GLIN==> June 18 Is First Hearing on Proposed Use of Balance Pro Herbicide

["Olson, Travis" <Travis.Olson@doa.state.wi.us>]

from wisconsin dept. of Agriculture, trade and consumer protection:

> View all of our press releases and meeting notices on our Web site at
> http://datcp.state.wi.us.
> 
> First Hearing on Proposed Use Of Balance Pro Herbicide Set For June 18
> Release:  6/12/02
> Contact: Jane Larson 608-224-5005 or Jim Vanden Brook, 608-224-4501
> 
> MADISON--The public is invited to one of four hearings on the proposed use
> of a new corn herbicide called isoxaflutole that may be available to
> Wisconsin corn growers in 2003. The first hearing is set for June 18 in
> Tomah.  
> 
> Because of environmental concerns, the Department of Agriculture, Trade
> and Consumer Protection has scheduled the public hearings and prepared a
> draft environmental impact statement related to the use of isoxaflutole
> (eye-SOX-a-flew-tall) in Wisconsin. 
> 
> According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, isoxaflutole is a
> probable human carcinogen and has the potential to accumulate in the
> environment. It is marketed under the brand name Balance Pro and is
> manufactured by Aventis CropScience.
> 
> "According to EPA, isoxaflutole may contaminate surface water and
> groundwater and adversely affect other desirable plants, including
> irrigated vegetable crops. Because of these concerns, Wisconsin, Minnesota
> and Michigan have not allowed the use of this herbicide although it has
> been used in 17 other states since 1999," said Jim Vanden Brook, water
> quality section chief with the state agriculture department. "Aventis
> CropScience and Wisconsin corn growers believe that isoxaflutole can be
> used with minimal risk under certain agreed-to restrictions and
> environmental monitoring set by our agency," Vanden Brook said.  
> 
> Establishing product restrictions before allowing the use of a pesticide
> in Wisconsin is a new approach for the state agriculture department. 
> 
> "We want to know what people think about the product and the additional
> restrictions before we allow Balance Pro or any other product that
> contains isoxaflutole to be used here. This approach may prevent future
> environmental problems or identify them more quickly than in the past,"
> Vanden Brook said. 
> 
> Four public hearings are scheduled in June to gather comments on the
> proposed use of isoxaflutole. Hearing schedule: 
> *	Tomah, Tues., June 18, 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., Holiday Inn, junction
> Interstate 94 and Hwy. 21 
> *	Stevens Point, Wed., June 19, 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., Holiday Inn,
> 1501 Northpoint Dr.
> *	Fond du Lac, Tues., June 25, 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., Holiday Inn, 625
> West Rolling Meadows Dr.
> *	Madison, Wed., June 26, 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., Board Room, DATCP,
> 2801 Agriculture Dr. 
> 
> The draft EIS prepared by DATCP outlines the potential benefits as well as
> environmental, social and economic impacts of allowing the use of
> isoxaflutole in Wisconsin. The draft EIS also details the additional
> restrictions DATCP proposes to place on the product as compared to federal
> requirements. The additional restrictions include:
> *	prohibiting the use of isoxaflutole in eight central Wisconsin
> counties susceptible to groundwater contamination
> *	further use limits on other susceptible soils
> *	limits on the timing of applications and irrigation
> *	required environmental monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of
> the restrictions 
> 
> Copies of the draft EIS are available from public libraries, county
> extension offices, and county land conservation departments. A copy of the
> draft EIS is also available on the department Web site at
> http://datcp.state.wi.us/ then enter isoxaflutole in the search box.
> Written comments will be accepted until July 5, 2002. Send comments to Jim
> Vanden Brook, DATCP-Water Quality Section, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI
> 53708-8911 or fax comments to Mr. Vanden Brook at 608-224-4656 or send an
> email to jim.vandenbrook@datcp.state.wi.us.
> 
> After reviewing comments on the proposed draft EIS, DATCP will prepare a
> final EIS.  The department will then decide if use of isoxaflutole can
> begin in 2003, and if so what, if any additional restrictions will be
> imposed. 
> 
> For more information on isoxaflutole or other water quality issues,
> contact Jim Vanden Brook at 608-224-4501.
> 
> ###
> 
> Jane Hewston Larson 
> Public Information Specialist
> Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, 
> Trade & Consumer Protection
> 
> Phone: (608) 224-5005 
> Fax: (608) 224-5034
> E-mail: jane.larson@datcp.state.wi.us
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 

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