| Media Contact: Glenn Brank 916/445-3974 |
October 15, 2001 |
DPR Online Bulletin
This is one in a continuing series of online bulletins from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). Our goal is to keep interested parties up to date on practical information and developments that may not be included in DPR news releases or other announcements. Online bulletins are posted periodically.
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
DPR is now accepting nominations for the Agricultural Pest Control Advisory Committee (APCAC). Members will advise DPR on licensing, certification, and related issues. Nomination forms and other details may found at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/Request_for_nominations_for_Agricultural_Pest_Control_Advisory_Committee.pdf Fax the completed form to (916) 445-4033 or mail it to DPR's Pest Management and Licensing Branch, P.O. Box 4015, Sacramento, California 95812-4015 by November 1, 2001. For other questions, contact Cynthia Ray at (916) 445-4026, or e-mail cray@cdpr.ca.gov .
COMPLIANCE ASSESSED
As part of an ongoing effort to improve pesticide enforcement statewide, DPR has completed a three-year compliance survey of pesticide handling activities and field labor in 20 counties. The Department will use this compliance assessment to determine where to focus future enforcement activities. See the report http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/enforce/pest_enf.htm
GUIDE TO PESTICIDE REGULATION PUBLISHED
DPR has published a new, comprehensive guide to the Department. A limited number of wire-bound, printed copies of the 125-page "Regulating Pesticides: The California Story" may be ordered by sending an $8 check for DPR Publication 203 to Cashier, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, P.O. Box 4015, Sacramento, CA 95812-4015. The guide will soon be available online at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dprdocs/docsmenu.htm
SCHOOL PESTICIDE REGULATIONS APPROVED
[An earlier version of the Online Bulletin included some incorrect information on the following regulations. The description should read as follows.] The Office of Administrative Law has approved DPR regulations for pesticide use reporting, as well as record keeping requirements for licensed pest control businesses that perform work on public school property. The regulations also includes a use reporting form to help licensed pest control businesses comply with the Healthy Schools Act of 2000. See details at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/legbills/recntadop.htm
FUMIGANT STATUS UPDATED
DPR's latest status report on fumigant pesticides includes an update of the latest air monitoring for 1,3-D, MITC (metam sodium), and chloropicrin around the state. The report also discusses the status of a risk characterization document for methyl bromide. See http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/methbrom/srfpindx.htm
SHARPSHOOTER CAMPAIGN MONITORED
When Santa Clara County waged war on the glassy-winged sharpshooter this summer, DPR was there to monitor the impact of pesticide applications. See http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/epests/gwss/reports.htm
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OSHIMA RETIRES
Ronald J. Oshima, whose work as a California pesticide regulator and scientist spanned more than 30 years, has retired from DPR. Oshima served as an Assistant Director beginning in 1992. His senior supervisory responsibilities included registration, enforcement, administrative services, and information technology. He previously served as a branch chief and program manager, and authored or co-authored numerous scientific publications dating back to 1967. Said DPR Director Paul E. Helliker: "Ron Oshima dedicated his career to California's pesticide regulatory system. We owe him a debt of gratitude, and he will be sorely missed here at DPR."
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FLEX YOUR POWER! The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut energy costs, see www.cdpr.ca.gov.