Department of Pesticide Regulation

EMERGENCY REGULATIONS, METHYL BROMIDE FIELD FUMIGATION--INNER BUFFER ZONE

As you know, the Office of Administrative Law approved the emergency regulations (attached), effective on June 27, 2001 to amend Title 3, Californian Code of Regulation (3CCR) section 6450.2 (e) concerning methyl bromide field fumigation--inner buffer zone. This regulatory action will now allow the inner buffer zone to extend into public roads, highways, and other similar means of travel or sites, upon the approval of the county agricultural commissioner (CAC). Please note that this language is the same for the outer buffer zone.

"Other similar means of travel or sites" that CAC's may approve include sites/areas where people stay only for a short period of time, as in passing through. This may include trails and paths used for travel such as bicycling, horseback riding or walking/jogging/running; and waterways such as rivers and streams used for travel. This should not include areas where people may stay for more than a few minutes, such as bus stops or road construction zones. The requirements of 6450.2 (e)(3) still apply and the only activities allowed within the inner buffer zone are transit and fumigation handling activities.

In addition, this action amended 3CCR section 6450.3 (1)(C) by correcting an application tractor equipment configuration used for the non-tarpaulin/shallow/bed field fumigation method.

If you have any questions, please contact the Liaison Senior Pesticide Use Specialist serving your county.

cc:  Mr. Daniel J. Merkley, Agricultural Commissioner Liaison (w/o Attachments)
      Dr. John S. Sanders (w/o Attachments)
      Mr. Roy Rutz (w/o Attachments)
      Mr. Randy Sagawa (w/o Attachments)
      Mr. Vic Acosta (w/o Attachments)