If no-spray buffers proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency go into effect, orchardists will be unable to use critical pesticides on a large proportion of their acreage, including products that will be necessary to control new, invasive pests. The agency is proposing a 500-foot buffer alongside all flowing water for ground applications and a 1,000-foot buffer for aerial applications to protect endangered salmon. In 2002, the EPA was sued by the Washington Toxics Coalition for failing to consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service on the registration of pesticides and their potential to impact salmon.  As part of a […]