Fumigant Management Primers
February 20, 2012 The world of soil fumigation has changed dramatically in the past decade. The use of methyl bromide, once the fool proof industry standard, is virtually gone as it is being phased out. This alone has thrown growers the challenge of developing new fumigant programs to replace methyl bromide. Adding to the obstacles are new requirements for other important fumigant tools, including new recordkeeping rules, buffer zones, residential requirements, and applicator safety actions.
According to EPA, it is requiring these important new safety measures for soil fumigant pesticides to increase protections for agricultural workers and bystanders — people who live, work, or otherwise spend time near fields that are fumigated. These measures are for the soil fumigants chloropicrin, dazomet, metam sodium/potassium, and methyl bromide.
To help sort through all of the information, EPA has created a website it calls the “Soil Fumigant Toolbox.” In addition, Agrian (www.agrian.com), along with several other fumigant suppliers, has developed its own “Fumigant Management Plan” website.
One area where growers might find the most pitfalls is successfully managing the “Site-Specific Fumigant Management Plans” and “Post-Application Summaries” recordkeeping requirements. The EPA and Agrian sites are intended to help applicators navigate through the information required to ensure proper tracking of fumigant applications.
The Fumigant Management plan alone has more than 130 data entry points where information is required to be tracked and kept on record by the grower and applicator. The Post-Application Summary requires nearly 40 data entry points. Both the certified applicator and owner/operator of where the fumigation took place must keep signed copies of the Fumigant Management Plan and Post-Application Summary on file for two years after the date of application.
Look Inside The Toolbox
Growers and applicators trying to sort out all the rules and regulations included in soil fumigant labels can refer to EPA’s Soil Fumigant Toolbox
Here’s a sampling of what can be found on EPA’s website:
• Safety Information For Handlers Of Pesticide Soil Fumigants: EPA requires certified applicators provide safety information to handlers of soil fumigants. These training brochures can be used by certified applicators to meet that obligation.
• Training Modules On New Soil Fumigant Requirements: A set of nine presentations provides detailed information on soil fumigant uses, risks, and the required new safety measures.
• Fact Sheets On Soil Fumigant Mitigation Measures And Implementation Schedule
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