EPA is reinstating streamside no-spray buffer zones for endangered or threatened Pacific salmon and steelhead in California, Oregon and Washington State. No-spray buffer zones will be imposed for the pesticides carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion and methomyl in waters that support salmon. These buffer zones will remain in place until EPA implements any other protections for Pacific salmon and steelhead based on reinitiated consultations with the National Marine Fisheries Services.

This action is directed by a stipulated injunction (agreed to by the parties) that settles litigation brought against EPA by the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides and others in U.S. District Court in Washington State. On August 15, 2014, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington entered the stipulated injunction, reinstating the streamside no-spray buffer zones that were originally established in prior litigation, Washington Toxics Coalition v. EPA. The reinstated buffers are part of the final court order; however, they will not be included as labeling requirements under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

EPA held a 30-day public comment period on the proposed stipulated injunction. Comments can be read at www.regulations.gov, docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0301.

Click here for EPA’s website on this action.