Department of Pesticide Regulation

2001 Accomplishments and Priorities

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) regulates the use of pesticides to protect human health and the environment.

Accomplishments for First Half of 2001

Children's Health Initiative

1. School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program: To enhance his Children's Initiative, Governor Gray Davis signed AB 2260, the Healthy Schools Act of 2000. Since January, DPR began a survey of current IPM practices at school districts in California. DPR set up a stakeholder advisory group for IPM in schools that held its first meeting in February 2001. A model school IPM site is being established. DPR is actively participating with other California Environmental Protection Agency departments, boards, and office and with the State Department of Education to integrate the school IPM effort into related activities.

EGovernment

1. Web site: DPR launched the "Intent to Operate" project in concert with the Department of General Service's Enterprise Business Office. The "Intent to Operate" system will help pesticide applicator licensees prepare for county registration through a single transaction. Project staff developed the project feasibility study, met with vendors, and reviewed several technical proposals submitted in response to a Statement of Work document. Project staff developed a detailed work plan and began compiling specific business and regulatory requirements. The project kick-off and first Joint Application Development session were held on May 23, 2001. Six counties, representing the California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association regions, as well as a broad cross-section of industry representatives are participating in the pilot project with DPR and Department of General Services staff.

2. Business Process Reengineering: DPR has contracted with NewPoint Group, a consulting firm, to assist with business process reengineering and eGovernment strategy engagement. The NewPoint Group provided the following deliverables: Government Information Portals and Service Delivery Website, Quick Returns, Readiness Assessment, and Business Process Improvement Opportunities and eGovernment Candidates. DPR has implemented some "early wins" and will prioritize eGoverment candidates for moving DPR's transactions with its various customers to the Internet. This project is the first step in meeting the provisions of Governor Gray Davis' Executive Order D-00-17 relative to eGovernment.

3. Enforcement and Compliance Web Page: DPR's Pesticide Enforcement Branch rolled out the first phase of a new Enforcement and Compliance Web Page on DPR's external Web site. Basic information now available to the counties and the public include current laws and regulations, enforcement policies, and reports on administrative actions, civil penalties, and other enforcement issues. The Enforcement and Compliance Action module is scheduled for completion in June 2001. The Compliance Action module will allow public access with searchable capabilities for enforcement actions.

4. Licensing and Certification Web Site: The Licensing and Certification Web site provides valuable information to our clients, the public, other departments, and other regulatory agencies. During this period, 11,650 individual and 2,110 business licenses were renewed and issued. Valid licenses and certificates, examination results, approved continuing education courses, application forms, knowledge expectations for examinations, and notice to continuing education sponsors' requirements have been posted to the Web site.

Enforcement

1. Licensing and Certification Manual: DPR is charged with the licensing and certification of individuals who and businesses that apply, sell, or recommend pesticides in California. The program works cooperatively with the University of California and with stakeholders in developing study guides and examination materials. Recently, through our joint efforts, the IPM Manual for Agricultural Pest Control Advisers and the Aquatic Pest Control Manual were completed. Under a separate contract, the University of California will complete editing the Laws and Regulations Study Guide by June 31, 2001.

Environmental Justice

1. National Forest - Tribal Basketweavers Herbicide Monitoring Project: We have completed the three-year collaborative study with several California tribes and the U.S. Forest Service. Both the final report and the scientific publication are in preparation. The summary report is available at www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/empm/pubs/forest/forstprj.htm. This study was designed to address concerns of the tribal people regarding herbicide applications in the El Dorado, Sierra, and Stanislaus National Forests, particularly the exposures and impacts of the applications to tribal people during gathering and using of plant materials collected near sprayed areas.

2. Northwestern California Tribal - Forestry Herbicide Monitoring Project: We have completed monitoring of herbicide residues in surface water from drift and rain runoff during and after herbicide application, respectively. We have initiated a pilot study in collaboration with the Department of Fish and Game and the Yurok Tribal Fishery to determine herbicide residues in fish tissues. The studies on dissipation and off-site movement of herbicides in and on plants of interest to the tribes are in progress. This is a collaborative project with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; the Yurok, Karuk, and Hupa tribes; the Department of Fish and Game; the Del Norte and Humboldt County Agricultural Commissioners (CACs); and a timber company. The study is to address the tribal people's concerns regarding exposure to forestry herbicides in various environmental sources. Documentation of this project is available at www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/empm/pubs/tribal/tribproj.htm.

3. Spanish language fact sheets: DPR has completed translating 11 of its 13 Consumer Fact Sheets into Spanish. Translations of the two remaining handouts are being done. The handouts have been professionally redesigned and the new series-in both English and Spanish-have been posted on DPR's Web site. In addition, DPR has sent all 58 offices of the California Agricultural Commissioners (CACs) "starter sets" of the fact sheets in both languages. DPR is encouraging the CACs to distribute the handouts widely, and will provide additional copies to the CAC offices free of charge.

