April 16, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Government Submits Forest Insect Control Program for Environmental Assessment Process

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods today released the department's plans for a 1999 Forest Insect Control Program.

The department plans to proceed with the spray of B.t. against the hemlock looper on the Northern Peninsula. The use of B.t., a biological insecticide, is exempt from the Environmental Assessment Process.

The department has also applied to the Department of Environment and Labour under the Environmental Assessment Act for permission to use Dylox, a chemical insecticide, against sawfly infestations.

The minister stated that the application to undertake the control program was made after the results of last year's monitoring reports confirmed that the control program did not create any unacceptable environmental risks. The Department of Health and Community Services was also consulted prior to submission of the control program proposal and has stated from all reports read that "There should be no real physical health risk for the population."

The amount of chemical proposed to be used in 1999 has been reduced substantially compared to 1998, based on continuing research undertaken in cooperation with the Canadian Forest Service. The environmental assessment process will give individuals and groups an opportunity to review and comment on the department's proposal.

"We must protect our forest resource against insects and fire while ensuring there is no unacceptable health risk. Considering the wood supply problems we are coping with, government and companies investment in silviculture and the future of our timber resources, we must act to ensure our investment is not lost. Government and companies have spent about $163 million on silviculture since 1985," said Minister Aylward.

Defoliation by the balsam fir sawfly was first detected in western Newfoundland as early as 1991. By 1997, 30,300 hectares were subject to moderate and severe defoliation.

Yellowheaded spruce sawfly defoliation was first reported in 1995. By 1997, 1,200 hectares were affected. Given the level of infestation in 1997, the department saw no choice but to undertake a control program in 1998.

"Projections for 1999 indicate 20,200 hectares are expected to receive moderate and severe defoliation due to the balsam fir sawfly in western Newfoundland, approximately 6,000 hectares in Bay d'Espoir and 2,100 hectares on the Burin Peninsula. Up to 1,200 hectares are also expected to be affected by the yellowheaded sawfly in central and northern Newfoundland," said Minister Aylward.

"We have been participating in a cooperative program with the Canadian Forest Service, Abitibi Consolidated and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper to determine the minimum dosage needed to best control the balsam fir sawfly population," said Minister Aylward. "These experiments were carried out in western Newfoundland. Dylox was tested using different rates of active ingredient (250, 500 and 750 grams). The results were good with sawfly population reduction, even with the lowest rate of 250 grams. As a result of this research, the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods would significantly reduce the rate of application of Dylox in 1999."

Dylox has been used throughout North America on a variety of field and vegetable crops to control moths, flies and other bugs. It has also been used on forests, ornamental plants, tobacco and wood lands to control a variety of insect pests. It has been used to control certain internal and external parasites on commercially important livestock and to control flies in international public health programs.

In addition to obtaining approval to use Dylox from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada and the Department of Environment and Labour, a number of monitoring programs were undertaken in conjunction with the 1998 forest insect control program. Monitoring of cabin water, birds, rabbits, insects and fish confirmed that the control program did not have any unacceptable environmental impacts or create any unacceptable health risks.

The minister stated: "Monitoring would be an on-going process during the proposed 1999 control program. The level and type of monitoring will be established by the Department of Environment and Labour as part of any spray licence issued to the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods."

To ensure all safety precautions are taken, the following is proposed:

1. Buffer zones will be established around all sensitive areas including habitation, parks and water bodies. The size of these buffer zones will be established by the Department of Environment and Labour through the licensing process.

2. There will be a 1-800 number to provide daily information to the public and answer questions. Daily media messages will be sent out during spray operations outlining activities.

3. All standard health and safety guidelines for workers and the public will be adhered to by the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods.

4. The Department of Health and Community Services in the regions affected will be consulted for input and mitigation of their concerns.

5. The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods will be meeting with concerned citizens, town councils and any other organization or individual who has concerns they wish to discuss.

The minister's closing remarks at the news conference in Corner Brook indicated that the department will listen to concerns of individuals and groups and take those concerns into consideration in final decisions on the program and how it will be carried out. Meetings will immediately begin with town councils, cabin owners, environmental and watershed organizations and others who want to discuss this program.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-6183.

1999 04 16 11:45 a.m.