Spring 2012 Presentations
On March 13, 2012, SuAsCo CISMA had a panel of experts presenting on herbicide and pesticide issues. The three presentations were valuable and the question and answer period following was lively. The three presentations are referenced below as links to their PowerPoint presentations with a brief summary.
Natural or organic products can be effective on small projects with repeated application. Regular herbicide products are more cost effective on large invasive projects.
The Federal and Massachusetts regulatory procedures were discussed. Glyphosate and Triclopyr herbicides for vegetation in rights-of-way, aquatic systems and similar areas undergo rigorous regulatory review. Their properties and effects have been well characterized in risk assessments. Conservative risk assessments indicate low risks for humans and non-target organisms, except plants, when following all applicable regulations and label instructions.
George Papadopoulos (U.S. EPA) - EPA’s Pesticide General Permit
Discharges of “biological pesticides” and “chemical pesticides" into and "near" to any U.S. waters need to be covered under a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The EPA is the permitting authority in Mass. An NOI is needed for large area pesticide treatments and Decision-makers submitting an NOI need to have a Pesticide Discharge Management Plan (PDMP). EPA's PGP covers pesticide use patterns for Mosquitoes and Other Flying Insect Pests, Weed and Algae, Animal Pests, and Forest Canopy Pests. The EPA developed an interactive tool for potential permittees to guide them step-by-step through the permitting process.
Supporting Materials
EPA's Pesticide General Permit Presentation (a longer presentation than that of George Papadopoulos)
EPA's Pesticide General Permit Factsheet (handout)
EPA's Pesticide General Permit Resource Guide (handout)