Bulletins Live! Two Q&A

Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) Label Language

1. When will Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) language begin to appear on labels?
   
   
   1. For some pesticide cases, EPA has already approved pesticide product labeling that includes BLT reference language through its registration and registration review programs. Labels with BLT reference language will become more common as EPA implements its ESA strategies (e.g., herbicide strategy) through its FIFRA actions (e.g., registration review). For additional background on this, please read: https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/epas-workplan-and-progress-toward-better-protections-endangered-species. Following EPA approval of labels, many states also require additional approval to allow for sale and distribution. As a result, new cases of BLT language would not be seen on labels until after state and EPA approval.

Accessing Bulletins Live! Two (BLT)

1. Why doesn’t the search engine on the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) web application include names for products?
   
   
   1. The search is set up to use EPA registration numbers because registration numbers remain consistent, while product names may change over time, and there are many product names that are similar to each other that can be confusing to users. EPA relies on the trade names as supplied by the registrant at the time the Bulletin is created. This name will automatically fill in as you enter the EPA registration number in the search bar.


2. What browsers are compatible with Bulletins?
   
   
   1. Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) works on most web formats, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. EPA is looking into improving BLT compatibility with mobile devices (Tablets, Phones, etc.). BLT works on most web formats but not all have been tested. Please share feedback specific to your device and version to the Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) help desk at [email protected] or 1-844-447-3813.


3. Does the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website work on my cell phone web browser?
   
   
   1. Yes, it should be functional on the phone. There was a period of time earlier in 2023 where it was not working on phones, but this has been addressed. Contact the ESPP help desk at [email protected] or 1-844-447-3813 and provide the cell phone make/model and web browser if you discover BLT is not working. BLT does not currently exist as an app. You must use your cell phone’s web browser to access it.


4. When I tried to access Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) on my phone, I received a warning message. What should I do?
   
   
   1. It is possible you may get a warning message when accessing BLT on the phone. For example, it may say, “Your web browser is not compatible with BLT and requires [various web browsers and their versions listed].” Select “OK” and you should be able to continue using BLT. If you have difficulty reading table text on the website, try holding the phone horizontally. If you still have difficulty reading text in any website tables, download the pdf to your phone and read from that. Text may sometimes wrap oddly in the phone browser, depending on the phone screen size.


5. For applicators with limited internet or cell service, is there a way to access the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) information another way, or to sign up for updates by U.S. mail?
   
   
   1. EPA is not currently mailing Bulletins via U.S. mail. EPA is currently exploring how to make Bulletins more accessible to pesticide users that may not have internet access.


6. For a location search, which latitude/longitude format is accepted (decimal or degrees/minute/second or both)?
   
   
   1. When a user is searching for their intended application area, they should enter their latitude and longitude using the decimal degrees format, not degrees/minute/second format to ensure an accurate location search.


7. Is there an app available for mobile devices?
   
   
   1. Currently there is not an app for mobile devices. You will need to use the web browser on your phone to access Bulletins Live! Two (BLT).


8. Do you have to do this for each product you plan to use for each time frame?
   
   
   1. Applicators must check Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) whenever the label directs them to do so. The applicator must access the Bulletins up to 6 months before the application. Therefore, a Bulletin obtained within this timeframe could be used multiple times until the 6-month window has passed, at which time you would need to check Bulletins Live! Two (BLT).

Bulletins

1. Can you explain the 6-month window between obtaining a Bulletin and application of the pesticide, and if applicators need to check if there are changes/additions to a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA) after the Bulletin is printed and before the pesticide is applied?
   
   
   1. EPA continues to complete Endangered Species Act consultations and update the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) system with additional geographically specific use limitations that may be applicable to your pesticide product in the future. Therefore, before you apply a pesticide, check to see if new or additional directions for the product have been added to Bulletins Live! Two. It is important to note that you have a 6-month window to obtain a bulletin before you apply a pesticide (e.g., you can obtain a bulletin January 1-July 1 if you plan to apply the pesticide on July 1). If the application month needs to be later, then you need to check the system again during the 6-month window before the new date (e.g., you can obtain a bulletin February 1-August 1 if you intend to apply August 1 instead of July 1).


2. Why can’t we see what species the mitigations are for?
   
   
   1. At the request of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, species identifications were removed to discourage possible collection or disturbance of listed species by the public.


