EPA approves controversial herbicide for GMO soy, corn

The Environmental Protection Agency gave final approval on Wednesday to a new herbicide developed by Dow AgroSciences that has faced broad opposition, ordering a series of restrictions to address potential environmental and health hazards.

EPA said it was applying 'first-time-ever restrictions” on its approval of the herbicide, Enlist Duo, which is designed to be used with genetically modified crops developed by Dow AgroSciences, a unit of Dow Chemical.

Dow developed the herbicide as an answer to severe weed resistance problems that limit crop production.

EPA said the approval lays out new requirements for future approvals of herbicides designed for use with genetically modified crops.

Dow will be required to closely monitor and report to EPA to ensure that weeds are not becoming resistant to Enlist Duo, the agency said. EPA is also ordering a 30-foot in-field 'no spray” buffer zone around application areas and banned use when wind speeds are over 15 miles per hour.

Initially, Enlist Duo is allowed only in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.