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SACRAMENTO,
February 26, 2010 – The final environmental impact report (EIR) for the
Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) program has been released and is available
for viewing at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/envimpactrpt.html
Completion of the EIR is required by the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) and is a procedural step in the ongoing invasive pest
program. 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 sterile
release project is the preferred alternative identified in the EIR. CDFA
is not currently considering aerial applications of pheromone. The EIR states that eradication is the goal. However, the application
is broad and would apply to either an eradication or control strategy,
depending on the needs of the program. "This is a significant step in this program," said CDFA Secretary A.G.
Kawamura. "The environmental impact report reaffirms what we have long
known - that the Light Brown Apple Moth project is a safe approach to
dealing with a damaging pest. This report demonstrates CDFA’s commitment
to protecting California’s environment and food supply. -30-   California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of
Public Affairs 1220 N St., Ste. 214, Sacramento, CA 95814 916-654-0462, http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ |
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