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EBDC Residue Estimates

RCED-94-171R Published: Jul 15, 1994. Publicly Released: Jul 15, 1994.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to retain 45 crops for ethylene bisdithiocarbamates (EBDC) testing. GAO noted that although: (1) there are no significant weaknesses in the EPA decision process, there are weaknesses in EPA average residue estimates for EBDC and a metabolite; and (2) the discrepancies in residue estimates for EBDC are minor, the calculation errors could significantly impact residue estimates for other pesticides.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Other Because the types of discrepancies found in the calculations of EBDC residues could also be occurring in residue calculations for other pesticides, the Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances should institute procedures to strengthen internal controls to prevent these types of discrepancies.
Closed – Implemented
EPA agreed with the recommendation. It is furnishing agency reviewers with better tools to carry out mathematical and statistical calculations through obtaining the latest in electronic hardware and software, as well as increasing their statistical support staff.

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Full Report (2 pages)

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Topics

Natural Resources and Environment
Agricultural productsEnvironmental monitoringHealth hazardsInternal controlsMathematical analysisPesticidesPollution controlStatistical methodsTestingToxic substances