The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made a significant stride in its ongoing commitment to environmental protection with the release of a draft Biological Evaluation (BE) concerning 11 rodenticide active ingredients. This evaluation is a crucial component of the EPA's strategy under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Workplan, focusing on the balance between effective pest control and the preservation of endangered species.
Rodents, known for causing substantial damage to crops, property, and food supplies, also pose health risks through disease transmission. Rodenticides, used in various settings, are essential in controlling pests like rats, mice, and other damaging rodents. However, their use raises concerns about the potential impact on endangered species and their habitats.
The Draft BE: A Closer Look
The EPA's draft BE scrutinises chemicals like chlorophacinone, diphacinone, warfarin, brodifacoum, and others. Following a comprehensive risk assessment in 2020 and subsequent public feedback, the EPA proposed specific measures to mitigate the impact on endangered species. These measures included the use of tamper-resistant bait boxes and carcass collection initiatives.
The 11 rodenticides evaluated in the draft BE are:
- chlorophacinone,
- diphacinone and its sodium salt,
- warfarin and its sodium salt,
- brodifacoum,
- bromadiolone,
- difenacoum,
- difethialone,
- bromethalin,
- cholecalciferol,
- strychnine,
- and zinc phosphide.
Evaluating Impact and Proposing Mitigation
The draft BE's findings are pivotal. It categorises the effects of these rodenticides on 1,784 listed species and 904 critical habitats, revealing that:
- 88% of listed species and 95% of critical habitats would experience no effect (NE).
- 4-11% of listed species and 1% of critical habitats might be not likely to adversely affect (NLAA).
- 1-8% of listed species and 4% of critical habitats are likely to adversely affect (LAA).
An LAA determination, though indicating potential harm, doesn't necessarily mean a threat to species survival. The EPA has also included predictions of future jeopardy (J) or adverse habitat modification (AM), although these are not mandatory inclusions.
Public Participation and Next Steps
This draft BE represents a crucial step, but it's not the final say. The public has a 60-day comment period to contribute their insights on www.regulations.gov (docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0567). Post this, the EPA will refine the BE and consult with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to finalise the impact assessments and mitigation measures.
The EPA's draft BE is a testament to the delicate balance needed in environmental management. It underscores the agency's commitment to protecting endangered species while addressing public health concerns posed by rodents. As stakeholders, our participation in the public commenting process can shape a strategy that effectively balances these critical environmental and public health needs.
