The Environmental Protection Agency extended the public comment period on the proposed changes to the Pesticide Applicator Certification Rule an additional 30 days. The closing date for comments is now January 22nd, 2016. EPA is proposing stronger standards for pesticide applicators that are certified to apply the riskiest pesticides, known as restricted use pesticides. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of harm from the misapplication of those pesticides and ensure a consistent level of protection among states.
The EPA proposes the rule that would establish a first-time-ever nation-wide minimum age of 18 for certified applicators and persons working under their direct supervision. The proposal also would require all applicators to renew certifications every three years. The EPA first proposed the certification rule in August of this year.