The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the opening of a 30-day public comment period on the Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) draft Biological Opinion (BiOp) for the widely used insecticide carbaryl. The comment window, open until 6 February 2025, invites public input on proposed measures designed to protect endangered and threatened species and their critical habitats from the potential effects of carbaryl usage.
What Is the Draft Biological Opinion?
The draft Biological Opinion evaluates the impact of carbaryl on endangered species and designated critical habitats under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Wildlife Service. It follows the EPA’s 2020 biological evaluation, which determined that carbaryl is "likely to adversely affect" 1,640 federally listed species and 736 critical habitats. This finding prompted the current formal consultation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Key Concerns and Proposed Mitigation Measures
The FWS draft BiOp concludes that carbaryl is likely to jeopardize 78 listed species and adversely modify 14 critical habitats. To mitigate these risks, the draft proposes specific measures, including restrictions on aerial and ground boom spraying, limitations on annual application rates, and geographic-specific guidelines using the EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two system. These measures are intended to minimise exposure to carbaryl and reduce its impact on vulnerable species.
Public Participation Invited
The EPA has encouraged stakeholders, including farmers, environmental groups, and members of the public, to review and comment on the draft BiOp. Feedback is particularly sought on the proposed Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs) and Reasonable and Prudent Measures (RPMs) outlined in the document. All comments will be forwarded to the FWS for consideration before the final BiOp is issued.
Comments can be submitted through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal under docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0579 at regulations.gov. EPA emphasised that this comment period cannot be extended due to legal deadlines, making timely public participation crucial.
Implications for Carbaryl Users
Carbaryl, a carbamate insecticide, is widely used in agriculture, turf management, and ornamental settings. The proposed measures, if adopted, could significantly alter how carbaryl is applied across these sectors. The draft BiOp also aligns with the EPA’s broader efforts to implement pesticide label changes and protections for endangered species as part of the agency's National Insecticide Strategy.
