The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a draft plan outlining new measures to protect endangered animals and plants from the unintended consequences of rodent control. The “draft Biological Evaluation” looks at the effects of 11 commonly used rodenticides on nearly 1,800 endangered species and their habitats.
The majority of these rodenticide applications, according to the EPA, pose no threat to endangered species, but some cause concern. The draft suggests stricter regulations for up to 8% of species, ranging from more stringent labelling and tamper-proof bait boxes to complete bans in areas close to sensitive habitats. The goal is to protect vulnerable wildlife.
There is a draft biological evaluation (BE) for 11 rodenticides:
- Chlorophacinone
- Diphacinone and its Sodium Salt
- Warfarin and its Sodium Salt
- Brodifacoum
- Bromadiolone
- Difenacoum
- Difethialone
- Bromethalin
- Cholecalciferol
- Strychnine, and Zinc Phosphide
What’s New?
- This draft incorporates lessons learned from a pilot program and public feedback to improve upon earlier proposals. Additionally, it digs deeper into possible risks, projecting the probability of future harm under the laws as they stand.
- The affected rodenticides include familiar names like warfarin and bromethalin.
- The draft identifies specific species potentially at risk, from Hawaiian owls to California condors.
- The final plan, incorporating public input, will guide future use and regulations for these rodenticides.
- This catchy headline and news summary should grab attention and provide a clear understanding of the EPA’s draft plan and its potential impact. It also encourages reader engagement by highlighting the public comment period and the importance of public input.
Public consultation
The public now has 60 days to weigh in on the draft plan. EPA will issue a final BE, make the necessary adjustments to the mitigation measures and assessment, take into account public feedback on the draft BE, and, if necessary, start formal consultation with the Services. The Services base their biological opinions during formal consultation on the EPA’s effects determinations. This includes making the final determination of whether a pesticide endangers listed species or adversely alters critical habitats.
Striking a balance between pest control and species protection can be tricky. This draft plan represents a step towards safeguarding endangered species while acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers and homeowners battling rodent woes. Stay tuned for the final version of the plan and see how the EPA adapts to public feedback.
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