Pesticide information for businesses

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 and Local Government.

Requirements of an approved program includes reporting and justification of treatments, and auditing and treatment limitations. Currently, one program has been identified; it is overseen by the Plant Health Atlantic Council.

Proof of enrolment in an accredited IPM program is required when applying for aLandscape Pesticide Use Permit. Once enrolled in an acceptable program, companies have two years to become fully accredited.

A lawn care company applying pesticides is required to hold a valid pesticide operator's license and pesticide use permit from the department. Each individual applicator working for a lawn care company is required to hold a valid class D1 pesticide applicator's certificate.

The department continues to issue Landscape 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. 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 for each property requested under this amendment process.

Commercial vendors may not sell commercial pesticides which contain 2,4-D for the purpose of lawn care treatment, other than for golf course care. Commercial vendors are expected to ensure individuals purchasing commercial lawn care pesticide have a valid Provincial Pesticide Applicators Certificate. 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.

Golf course personnel 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).

Once enrolled in an acceptable program, golf courses have two years to become fully accredited. Golf courses not wishing to become IPM accredited may hire 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.

Violations under the Pesticides Control Act are subject to penalties outlined under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act. Penalties associated with this ban may range in fines from $240 to $5,120.