Environmental groups are very concerned about the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent decision to allow the application of pesticides on waterways. Before this exemption, a permit under the Clean Water Act was required for pesticides applied on or near waterways.
“More protection is needed from pesticides, not less,” said Jay Feldman of Beyond Pesticides, a consumer watchdog group in a statement. Feldman noted that the Clean Water Act requires a health-based standard to protect waterways whereas the new standards are less stringent and fail to regulate water quality or protect aquatic ecosystems.
Under the new rule, if the pesticide will be used to control aquatic weeds, mosquitoes or other pests, no permit is needed and pesticides can be sprayed directly on a body of water or near it.
There are many unintended consequences to pesticide spraying. According to Environmental Defense, some mosquito control pesticides are toxic to both bees and fish.
With this decision, the EPA has abdicated responsibility for the health of our nation’s lakes and streams.
