The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is making available to the public a draft environmental assessment (EA) regarding options for actions it can take to eradicate a low-level reproducing population of Old World bollworm (OWB, Helicoverpa armigera) in the immediate vicinity of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (O’Hare).

Initial finds in 2019 of single OWBs during routine port environ surveys at O’Hare were thought to have been moths escaping from the airport. Repeated small numbers of finds over four years, however, indicate a low-level reproducing population around the airport, rather than separate, ongoing introduction events.

APHIS’ draft EA is required under the National Environmental Policy Act. APHIS is seeking public comment on the draft environmental assessment until May 19, 2023, and will thoroughly review and consider all comments before publishing a final environmental assessment. The draft environmental assessment is available at www.regulations.gov by searching: “Old World Bollworm Management Program”

Original source can be found here.