| Pesticide Analytical Response Center |
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| PARC |
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Description
The Pesticide Analytical and Response Center (PARC) was created by executive order in 1978. With the passage in 1991 of Senate Bill 740, the program was reauthorized under the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) as ORS 634.550. By legislation, membership of the governing board consists of representatives of eight state agencies, and one member of the public appointed jointly by the Director of Agriculture and the Director of Human Services.
Funding comes from the State General Fund and from pesticide applicator licensing and product registration fees. The Center collects and shares information about pesticide-related incidents involving alleged impacts to human health, animal health, and/or the environment.
Functions and Responsibilities
By statute, PARC is mandated to perform the following activities with regard to pesticide-related incidents in Oregon that have suspected health or environmental effects:
- Collect incident information
- Mobilize expertise for investigations
- Identify trends and patterns of problems
- Make policy or other recommendations for action
- Report results of investigations
- Prepare activity reports for each legislative session
PARC does not have regulatory authority; its primary function is to coordinate investigations and to collect and analyze information about reported incidents. PARC's member agencies conduct most of the investigations and take any necessary enforcement action(s).
PARC member agencies include the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Human Services, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the State Fire Marshall and the Oregon Poison Center. Representatives of each member agency make up the PARC Board, which meets every other month (odd-numbered months) on the third Wednesday from 9:00am until 12:00pm at the Oregon Department of Agriculture building in Salem, Marion County, Oregon.
PARC's investigation coordination includes collecting reports produced by each member agency and consultation as necessary with a toxicologist from Oregon State University (OSU). Other governmental bodies may also participate in the reporting or investigation of an incident. PARC maintains regular contact with the Oregon State University Extension Service, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology (CROET), and other public and private organizations to facilitate the investigation of specific incidents, identify potential problems, and assist in developing solutions.
Reporting an incident to PARC
Telephone: 503-986-6470 during regular work days. 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM;
Message system available evenings, early mornings, weekends and holidays.
You may also send email to this address: parc@oda.state.or.us
Dispute resolution
Concerns that fall outside the scope of PARC may be better handled by a dispute resolution service. Many of these services are free to the public and offer a professional mediator to resolve conflicts between neighbors and/or other affected parties.
List of dispute resolution services by county
ODA's farm mediation program
More information about PARC
Other pesticide-related contacts
Other useful phone numbers and websites related to pesticides.
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