Pesticide Use Reporting

1. Pesticide Use Reporting Improvements: A report on the potential error rate in various data fields of DPR's pesticide use database was drafted in May 2001. To detect these errors, DPR has completed an improved computer program that loads and error-checks pesticide use data submitted by the counties to DPR. In addition, a simple program was created to edit and correct those errors. Once these two programs are fully implemented in the second half of 2001, it will enable DPR staff to markedly improve data quality of this extensively used database.

Protecting People, Air, Water

1. Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) Insecticide Monitoring: The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) conducted meetings in Napa and San Luis Obispo counties relating to the GWSS insecticide monitoring. DPR provided informational exhibits at these meetings, and also addressed questions from the public, press, growers, environmental groups, and others regarding the environmental fate and transport and our monitoring plan and results for the GWSS insecticides. We also addressed the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District on our monitoring plan for the insecticide treatment in Kern County. DPR participated in a public informational meeting in Porterville for the upcoming repeat treatment in Tulare County. Monitoring of imidacloprid treatment in Rancho Cordova has been completed and reported, and monitoring in Brentwood and Arvin for the imidacloprid applications has been completed. The analytical method development for cyfluthrin is in progress. All reports are available at www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/gwss.

2. Methyl Bromide Exposure Plan: On May 21, 2001, DPR released an analysis paper outlining various options in response to the Air Resources Board's monitoring results indicating that regional exposures to methyl bromide over a two-month period may exceed health-based target levels. By mid-June, DPR will release its plan to address regional exposures to methyl bromide.

3. Lompoc: DPR completed air monitoring for fumigants. DPR compiled and released the preliminary monitoring results for 28 pesticides. DPR continued method development work for five to ten additional pesticides.

4. Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) Insecticide Monitoring Project: We continue to collect monthly surface water samples for RIFA chemicals from six sites draining nurseries and urban and integrated areas. In collaboration with UC Cooperative Extension, plant nurseries, and the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, we monitor a runoff mitigation site installed at a nursery. Mitigation consists of a sedimentation pond followed with a strip of canna planted in a drainage ditch with sedimentation basins. In general, this system continues to show significant reduction of insecticide residue output. CDFA has requested and will fund this project for the next fiscal year. The monthly report can be found at www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/rifa.

5. Five-year Dormant Spray Study: Use of organophosphate insecticides like diazinon on dormant fruit and nut trees is extensive in the Sacramento-San Joaquin watershed. In response to levels of diazinon found in the Sacramento River watershed, a five-year study was begun in 1996. The objective of this study was to monitor the occurrence of aquatic toxicity (both acute and chronic) in portions of the river. Water samples were also analyzed for a number of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides and certain soil applied herbicides. This five-year dormant spray monitoring program was completed in the spring and the data is being analyzed. A report is expected in late 2001.

6. Toxic Air Contaminants: DPR drafted a revised prioritization scheme for monitoring and risk assessment and discussed it with lead members of the Scientific Review Panel (SRP). The previous prioritization scheme was developed in 1995. DPR completed drafts for approximately 13 discussion papers concerning cholinesterase inhibition and risk assessment. DPR is awaiting consideration of two documents, azinphos-methyl and molinate. Due to other priorities, SRP has been unable to discuss the risk assessment for azinphos-methyl, submitted in July 2000.

7. Pesticide Risk Characterization/Exposure Assessments Under the Birth Defect Prevention Act of 1984 (SB 950): DPR has completed the following risk characterization documents (RCDs): atrazine, chlorpyrifos, naled-addendum, methidathion(dietary), MITC, and thiabendazole. The following final draft RCDs are in peer review: carbaryl, methyl bromide(dietary), and hydromethylnon.

8. Pesticide Illness Data Released for 1999: In February, DPR released and posted online a summary of pesticide injury and illness data for 1999. DPR collects and analyzes this data annually to identify illness trends and make improvements to protect workers and the public. DPR identified a total of 1,201 suspected or confirmed reports of pesticide injury in 1999, compared to 998 cases the previous year. Other than 1998, the total number of illnesses reported in 1999 was the lowest since 1986.

Registration

1. Pesticide Registration Process: From February 2000, to April 2001, evaluation scientists in DPR's Pesticide Registration Branch reduced the mean review time by over 20 percent. The Pesticide Registration Branch registered two new fumigant products as methyl bromide alternatives for field crops.

2. Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4)/U.S. EPA/DPR Work Share Project: DPR's Pesticide Registration Branch formed a partnership with U.S. EPA to establish permanent and time-limited residue tolerances for California's fruit, vegetable, and nut crops. The workshare project utilizes residue data from IR-4, a program which provides pesticide residue data for fruit, vegetable, and nut crops. This work share project starts the review process in California and cooperatively establishes tolerances at U.S. EPA. Since July 1, 2000, the IR-4/EPA/DPR partnership completed two pilot activities. Currently, DPR is midway through a 25 pesticide/crop combination commitment. On June 4, 2001, DPR staff participating in this project received an U.S. EPA Office of Pesticide Program's Award of Excellence in Teamwork along with other team members.

Priorities for Second Half of 2001

Children's Health Initiative

1. School IPM Program: DPR staff will establish a permanent, comprehensive "School IPM" Web site that will be available in summer 2001. DPR staff will develop basic fact sheets on the program and technical materials for inclusion in the School IPM guidebook. Planning continues for a train-the-trainer program for school districts to be offered in early 2002. A "School IPM Expo" will be held in cooperation with DPR's School Pest Management Alliance in summer 2001. In addition, DPR will develop a reporting form for licensed pest control businesses working in schools, and the Pesticide Use Report will be modified to accommodate school IPM data. DPR plans to finalize and make available its model school IPM program guidebook in late 2001 or early 2002.

Border Initiative

1. California/Mexico Border Project: The U.S./Mexico Pesticide Information Exchange is planning another inspector exchange for the second half of 2001. The 2000 inspector exchange involved Secretaria de Agricultura Ganaderia y Desarrollo Rural (Mexico's Department of Agriculture). The 2001 inspectors will be from other Mexican agencies with pesticide regulatory authority; consequently, the itinerary will be modified to meet the interests of these agencies. The goal of the exchange is to provide inspection techniques, protocols, and information to Mexico as it considers the possibility of creating one agency to regulate pesticide use.

EGovernment

1. Web Site: A local systems solutions provider was selected after reviewing several proposals submitted in response to the Statement of Work document. The vendor has previous experience with California e-government projects. The design, programming, and testing phases of the project will be completed in October 2001. After successful completion of the technical programming phases, project staff will continue testing and evaluation with the pilot counties, Licensing, and Enforcement staff to verify that the system meets the stated objectives. The pilot system will be available on the California Portal Web site by January 31, 2002.

2. Business Process Reengineering: DPR has contracted with NewPoint Group, a consulting firm, to assist with business process reengineering and eGovernment strategy engagement. The NewPoint Group will provide final deliverables: eGovernment Strategic Plan, Conceptual Business Model and Implementation Strategy. DPR will use these deliverables as a basis for charting out 2002 priorities that address strategic plan activities. The focus is on improving program operations and using the Internet to increase service and value to stakeholders. These will be early steps in meeting the provisions of Governor Gray Davis' Executive Order D-00-17 relative to eGovernment.

3. Licensing and Certification Program: In an effort to improve access to information, DPR will upgrade its Licensing and Certification Web site. This involves revising and modifying both the application and the license renewal form for each of the nine licenses and certificates issued by DPR. Staff will complete their reviews of the various study materials, sources, instructions, and other examination materials. The forms will be updated based on this comprehensive review.

Enforcement  

1. Agricultural Pest Control Advisory Committee (APCAC): DPR will reconvene APCAC during the first quarter of 20001/02. This mandated committee is charged with providing input into licensing and certification issues and making recommendations for program enhancements and changes to the Director. DPR is soliciting nominations to fill vacant industry and governmental positions on the committee.

Environmental Justice

1. Protection of Farm Workers: DPR is evaluating the adequacy of the current system for notifying farm workers of pesticide applications and hazards in the workplace. This evaluation was initiated by concerns brought forward by farm worker advocates. To conduct its evaluation DPR met with worker advocates, CACs, and industry representatives. DPR also met with growers, applicators and farm labor contractors in Fresno and Monterey counties to solicit their concerns and possible solutions. DPR has prepared an evaluation of the posting issues. The evaluation includes a comparison of past and present posting requirements, pesticide-related illnesses pre- and post-implementation of the federal Worker Protection Standard, and documentation of the concerns expressed by all stakeholders. The report findings will be available in July 2001. Within the next six months, DPR is preparing an evaluation of the notification and hazard communication requirements in Title 3, California Code of Regulations. Meetings have already been held with stakeholders. DPR is participating in the national assessment of the federal Worker Protection Standard. DPR will prepare recommendations on program changes, if needed. A report on these findings should be available by January 2002.

Pest Management (Pollution Prevention)

1. Pest Management Grants, Alliances, and Innovators: DPR will release a "request for proposals" in July 2001, for grants totally $1.5 million to promote increased adoption of reduced-risk practices in agricultural and urban settings. The grant proposals will be evaluated by staff and the Pest Management Advisory Committee (PMAC) for awards by December 2001. Staff will continue communication between commodity and urban groups regarding pest management issues of mutual concern and continue development of the outreach program to encourage new Pest Management Grant and Alliance applicants. In addition, DPR will be recognizing selected groups with IPM Innovator Awards.

