Plan To Certify Pesticide Applicators in Indian Country

EPA has proposed a program to certify applicators of restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in Indian Country located within EPA Region 8 (covering Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming). RUPs are potentially hazardous chemicals that require special training and techniques to be used safely. Federal law requires that EPA approve the certification of all RUP applicators, including those who work in Indian Country. Although most states are delegated to implement their own certification programs, currently most of Indian Country is not covered by a certification mechanism. To fill this gap, EPA has issued a "Proposed Federal Plan for Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Region 8 Indian Country".

Under the proposed plan, RUP applicators will need to apply for a federal certificate on the date that the plan becomes final. The Plan will allow private applicators to become certified by applying directly to EPA by showing proof of training and completing a questionnaire, or by providing a copy of a valid state, tribal or federal certification from an area that is contiguous with the reservation boundary. Commercial applicators can provide a copy of a valid state, tribal, or federal certification from an area that is contiguous with the reservation boundary.

EPA is accepting comments on the proposed restricted use pesticide certification program through June 6, 2011.

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