Hello all,
Having moved twice in one month (now to my permanent digs), I have been
unable to follow bee-l as regularly as I would like (let alone contribute to
Bee Culture as much as I would prefer).
I came across the following in an envrionmental media listserv (suggested
stories). Haven't been able to research it as to the ramifications (if any)
for beekeepers. Here it is:

ORGANOPHOSPHATES: EPA KEEPS REINING THEM IN

On Dec. 5, 2000, EPA announced new restrictions on the insecticide diazinon.
This comes 6 months after the agency restricted Dursban (chlorpyrifos),
another common nerve-attacking organophosphate. Environmentalists question
EPA's policy of letting companies keep selling these chemicals to use up
existing stocks, and are urging major retailers to pull diazinon and Dursban
products immediately.
http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/diazinon.htm.

Back in June 2000, EPA and pesticide mfrs. agreed to end home and school uses
of Dursban by the end of 2000. However, existing inventories can be sold and
used for years beyond the ban's start. As of Dec. 1, 2000, pesticides with
the active ingredient chlorpyrifos could no longer list popular home and
garden applications as legal uses on the label. But mfrs. can sell
inventories with the old label to retailers until Feb. 1, 2001. Also, stores
can sell existing stocks until Dec. 1, 2001.

EPA may also review or restrict additional pesticides, including pyrethrins
(which are based on chrysanthemum extract):
http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/citizens/neurotoxicdata.htm.

Check local hardware or garden supply store shelves for diazinon products
such as Spectracide, Knoxout, or Basudin; as well as the Dursban and Empire
brands. Read the label's fine print for active ingredients. Ask local school
districts or mosquito control programs how many gallons they have in reserve
and whether they intend to use it up, as allowed. Consumers may hoard
remaining stocks of either chemical, especially in bug-infested parts of the
South. Horticulture programs, gardening clubs, and termite-troubled
homebuilders may have strong opinions.

Happy Holidays!
John Mitchell