Pesticide Use Reporting

1. Pesticide Use Reporting: DPR will generate the final version of the 1999 Pesticide Use Report (PUR) in December 2001. The summary of PUR 1999 gives the total California reported use of each pesticide active ingredient on each crop or site in 1999. This report also provides an overview of the trends in use from 1991 to 1999 for pesticides in several categories, including reproductive toxins, carcinogens, cholinesterase inhibitors, ground water contaminants, toxic air contaminants, oils, reduced-risk pesticides, and biopesticides. DPR will also create a summary of the variation in use of Proposition 65 agro-chemicals to guide pest management surveys of reduced-risk farming practices. A detailed trend analysis will be conducted of changes in organophosphate use on almonds over the last 10 years and examine alternate methods of pest control for over-wintering pests. DPR will create a summary of responses to a survey distributed to the counties on pesticide use data, data entry into the PUR database, and definitions used to define certain data fields. This survey will help researchers understand the nuances and uniqueness of data entered into certain data fields in the PUR. It will also help DPR improve communication with the counties concerning data field definitions and improve data entry programs used to record pesticide use data.

Protecting People, Air, Water

1. Lompoc: DPR will compile and release the preliminary monitoring results of the fumigant monitoring. DPR will complete method development and monitoring for five to ten additional pesticides.

2. Toxic Air Contaminants: DPR expects action by the Scientific Review Panel (SRP) on three risk assessment documents: azinphos-methyl, molinate, and chlorpyrifos. DPR will receive findings from the SRP on the metam sodium/MITC document. The receipt of the findings will prompt DPR to initiate rulemaking to add MITC to the toxic air contaminant list. DPR will publish an updated prioritization for monitoring and risk assessment. DPR will complete another 13 to 15 discussion papers on cholinesterase inhibition issues and risk assessment. Based on the discussion papers, DPR will develop guidelines and policies for the use of cholinesterase inhibition in risk assessment.

3.Pesticide Risk Characterization/Exposure Assessments under the Birth Defect Prevention Act of 1984 (SB 950): DPR will have completed the following risk characterization documents: carbaryl, endosulfan, chlorothalonil, hydromethylnon, metam sodium, methyl bromide-inhalation, methyl bromide-dietary, and methyl parathion. The following RCDs final drafts will be in peer review: carbofuran, diazinon, acephate/methamidophos, and mancozeb/ETU.

4. Propanil Use Evaluation: DPR and the county agricultural commissioners in the major rice production regions are evaluating the herbicide Propanil for use on rice. The evaluation is being conducted to determine whether applications of Propanil result in residual exposure to nontarget crops. If warranted, recommendations for regulatory changes to Propanil use will be made.

5. Protection of Bees: DPR has proposed to amend Title 3, California Code of Regulations, sections 6650, 6654, and 6656, pertaining to bee protection. This regulatory action is necessary to remove outdated information and requirements. The change will provide consistency with new federal pesticide labeling requirements regarding residual toxicity data for those pesticide applications near where bees may forage. DPR published the Notice of Regulatory Action on February 9, 2001. Public comments were received and a public hearing was requested. The public hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2001.

6. Water Quality Management Strategy for Diazinon in the Sacramento and Feather Rivers: The "Water Quality Management Strategy for Diazinon in the Sacramento and Feather Rivers" will be finalized and distributed.

Registration

1. Registration Process: DPR's Pesticide Registration Branch has developed a concurrent pesticide review process that provides growers and registrants with the ability to use and sell products with minimal delay after U.S. EPA registration. Because U.S. EPA now prioritizes its review of reduced-risk pesticides, DPR begins early concurrent review of these reduced-risk products that provides growers with options to move towards more environmentally friendly pesticides. The Pesticide Registration Branch expects to complete the review of ten new reduced-risk products by the end of 2001. The Pesticide Registration Branch expects to register a biological pesticide alternative to methyl bromide commodity fumigation. The branch expects to continue the reduction in review time achieved in 2000 and the first half of 2001 by branch evaluation scientists for new pesticide applications.

2. IR-4/EPA/DPR Work Share Project: DPR's Pesticide Registration Branch formed a partnership with U.S. EPA to establish permanent and time-limited residue tolerances for California's fruit, vegetable, and nut crops. The work share project utilizes residue data from IR-4, a program which provides pesticide residue data for fruit, vegetable, and nut crops. This work share project starts the review process in California and cooperatively establishes tolerances at U.S. EPA. DPR will be completing commitments on reviewing 25 pesticide/crop combinations, and will be selecting candidate combinations for 2002.

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