EPA is requesting comments on a proposed stipulated injunction that, among other things, would reinstitute streamside no-spray buffer zones to protect endangered or threatened Pacific salmon and steelhead in California, Oregon and Washington state. The stipulated injunction would settle litigation brought against EPA by the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides and others in U.S. District Court in Washington state. Like the original buffer zones, the limitations in this proposed stipulated injunction would be part of a court order but would not be enforceable as labeling requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

The no-spray buffer zones will apply to the pesticides carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion and methomyl. These buffer zones would remain in place until EPA implements any necessary protections for Pacific salmon and steelhead based on reinitiated consultations with the National Marine Fisheries Services. EPA is reevaluating these pesticides in connection with its current FIFRA registration review process, and the proposed stipulated injunction would reinstitute the buffers in the interim.

EPA will evaluate all comments received during the 30-day public comment period to determine whether all or part of the proposed stipulated injunction warrants reconsideration or revision. To read the proposed stipulated injunction and submit comments on it, go towww.regulations.gov and EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0301. The comment period will remain open until July 7, 2014.

For more information on the previous consultations for the five pesticides, visit www.epa.gov/espp/litstatus/wtc/.