US EPA Offers webinar to discuss draft biological evaluations for carbaryl and methomyl

On April 16, 2020, EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs will host a webinar to present the draft biological evaluations (BEs) for the insecticides carbaryl and methomyl.

EPA used its revised method for conducting BEs to assess whether registered uses for these pesticides may impact endangered species. EPA announced the revised method and the draft BEs for carbaryl and methomyl in March 2020.

The revised method incorporates high-quality pesticide usage data into the agency’s biological evaluation process for the first time. It was informed by input from a wide range of stakeholders including states, tribes, environmental NGOs, and agricultural stakeholders.

During the webinar, EPA will answer clarifying questions from the public about the draft carbaryl and methomyl BEs with the goal of better informing stakeholders during the public comment period.

EPA is accepting public comments on the draft BEs for carbaryl and methomyl until May 16, 2020. After carefully considering public comments, EPA will finalize the BEs.

If EPA determines a pesticide may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the agency will consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (the Services). The Services will then issue a biological opinion to determine if the population of a species would be adversely impacted and, if so, they will propose ways to reduce risks.

To view the draft biological evaluations for carbaryl and methomyl, the revised method document, and learn more about how EPA protects endangered species from pesticides.

The webinar will be held from 1-3 p.m. EDT. Register for the webinar here. The webinar is compatible with most internet browsers but works best in Chrome or Firefox.