Based solely on reported use, more than 61 million pounds of pesticide active ingredients were applied in Bay Area counties from 1999 through 2005, which calculates to more than 8 million pounds annually. The actual use is unknown since most home and commercial pesticide use is not reported to the state.

“The EPA has failed to comply with even the basic requirements of the Endangered Species Act in registering and approving uses of pesticides known to poison Bay Area endangered species,” said Jeff Miller, Bay Area Wildlands Coordinator with the Center. “Given the known significant effects on wildlife and the EPA’s own acknowledgments regarding pesticide use exceeding levels of concern for endangered species, pesticide restrictions to protect our most endangered species are long overdue.”

Pesticides of concern have been documented in Bay and Delta aquatic habitat for the Delta Smelt and Tidewater Goby; tidal marshland habitat for the California Clapper Rail and Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse; freshwater and wetlands habitat for the California Tiger Salamander, San Francisco Garter Snake and California Freshwater Shrimp; and terrestrial habitat for the San Joaquin Kit Fox, Alameda Whipsnake, Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle and Bay Checkerspot Butterfly. Pesticides may adversely affect an additional 19 of the 51 Bay Area animal species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Data from the FWS, EPA, U.S. Geological Survey and California Department of Pesticide Regulation show the use, presence or accumulation of 60 pesticides of concern in or adjacent to (upstream or upwind) habitat for the 11 Bay Area endangered species. The FWS states that the EPA has not consulted with them to ensure the chemicals are not contributing to the decline of listed species.