On June 18, 2009 the Minister of Environment announced changes to how lawn care pesticides will be managed in this Province
including banning the use and sale of over 200 Over-the-Counter
lawn care products. This ban focuses on products that are misused and
overused, and which results in more pesticides being added to the environment
than is necessary. In addition, there are Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) provisions for lawncare professionals to significantly reduce their
reliance on blanket treatments, and will instead promote spot treatment
of problem areas.
There are no changes to legislation required; changes were
be implemented under current provisions of the Pesticides Control Act.
Please find below more specific information on the
program and how it may relate to you or your business:
Homeowners
- As of December 16, 2009 homeowners will no longer be
able to buy or use products that meet the criteria of the Over-the-Counter
banned list.
- If you cannot find your product on the Over-the-Counter
banned list and are unsure whether the product is permitted, you
may call the Department of Environment, Stewardship Branch to get clarification
at 1-800-561-4036 or email at pesticides@gnb.ca
- Homeowners still have access to ready-to-use lawn
care products which do not meet the banned criteria.
- The official ban date was published in the
Royal Gazette. Homeowners can be made aware of this announcement
through this website - : http://www.gnb.ca/0062/gazette/RG20091216.pdf
Lawn Care Companies
- To purchase and apply
commercial pesticides for lawn or turf management you are required
to be enrolled in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program approved
by the Department of Environment.
- Requirements of an approved IPM program includes:
reporting and justification of treatments, and auditing and treatment
limitations. Currently, one IPM program has been identified; it is overseen
by the Plant Health Atlantic Council. - http://www.planthealthatlantic.com
- Proof of IPM enrolment is required when submitting
an application for the Landscape Pesticide Use Permit.
- Once enrolled in an acceptable IPM program, companies
have two years to become fully accredited.
- As in other years a lawn care company applying pesticides
is required to hold a valid pesticide operator's license and pesticide
use permit from the Department of Environment.
- Each individual applicator working for a lawn care company
is required to hold a valid class D1 pesticide applicator's certificate.
- Products containing 2,4-D are no longer available
to lawn care applicators.
- The Department of Environment continues to issue Provincial Pesticide Use Permits; however, it has several conditions which include:
- Routine blanket applications are not permitted.
Treatment is limited to a maximum of 50%
of turf area to any one property per season.
- Requirement to have a flow meter on all gas/electric
powered application equipment to ensure proper calibration and to
record usage.
- An amendment to the Pesticide Use Permit may be issued
to conduct blanket applications for insect infestations only. In order
for a specific property to be considered for a special blanket treatment
the lawn care company must submit a formal request to the Department
outlining the rational for the treatment. There will be an additional
cost of $50.00 for each property requested under this amendment process.
Retailers
Retailers of Domestic Products (Over-the-Counter)
Retailers of Commercial Products (non-domestic
products)
- As of December 16, 2009 commercial vendors were advised
not to sell commercial pesticides which contain 2,4-D for the purpose
of lawn care treatment, other than for golf course care.
- As in the past, commercial Vendors are expected
to ensure individuals purchasing commercial lawn care pesticide have
a valid Provincial Pesticide Applicators Certificate. In addition, they
are also required to ensure those individuals purchasing commercial
lawn care products have proof they are affiliated with an accredited
IPM program that is endorsed by the Department of Environment.
- These conditions are part of the annual Pesticide
Vendor's License which is issued by the Department of Environment.
Golf Courses
- Since December 16, 2009 golf course personnel purchasing
commercial lawn care pesticide products from a licensed Pesticide Vendor
will be required to show proof of their valid pesticides applicator
certificate as well as affiliation with an acceptable Integrated Pest
Management Program (IPM).
- Once enrolled in an acceptable IPM program, golf courses have two years to become fully accredited,
- Golf courses not wishing to become IPM accredited company
may hire the services of a business/company that holds a Provincial
Pesticide Use Permit.
- Golf courses can continue to purchase and use commercial
2, 4-D under the provisions of an IPM program.
Manufactures/First Importers
Manufactures/first importers
were advised that products on the Over-the-Counter
banned list are no longer sold into the Province, as resale within New Brunswick
is prohibited.
Compliance and Enforcement
- Public education and outreach was one of the first
tools used to promote compliance
- Inspections, investigations, orders and prosecutions
are used to ensure compliance with the new ban.
- Violations under the Pesticides Control Act are
subject to penalties outlined under the Provincial Offences Procedures
Act (POPA). Penalties associated with this ban may range in fines
from $240.00 to $5,120.00.
Integrated Pest Management
Programs (IPM)
- All IPM programs must meet the approval of the Department
of Environment and require endorsement from the Department. For more
information please contact the Department of Environment, Stewardship
Branch at 1-800-561-4036
Other Sectors such as Agriculture
and Forestry
- These changes only affect lawn care and turf management.
Municipalities, Universities
and other professional turf managers
- Since December 16, 2009 turf managers purchasing commercial
lawn care pesticide products from a Licensed Pesticide Vendor are
required to show proof of their valid Pesticides Applicator Certificate
as well as affiliation with an acceptable Integrated Pest Management
Program (IPM).
- Turf managers working under these approved IPM programs
are not permitted to conduct routine broadcast applications.
- Since December 16, 2009 turf managers are no longer permitted
to use commercial 2, 4-D products for lawn care purposes.
- Turf managers not wishing to become IPM accredited may
hire the services of a business/company that holds a Provincial Pesticide
Use Permit.
Disposal of banned product
- Homeowners can contact their local Solid Waste Commission
to arrange proper disposal during one of their household hazardous waste
collection programs. Frequency of collection programs depends upon the
Commission you are living in. A link to the Commission in your area
can be obtained at: http://www.recyclenb.ca/provincial_map.htm
Contact Information
For more information on this program please contact
the Department of Environment Stewardship Branch at 1-800-561-4036 or pesticides@gnb.ca
|
|
