Pesticides Harming Endangered Frog, Suit Charges

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Subject:  Pesticides Harming Endangered Frog, Suit Charges
 Date:     Mon, 15 Apr 2002 09:48:53 -0400
From:      Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)

To:     Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
          Director, State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation 

cc:    Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov

Pesticides Harming Endangered Frog, Suit Charges

SAN FRANCISCO , California , April 8, 2002 (ENS) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) pesticide registration program is harming the California red legged frog, charges a lawsuit filed by a conservation group.

The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit in federal district court against the EPA, charging the agency with harming the frogs and damaging their critical habitat.

Once abundant throughout California , the red legged frog is now extinct in 70 percent of its historic range. Its population has declined by at least 90 percent.

Recent studies link the decline of the red legged frogs with pesticide use. Exposure to such chemicals may cause deformities, abnormal immune system functions, diseases, injury and death in frogs and other amphibians.

Between 1991 and 1998, more than 1.5 billion pounds of pesticides were used in California alone, with almost 200 million pounds applied each year. In 1997, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation reported that some 150 pesticides or herbicides had been used within two square kilometers (one square mile) of known California red legged frog habitat.

Under the Endangered Species Act, the EPA is required to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine how the EPA's pesticide registration program impacts endangered or threatened species. The Center's suit seeks to compel the EPA to comply with its mandates to protect wildlife and the public from the harmful impacts of pesticides.

"The EPA is asleep at the switch," said Brent Plater, attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. "Ample evidence exists that pesticides are a contributing factor in the decline of the species, yet even the basic requirements of federal endangered species law have been ignored by the EPA."

Amphibians are declining across the globe, and some scientists believe that industrial chemicals and pesticides may be to blame.

"Pesticides have been linked to cancers, reproductive and developmental problems, and impairment of the nervous system," said Peter Galvin, conservation biologist with the Center. "The Environmental Protection Agency needs to take adequate measures to ensure that its pesticide review program protects the health and safety of humans and species such as the California red legged frog."

Well Mr. Helliker,  I think if you begin to look closely your "registration program" and your continued demand that only your "registered" POISONS can "legally" be used to "control" pest problems is harming many non-target species besides frogs.

Respectfully,  Stephen L. Tvedten

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