Oyster Growers to Phase Out a Pesticide
Carbaryl

PRESS RELEASE 28apr03

Oyster growers and environmental groups have reached a historic agreement to phase out the use of the pesticide carbaryl in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor. Under the terms of the agreement, carbaryl use for the control of burrowing shrimp in oyster culture will end in 2012.

The agreement settles a disputed water quality permit, which was under appeal by the Washington Toxics Coalition and the Ad Hoc Coalition for Willapa Bay. The groups have agreed to withdraw their appeal of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued to the Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association allowing carbaryl applications through 2005.

Carbaryl has been used in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor for nearly 40 years to control burrowing shrimp that hamper oyster cultivation.

"We're thrilled that Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor will see the end of carbaryl use. We look forward to assisting the oyster growers in finding alternative methods," said Erika Schreder, staff scientist with the Washington Toxics Coalition.

As part of the agreement, the groups have pledged to work together to develop alternatives that will preserve the environment as well as the oyster industry.

"The oyster growers are proud of our environmental record, and we're glad to be working alongside environmental groups for a positive solution," said Bill Dewey of the Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association. "We'll be working hard to find a large-scale, effective alternative, and welcome the help of environmentalists and others."

The key provisions of the agreement include:

The growers will end the use of carbaryl by December 31, 2012.

The growers will begin reducing carbaryl use this year by 10%, followed by a 20% reduction in 2004 and a 30% reduction in 2005.

The growers will spend an additional $10,000 annually over the next three years on alternative shrimp controls or culture systems over and above research requirements prescribed by the permit.

Washington Toxics Coalition and the Ad-hoc Coalition will drop the appeal of the NPDES permit and will not appeal future permits issued to the growers.

"I have alternatives to carbaryl that are working for me on my small farm," said Larry Warnberg, an oyster grower who does not use pesticides and is a member of the Ad-hoc Coalition. "This agreement gives the larger producers time to develop alternatives that work for them."

Contact: Bill Dewey, Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association (360) 790-2330 Erika Schreder, Washington Toxics Coalition (206) 632-1545 x19 Larry Warnberg, Ad Hoc Coalition for Willapa Bay (360) 665-2926