July 17, 1998
(Environment and Labour)

Minister Langdon announces terms and conditions for spray program

Environment and Labour Minister, Oliver Langdon, announced today the terms and conditions under which the 1998 Aerial Spray Program for parts of western and central Newfoundland may proceed. The terms and conditions are outlined in the Pesticide Operator Licence issued to the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods under the Pesticides Control Act.

The spray program is being administered by the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods to control the infestation of the balsam fir and yellowheaded sawfly. The program calls for the aerial application of Dylox to approximately 10,000 hectares of silviculture forest. Dylox is the only known insecticide that has proven effective in halting the advancement of sawfly infestations.

On June 10 of this year, Minister Langdon announced the release of the spray program from further review under the Environmental Assessment Act, subject to the necessary permitting and licensing requirements. Accordingly, the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods applied to the Department of Environment and Labour for a Pesticide Operator Licence. The licence was approved following input received from Health Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Department of Health and Community Services and the Wildlife Division of the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods.

In summary, the terms and conditions outlined in the Pesticide Operator Licence are as follows:

• All applications shall be conducted in strict compliance with the label registered under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act (Canada).

• A minimum 200 meter buffer zone shall be established around all water bodies.

• A 400 meter buffer zone shall be established around Pinchgut Brook and tributaries, Harry's River, Southwest River, Bottom Brook and Little Barachois River.

• A 200 meter buffer zone shall be established for any cabin with no inhabitants at the time of application. If a cabin is inhabited at the time of application, there shall be a 400 meter buffer zone.

• An extensive environmental monitoring program shall be implemented to assess potential impacts on local cabin water supply areas within the spray block. Potential impacts on birds, fish, other animals, target and non-target insects will also be included under the environmental monitoring program. This program will be implemented in conjunction with appropriate federal and provincial agencies.

• When necessary, roads are to be barricaded during spray applications with appropriate notice and signage.

• The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods is required to implement an extensive public notification program. This program shall include the following:

  • Establishment of a toll-free information line.

  • Publication of the toll-free line on radio and in print media.

  • Setting up of information booths at suitable public locations.

  • Ensuring the proper posting of all signs.

  • Verbally notifying cabin owners of spray activity. In the event this cannot be done, the operator shall use written notification to all dwellings.

  • Notification of spray activity through news releases.

Spraying could begin as early as Monday, July 20, if weather conditions permit. To meet buffer zone requirements, spraying activities can only proceed when wind speeds are 10 km/hr or less.

Minister Langdon stated that the terms and conditions of this licence are very rigid. "We have consulted extensively with public health and environment officials from both levels of government," stated Mr. Langdon. "I am confident that these measures provide adequate public and environmental protection."

Copies of the Pesticide Operator Licence can be obtained by contacting the Department of Environment and Labour at (709) 729-5707.

Contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.

1998 07 17                    4:10 p.m.