3. My state has several listed species, but the limitations on Bulletins don’t seem to match, why?
   
   
   1. There may be several reasons for the difference. 1) Bulletins may rely on range data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service or are identified through the consultation process with these federal services, which may differ from state agencies’ data by comparison. 2) Bulletins are for federally-listed, not state-listed, species, which may differ. If the state has restrictions beyond what you see on Bulletins, you need to abide by state law as well.


4. Would you explain again where to find the explanation of the codes on the Bulletin?
   
   
   1. In the printed Bulletin, there are two tables. The first table is the Pesticide Use Limitation Summary Table that summarizes information about the pesticide product, and the use limitation code is found in that table in the far-right column. Below the first table is a second table, the Codes and Limitations Table, that describes the limitations or mitigations associated with each code.
   
   
   2. Additionally, when a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA) is selected in the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) mapping interface, a user can view both the limitation codes and the limitation description that are associated with these codes in the “full details” pane tab.


5. If the Bulletin gave use restrictions between April and June, does that mean those restrictions don't apply to other months in the year?
   
   
   1. Some Bulletins may contain timing restrictions, which means that the restriction only applies during the time specified. The start and end month are included in the restriction period. In this example, the restriction applies to the months of April, May, June and would not be necessary in other months.


6. Does Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) take into account species (e.g., migratory birds) and habitat seasonality?
   
   
   1. When developing the pesticide use limitations, EPA coordinates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and/or National Marines Fisheries Service (NMFS) to consider whether the limitation is only needed during a specific time period. If so, the Bulletin will describe the time period when the limitation applies.


7. Does the downloaded Bulletin contain a date to document whether it was downloaded within the 6-month window?
   
   
   1. The Bulletins include the intended application month, there is not a download date printed. Currently, the intended application month can’t be printed unless the Bulletin was downloaded within the 6-month window.

Timing for Bulletins

1. Does EPA intend to have Bulletins go out further than 6 months?
   
   
   1. Not at this time. If you are making pesticide purchasing plans earlier than 6 months before you intend to use the pesticide, you are welcome to contact the ESPP Help Desk by emailing [email protected] or by calling 1-844-447-3813 to ask if there are any new Bulletins expected to be published between the time that you are planning and the start of the 6-month window.


2. Is there a timeline for new Bulletin releases? What is the time frame for the pesticide review process?
   
   
   1. This is variable depending on the mitigation effort. For example, there have been cases of registration review where EPA published Bulletins 12-18 months after the publication of a Biological Opinion (implementation timing is typically included as part of the Biological Opinion). As Biological Opinions are issued or registration actions are taken, Bulletins may be added.

Bulletin Updates

1. Will there be an announcement when geographic information is available for new active ingredients and/or new mitigations for active ingredients?
   
   
   1. Public updates are issued when either new or updated Bulletins are published in Bulletins Live! Two (BLT). You can enroll in receiving OPP Updates here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides.


2. How often are Bulletins updated? For example, what if the spatial area was built using particular information about a species or its habitat that then changes? How does one know if the Bulletin has been updated since last download to a computer?
   
   
   1. Bulletins are updated (this may include the PULA boundaries, mitigation instructions, or both) when there is a registration or registration review that includes direction to check the system, or when EPA implements a Biological Opinion. EPA is exploring options to allow for periodic changes to PULAs and mitigation instructions as data evolves, which would be done systematically on a defined timeline that EPA would announce. To determine if a Bulletin has been updated, the user needs to search Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) for the intended application area. If the Bulletin was obtained up to 6 months before the application date, however, the user is not required to obtain a new Bulletin.

Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs)

1. Are the herbicide strategy Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) currently on Bulletins Live! Two (BLT)?
   
   
   1. Not yet (as of February 2024). The herbicide strategy PULAs will begin to show up on BLT when an applicable registration/registration review action is taken.


2. Is there a way to zoom into a specific magnification? That way we do not include Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) outside of the treatment area.
   
   
   1. Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) allows a user to zoom using the zoom button (“+” icon) or using touchscreen features. A user can zoom to a fairly fine resolution. There are not additional options for zooming beyond what is shown in our demo/instructions on using BLT.


3. Are there, or will there be, shapefiles that pesticide applicators can download for a specific product? If not an actual layer, could we at least get a kmz file of the Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA) locations so we can compare it to our own layers in software like ArcGIS Pro?
   
   
   1. This capability is not yet available. However, we will notify the public if/when a secure resource for allowing for such downloads to occur is available.


4. How does EPA receive and update species range information that informs the Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) or other limitations on pesticide use?
   
   
   1. EPA obtains species range information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and/or National Marines Fisheries Service (NMFS). We coordinate with the FWS and NMFS to account for key species information that should be factored into the PULA. EPA is exploring a process with input from FWS that can be used and applied more broadly to further inform/refine PULAs.


