Source link: https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=37239
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is reminding pesticide applicators of their responsibility to ensure pesticides do not drift off-target and is offering suggestions on how to reduce the risk.
Last year, WSDA’s Pesticide Management Division investigated more than 70 complaints alleging violations of the state’s pesticide laws. About half of them (34) involved allegations that pesticides had drifted onto neighboring properties. These involved both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. These drift complaint investigations resulted in four civil penalties, nine notices of correction, and four advisory/warnings issued.
To ensure that pesticides do not drift beyond the intended treatment area, pesticide applicators must:
Read the label on the pesticides and abide by all precautions and restrictions on safe handling, necessary protective equipment, buffers, the effect on crops, and more.
Be especially diligent near areas such as highways, homes, schools, and other occupied dwellings, or where workers are present.
Properly calibrate and configure equipment, using the proper nozzles, pressure, and if applicable fan speed, to keep the spray on target.
Scout the areas bordering the treatment area for people and animals before and during the application.
Evaluate conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, and temperature.
Stop applying pesticides if conditions change and the risk of drift rises to an unsafe level or if anyone approaches the area without proper protection. Only proceed with the application when you have assessed that it can be completed without contacting them.
WSDA currently licenses about 32,000 pesticide applicators, dealers, consultants, and inspectors a year. Licensees train to apply pesticides safely. When problems do occur, WSDA will investigate complaints alleging violations of the state’s pesticide laws, including cases of drift, human exposure, property damage, or environmental harm. Some investigations involve unlicensed applicators, such as homeowners applying pesticides. Remember, pesticide is a broad term that includes herbicides, insecticides, miticides, fungicides, and more.
To file a complaint, email pcompliance@agr.wa.gov or call 1-877-301-4555. WSDA also maintains and monitors a toll-free drift exposure line for farmworkers, 1-844-388-2020. Bilingual staff monitor the exposure line. Be sure to have as much information as possible regarding the incident to share with the department or when an investigator returns the call. WSDA strives to respond to all cases of possible human exposure within 24 hours and all other complaints within 48 hours.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS...
Reflecting on Hanford cleanup
2023 Nuclear Waste Program retirement interviews. (DOE)
Statement from Ecology director on Supreme Court decision narrowing Clean Water Act protections. (DOE)
Researchers will use drones to collect data about endangered butterfly habitat. ( WDFW)
Public invited to PEAR External Advisory Group meeting (UTC)
LACEY, Wash. – The Utilities and Transportation Commission will host a virtual PEAR (pro-equity anti-racism) External Advisory Group meeting on May 30.
Attendees will have the opportunity to review the agency’s PEAR plan and metrics, finalize group norms and develop a feedback process.
2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
Senator Murray Statement on DHS OIG’s Report on Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. (details)
Senator Murray Slams Republican Hostage Taking as Credit Rating Agencies Warns of Credit Rating Downgrade (details)
Cantwell Hosts Fentanyl Crisis Roundtable
First responders, community leaders, people personally impacted by the crisis share experiences. (details)
Cantwell: “We Can't Just Rely On The Railroads To Voluntarily Do This”
Train conductor, Pasco mayor, first responders, and union leaders join Cantwell to call for stronger federal rail safety regulations; Railway Safety Act of 2023 includes provisions that would have likely prevented disaster in East Palestine, OH. (details)
KILMER SPEARHEADS LEGISLATIVE CHANGE WITH INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE-BASED POLICYMAKING RESOLUTION
BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION ADVOCATES FOR CREATION OF COMMISSION ON EVIDENCE-BASED POLICYMAKING (details)
KILMER-LED COMMITTEE WINS AWARD FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION
FRANK E.A. SANDER AWARD IS JOINT INITIATIVE OF AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION SECTION FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION. (details)
3) WORLD & NATION
Arrest of Fulgence Kayishema in South Africa ‘Powerful Message’ That Those Alleged to Have Committed Genocide Cannot Evade Justice, Secretary-General Says. UN PRESS RELEASE
African Union-Led Peace Support Operations Need Predictable, Adequate, Sustainable Support, Speakers Stress to Security Council. UN PRESS RELEASE
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting Co-Hosted by the United States on Cybersecurity. USUN
Taking Joint Action with the Republic of Korea to Combat the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Illicit Revenue Generation. US STATE DEPT.
Defense Contact Group Remains Steadfast on Ukraine Support.
Unity in supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion remains the touchstone of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today at the conclusion of the 12th meeting of the group. DOD
NATION
FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Releases First-Ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. WH
Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Actions to Protect Youth Mental Health, Safety & Privacy Online-WH
San Diego Restaurant Owners Charged with COVID-Relief Fraud and Money Laundering
A federal grand jury in San Diego returned an indictment on May 19 charging a California man and woman with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.--DOJ
U.S. Departments of Education and Justice Release Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline--Dept. of education
EPA Encourages Sun Safety on ‘Don’t Fry Day’ as America Heads Into Holiday Weekend
Learn more about a few simple steps to protect your skin and eye health while outdoors this summer. --EPA
4) BUSINESS
Why the Chamber Fights for a Debt Limit Deal
The U.S. defaulting on its debt would be catastrophic for the economy. That’s why the Chamber has been fighting for months to get a debt limit deal done.--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Owner of Two California Construction Firms Sentenced to Prison for Employment Tax Crimes
A California man was sentenced yesterday to 12 months in prison for willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes.--DOJ
US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES JOB CORPS, NEW YORK CITY PARTNERSHIP TO PROMOTE, RECRUIT, CONNECT STUDENTS TO CAREERS, HIGHER EDUCATION.--Dept. of Labor
Hike, Skip, or Pause?
Governor Christopher J. Waller
At the 2023 Santa Barbara County Economic Summit, University of California, Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project, Santa Barbara, California.--THE FED
Federal Court Finds James D. ‘Jay’ Noland, Jr., Operator of ‘Success By Health’ and ‘VOZ Travel,’ in Contempt of Court Order Barring Pyramid Schemes
Court ruling imposes permanent multi-level marketing ban and $7.3 million judgment on Noland, other defendants as result of FTC actions--FTC
5) IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS
IN FOCUS: HUD Awards $95.5 Million for Affordable Housing and Community Development Activities in Native American Communities
Funds support development and operation of low-income housing.
Link source: https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_23_099
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $95 million to 55 communities through the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program. Grant funds may be used for infrastructure, community facilities, housing rehabilitation, economic development, and more to support Native American and Alaskan Native families on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas.
"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to sharing resources with Tribal communities so they can meet their own unique needs," said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. "The funding announced today will help make Tribal communities safer, healthier, and help families thrive.”
The ICDBG program is a competitive grant that provides a range of eligible activities on reservations and related areas. Eligible activities include housing rehabilitation, land acquisition, roads, water and sewer facilities, and single or multipurpose community buildings.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Clallam County Commission work session for 5/30/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05302023-839
Clallam County Commission meeting for 5/30/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05302023-840
Housing solution committee meeting for 6/2/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06022023-838
A special meeting of the Port of Port Angeles Board of Commissioners is called
for: Friday, June 2, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will occur in person at the Commission Meeting Room, located at 338 W. First Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362 and also via Zoom.
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06022023-676
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Thursday–Community Conversations.
6/1/23
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/9738b08a-4011-4174-b252-6cc44fcb1523
Port of Port Townsend Special Session Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Meeting for 5/30/23
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| Let's remember those who gave their lives to serve this nation this Memorial Day. Thank you to all who served, from The Port Angeles Globe. |
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