Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
conditions, moderate to heavy irrigation and/or rainfall, use of 20 or
more pounds per acre, and soil temperature below 50
ø
F (10
ø
C) at ap-
plication time tend to reduce degradation and promote movement of
residues to groundwater. If the above describes your local use condi-
tions and groundwater in your
area is used for drinking, do not use
this product without first contacting (registrant's name and telephone
number).
B.
PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES
An endangered species is a plant or animal that is in danger of becoming
extinct. There are two classifications of these plants and animals in danger—
"endangered species" and "threatened species." The term "endangered species"
is used here to refer to the two classifications collectively. Scientists believe
that certain pesticides may threaten the survival of some of America's endan-
gered species if they are used in the places where these plants and animals still
exist.
A Federal law, the Endangered Species Act, requires the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that endangered species are pro-
tected from pesticides (see
Figure 9.6
)
. EPA's goal is to remove or reduce the
threat that pesticide use poses to endangered species. Reaching this goal will
require some limitations on pesticide use. These limitations usually will ap-
ply only in the currently occupied habitat or range of each endangered species
at risk. Occasionally the limitations will apply where endangered species are
being reintroduced into a habitat they previously occupied.
Habitats, sometimes called "critical habitats," are the areas of land, water,
and air space that an endangered species needs for survival. Such areas include
breeding sites; sources of food, cover, and shelter; and surrounding territory
that gives room for normal population growth and behavior.
1.
Limitations on Pesticide Use
Read all pesticide labeling carefully to find out whether the use of that
product requires any special steps to protect endangered species. The label
may direct you to another source for the details about what you must do.
When limitations do apply, they usually will be in effect only in some spe-
cific geographic locations. Use of a particular pesticide is usually limited in a
particular location when:
•
the site is designated as the current habitat of an endangered species
•
the endangered species that uses the site might be harmed by the use
of the pesticide within (or close to) its habitat.