5. Have Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) been created for all federally listed species?
   
   
   1. No, the agency does not have PULAs for all federally listed threatened and endangered species yet. However, EPA will continue to create additional PULAs as it completes consultations and implements its upcoming final ESA strategies (e.g., herbicide strategy) through its FIFRA processes. For additional background on this, please read: https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/epas-workplan-and-progress-toward-better-protections-endangered-species.


6. Are there plans to add shapefiles designating the habitat described in the narrative of certain Bulletins (e.g., scrub and sandhill habitats, etc.)?
   
   
   1. Yes. EPA is currently exploring how important habitat features can be incorporated visually into a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA).


7. Do Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) change with the seasons? Is it possible to schedule (or reschedule) an application for a different month in the same location and not have a PULA?
   
   
   1. You won’t see a PULA disappear from the map just because the season changes. If a PULA has a timing restriction (for example, if it is only applicable in April and May), the months in question are stated in the Bulletin instructions. You will see the area and the Bulletin instructions regardless of what time of year it is. For example, this means that if the Bulletin instructions say special steps need to be taken in April and May, then you don’t need to worry about taking those special steps for an application occurring in June. PULAs remain visible year-round to avoid planning-related surprises.


8. How are the Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) verified and how can a PULA be challenged if there is an error?
   
   
   1. The PULAs go through a rigorous review process by federal employees with expertise in key details about the species’ ecology and pesticide risk. These experts span across the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Biological opinions are generally published months before their associated PULAs are entered into Bulletins Live! Two (BLT), and they may be subject to a public comment process. In addition, some species geographic and ecological details may be accessed through a publicly available database such as the Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS). If someone believes there are errors in such federally maintained species databases or in proposed PULAs, please reach out to the contact information listed for the federal service or agency that hosts the database in question or to the public docket requesting public participation and input.


9. It appears that broad Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) appear on Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) before a product is selected. Are the PULAs generic and universal for all products? Or are they specific to a product?
   
   
   1. PULAs are specific to a pesticide product and are informed by (1) species that may be impacted, and (2) labeled uses of a pesticide product. In BLT, before you search for a specific product in the search bar, you can see an unfiltered view of all PULAs that are in the system. These are not generic PULAs that you are seeing on the map but are all of the country’s PULAs. Currently the system is designed in such a way that if you click on a PULA without specifying a product in the search bar, then you will be able to see a list of every product associated with that PULA.


10. On the Bulletins Live Two! (BLT) map, you can click on a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA), and it will highlight and provide all of the information for a Bulletin. On another training, we were told you could draw a polygon where you were going to apply a pesticide and create a Bulletin for that area. But I cannot seem to do that on the current map.
    
    
    1. There is no drawing capability for public users of EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) system. In BLT, you zoom to your intended application area by searching the location in the search bar or by using the map’s Zoom buttons. The mapped area that is visible on your screen will be shown in the Bulletin that is created when you click on the “Print Bulletin” button.
11. Can you still apply a pesticide in a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA), albeit with limitations?
    
    
    1. It depends on the area and the product that is intended to be applied. Some Bulletin instructions clearly state that a particular product can’t be applied in that area, which is not a common restriction. Most of the time, the Bulletin instructions say that the product in question can be applied, but only if certain conditions are met (these can be weather related, equipment related, etc.).

Compliance and Enforcement

1. Are Bulletins enforceable?
   
   
   1. Yes. When directed by a product label, pesticide applicators are required to visit the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website and follow any additional mitigations in the intended application area. When users are directed to check Bulletins Live! Two on a pesticide label, Bulletins are enforceable mitigations under FIFRA. Not following the limitation on your Bulletin may be a misuse of the pesticide and enforceable under FIFRA. If this misuse results in “take” of listed species, the action may also be enforceable under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or National Marines Fisheries Service.


2. If misuse results in “take” of listed species, and is enforceable under the Endangered Species Act – can you define ‘take’?
   
   
   1. Take as defined under the ESA means "to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct." Incidental take is an unintentional, but not unexpected, taking.


3. Can I check the system for old Bulletins?
   
   
   1. If you wish to view an old Bulletin, please contact the ESPP help desk at [email protected] or 1-844-447-3813 to provide you with that information. The system is focused on showing the user current and future application months to prevent possible confusion about what Bulletins are currently active. Bulletins don’t change frequently and would only change with an associated regulatory action or per a final Biological Opinion issued by the Service(s).


