EPA requires use limitations for three popular pesticides

Against strong industry objections, EPA is requiring use limitations for three popular agricultural pesticides—carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl. According to the Agency, the restrictions are necessary to protect threatened or endangered Pacific salmon and steelhead species in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

The restrictions implement six recommendations made by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in a biological opinion issued April 20, 2009. NMFS concluded that continued use of the pesticides jeopardizes the continued existence and habitat of up to 22 listed salmonids unless additional limitations are imposed. Among other effects, the pesticides are said by NMFS to impair the species’ ability to smell (necessary to mate and find food) and the ability of juveniles to swim.

EPA’s action follows up on a January 2004 ruling by a U.S. District Court, which ordered the Agency to determine the effects of 55 pesticides and to consult with NMFS where effects were determined to threaten the survival of the listed salmon.

In its biological opinion, NMFS recommended that uses of the pesticides be controlled through spray drift buffers, a wind speed restriction, a soil moisture/48-hour storm restriction, a fish mortality incident reporting requirement, an effectiveness monitoring program for off-channel habitats, and wind speed limitations and an effectiveness monitoring program specific to Washington State’s registration of carbaryl for use on estuarine mudflats.

EPA says four of the recommendations will be met by required labeling changes. The Agency will work with NMFS to determine how best to achieve the monitoring study, which manufacturers will be required to fund and carry out.