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PROGRAMS: Pesticide Control
The Department
of Planning and Natural Resources/Division of Environmental Protection
(DPNR/DEP) is responsible for implementing and enforcing the pesticide
laws and regulations in the United States Virgin Islands.
Regulatory Context
The U.S.
Virgin Islands Code (VIC) Title 12 Chapter 19 §801- §822 Pesticide Control
Act, purpose is to regulate and control the use and application of
pesticides. Regulatory oversight and enforcement of pesticide laws in the
USVI fall under the umbrella of federal regulations. These regulations
include: The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
and 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 150 - 189.
Program Responsibilities
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Pesticide Applicator
Certification/Re-Certification Program
DPNR with the collaboration of the UVI Cooperative Extension
Service will provide training for the certification of commercial
or private applicators of pesticides. Proficiency in
the handling and use of pesticides shall be determined on the
basis of written examination, and as appropriate, performance
testing, based on standards which are approved by the Pesticide
Administrator.
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Agricultural Chemicals in Groundwater
Program
At one time, groundwater was thought to be safe from
contamination. Groundwater is a threatened resource, and
recharge areas often lie close to surface and may be affected by
agricultural operations. Once contaminated, groundwater is
difficult or impossible to clean. It is DPNR's responsibility to
help protect the waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands by
identifying areas most vulnerable to groundwater contamination
by pesticides within the USVI.
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Endangered Species Program
The endangered species program is mainly a voluntary program,
that relies on cooperation between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS), Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) regions,
states, and pesticide users. The program strives to provide the
best protection for endangered species from the use of
pesticides.
Under the Endangered Species Act of 1969, the U.S. Virgin
Islands is intended to protect and promote the recovery of
animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct due to
the activities of people. Under the Act, EPA/DEP must ensure
that the restricted pesticide, will not harm protected/sensitive
species listed as endangered and threatened by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, or to habitats critical to those species'
survival. This program will protect endangered and threatened
species from harm due to pesticide used.
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Worker Protection Program
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS), strive to protect
agricultural workers from risks posed by pesticides. The WPS is
intended to reduce or prevent the risk of pesticide poisonings
and injuries among agricultural workers who are exposed to
pesticide residues. It encourages workplace practices that
reduce or eliminate exposures to pesticides and the development
of response procedures for pesticide related emergencies.
January 2000 |
