<<< Turf Tips
By Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University
This
in 2009, that review hasn’t happened yet, and any speculation as to what they might recommend is just that: speculation. Lawn care operators, athletic field managers and homeowners will have to adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Once the review timeline is established, there may be an opportunity for the industry to provide input, as it did with previous reviews. The current restrictions on MSMA use that will continue for the next few years are: • Golf courses may make spot treatments (with a spot defined as no more than 100 square feet) and are limited to spraying no more than 25% of the course per year. • Newly built golf courses may
make one broadcast application during establishment. • Sod farms may make two broadcast applications per season. • In all cases, a 25-foot buffer zone must be observed around all permanent bodies of water on sod farms and golf courses. • Highway rights-of-way may be sprayed twice per year with a 100-foot buffer zone around permanent bodies of water. Although this information is correct as of this article’s writing (November 2012), the state of MSMA regulations is still subject to change, and current information may be found at the OAPTF’s web site at www.oaptf.com. v
21
Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Winter 2 013
fall, the Organic Arsenical Products Task Force (OAPTF) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed to extend the use of MSMA on golf courses, sod farms and highway rights-of-way. These uses were originally scheduled to be phased out by July 31, 2013, with sales stopping on December 31, 2012. Sales and use will now continue past those dates, however, pending a scientific review of the data on the risks associated with organic arsenical use. The OAPTF estimates that the review will take at least three years, during which continued MSMA use will be allowed. The EPA plans to have the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) conduct this review and will publish a timeline for the review when one is determined. It is important to note that while this review is happening, the use of MSMA will continue to be governed by the restrictions put in place in 2009. MSMA may still be used ONLY on golf courses, sod farms and highway rightsof-way. Home lawns are NOT an allowed site for using MSMA at this time. Although it is possible that the NAS review will result in a new registration for MSMA that might restore some of the uses that were cancelled