(March 21, 2018) - NACWA submitted comments on March 15 with recommendations for EPA’s preliminary ecological risk assessment for pyriproxyfen, a pesticide used in pet flea control products.  Products containing pyriproxyfen can be washed into the sewer system directly, or can transfer to household and other surfaces, and then be washed into the sewer.  Since pyriproxyfen has a high aquatic toxicity, NACWA asked that EPA consider acute and chronic toxicity data for Ceriodaphnia dubia to properly consider the risk of pyriproxyfen causing toxicity test failures at publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). 

NACWA also requested that EPA consider all available alternatives for pyriproxyfen.  NACWA referenced the detailed compilation of recent research related to pyriproxyfen and other flea control pesticides submitted by the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies (BACWA).  

NACWA members with concerns or comments about pesticide impact on wastewater utilities should contact Cynthia Finley, NACWA Director of Regulatory Affairs.