ACTION:
Tell EPA To Ban 2,4-D Weed and Feed Products By MARCH 14
(Beyond Pesticides, March 4, 2005) Households use
the largest quantities of 2,4-D in the form of weed and feed products,
and municipalities complain of toxic run off polluting drinking and
other water sources. Now is the time to tell EPA to remove weed and
feed products from the shelf!
The infamous herbicide 2,4-D is up for EPA reregistration and the EPA is seeking comments on how to reduce the risks of 2,4-D (especially for children). Cancelling the registration of weed and feed products, which combine fertilizer and herbicides in one product, is the single most effective way EPA could reduce the risks for children, families, pets and the environment. Comments are due in just two weeks, by March 14, 2005.
See the Sample Letter written by the national ad hoc 2,4-D workgroup facilitated by Beyond Pesticides. The letter was written especially for those individuals who are outraged by all the lawn care chemical use around them and who live in areas where the waterways are polluted and overgrown from toxic run off created from the use of lawn care chemicals and synthetic fertilizers.
Use the sample letter yourself, or take it to your local government – water boards, city councils, Household Hazardous Waste and/or Home Landscaping divisions. Any government employee who encourages Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the reduction of lawn care pesticides (or other pesticides) should be interested in signing. Broadcast use of combined herbicide and fertilizer is simply not sensible weed control and is inconsistent with IPM principles.
With municipalities in mind, the letter does not go into depth on the controversy around 2,4-D such as its carcinogenicity, dioxin contamination from its manufacturing process, etc. You are encouraged to customize this letter as much as you can or write your own letter, adding any points that you feel strongly about. For more background information see the national ad hoc 2,4-D workgroup’s last comments.
How to Submit
Your Letter
You can submit comments by mail, e-mail, or via EPA's electronic docketing
system. Always include the docket number and your contact information!
E-mail. Comments may be sent by e-mail to [email protected], Attention: Docket ID number OPP-2004-0167.
By mail. Send your comments to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB) (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001, Attention: Docket ID number OPP-2004-00167.
Online E-Docket: Go directly to EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/, select “Quick Search'' on the left, key in Docket ID number OPP-2004-0167, wait patiently, then click “Submit Comment”.
Send to Beyond Pesticides. If you would prefer we submit the letter on your behalf or those whose signatures you have received, contact us.