CERTIFICATION COMPLETE FOR LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

  
SACRAMENTO, March 23, 2010 — The final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) project has been certified and a notice of determination filed with the State Office of Planning and Research. The notice and other EIR documents may be viewed by visiting http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/envimpactrpt.html

When certifying the EIR, CDFA issued a clarification that aerial treatment with moth pheromones is not a management tool in the program. Additionally, CDFA concurs with the USDA’s recent announcement that the program has shifted from eradication to suppression and control. 

The EIR determined that it was unlikely that the approaches in the LBAM program would cause human harm or environmental damage, and found that greater potential for human and environmental harm would come from widespread pesticide use by private parties and organizations in the absence of an LBAM program.  

The approaches evaluated include the use of moth pheromone, organically-approved materials, and sterile moths. The only two treatment methods being considered currently are the placement of pheromone twist ties on trees and plants, and the release of sterile moths.

The LBAM program will now move forward to evaluate treatment options. 
 

 

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