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EPA has published draft ambient-water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life from the potential effects of carbaryl. Used to control insects, slugs and snails and to thin fruit in orchards, carbaryl can enter water bodies via runoff and potentially harm aquatic life. It is the second-most frequently found insecticide in water, with detections in approximately 50 percent of urban streams.

Upon issuance of the final carbaryl criteria, EPA will have Clean Water Act section 304(a) recommended criteria for the four currently registered insecticides most frequently detected in U.S. waters. The criteria document will help states, territories, and authorized tribes add to their water-quality standards a concentration level for carbaryl, at or below which aquatic organisms will be protected.

EPA will accept written scientific views through December 30, 2011.

The draft criteria and more information