The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a notice regarding the receipt of requests to voluntarily cancel pesticide registrations for Dimethyl Tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), a chemical commonly used in herbicides. This action is part of the EPA’s ongoing efforts to reassess and regulate pesticides to ensure environmental and public health safety.
Details of the Cancellation Request
The notice, published in the Federal Register, indicates that the registrant of DCPA, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, has requested the voluntary cancellation of three specific pesticide products: Technical Chlorthal Dimethyl (Registration No. 5481-495), Dacthal Flowable Herbicide (Registration No. 5481-487), and Dacthal W-75 Herbicide (Registration No. WI050002). These products are primarily used in agricultural settings for weed control.
In accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the EPA has opened a 30-day public comment period ending on 30 September 2024, to gather feedback from stakeholders, including environmental and health advocates, agricultural users, and the general public. The EPA will consider any substantive comments received during this period before deciding whether to proceed with the cancellation.
Implications of the Cancellation
Should the EPA approve the cancellation requests, the sale, distribution, or use of these DCPA-containing products will be prohibited following the final order. Existing stocks of these products, once the cancellation is finalised, will also be restricted from sale and use, except under specific conditions such as export or proper disposal under FIFRA regulations.
The decision to cancel these registrations comes amid growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of DCPA, particularly its potential to contaminate soil and water resources. The EPA has been increasingly proactive in reviewing and, where necessary, restricting or cancelling the use of pesticides that pose risks to the environment and public health.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
The EPA encourages all interested parties to submit their comments and feedback through the official federal regulations website. The agency has also provided guidelines for the submission of comments to ensure a comprehensive review process. In the absence of substantive comments or a withdrawal of the cancellation request by the registrant, the EPA will move forward with cancelling the registrations as outlined.
