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Aerials Spraying Limited?12-16-08 | News

Aerials Spraying Limited?

Maine state regulators have proposed restricting aerial pesticide application within 200 feet of occupied areas. Also under consideration is requiring notification within 1,000 feet of sensitive areas.

State regulators recently held a public hearing in Bangor, Maine on a proposal to tighten the rules on aerial spraying of pesticides near homes, businesses and other areas where people would be at risk of exposure.

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Changes proposed included:

Prohibiting aerial spraying of pesticides within 200 feet of ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Requiring pesticide applicators to prepare maps of sensitive areas within 500 feet of the targeted site as well as pre-application site plans whenever spraying within 1,000 feet of sensitive areas.

Requiring pesticide applicators to check whether people living or working within 1,000 feet of a targeted area want to be notified before spraying.

Clarification of procedures regarding notifications and requesting a notification.

Henry Jennings, director of the pesticides board, said most of the proposed changes would apply only in situations where people may come in contact with the pesticides. The rules would not affect spraying in areas far from people or in cases where neighbors do not want to be notified.

For more information about the proposed rules, go to www.thinkfirstspraylast.org.

Source: Bangor Daily News