Source: SYNGENTA, 6/2/16

What did EPA post June 2, 2016? EPA posted a draft version of the ecological risk assessment (https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/draft-ecological-risk-assessments-triazines) for the Registration Review of atrazine. They also have included 13 associated documents that serve as appendices to the draft ecological risk assessment.

Why is EPA reviewing atrazine?
All pesticides are required by law to be reviewed every 15 years to update and modernize the science and risk assessments. Atrazine is currently undergoing this normal process.

What are the next steps for EPA’s ecological assessment of atrazine? 
EPA is accepting public comments for 60 days once the federal register notice posts next week. After receiving and reviewing public comments, the agency will revise the assessments, as appropriate.  

EPA will have atrazine’s assessment peer reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Panel in 2017. We believe that if the EPA considers all the best available science, the draft ecological risk assessment science and conclusions will be revised. Once EPA considers the advice of the SAP and has revised, as appropriate, the draft ecological risk assessment, they will proceed with the next steps for the completion of the Registration Review of atrazine. 

Does this signal the start of extensive changes in the availability of atrazine?
The current EPA draft ecological risk assessment on atrazine contains a number of determinations based on unsound science that, if uncorrected, could have a significant impact on the ultimate registration review decision and atrazine’s use and availability for growers. 

Syngenta continues to support and defend the use of this important herbicide. Atrazine has been the backbone of corn weed control in the U.S. for more than 50 years. Extensive scientific research and numerous regulatory reviews have continuously proven the benefits and safety of this active ingredient. EPA is currently reviewing atrazine as part of its normal Registration Review program (as mandated by Congress for all pesticides every 15 years).  

Syngenta is confident that when given a thorough science review, atrazine’s continued, longstanding safety will be confirmed. 

Will EPA make changes to atrazine product labels? If so, when?
Per the normal course of Registration Review, any proposed changes by EPA that would impact product labels and uses should be open to public comment, prior to EPA completing the Registration Review decision.

Is EPA also posting the human health risk assessment for public comments?
EPA’s human health assessment for atrazine, simazine and propazine is currently under review, and should be released later this year. 

Why did EPA state in the draft ecological risk assessment that atrazine’s ecological levels of concern are exceeded for fish, birds, mammals, amphibians, and aquatic and terrestrial plants? 
The draft ecological risk assessment drew conclusions based on a number of scientific errors and flawed interpretations. This draft ecological risk assessment is inconsistent with a number of EPA’s previous conclusions and assessments by other regulatory agencies around the world. The longstanding use of atrazine has demonstrated that the product can be used safely, without adversely impacting wildlife and their habitats. 

Does this also impact simazine and propazine?

Yes. Draft ecological risk assessments were also posted here: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/draft-ecological-risk-assessments-triazines. Commenting for simazine and propazine will be open next week as well.

What is a Scientific Advisory Panel?
The Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) provides a variety of opinions, advice and information to the EPA regarding a wide range of scientific issues related to pesticides. The panel is one of many inputs into the agency’s evaluations. The SAP is comprised of seven appointed scientists who serve for a period of four to six years, and is augmented by additional scientific experts selected ad hoc for each SAP.   

What is the process for public commenting?
Comments can be made in writing on the website www.regulations.gov, type in the docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0266 in the search field, open the docket folder and navigate to submit comments, once open for comments next week: https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0266.

What is Syngenta doing?
Syngenta is reviewing the science. We will submit public comments during the 60-day period and we look forward to participating in the SAP in 2017. We will be keeping our customers informed on any new developments.

Where can I learn more on this topic and stay updated on further developments? More information about atrazine is available at www.SavingTheOasis.com, www.AgSense.org and www.Atrazine.com.