You Are Here: Management Updates 2007 Archive April 13, 2007

Date: April 13, 2007
Category: Announcements
Subject: Revisions to Massachusetts Pesticide Law

A reminder before the growing season gets going: There have been several changes to the regulations pertaining to use of pesticides to maintain turf in Massachusetts. The highlights include:

1. The information that commercial pesticide applicators must leave at the residence now also includes the EPA registration number of any pesticide products applied.

2.  Prior to beginning each application, applicators must post signs on the turf intended for treatment and instruct the customer that the signs must remain in place for at least 24 hours after the application was made and must be removed within 72 hours after the application. (The 24 hour period is the new revision.)

3.  Golf courses are now REQUIRED to post signs that have been approved by the Department of Agricultural Resources prior to any pesticide application. The signs must remain in place for at least 24 hours after the application and be removed within 72 hours of the application. The signs must be posted at the location where individuals register or sign in before beginning their round of golf, at the first tee, and at any other starting hole (e.g., tenth tee) on which applications are to be made.

NOTE that posting on golf courses is now required in Massachusetts.

For more detailed information, download the following document:

333 CMR 13.06 Regulations Relative to the Use of Pesticides to Maintain Turf in Massachusetts (PDF 19K)

Submitted by: Dr. Pat Vittum

DISCLAIMER - As always, it is the responsibility of the applicator to verify the registration status of any pesticide BEFORE applying it. Different states have different regulations as well. The author and the University of Massachusetts are not liable for any consequences of any pesticide "recommendations". Mention of any trade name is not to be considered endorsement of a product.

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