NAAA Fights to Prevent Loss of Formulation Options for Aerial Applications of Mancozeb

Earlier this week NAAA submitted comments to EPA on their proposed interim decision (PID) for mancozeb. The PID included proposals to ban the use of wettable powder formulations for aerial applications to field crops as well as a complete ban of aerial applications of mancozeb on sod. NAAA argued against both, suggesting instead EPA require more protective PPE for mixers and loaders and place a daily limit of 600 acres for an individual mixer and loader mixing wettable powder formulations for aerial applications to field crops.

The proposed drift mitigations in the PID are acceptable except for a proposed maximum wind speed of 10 mph. NAAA suggested instead to allow aerial applications in wind speeds up to 15 mph, citing other pesticide labels as examples and advising EPA to require additional mitigations when winds are between 11 and 15 mph, as they have for many recent PIDs for other pesticides. NAAA agreed with using wind directional buffer zones to protect conservation and aquatic areas but recommended the buffer zones to protect residential areas be wind direction as well. Click here to read NAAA’s full comments.