Worker Protection Standard
Endangered Species Wildlife Hazards
Approximately 55 species of plants and animals are listed as endangered or threatened by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Most of these species are threatened by the loss or alteration of their habitats. Erosion due to poor tillage practices has been a major contributor to the habitat alteration of rivers and streams.Some of these species are thought to be threatened by agricultural pesticides and require special consideration by pesticide users. As a result, the EPA has restricted the use of certain pesticides in areas vital to the survival of these several species. The affected areas include small portions of eight counties in Mississippi. The species and the affected counties currently include the Mississippi Sandhill Crane in Jackson County; the Bayou Darter in Claiborne, Copiah, and Hinds counties; the Pondberry in Bolivar and Sunflower counties; and freshwater mollusks in Itawamba and Monroe counties.
Pesticide use is not prohibited in these counties. Certain pesticides, however, are restricted in areas determined to be vital to these species. The EPA has developed information sheets detailing the affected areas and the pesticide-use restrictions for each county. In most cases, the affected area is a river or stream. Pesticide restrictions include a list of pesticides that should not be applied within a stated distance of these rivers and streams. For some applications, the distance is 100 yards or less. In more extreme cases, the distance may be 1/4 mile for ground application or 1/2 mile for aerial application. All restrictions are spelled out in the information sheets developed for each county. Persons in the affected counties should contact the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Plant Industry, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, or the Environmental and Agricultural Chemical Education Unit, Cooperative Extension Service, Mississippi State University, for information on these restrictions.
Environmental Hazards
In the labeling of each agricultural pesticide, there is an Environmental Hazards section. This section lists any plants or animals that should be avoided so they will not be accidentally harmed by the chemical. Also listed may be areas that are susceptible to accidental harm from the pesticide. As a general rule, bees and fish are especially sensitive to pesticides, so avoid applying near beehives or where runoff water may enter streams, rivers, or ponds.Proper weather conditions are also spelled out for the application of that pesticide. Other conditions may cause the chemical to drift from the intended area. Other special areas to avoid may also be listed. Always read the label before starting any pesticide application.
For more information on the Worker Protection Standard, pesticide safety, or protecting endangered species, contact your county Extension office.
See the EPA endangered species fact sheet for the adjoining county before starting an application in either of these counties:
- Harrison
- Lowndes
The following counties are those in which the EPA has restricted pesticide use -- see EPA endangered species fact sheet before starting an application:
- Bolivar
- Claiborne
- Copiah
- Hinds
- Itawamba
- Jackson
- Monroe
- Sunflower
By Trent Spencer, former Extension Program Assistant, Agricultural Engineering, in cooperation with Herb Willcutt, Extension Agricultural Engineer, and Dr. Jim Hamer, Leader, Environmental and Agricultural Chemical Education (EACE), Mississippi State University. Funded by the Bureau of Plant Industry, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Distributed by EACE.
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Information Sheet
1541
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress,
May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director
Copyright by
Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.
This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational
purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University
Extension Service.
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Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Feb-09 14:06:17
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