Pesticide Advisory Committee Meeting Summary

Guyer Conference Room, MDA Laboratory, East Lansing

April 28, 2006

Members present:           

Jim Johnson, Roger Wabeke, Bruce Walker, Roger Mech, Philip Korson, Abby Schwartz, David Schwallier, William Weil,

Russ Ives, Carolyn Randall

Guests present:  

Sheridan Haack, Ken Rauscher, Brian Rowe, Larry Swain, and Brian Hughes

Jim Johnson welcomed everyone to the meeting.   He introduced Dr. Sheridan Haack of the U.S. Geological Survey office.  Dr. Haack presented information from the “U.S. Geological Survey Studies of Pesticides and Emerging Contaminants” that she co-authored with Lisa Fogarty and Joseph Duris.  The newest copy of this report can be downloaded from the web at: www.water.usgs.gov/nawqa.  Dr. Haack distributed:  Water Quality in the Lake Erie-Lake Saint Clair Drainages, Ground-Water Quality and Vulnerability to Contamination in Selected Agricultural Areas of Southeastern Michigan, Northwestern Ohio, and Northeastern Indiana, Appendix 1-Pesticide compounds analyzed in NAWQA samples, and Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Ground Water, 1992-2001—a Summary and a copy of her presentation.  Dr. Haack discussed the summary of the studies relative to groundwater and drainages.

Ken Rauscher gave an update on Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division activities.  He distributed a map indicating the 2006 Michigan Cooperative Gypsy Moth Suppression Program Participating Counties and Proposed Treatments.  Ken indicated that all trees (including Christmas trees) and shrubs that are sold to other states/countries are inspected for gypsy moth prior to their transport.  Ken distributed the updated map for the Cooperative Emerald Ash Borer Project, Emerald Ash Borer Enforcement Activities, EAB Quarantine Proposal – April 10, 2006, and the Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan.  Ash wood can not be moved from a quarantined area unless the wood has a compliance agreement from the Michigan Department of Agriculture.  The major focus of work is on detection, regulatory work, and outreach.  Ken discussed:

·        MDA staffing of the EAB project and the current funding of the project

·        Biological control will probably be the way to control the EAB – research continues at MSU with USDA Forest Services

·        Pesticides are available for injection treatments or to be poured on the soil around smaller trees

·        Research continues on broad area applications (aerial applications)

Ken distributed and discussed the House Substitute for Senate Bill No. 777 – Michigan Seed Law.  This proposed legislation preempts local ordinances.

The minutes from the January 20, 2006 meeting were approved with the correction of Dr. Haack’s name.

Abby Schwartz of MDCH distributed a copy Occupational Pesticide Illness and Injury Surveillance in Michigan 2004 report and the January through March 2006 quarterly report.  Abby discussed the quarterly report.  She indicated that currently only occupation information is being corrected.

Carolyn Randall distributed the Second Quarter Report from Michigan State University Extension.  Carolyn discussed the report indicating the Aquatic Manual is new.  A student is assisting with the public health manual – category 8.  A Project GREEEN grant has been secured to assist with work on the Turfgrass manual – category 3A.  Category 9 is available on-line.  John Stone was hired to do training seminars.

Roger Mech from DNR discussed pesticide issues.  Historically, the DNR has used chemical applications for a variety of issues.  However, the State’s commitment to ‘Forest Certification’ has significantly restricted the chemicals that can be used to deal with many of these challenges.  This creates a significant problem for right of ways across State land.  The DNR has has permits denied by the certifying agency for right of way applications.

Planned use investigations report was tabled until the July meeting.

Brian Rowe updated the committee on the 637 Rule Making process.  He also indicated that EPA is proposing a major rewrite to the Worker Protection Standards with a one year time frame for completion.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:25pm.

The next 3 PAC meetings are schedule for July 21, October 20, and January 19, 2007.