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According to a press release issued on Nov. 23, Health Canada has completed its re-evaluation of the neonicotinoid pesticide “imidacloprid,” and has published its draft risk assessment for public comment. Among their conclusions are that the use of imidacloprid “is not sustainable, and the levels of this pesticide that are being found in waterways and aquatic environments are harmful to aquatic insects, such as mayflies and midges, which are important food sources for fish, birds and other animals.”

Health Canada has determined that concentrations of imidacloprid in surface water can range from non-detectable to, in some rare cases, levels as high as 11.9 parts per billion. Scientific evidence indicates that levels above 0.041 parts per billion are a concern.

To address these risks, Health Canada published a proposed risk management plan (for which a public comment period is open until Feb. 21, 2017), which includes “a proposed three-year phase-out of agricultural uses of imidacloprid.” Though, the press release notes that, “in some cases, where there are no alternative pest control products available, a longer phase-out transition period of five years is being proposed.”

The final re-evaluation decision and risk management plan will take into consideration any comments received during the consultations. As part of the consultation process, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) will host a webinar on Dec. 15 at 12:30 pm EST to provide an overview of the proposed decision. There will also be a multi-stakeholder forum focusing on the potential for alternative neonicotinoid mitigation strategies.