LAW

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

In 1992, EPA issued final regulations governing the protection of
employees on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses from
occupational exposures to agricultural pesticides. The WPS covers
both workers in areas treated with pesticides, and employees who
handle (mix, load, apply, etc.) pesticides. More specifically,
the provisions of the Standard are intended to: 

Inform employees about the hazards of pesticides:

     By requiring provisions for basic safety training, posting
     and distribution of information about the pesticides; 

and Eliminate exposure to pesticides:
     
     By prohibiting against the application of pesticides in a
     way that would cause exposure to people, 

     By requiring time-limited restrictions for workers to return
     to areas following the application of pesticides, and  

     By requiring provisions for workers and handlers to wear
     proper protective clothing/equipment; 

and Mitigate exposures that occur:
     
     By requiring arrangements for the supply of soap, water, and
     towels in the case of pesticide exposure, and

     By requiring provisions for emergency assistance.

II. Information Sought by EPA

EPA believes that agricultural workers, handlers and growers are
best able to provide unique insights on the effects of the WPS
requirements. Their input will be supplemented by data generated
from other sources during the course of EPA's longer-term
evaluation effort. 

As a follow-up to the public meetings, EPA will develop a summary
of information gained. These tools will be used to develop
strategies for improving the administration of the WPS. The
Agency is specifically interested in hearing public comment, or
receiving written comment, on the following topics. 
     
1. Assistance from regulatory partners and others involved with   
the WPS. 

2. Usefulness of available assistance.

3. Understanding WPS requirements.

4. Success in implementing the requirements.

5. Difficulties in implementing the requirements.

6. Suggestions to improve implementation.

III. Registration to Make Comments

Persons who wish to speak at the public meeting are encouraged to
register at the meeting location. The Agency encourages parties
to submit data to substantiate comments whenever possible. All
comments, as well as information gathered at the public meetings
will be available for public inspection from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday (except legal holidays) at the Public
Response and Program Resource Branch, Field Operations Division,
Rm. 1132, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Arlington, VA.  

Information submitted as part of any comment may be claimed as
confidential by marking any or all of that information as
Confidential Business Information (CBI). Information so marked
will not be disclosed except in accordance with the procedures
set forth in 40 CFR part 2. A copy of the comment that does not
contain CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public record.
Information not marked confidential may be disclosed publicly by
the Agency without prior notice to the submitter. The Agency
anticipates that most of the comments will not be classified as
CBI, and prefers that all information submitted be publicly
available. Any records or transcripts of the open meetings will
be considered public information and cannot be declared CBI.  

IV. Structure of the Meeting

EPA will open the meeting with brief introductory comments. EPA
will then invite those parties who have regis tered to present
their comments. EPA anticipates that each speaker will be
permitted 5 minutes to make comments. After each speaker, Agency
and state representatives may ask the presenter questions of
clarification. The Agency reserves the right to adjust the time
for presenters depending on the number of speakers. 

Members of the public are encouraged to submit written
documentation to EPA at the meeting to ensure that their entire
position goes on record in the event that time does not permit a
complete oral presentation. 

Any information may be delivered to Jeanne Heying at the address
stated earlier in this Notice. 

[Federal Register notice: April 5, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 67)
Pages 15256-15257]