March 8, 2010
MSMA Registration: Update and Clarification
As we discussed earlier last year, MSMA use in turf is slated for registration removal from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Here is a bulleted summary of how the registration removal is scheduled.
For residential (includes parks and athletic fields) used the following dates apply:
- After December 31, 2010, persons other than registrants (e.g. distributors) are prohibited from selling or distributing products for all uses EXCEPT cotton, sod farms, golf courses and highway rights-of-way.
- After December 31, 2010, existing stocks of products for all uses EXCEPT cotton, sod farms, golf courses and highway rights-of-way that are already in the hands of users can be used until they are exhausted.
- Example: MSMA registered for any use other than golf courses, sod farms, or highway rights-of-way cannot be sold or distributed after December 31, 2010, but existing stocks in the hands of users can be used until exhausted.
For sod farms, golf courses, and highway rights-of-way the following
existing stocks dates apply:
- MSMA sold after December 31, 2010 will have new labeling restrictions for golf and sod use. Those restrictions will likely be
- Golf courses: One broadcast application will be allowed on newly constructed courses. Application on existing courses will be limited to spot treatment (100 sq ft per spot), not to exceed 25% of the total course in one year.
- Sod farms: Two broadcast applications will be allowed per crop. A 25 foot buffer strip will be required for those fields bordering permanent water bodies.
- Highway rights-of-way: Two broadcast applications will be allowed per year. A 100 foot buffer strip will be required adjacent to permanent water bodies.
- After December 31, 2012, registrants are prohibited from selling or distributing products for use on sod farms, golf courses, and highway rights-of-way.
- After June 31, 2013, persons other than registrants (e.g., distributors) are prohibited from selling or distributing products for use on sod farms, golf courses, and highway rights-of-way.
- After December 31, 2013 use of products labeled for use on sod farms, golf courses, and highway rights-of-way is prohibited.
- After December 31, 2013 the only use allowed is on cotton.
Future decisions:
The MAA Task Force (http://maatf.com/) strongly believes that there is growing scientific evidence that low doses of inorganic arsenic do not pose a concern to human health or to the environment. If an EPA science review, to convene in 2012, concurs with this position, then inorganic arsenic resulting from uses of MSMA will not pose a concern, and the Task Force will petition for restoration of some or all of MSMA uses.
Dr. Aaron Patton
--
To subscribe to turf tips click here.
To unsubscribe to turf tips click here.