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EPA RAISES AQUATIC PLANTS' TOLERANCE TO ATRAZINE, BENEFITS FARMERS
Jul. 15, 2024
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| Part of the map from EPA depicting watersheds that exceed the updated Concentration Equivalent-Level of Concern. |
Agri-Pulse reports:
EPA has significantly raised the level at which the agency believes atrazine harms aquatic plants, potentially helping some farmers who rely on the weedkiller.
EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs on Monday announced a new concentration equivalent level of concern, or CE-LOC, which is "the level at which atrazine is expected to adversely affect aquatic plants," The CE-LOC is also important because it is the level "that triggers required monitoring and/or mitigation to protect aquatic plant communities."
The previous CE-LOC of 3.4 parts per billion (ppb) was way too low, atrazine manufacturer Syngenta and grower groups have argued for years, contending that EPA was relying on flawed studies.
EPA has now raised it to 9.7 ppb, following a report from a scientific advisory panel that recommended excluding the studies in question, which EPA did in coming up with the new water quality level.
In its update Monday, OPP said it would use the new CE-LOC "to develop a revised regulatory decision to help protect aquatic plants as well as fish, invertebrates, and amphibians."
To read the entire report click here.
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