4. If the applicator is using an old label that existed before ESA requirements were added, are they held to any ESA requirements?
   
   
   1. The applicator is only required to check for Bulletins if the pesticide product label language includes directions to check the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website. However, EPA encourages pesticide users to visit BLT to become familiar with the website and to see if their intended application area is within any geographic-specific Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs). If users find that their application area is within PULAs for products they intend to use, EPA also encourages users to proactively implement the mitigation measures to minimize the potential for take (e.g., unintentional harm to or killing of) of an individual of a listed species.

Products with Bulletins

1. Is there a published list of products that contain the Bulletin language?
   
   
   1. This is not currently available through the website. We are investigating ways to make this publicly accessible in the future in a format that is updated as soon as possible after new changes are entered. Until then, you are welcome to request the most up-to-date list from us. However, if a user clicks on a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA) (this is a shaded area within Bulletins Live! Two (BLT)), a list of all products with Bulletins within that PULA will be displayed.


2. Can I get a list of products that have a Bulletin in a geographic area? Rather than going single product by product.
   
   
   1. For now, you can do the following: 1) Zoom to the area of interest, 2) If there is a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA) there, click on it 3) If no product was specified in the search bar, then when you access the details table, you’ll see every product associated with the PULA. Please note, however, that it may be difficult to sort through what is applicable to your application situation if the list of products happens to be long.


3. How many EPA registration numbers are in Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) currently?
   
   
   1. 276 products are listed in BLT as of February 2024, but that will increase over time.


4. Are there plans to be able to search more than one month or more than one product at a time? It would be nice if growers could search for everything before the use season and know ahead of time what they can and can't use at particular times in particular locations.
   
   
   1. We’re looking into it. For now, please keep in mind that if a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA) has a timing restriction (for example, if it is only applicable in April and May), the months in question are stated in the Bulletin instructions. You will see the area and the Bulletin instructions regardless of what time of year it is. This means, for example, that if the Bulletin instructions say special steps need to be taken in April and May, then you don’t need to take into account those special steps for an application occurring in June. PULAs remain visible even if the Bulletin instructions are specific only to certain months to avoid planning-related surprises.


5. Growers are making pesticide purchases right now for the upcoming growing season, currently you can only see restrictions to May, and many applications are made in June and July. Are there plans to extend the time window so people can plan ahead and make decisions now on which pesticides they are going to purchase?
   
   
   1. Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) remain visible year-round even if the Bulletin instructions are specific only to certain months to avoid planning-related surprises. You will see the area and the Bulletin instructions regardless of what time of year you select in the application month drop-down menu.
   
   
   2. If you are making plans for pesticide application earlier than 6 months before you intend to use the pesticide, you are welcome to contact the ESPP help desk at [email protected] or 1-844-447-3813 to ask if there are any new Bulletins expected to be published between the time that you are planning and the start of the 6 month window.

Suggestions for Improvement

1. Is there any way to make the buttons for printing bigger and more obvious, and also visually compatible for color blindness?
   
   
   1. EPA checked the “Printable Bulletin” button with certified colorblindness emulators. Although the “Printable Bulletin” button transitions between red and green, the darkness of the two colors is different enough for those with red/green colorblindness to discern the difference. When the button is red, it looks noticeably darker (also, nothing will happen when you click on it). When the button is green, it looks noticeably lighter (and a pdf will generate when you click on it). EPA is considering options to exaggerate size and shading more, but for now note that the buttons follow EPA’s web accessibility guidelines.


2. Are there plans to expand the capacity of the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) system to address an increase in demand?
   
   
   1. Yes. EPA plans to continue to develop the BLT system, as actions to meet our ESA obligations may result in more Bulletins.


3. Has EPA considered instituting a QR code on the label instead of having the website written out?
   
   
   1. We would not replace writing out the website due to accessibility concerns. We may consider having both.

Label Language

1. Will endangered species language be added to all trade names with the same EPA registration number?
   
   
   1. Yes, if applicable.

Other

1. Is the ESPP Help Desk toll-free number available 24 hours per day?
   
   
   1. You can call the ESPP Help Desk number (1-844-447-3813) anytime and can leave a message if no one is available. Please make sure to include your name and contact information in your message for a swifter response. Your call will be returned ASAP.


2. How does Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) apply to pesticide use on Tribal Land?
   
   
   1. When users are directed to check BLT by a federal pesticide label, Bulletins are enforceable mitigations under FIFRA wherever applicable, including on tribal lands within any applicable pesticide use limitation areas (PULAs).