EPA proposes pesticide applicator certification plan for Indian Country in Region 8

EPA has proposed a program to certify applicators of restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in Indian Country located within EPA Region 8. RUPs are potentially hazardous chemicals that require special training and techniques to be used safely.

To ensure the safe handling of hazardous pesticides, federal law requires that EPA approve the certification of all RUP applicators, including those who work in Indian Country. While states employ their own 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. This plan will protect human health and the environment within the boundaries of Indian reservations by ensuring that all RUP applicators are certified and trained to apply pesticides safely.

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 in two ways: either by applying directly to EPA by showing proof of training and completing a questionnaire, or by simply 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.