Pesticides Program...

Aerial application for pesticides near Niarada

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) were awarded an $110,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2007 to establish and enhance a Pesticides Program on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Ms. Willie Keenan was hired and has been trained to conduct Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) inspections and perform outreach activities on behalf of EPA through an agreement with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

In September 2007 the Blackfeet Tribe signed a Memorandum of Agreement to participate in EPA, Region 8 Pesticide Tribal Circuit Rider program. The Blackfeet Nation agreed to participate and allow the Circuit Rider to conduct Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) inspections and provide compliance and technical assistance on behalf of the EPA in Indian Country.

The Tribal Pesticide Circuit Rider Program is a cooperative effort by the U.S. E.P.A., Region 8 and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to implement the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) in Indian Country. FIFRA is the national law that regulates pesticides and their use.

Pictured: Willie Keenan (left) and FD Program Manager: Jean Matt during a Tribal Nursery Inspection.

Circuit Rider Role

• Conduct inspections of pesticide applicators on the Flathead and Blackfeet Reservations to ensure the safe and proper use of pesticide products.
• Provide information and training to pesticide applicators, the general public, and the Blackfeet and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on the safe or reduced use of pesticides to protect water quality, human health, and endangered species.
• Circuit Rider will use EPA’s inspection authority and EPA-issued credentials to conduct inspections on behalf of EPA

Compliance Monitoring

Use Inspections: Pesticide use inspections consist of ensuring that the applicator is following all label requirements, including applicator certification requirements and Worker Protections Standards when applicable. Use inspections are subdivided into two categories: agricultural use inspections and non-agricultural use inspections. Agricultural use inspections involve the inspection of pesticide applications in conjunction with the production of agricultural commodities (plants or animals) while non-agricultural inspections involve non-agricultural pesticide applications.

For Cause Inspections: For cause inspections are initiated in response to a complaint, damage report, referral or tip. For cause inspections are also subdivided into agricultural and non-agricultural categories.

Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) Dealer Records Inspection: A RUP dealer inspection is conducted on-site at a dealer who sells RUPs. The purpose of such inspections is to determine if the dealer is maintaining the required records and to determine if RUPs are being sold exclusively to certified applicators or other properly authorized persons.

Certified Commercial Applicator Records Inspection: A certified commercial applicator records inspection is normally conducted at the certified applicator’s place of business. The purpose of such inspection is to determine if the applicator is properly certified, is maintaining the required records, and is complying with the applicable laws and regulations.

Marketplace Inspection: A marketplace inspection is an inspection conducted at the retail or wholesale level for the purpose of determining product registration status, proper storage and display, labeling violations and product composition.

Producer Establishment Inspection: A producer establishment inspection is an inspection of an establishment where pesticides or devices are produced and held for distribution or sale. The purpose of such inspection is to determine if the producer is maintaining the appropriate records, producing only registered pesticides and using accepted labeling.

The circuit rider will notify EPA Region 8 within one week of the discovery of any suspected violations of FIFRA and will forward the inspection file to EPA for any appropriate enforcement response. EPA Region 8 will review the inspection file provided by the circuit rider, determine if there are FIFRA violations and, if appropriate, and initiate enforcement action.

Employee during a local cherry orchard inspection

Pesticide Labels

The pesticide label provides valuable information about proper handling and use of the pesticide, potential risks the pesticide may pose to humans, animals, plants and the environment, and instructions on how to minimize or avoid those risk. Every person who applies pesticides has the responsibility to read and follow the label information so no harm results from handling pesticides from the time of purchase through ultimate use or disposal.

Before you buy a pesticide, read the label to determine these basics:

• Where the pesticide can and cannot be applied
• If the pesticide will control the pest or pests
• If the pesticide can be applied safely and legally under the application conditions
• Necessary application and safety equipment
• Amount of pesticide needed for the application (buy only the amount needed)
• Relevant restrictions for use of the pesticide

Pesticide labels are legal documents. Except where otherwise allowed by law, the applicator must conform with all label instructions. The most common violations of pesticide law involve use inconsistent with the label.

Source: http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/Pesticides/ComplianceActivities.htm#PesticideLabels

CSKT Spill Response Plan
**Always Read The Label**

Safe Storage:

• First make sure you know the type and potential hazards of the pesticides you are working with.  Be sure to keep updating the inventory of pesticide. 
• Store the pesticides in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, secure area.  Store pesticide containers off of the floor surface, so it’s easy to detect leaks.
• Keep all containers tightly closed. 
• Do not store clothing, food, or Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) around and near pesticides. 

