June 3, 1999
(Environment and Labour)

1999 Aerial Spray Program for insect control
released from further environmental assessment

Environment and Labour Minister Oliver Langdon announced today that the 1999 aerial spray program, using the insecticide Dylox for the control of the balsam fir sawfly and the yellowheaded spruce sawfly, has been released from further review under the Environmental Assessment Act.

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada has also completed its review of the 1999 application and has registered Dylox for use to control the balsam fir sawfly. The use of Dylox to control the yellowheaded spruce sawfly has already been registered by the PMRA.

"Last year, we did a very extensive and comprehensive review of the potential health and environmental impacts of Dylox. We consulted the World Health Organization, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Health Canada, Environment Canada, the Canadian Forestry Service, the Canadian Wildlife Service and, of course, our own local community health professionals," said Minister Langdon. "This year, we also had the benefit of monitoring data obtained during the 1998 spray program. Based on everything we have reviewed to date, I have decided that this program can proceed safely under the appropriate conditions."

The minister consulted with toxicologists and experts in the field of pesticides before making his decision. "I've been told that Dylox is safe to use provided you follow the instructions," said Minister Langdon. "These products are licensed by Health Canada, through the PMRA, and the instructions on the label tell you how to apply the pesticide. The chemical must be applied in a specified concentration and under specific conditions."

Based on the department's experience with the program last year, the minister said steps have been taken to ensure the program is administered strictly in accordance with the terms and conditions to be set out in the Pesticide Operator Licence.

"This year, we want to increase aerial surveillance to ensure buffer zones are effective," said Minister Langdon. "Therefore, personnel from my department will conduct random aerial inspections throughout the duration of the spray program."

"The environmental assessment process is the first line of environmental protection," stated Langdon. "The permitting and licensing process is a very important part as well." Accordingly, the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods must obtain the necessary licences and permits, including a Pesticide Operator Licence. This licence is required under the Pesticides Control Act administered by the Department of Environment and Labour and establishes the operational terms and conditions for the operation of the spray program.

As a minimum, the following conditions will be included: a requirement for a comprehensive communications plan and public notification program; appropriate buffer zones to ensure public health and safety; an expanded monitoring program, application of the Dylox spray can only take place under appropriate weather conditions; and appropriate equipment and trained personnel are to be used. Furthermore, the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods will be required to submit a contingency plan outlining procedures and protocols to follow in the event of a spill or similar event. This must also be approved by the department. While these are examples of the types of conditions that will be included in a Pesticides Operator Licence, all necessary measures will be put in place to ensure protection of the environment and the health and safety of the public.

Dylox has been approved for use by the PMRA of Health Canada for a wide variety of applications since the 1970s. It has been applied to food crops, wood lots, rights-of-way, and to Christmas trees.

Minister Langdon stated that this program is necessary to effectively deal with the severe sawfly infestations and it will be done in accordance with strict safeguards to protect public health and the environment.

Media contact:  Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-2575, or Lynn Barter, Communications, (709) 729-0084.

1999 06 03         9:15 a.m.