Agriculture, forestry and fishing

EPA extends comment period for proposed rule on ‘restricted use’ pesticides

agriculture-spraying

Photo: fatihhoca/iStockphoto

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency recently extended a comment period on a proposed rule that would create stronger standards for “restricted use” pesticides.

Stakeholders now have until Dec. 23 to comment on the proposal.

The rule pertains to pesticides not available to the general public and that require special handling. The proposed requirements include a minimum age of 18 for certified applicators, certification renewals every three years and special certifications for workers using high-risk application methods.