Members: Brian Hughes, Russell Ives, Roger Wabeke, David Schwallier, Curtis Warner, William Weil, Michael Schiffer, Philip Korson II, Tim Doppel, Abby Swartz for Martha Stanbury, and Carolyn Randall for Christine DiFonzo.

Guests: Ken Rauscher, Brian Rowe, Larry Swain, Robin Rosenbaum, Larry Olsen, Bob Tadsen, and Pete Lovallo

Brian Hughes called the meeting to order. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2004 meeting as written. The motion carried.

MDA Update Ken Rauscher gave a brief update of the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division activities. The FY05 budget was discussed. The cuts may be felt in reduction of travel and purchasing of supplies.

Ken distributed updated Emerald Ash Borer Project maps. Seven counties were added to the previous 13 quarantined counties. There are 16 isolated infestations outside the quarantined area, most of which can be traced to unauthorized movement of firewood. The division is enlisting private industry’s (paper mills, wood utilization) assistance. The federal budget for this project is still uncertain. MDA and DMB have developed a voluntary tree removal program in Southeastern Michigan. Statewide contracts will allow municipalities to coordinate ash tree removals on public and private properties. These contracts will be more cost effective for the homeowner by offering removal service at a lower rate.

Incidental Use Permit Brian Rowe reviewed the procedure to request an Incidental Use Permit by companies. If the division receives a request that is routine in nature and similar to the current incidental use permits for stump treatment, the request is approved. If the request is other than routine, the request is presented to the PAC for their review and consideration. Brian Rowe introduced Pete Lovallo from Detroit Edison. Brian stated that Detroit Edison is requesting authorization for their personnel to apply sodium hypochlorite to various process water streams at its power plants throughout Southeastern Michigan. The application is automated and is not one person’s primary work assignment. The function is less than 5% of the employee’s responsibilities. The employees are certified as Wastewater Operators by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Mr. Lovallo was asked questions about the operation of the automated equipment and the process, handling procedures for the bulk pesticide, and the risk to employees. Mr. Lovallo indicated the employees to not mix the chemicals. They only operate the automatic/enclosed dispensing equipment. Mr. Lovallo discussed dilution rates and DEQ requirements for release of treated water into the waterways of Michigan. If repairs are necessary, employees use proper protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, facemasks, and aprons and utilize valves to close equipment in the effected areas. Mr. Lovallo was asked if employees perform "failure models and effects analysis"? This is a process whereby a safety analysis is made for possible failures. Mr. Lovallo was not sure if that specific task is performed, however, he did indicated that employees receive training concerning worker right-to-know and employee right-to-know. The chemicals are used to clean algae in the machinery which is more efficient than employees manually cleaning the equipment.

Tim Doppel made a motion that the PAC accept the Incidental Use Exemption request as submitted with review of the request in one year’s time. The motion was seconded by Russ Ives. The motion was carried. Brian Rowe will send a letter to Detroit Edison informing them of the approval of their request. The letter will further indicate that the request will be reviewed annually. It is also possible that MDA regional staff may make a site inspection at one of the plants.

MSUE Update Carolyn Randall gave an update of MSUE activities for the first quarter of the 2005 fiscal year (October to December).

• National Core Manual work continues
• Category 5B Microbial Pest Management manual work continues
• Category 9 Regulatory Pest Management manual work continues
• Test questions from National Core copied to Michigan Core questions
• One manual (5B) and one bulletin (Pesticide Emergency Information) printed
• Electronic version of Pesticide Notes Newsletter sent monthly
• Pesticide Education Resource Library has been developed. This includes books, videos, slide sets, etc. Information much be checked out in person from Chris DiFonzo’s office.
• MSUE staff participated in the Michigan Agricultural Aviators Association Conference
• MSUE using EPA funds is purchasing a spray table for demonstrations. This table is in the resource library and may be checked out.

NIOSH Update Abby Schwartz from Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) distributed and discussed the Michigan Occupational Pesticide Illness and Injury Surveillance Project Update inclusive of October through December 2004. MDA use investigations are included in this report if there is a human exposure and an occupational exposure. Since 2001, there have been 231 confirmed exposure cases. MDCH periodically reviews MDA use investigations. MDA also refers human exposure cases to MDCH.

IPM Model Review and Future Certification Concerns Larry Swain, MDA Certification Manager, distributed a copy of A Model Integrated Pest Management Program For Michigan’s Schools. Larry stated this model program has been successfully used in some Southeastern Michigan schools. Larry asked the committee to review the model and send any comments to him via e-mail (swainl@michigan.gov) by February 14, 2005. MDA is required by Act 24 amendments to Act 451 to have an IPM program available for schools. A copy of the final document will be shared with the PAC. The final document will be posted on the MDA website (www.michigan.gov/mda). A copy of the final document will also be given to the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Family Independence Agency.

Larry is also reviewing the current IPM manual. It is hoped that this manual will be placed on the MDA website by early spring.

Larry indicated he plans to rewrite/reissue all certification exams. Many exams are 10 years old or older. Some exams have "bad" questions and need to be corrected. This project should be near to complete by the end of 2005.

Recertification seminar programs are being reviewed to insure the program contains the correct topic information for the category listed. It was suggested that seminar content/evaluation be a topic at the next PAC meeting in April.

Section 18s for Soybean Rust Robin Rosenbaum distributed the current list of fungicides for which MDA has requested Section 18 quarantine exemptions for use on soybeans. Quarantine exemptions are effective for a period of three years. All of the products which were requested have been approved accept for tetraconazole. The section 18 labels are available on the MDA website.

MDA has a Soybean Rust Action Plan in place. This plan can be accessed on the MDA website. Robin said it is highly likely that soybean rust will make it to Michigan during the 2005 growing season and the severity will depend upon when in the soybean growth cycle the disease arrives.

MDA is currently working on a National section 18 quarantine exemption for myclobutanil, propiconazole, and tebuconazole for use on the minor legumes including dry beans, snap beans, and peas.

Emergency Management: MIHAN/Eteam The PAC was adjourned from the VanDusen Conference Room and reconvened in the MDA computer training room where the Michigan emergency management program was demonstrated.