ASPCRO Holds 52nd Annual Meeting

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The 52nd annual conference of the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO), was held Aug. 24-27. And while this year’s discussions did include termiticide issues, they were not the primary focus of the meeting.

Panel discussions included pesticide labels, stewardship and e-labeling, emerging trends in fumigation, “green” pest control and sunset review of structural pest control programs. Technical programs included presentations on the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chemical Security Program, discussions of bed bug issues, efficacy research on automated misting systems and new insecticide chemistries being developed by pesticide registrants.

The U.S. EPA has been discussing Electronic labeling and label simplification for some time. ASPCRO has been a prominent participant in these discussions. Panelists — including representatives from industry, state regulatory agencies and registrants — agreed unanimously that simplification of pesticide labels is needed. ASPCRO has established a workgroup, with broad representation, to assist EPA in identifying some of the worst labels in the structural pest control area. Timely revision of labels will likely require some adjustment of label revision policies by the agency.

E-labeling received cautious support from all sides. Most attendees like the idea of being able to retrieve current labels from the Internet. However, e-labels raise some questions: What happens with current inventory when a use or pest is dropped from (or added to) a label? Who will “own” the official label site? How will label dates and uses be kept straight? EPA has shown considerable interest in moving to e-labeling in the future and is taking input from all stakeholders on this issue.

NPMA's Gene Harrington reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is moving forward with provisions affecting fumigators. DHS has released an interim final rule that imposes comprehensive federal security regulations for high-risk chemical facilities. This rule establishes risk-based performance standards for the security of our nation’s chemical facilities. It requires covered chemical facilities to prepare Security Vulnerability Assessments, which identify facility security vulnerabilities, and to develop and implement Site Security Plans, which include measures that satisfy the identified risk-based performance standards. In its present form, only fumigants will trigger the requirements of the rule.

Since DHS requirements are one of the more significant current issues in fumigation, this discussion fed right into the panel on fumigation trends. Increased emphasis on product stewardship, also related to DHS activity, may be the next most significant emerging issue with fumigation. According to Janet Rowley, Dow AgroSciences, cradle-to-grave cylinder tracking has been implemented on all Dow sulfuryl fluoride products. In addition, increased training now is required for the continued use of these Dow fumigants.

University of Florida's Dr. Rudi Scheffrahn discussed three new developments in the world of fumigation: the development of a field analytical method for chloropicrin used in structural fumigations; more consumer-friendly food and medicinal protective bagging methods and attempts to revisit the 1 ppm aeration standard for sulfuryl fluoride. Scheffrahn’s work on field analytical methods relates directly to three deaths in Florida that were related directly to inadequate use of chloropicrin warning agent. Officials at the Florida Department of Agriculture also have increased risk-based enforcement as a result.

Another panel of PCOs and state regulatory personnel treated a discussion of green pest management. Three things became clear during the discussion: A consistent definition of “green pest control” is needed. Some regulatory action may be necessary to ensure consumer protection and fair competition. And increased training and knowledge are necessary to ensure communication of the concept to consumers.

Some progress has been made by the EPA to improve the 30-plus-year-old applicator certification program, by making it easier for neighboring states to reciprocate on certification and recertification. ASPCRO has established a workgroup that should speed the process. ASPCRO will solicit assistance from National Pest Management Association and other industry trade associations to target states and program areas where progress could be made quickly by assisting states to develop policies and procedures that increase compatibility among states.

The meeting wrapped up the final day with a variety of technical presentations. Topics included bed bugs, colony collapse disorder among honeybees and efficacy research on automated misting systems. Of particular interest was a presentation by Dr. Brian Forschler concerning insecticide development.

Briefs from the business meeting:

• Jim Harron reported on school pest control compliance efforts ongoing in Georgia. More than $470,000 in fines have been assessed against PCOs and more than 40 certifications suspended or revoked for violations including pesticide misuse, falsification of records and violation of re-entry restrictions. The Georgia Department of Agriculture has implemented a self-audit/reporting program under which pest management professionals can minimize or eliminate penalties by performing audits and reporting problems they discover. According to Harron, a number of PCOs have taken advantage of the program and have made changes in company procedures to correct problems.
  
• Two new ASPCRO working committees have been established: School Pest Management and Green Pest Control. ASPCRO will solicit participation in these committees from NPMA membership and staff. A third may be established to work on consistency of CEU assignment and reciprocity if sufficient support can be obtained from other associations.
  
• The Residential Misting Systems Committee has completed its work with the exception of drafting model rules for consideration by states. Committee chair Bonnie Rabe reported substantial progress in improving advertising has been made.
  
• The Termiticide Standards Committee, along with the Termiticide Label Review Committee, has made considerable progress in working with EPA to revise the Product Performance Test Guideline 810.3600 for termiticides, not including termite baits. EPA held a stakeholders workshop of regulatory, industry and registrants in late July. According to reports, the EPA has responded favorably to the input, is assembling a summary document and identifying the resources necessary to address the concerns shared by both industry and regulators. Future meetings are planned.