.

EPA TO TACKLE REGULATORY OPTIONS FOR PLANT INCORPORATED PROTECTANTS -- EPA's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking puts practically every relevant regulation and issue on the table: FIFRA Section 7 registrations for PIP's production; FIFRA reporting requirements; recordkeeping; inspection authority; seed labeling; and Section 7 requirements for EUP production of PIP's.

STATES AND INDUSTRY WRESTLE OVER 'UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS' FOR NATIONAL E-LABEL REPOSITORY -- The National Pesticide Information Retrieval System is leading the effort to develop the repository, which will store state-registered pesticide labels and offer public access via the Internet. Differences remain, however, over how to ensure that the system will meet the needs of state regulators and pesticide registrants alike.

HOMELAND SECURITY'S CHEMICAL SITE-SECURITY RULE RAISES QUESTIONS AND ISSUES -- "High risk" facilities, under the new regulations, must prepare Security Vulnerability Assessments and are subject to inspections, audits, and recordkeeping requirements. Smaller pesticide companies, and the retail and distribution side of the industry, are trying to assess the rule's requirements and impact.

EPA'S SPRAY DRIFT WORKGROUP GETS ONE LAST SHOT AT RESOLVING DIFFERENCES -- During what was supposed to have been their last meeting, tensions flared as industry and environmentalist members of the advisory panel tried to reach consensus on the definition of "harm" from pesticide drift. EPA expressed frustration with the impasse, but will allow the stakeholders one last opportunity to bridge their divide before the Workgroup folds at the end of this month.

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