The U.S. District Court for the western district of Washington State has rendered a decision that essentially orders buffer zones up to 300 feet for certain pesticide applications close to waterways.
The court’s final order comes as a result of a court challenge seeking to protect endangered salmon species, yet poses challenges for pest control and agriculture in the Pacific Northwest and, perhaps, the nation. The pesticides now subject to buffers are tools family and commercial farm owners use to control diseases, weeds and insects that destroy crops – reducing both quality and yield. These pesticides have undergone rigorous scientific scrutiny and have been approved by the EPA. The court’s action sets a precedent for establishing large buffer zones that will impact pest management.