• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
  Environmental Monitoring Committee
  

A seasonal program of studies was undertaken in 1977 to monitor the operations and the environmental side-effects of an experimental aerial insecticide spray program undertaken by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador relative to the control of a forest pest insect, the spruce budworm.

The health and safety of both operational workers and the general public were prime considerations. The program also included studies of insecticide deposit and residues, aquatic organisms, terrestrial arthropods, mammals and birds. Some irregularities were noted in the deposit of the insecticides on the forest. The chemical fenitrothion caused significant aquatic and terrestrial impacts. Aminocarb and Bacillus thuringiensis had minor effects on flying insects. Certain species of birds apparently suffered slight temporary effects from both fenitrothion and aminocarb. No other environmental side effects of any significance were recorded.