Kansas:
The Dept. of Agriculture (KDA) proposed rules to revise current standards for construction, design and maintenance of facilities utilized for storage and handling of bulk pesticides. Proposed revisions include:
1) Requirements for mixing and loading pads;
2) Standards for the location, design and construction of a facility; and
3) Standards for the secondary containment structure at a facility.
KDA estimates no more than 10 of the largest volume lawn, turf and golf course business facilities would be affected by these regulations and says the majority of these 10 facilities have already adopted and developed pesticide storage and handling capacities. Thus, little modification would be required by these facilities. KDA has scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 7, 2002, and public comment is being accepted until that date.
Under the proposed rules, a bulk pesticide is subject to bulk pesticide containment and storage requirements if it is stored, loaded or unloaded in a container designed for either of the following: 1) quantities greater than 55 gallons liquid measure; or 2) quantities greater than 100 pounds net dry weight. A facility is subject to the requirements if more than 350 gallons of total liquid bulk pesticide is on-hand at any one time. The proposed rules provide for several types of exemptions from the regulations.
New Jersey:
In late 2000, the state passed a law requiring all newly installed automatic lawn sprinkler systems, including those installed by or for a small business, to be equipped with automatic rain sensor devices or switches devised to override the sprinkler when adequate rainfall has occurred. Accordingly, the Dept of Community Affairs (DCA) has now issued a proposal to incorporate the statutory requirements into the agency's rules. The proposed rule would assign inspection authority to an electrical subcode official rather than a plumbing subcode official. The DCA will accept written comments until Nov. 2, 2002.
Washington:
The Dept. of Ecology is inviting public comment on a plan to allow the use of diquat dibromide to control aquatic weeds. The department has drafted an environmental impact statement (EIS) for public review outlining potential risks and benefits of using the herbicide as well as steps that can be taken to reduce or make up for any harm. If diquat dibromide is approved for use, individuals will be required to obtain a permit from the department before using the chemical. Public hearings will be held on the issue in Bellevue on Nov. 5 and Spokane on Nov. 6.
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STATE UPDATE
California:
The governor signed A.B. 2356, to address compost contamination prevention. A.B. 2356 will:
1) Prohibit all persons except licensed pest control dealers from selling pesticides that contain the active ingredient clopyralid;
2) Allow only pesticides containing clopyralid that are labeled for lawn and turf, including golf courses, to be sold to qualified licensed applicators;
3) Require the Dept. of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), by Apr. 1, 2003, to determine in writing those lawn and turf applications where there is "no reasonable likelihood that the specified use will result in persistent residues in compost."
4) After this determination, the DPR will either impose restrictions or cancel the lawn and turf uses the agency decided did not meet the criteria above.