California seeks comment on LBAM impact report

Calif. Dept. of Food and Ag is accepting written comments through Sept. 28 on the draft Environmental Impact Report for the Light Brown Apple Moth Program. The department has also scheduled 7 comment sessions to receive public input. The report is not a treatment plan, but is used to evaluate options and to identify potential environmental impacts. Nearly 3,500 sq. miles in 15 Calif. counties are under quarantine, and more than 110,000 moths have been trapped. State and federal quarantine regulations prohibit the movement of all cut flowers, nursery stock, all host plant parts and fruits and vegetables within or from a quarantined area unless it is certified free from the pest by an ag official, is purchased at a retail outlet or was produced outside the area and is passing through in accordance with accepted safeguards. The state Senate Food and Ag Committee is scheduled to review the draft Aug. 25.