Transporting:

• Transport the pesticide product securely in back of vehicle.
• If a spill occurs clean up immediately, and do not let anyone into the area.
• Always wear your PPE while a cleaning up a pesticide spill. 
• Be sure all pesticide labels are intact and readable. 
• Do not put your children, your food or drinks, or pets in the vehicle because they could be harmed by pesticides while transporting.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Always wear clean clothing according to the label.  Clothing must have full skin coverage, closed at neck and wrist, and pant legs outside of the boots.
• Wear long waterproof gloves with tight fitted wrists, wide-brimmed hat and waterproof boots, when required by the label.   
• Be sure you have a respirator with right cartridge according to the label.
• Wear a rubber or plastic apron and safety goggles as if required by label. 
• Be sure to read label to know the PPE requirements.  

Mixing Procedures:

• Protect your skin with proper clothing and equipment.
• Measure the materials properly, and accurately. Fill the application container or tank with water until ½ full, then add the pesticide and other adjuvants while water is swirling.  Place measuring cup into a large container, to help prevent spills.  Stand well above the fill level to prevent splashing on the face.  
• Rinse empty containers three times, puncture and either recycle or dispose containers in an approved landfill. 
• In case of spill, remove clothing immediately and wash the skin with soap and water.
• Wash contaminated clothes separately from family laundry using detergent.
• Always have someone with you or have someone you can contact by phone in case of an emergency.      

Application Procedures:

• Be sure that the pesticide is needed and appropriate for the target pest, and always read the label before you apply. 
• Be sure you wear the proper clothing and PPE required by the label. 
• Never smoke, eat, or drink while applying pesticides. 
• Avoid breathing dust and fumes. Use sprays rather then dust formulations, and take precautions to minimize drift.  Know the pesticide poisoning symptoms, and determine where to get medical help before applying. 
• Be sure to bring the pesticide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and/or label to the doctors if you requires treatment for pesticide exposure. 
• Always be sure to have a decontamination kit with adequate water, soap, paper towels, and wash bottles. 

Restricted Entry Precautions:

• Read and follow the label instructions on the restricted entry period.  Wear protective clothing listed on the label on early entry.

Pesticide Disposal:

• Buy only the amount of pesticide you need for the season.  Mix only the amount the pesticide that is needed. 
• When rinsing containers, be sure to use pressure rinse or rinse three times.
• The left over pesticide may be applied to a labeled site, disposed in approved landfill or store in a locked secured storage area until following year. 

Emergency Procedures for spills:

• Take off contaminated clothing and wash them separately from family laundry. 
• Wash the contaminated body with soap and water immediately, and then go to the doctor and bring the pesticide label of MSDS.
• Protect yourself and others from exposure and clean up spill. 
• Wear protective clothing and PPE according to label instructions
• Always have spill kit ready and with everything you would need, including a list of emergency numbers, gloves, footwear, apron, protective eyewear, respirator, containment tubes and pads, and absorbent materials, such as spill pillows, absorbent clay, sawdust, pet litter, activated charcoal, vermiculite, or paper for liquid spills. A shovel, broom, and dustpan should be included if there could be dry spill. Be sure there are always heavy duty detergent, a fire extinguisher, and sturdy plastic containers to hold the pesticide while transporting.  Also make sure that you have everything in the spill kit that pesticide label requires. 
• Wash area with chlorine bleach and thoroughly flush contaminated area with water, or follow other expert advice for decontamination of the area. 

Numbers to keep close:

Medical, Fire, Police:  911
Poison Information Center (24-hour number) 1-800-222-1222
National Response Center (24-hour number) 1-800-424-8802
CHEMTREC (chemical information, 24-hour number) 1-800-424-9300
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) 1-800-858-7378
Montana Disaster Emergency Services 1-406-841-3911
Montana Dept. of Agriculture 1-406-444-5400
CSKT Environmental Protection: (406) 883-2888
Jolene Jacobson—CSKT (406) 675-2700 x.1123
Robert DesRosier—Blackfeet (406)338-7667
Hospital: __________________________________________________
Fire Dept.:_________________________________________________