Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved HR 872 in a move to repeal a 2009 federal court decision that would require pesticide applicators to comply with duplicative regulations.
For decades, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) has been used to protect our water resources from harmful pesticides. However, last year, the court determined farmers treating weeds or public health officials spraying for mosquitoes, for example, should be required to comply with FIFRA and obtain a Clean Water Act (CWA) permit administered by EPA.
Realizing the potential of additional CWA regulation, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and TDA have been working to develop a regulatory program that meets federal standards and can be used broadly to minimize the burdens of new permitting and reporting requirements.
I hope Congress will take action and provide the guidance necessary to prevent the over-regulation of pesticide applicators by clarifying that FIFRA is the best framework for protecting the environment from improper applications.
Showing posts with label TCEQ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TCEQ. Show all posts
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Free Pesticide Waste Disposal
Guest Blogger: Jimmy Bush, Texas Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner for Pesticide Programs
In an effort to help agricultural producers properly dispose of pesticides, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has scheduled free collection events during September and October.
TCEQ will accept old pesticides, including those that are now banned for use. They will also accept other chemicals like petroleum fuels, automotive fluids, grease, oil filters and lead acid batteries.
Producers may bring two, 55-gallon drums of oil filters. If you have more than one pickup truck load of pesticide waste, contact TCEQ or your county extension agent to coordinate delivery.
I encourage all Texas ag producers to please take the time to properly dispose of waste materials. To find a complete schedule of pesticide waste disposal pick-ups, click here. For more information on upcoming collection events, including which pesticides will be accepted, visit TCEQ's website.
In an effort to help agricultural producers properly dispose of pesticides, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has scheduled free collection events during September and October.
TCEQ will accept old pesticides, including those that are now banned for use. They will also accept other chemicals like petroleum fuels, automotive fluids, grease, oil filters and lead acid batteries.
Producers may bring two, 55-gallon drums of oil filters. If you have more than one pickup truck load of pesticide waste, contact TCEQ or your county extension agent to coordinate delivery.
I encourage all Texas ag producers to please take the time to properly dispose of waste materials. To find a complete schedule of pesticide waste disposal pick-ups, click here. For more information on upcoming collection events, including which pesticides will be accepted, visit TCEQ's website.
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