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April 21, 2022 |
In Case You Missed It! |
NAAA Saves Rotenone Piscicide from Aerial Extinction |
The EPA acknowledged that while rare, the ability to make aerial applications of rotenone is critical in certain situations.
In May 2021 NAAA commented on the proposed interim decision for rotenone, a piscicide used to eradicate invasive fish. The EPA proposed banning aerial application of the pesticide because of risks to bystanders and birds. While it is rarely applied by aerial application, the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy indicated to NAAA that state and federal wildlife management agencies do utilize aerial application of rotenone in areas that are difficult to reach with other forms of application. Aerial application is also occasionally used by fish farms.
NAAA objected to the proposed ban and suggested some drift mitigations, including an extremely coarse droplet size, maximum boom length set at 65% of wingspan for fixed-wing aircraft and a maximum of 75% of rotor diameter for helicopters for all wind speeds up to 15 mph, and a ¾ swath displacement. NAAA ran the Tier 3 AgDRIFT model with these parameters to show the EPA this setup reduced drift by 98% compared to the faulty Tier 1 model the agency used to assess the risk of drift from aerial applications of rotenone.
The efforts were successful—the final interim decision maintained aerial application. The EPA acknowledged that while rare, the ability to make aerial applications of rotenone is critical in certain situations. The label restrictions for rotenone will include a statement that allows aerial applications when other options are not feasible. Additional restrictions include a wind speed restriction of 10 mph, ½ swath displacement from downwind edge, avoiding inversions, maximum spray height of 10 feet, coarse or larger droplet size, and a quarter-mile buffer zone around people and dwellings.
NAAA is pleased the EPA acknowledged the importance of aerial applications and that risks can be mitigated.
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This newsletter is intended for NAAA members only. NAAA requests that should any party desire to publish, distribute or quote any part of this newsletter that they first seek the permission of the Association. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), its Board of Directors, staff or membership. Items in this newsletter are not the result of paid advertising and are only meant to highlight newsworthy developments. No endorsement by NAAA is intended or implied. |
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