Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR)
for the Light Brown Apple Moth Eradication Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has prepared the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) to address the potential environmental impacts that would result from implementation of alternatives for the eradication of the light brown apple moth (LBAM) (Epiphyas postvittana). For more information or to download the PEIR, visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture website

Written comments on the PEIR must be sent by close of business on Monday, September 28, 2009. Send your comments to: Jim Rains, Staff Environmental Scientist, California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, fax (916) 654-1018, or email LBAM_EIR@cdfa.ca.gov.

BACKGROUND

The light brown apple moth is a non-native pest that threatens California's $38 billion agriculture industry. The light brown apple moth is from Australia and feeds on more than 250 plant species. This pest attacks native and ornamental, fruit and vegetable plants and has the potential to severely damage residential landscapes, orchards and agricultural crops including grapes, citrus, stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, apricots) and many others. The complete host list contains well over 1,000 plant species and 250 crops.

Beginning in June 2007, the State starting using a ground pesticide application, pheromone-treated twist ties and aerial pheromone treatments. The State reports that there were no anticipated adverse effects to humans, domestic or nontarget animals, or to the environment from the use of the pheromones last year. However, due to concerns raised by the public, the State prepared a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Report (PEIR) which includes ecological and human health risk assessments on the impacts of a long-term eradication program.

Quarantine Still in Effect in El Cerrito

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a quarantine to halt the spread of the light brown apple moth. Residents in El Cerrito and other parts of the quarantine area should not remove any plants or plant parts (including garden clippings, fruits, vegetables and flowers) from their property except through the regular green waste collection service.

All plant material must be disposed of in an approved green waste facility by you or a landscaper. If you have more green waste than will fit in your approved green waste bins, please contact East Bay Sanitary at (510) 237-4321.

Wholesale & retail nurseries, as well as green waste haulers and community gardens are being asked to take additional actions (such as inspections). If you own a nursery, landscaping or gardening business, transport plant material or run a community garden, and have any questions, please contact the Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture at (925) 646-5250.

See the LBAM Quarantine Area Map

For more information, visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) website.