The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the manufacturers of the insecticide methomyl have agreed to cancel some uses and limit use on certain crops to reduce risks to drinking water.
While Florida and California were the areas of greatest concern for risks from methomyl in drinking water, the following measures will be implemented nationwide:
- Use on barley, oats and rye will be canceled.
- Use on wheat in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington will be limited.
- Applications to corn, celery, and head and leaf lettuce will be reduced.
- Applications and seasonal maximum application rates for peppers will be reduced.
These measures are being phased in, ensuring timely implementation of the changes for several crops. EPA will continue the registration review process for methomyl. For more information, visit http://www2.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/methomyl.
