Panel: David Perry, Dr. Elizabeth Keay, Gary Robinson
Ms. Armstrong appealed a decision to issue Pesticide Use Permit 214-031-95 for use against gypsy moths. She was concerned about possible effects on human health and non-target wildlife. She also argued that the impact of an established population of gypsy moths was fairly low.
The Board noted that when pesticides have been registered by the federal government the Board is required to assume that the pesticide is generally safe. Further, in light of expert testimony, the Board found that there was no proven health risk from the use of the pesticide. The Board also concluded the financial consequences of an established gypsy moth population in B.C. were enormous. However, the Board was concerned that the recommendations of the Chilliwack Pesticide Control Committee and the Environmental Protection Branch of Environment Canada had not been addressed in the permit, and amended it to include them. The appeal was dismissed.
