EPA rethinks pesticide 'exclusion zones'
Pesticides could be sprayed within 100 feet of passersby under a proposed federal rule that responds to complaints by farm groups but would conflict with Washington and Oregon's current regulations.
The Environmental Protection Agency says it plans to redefine "application exclusion zone" — the area off-limits to anyone not spraying the pesticides. The EPA planned to publish the rule Nov. 1 in the Federal Register, triggering a 90-day comment period.
The current rule requires aerial or air-blast spraying to stop if someone comes within 100 feet of the equipment, even if they're not on the property.
The EPA proposes to draw the line at the farm's boundary. Applicators would still be obligated to not let the pesticide contact anyone not applying the chemical.
Click Here to read more.
The Environmental Protection Agency says it plans to redefine "application exclusion zone" — the area off-limits to anyone not spraying the pesticides. The EPA planned to publish the rule Nov. 1 in the Federal Register, triggering a 90-day comment period.
The current rule requires aerial or air-blast spraying to stop if someone comes within 100 feet of the equipment, even if they're not on the property.
The EPA proposes to draw the line at the farm's boundary. Applicators would still be obligated to not let the pesticide contact anyone not applying the chemical.
Click Here to read more.