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DPR CONTINUES TO DETECT FIPRONIL IN URBAN WATERWAYS

Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) scientists monitoring for pesticide contamination in urban waterways have been consistently detecting fipronil at levels toxic to some small aquatic organisms.

Fipronil is an insecticide registered for use to control ants, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, termites and other insects. Current registered use of fipronil includes broadcast treatment to turf in the Coachella Valley by licensed applicators, soil injection for termite control by pest control businesses and consumer pet products and bait treatments.

We have found fipronil in urban waterway samples from both Northern and Southern California. It is unclear whether fipronil residues in waterways are the result of legal use or noncompliance with label directions.

DPR is also concerned that use of fipronil will expand since the federal data protection deadline has expired and generic products can now enter the marketplace. The result may be more products on the market at lower prices.

We can't emphasize enough the importance of following label instructions. If monitoring of our urban waterways continues to detect fipronil levels toxic to aquatic life, we may need to initiate reevaluation or develop regulations to restrict this insecticide's use. Reevaluation gives DPR the authority to request additional studies and data when we have concerns about a pesticide. The goal is to determine the extent of the potential hazard and to identify ways to reduce or eliminate the problem.

We are encouraged that BASF Corp. and PCOC recognize that fipronil use is affecting water quality and are developing a brochure that encourages "best practices." DPR is optimistic that we can avoid initiation of a regulatory process through appropriate and voluntary stewardship of fipronil use.

Our latest regulatory effort targets pyrethroid pesticides. In October, DPR announced proposed regulations that would require businesses providing structural pest control to limit where 17 pyrethroids are applied around structures to protect water quality. Specifically, the proposed rules would prohibit pest control applicators and maintenance gardeners from making applications when it rains, when puddles are present and over drains and natural drainage areas and limit applications to impervious surfaces.

The regulations were prompted by surface water monitoring data collected for the state's regional water quality control boards and monitoring by DPR which continue to show pyrethroid contamination of both urban and agricultural waterways. The intent is to reduce pesticide contamination in runoff from homes and other urban structures, driveways and landscaped areas into surface water. We are currently reviewing public comments received by the Dec. 12 deadline.

More information about the pyrethroid regulatory effort is posted at: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/legbills/rulepkgs/11-004/11-004.htm.

Chris Reardon is the Deputy Director of the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Pest Control Operators of California
www.pcoc.org

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