Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced he has postponed
Light Brown Apple Moth spraying until further toxicology testing has been completed.
File photo by Luke Thomas
From the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
April 24, 2008
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today met with a delegation of local officials from Marin County led by Senator Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) to listen to concerns regarding the light brown apple moth eradication program.
To reassure his commitment to public safety, the Governor also announced that the state will postpone aerial treatment until acute testing of eye, inhalation, respiratory and other potential irritants, known as the “six-pack” toxicology test, is completed.
“I was pleased to meet with Senator Migden and local officials today to discuss the additional steps we are taking to reassure the public that we are pursuing the safest, most environmentally-sound approach to eradicate the light brown apple moth. The light brown apple moth is a serious threat to California’s forests and agriculture. If left uncontrolled, the moth would have a devastating impact on our state’s environment and economy.
Schwarzenegger meets with District 3 Senator Carole Migden
to discuss Light Brown Apple Moth spraying.
Photo courtesy Peter Grigsby,
Office of Governor Schwarzenegger
“To thoroughly ensure the public’s safety, the Department of Food and Agriculture has engaged in a thorough battery of acute toxicity tests.
“I am confident that the additional tests will reassure Californians that we are taking the safest, most progressive approach to ridding our state of this very real threat to our agriculture, environment and economy.”
SCHEDULE OF AERIAL TREATMENT
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is focused on the safety of the pheromone to be used in the light brown apple moth eradication program, and is awaiting the results of a thorough battery of acute toxicity tests. The estimated date of those results will cause the target date for the department to begin aerial treatment to be August 17, 2008 in the Monterey-Santa Cruz coastal area.
INCREASED SAFETY TESTING ON PHEROMONE PRODUCTS
For the Checkmate product (LBAM-F) used in the 2007 eradication program, additional tests were conducted on top of the normal battery of tests and reviews conducted on state and federally registered products. The National Marine Sanctuary contracted with UC Davis to conduct freshwater and marine aquatic toxicology tests on aquatic species and found no harm.
For the 2008 program, in addition to the normal battery of tests, additional tests are being conducted on the pheromone products that could be used in a treatment program to eradicate the light brown apple moth:
§ The Additional Safety Tests
o “Six Pack” Toxicology Test – Are there impacts on humans or animals?
§ Acute Oral Toxicity, Acute Dermal Toxicity (Skin), Acute Inhalation Toxicity, Skin Sensitation, Acute Eye Irritation, Acute Dermal Irritation (Skin)
§ Tests results will be submitted to DPR and OEHHA for their review.
o Aquatic Toxicity Test – Are there impacts on marine or freshwater species?
§ Being conducted by the California Department of Fish and Game.
§ Test results will be submitted to USDA, DPR and OEHHA for their review.
THE PROCESS TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH
The United States Department of Agriculture conducts the tests described above on the pheromone products.
The test results are submitted to the Department of Pesticide Regulation and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment for their review.
The Department of Pesticide Regulation, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and California Department of Food and Agriculture submit input on the products to United States Department of Agriculture.
The United States Department of Agriculture selects the product to be used and goes out for 30-day public comment.
The United States Department of Agriculture gathers input and, if no additional issues need to be addressed, issues a “Finding of No Significant Impact.”
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