EPA wants tougher restricted use pesticide standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing stronger standards for pesticide applicators who apply restricted use pesticides.

The agency will accept public comments on the proposed rule for 90 days at regulations.gov under docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0183 once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register.

The EPA said the goal is to reduce the likelihood of harm from the misapplication of pesticides and ensure a consistent level of protection among states.

“We are committed to keeping our communities safe, protecting our environment and protecting workers and their families,” says Jim Jones, EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “By improving training and certification, those who apply these restricted use pesticides will have better knowledge and ability to use these pesticides safely.”

Among other changes, the EPA is proposing to require all people who apply restricted use pesticides to be at least 18 years old and training for those working under the supervision of certified applicators. Also, certifications would have to be renewed every three years.