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Mission
Statement
It
is the mission of the Pesticide Division to insure the proper labeling,
distribution, storage, transportation, use, application, and disposal
of pesticides within the state of Arkansas through fair and equitable
implementation and enforcement of applicable state and federal laws.
About
The Division
Before
a pesticide can be sold in Arkansas, it must first be registered
with the Plant Board in accordance with the
Arkansas
Pesticide Control Act and Regulations.
This allows the Plant Board to confirm that the product meets all
State and Federal requirements to provide for both human and environmental
protection. Each year the Pesticide Division registers approximately
10,000 pesticides for use in the State.
Dealers
that wish to sell or distribute those pesticides designated by the
Environmental Protection Agency as "Restricted Use Products"
must first obtain a license from the Plant Board to do so in accordance
with the
Arkansas
Pesticide Use And Application Act and Regulations.
The Pesticide Division processes more than 400 dealer applications
annually.
Both
"users" and "applicators" of restricted use
pesticides must be trained in the proper handling of such pesticides
and then licensed by the Plant Board in accordance with the Arkansas
Pesticide Use And Application Act and Regulations. Those applicators
that will apply pesticides commercially must also be tested before
a license can be issued. Each year the Pesticide Division issues
approximately 15,000 Private Applicator Licenses, 900 Commercial
Applicator Licenses, 2000 Non-Commercial Applicator Licenses, 500
Commercial Firm Licenses (ground and air), and 250 Custom Applicator
Licenses.
The
division also takes its responsibility for taking enforcement action
against those persons who fail to comply with the laws and regulations
very seriously. Enforcement actions are taken in a fair and equitable
fashion as outlined by the Division’s Enforcement
Response Regulations. Penalties can range from a warning
letter to a monetary assessment of up to $1000 and license revocation.
The
Pesticide Division is also responsible for enforcement of the Worker
Protection Standard in Arkansas as it applies to the use of pesticides.
The Division is also involved in monitoring ground water for contamination
by pesticides and the impact of pesticides on endangered species
in the State.
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