For Immediate Release: July 8, 2002

Contact: , American Bird Conservancy, 202/234-7181 ext. 207
, Natural Resources Defense Council

Louisiana Request for Toxic Pesticide Prompts Unprecedented Reaction from Conservation Community

A coalition of some of the nations largest environmental groups, led by American Bird Conservancy (ABC), has come together to fight one of the most toxic pesticides currently known. Granular carbofuran (trade name Furadan) was removed from the market in the 1990s due to its toxicity to birds, after tens of thousands of bird deaths were attributed to its use, including Bald Eagles, Bluebirds, Great-horned Owl, and Blue-winged Teal. Now the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering an "Emergency Use" application from Louisiana Department of Agriculture to use the chemical again to combat water weevil on 100,000 acres of rice fields.

In total 55 groups were brought together by ABC including such prominent, national organizations as World Wildlife Fund, Defenders of Wildlife, Natural Resources Defense Council, The Sierra Club, The Humane Society of the United States, and National Audubon Society, as well as eight Louisiana-based groups.

"This is an extremely important decision for the EPA, as it will have ramifications on carbofuran use throughout the rest of the country," said Dr. Patti Bright, Director of the Pesticides and Birds Campaign at ABC. "We are confident that if they look at the ample scientific evidence of the deadly hazard this pesticide poses to birds in even the tiniest amount, the EPA will make the right decision and deny this and any further Emergency Use applications for granular carbofuran."

EPA initially granted the rice growers permission to spread 3 tons of carbofuran on 10,000 acres without seeking public comment, but swift action from environmentalists, who found out about the closed-door decision, caused EPA to reassess and allow only enough pesticide to cover 2,500 acres. A short public comment period was subsequently opened to allow the groups to comment officially, before EPA reaches a final decision on the remaining amount.

"Carbofuran poses serious risks to people exposed to the pesticide through their food, drinking water and workplace," said Aaron Colangelo, Staff Attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "It’s outrageous that EPA would even consider sanctioning this toxic quick fix in Louisiana when safer, more effective alternatives are being used throughout the rest of the country."

In fact, research conducted at the Louisiana State University’s Agriculture Center has determined that, when used correctly, newer insecticides do a better job than carbofuran at the same or lower cost. Better management practices such as delayed flooding and early planting have also been shown to dramatically reduce losses of rice crops to water weevils and other pests.

A decision by EPA is expected shortly.