EPA TOLD THAT RECORD-KEEPING DISCREPANCIES COULD REDUCE METHYL BROMIDE ALLOCATIONS

At a Sept. 11 hearing on the Proposed Rule governing the allocation of methyl bromide critical use exemptions for the 2008 control period, chemical companies, growers and others told EPA that record-keeping discrepancies could result in sharply lowered allocations for that period. Chemtura Corporation had requested the hearing in response to a Federal Register notice proposing the quantities and allocations of methyl bromide for the calendar year 2008. A representative from the company requested that EPA modify its record-keeping and reporting requirements to better reflect actual amounts of methyl bromide that was sold to end users. He said that inaccurate records resulted in an artificially large carry-over amount of allocated new production that reduced future allocated amounts. Other testimony emphasized the lack of efficacious alternatives to methyl bromide available, and the need for an increased allocation for new production rather than relying on available supplies that may not be distributed fairly when regional and seasonal variables are considered. EPA has requested that additional comments be provided in writing before Oct. 11.
A transcript of the hearing will be posted to EPA’s methyl bromide Web site in the next seven to 10 days.

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