MCPB TASK FORCE

C.M. Schofield, Technical Chairman

8325 Old Deer Trail

Raleigh, North Carolina  27615

Email: dgminc@bellsouth.net

February 2, 2009

Mr. James Parker

Chemical Review Manager, RB1

Special Review and Reregistration Division

1801 South Bell Street CM2

Arlington, Virginia  22202

RE:	GENERIC Data Requirements in MCPB Data Call-In Notice

Status of the Fish Early-life Stage study (850.1400) 

MCPB Na Salt (Chemical #019202) and MCPB Acid (Chemical #019201)

Dear Mr. Parker:

The fish early-life stage toxicity test required in the Data Call-In
Notice for MCPB Na Salt and MCPB Acid was contracted by the MCPB Task
Force to Chemex Environmental International Ltd in Cottenham, Cambridge
UK.  

The laboratory initiated the study in January but repeatedly experienced
100% mortality of trout fry within 48 hours in the control and all
treatment levels.   Analysis of the water supply identified several
chemicals that could have been responsible for the observed mortality
leading the laboratory to incorporate additional filters to remove the
potential toxicants.  When repeated evaluations using filtered water
still resulted in 100% mortality of trout fry, the laboratory advised us
that under the terms of their operating license they could not justify
continuing with further evaluations.

This has therefore resulted in a delay in completion as originally
projected by the MCPB Task Force.  The study has now been contracted to
ABC Laboratories, Inc.  In our most recent discussions with the
laboratory, they have indicated study initiation will occur during the
week of 5 February 2009, in-life completion during the week of 20 April
2009, with a draft report available during the week of 18 May 2009.  

Based on this schedule, the MCPB Task Force, on behalf of its members
Nufarm Limited (EPA Company #15440) and Nufarm Inc. (EPA Company
#71368), requests an extension until mid-August 2009 for submission of
the final report to EPA.

Should you have any questions or require any additional information
please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Sincerely,

C.M. Schofield

EPA Liaison, MCPB Task Force

CMS/ama

Enclosures

Page   PAGE  1  of   NUMPAGES  2     FILENAME \p 
F:\DATA\Word\MCPBTF\2009 correspondence\l020209 fish ELS study extension
request to EPA.doc 

