EPA Announces Approval of Oklahoma State Certification of Pesticide Applicators Plan
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 2, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is finalizing stronger standards for individuals who use restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in the state of Oklahoma. The current state plan has been revised to meet or exceed the improved safety requirements in the 2017 Certification of Pesticide Applicators Final Rule (CPA).
“Misuse or disregard of pesticide safety standards can impact vulnerable populations, therefore it is imperative that we keep improving and maintaining pesticide safety requirements,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this approval, EPA is taking critical steps to reduce exposure to the environment and to safeguard human health.”
There are over 22,000 pesticide applicators in Oklahoma certified to use RUPs and over 50,000 farm workers who may work around RUPs. Applicators, the public, and the environment are at risk from exposure to mishandled or misapplied RUPs. The revised State Certification Plans are intended to enhance and improve the competency of certified RUP applicators and persons working under their direct supervision (noncertified applicators). EPA expects that improving the competency of certified and noncertified applicators will help ensure that RUPs are used according to their labeling and will reduce pesticide exposure and illness among applicators, farm workers, the public, rural communities, and children, as well as preventing unreasonable adverse effects to the environment.
EPA understands the importance and dangers of RUPs, therefore it has verified that this State Plan meets or exceeds the updated and more stringent federal regulations. The revisions of this plan incorporate long-standing requests and environmental justice concerns from communities, including improved training for people applying RUPs under direct supervision, protection of minors, and additional training for certain high-risk classes of pesticides. Major areas of improvement under the CPA:
- New categories: A certificate is now required for aerial, fumigation, and predator control RUPs. These high-risk pesticides now require specific training due to the difficulty of application without causing sever harm by off-target exposure.
- Minimum age: Applicators must be 18 to apply RUPs (with limited age exemption (16) for some uses on family farms by noncertified applicators under the direct supervision of a certified applicator).
- Noncertified applicator qualifications: Those applying RUPs under direct supervision of a certified applicator must receive training in a manner they can understand. Applicators must verify training records for those working under their supervision prior to applying RUPs.
- Recertification: Certifications are valid for a maximum of five years. Previously no federal limit.
Recognizing EPA's commitment to work more closely with Tribal governments to strengthen environmental protection in Indian territory, EPA engaged Tribal Nations in a 60-day Consultation Period on Oklahoma’s State Certification plan. EPA held three informational sessions with Tribal Nations during this period in August 2023 seeking questions and/or comments on Oklahoma’s plan. EPA received request for Formal Consultation on September 21, 2023, which was then held on September 26, 2023. Tribes expressed their endorsement of the more stringent standards of the plan and requested greater communication and collaboration during the implementation stage of the plan. EPA discussed this with ODAFF staff, and they have confirmed review of these comments and will continue to assess with the tribes during the Implementation phase of the plan, after November 4, 2023, once the plan is in effect. This plan has met the CPA’s minimum requirements.
Of the 56 proposed plan revisions submitted by state and territory certifying authorities, 54 have been approved. The regulatory deadline for approving revised certification plans is November 4, 2023. EPA continues to collaborate with State Departments of Agriculture to resolve the Agency's comments on the remaining plans. For more information on pesticide and EPA’s certification process, please view our dedicated webpage.
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