USDA PREPARES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ON METHYL BROMIDE USE
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says it’s preparing an “environmental impact statement” on the use of methyl bromide for imports of unmanufactured wood products from Mexico.
In 1999, APHIS proposed a rule that would allow treatment of unmanufactured pine and fir logs and lumber from Mexico to be treated with methyl bromide as an alternative to heat treatment.
APHIS was asked to consider the environmental impact of using this potent antipest fumigant. The Environmental Protection Agency has called for U.S. shippers to cease using methyl bromide by 2005.
Comments about the use of methyl bromide must be receive by APHIS before April 12. More information about the APHIS rules may also be viewed on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html .
