Specific Pesticides

Neonicotinoids

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Neonicotinoid Reclassification 

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Hot Topics, December 2022

Neonicotinoid Reclassification [NYS DEC Web Site: Pesticides Link]

Effective January 1, 2023, pesticide products containing imidacloprid, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam that are labeled for foliar or widespread outdoor use or seed treatment will be reclassified as * restricted use *.  Neonicotinoid pesticides that are labeled for limited ground application directly at the base of trees, shrubs, and plants are not included in the reclassification.  A complete list of the pesticide products subject to this action can be found on the NYS DEC web site. In addition to this list, pesticide product registration and classification status for all DEC registered pesticide products can be found on the DEC's NYSPAD website.

* Restricted use status for a pesticide -- as defined on the NYS DEC Web site [Link under "Neonicotinoid Reclassification"]

Restricted use status is when a pesticide is only permitted to be purchased, possessed, used, or applied by a certified pesticide applicator or the holder of a pesticide purchase permit. However, in certain situations restricted use pesticides may be applied by someone working under the direct supervision of a certified pesticide applicator when proper training and oversight is provided. The DEC bases pesticide product restriction status on the Environmental Conservation Law and the registration and classification of pesticides regulations, which allows the Commissioner of DEC to classify any pesticide as restricted use in order to protect the public interest and prevent damage or injury to health, property, or wildlife.

News & Highlights from Your County Legislator: Tompkins County, March 2, 2022

Tompkins County Legislature Passes Resolution Calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to Pass the Birds and Bees Protection Act

A resolution was passed calling on the New York State Governor and the State Legislature to pass the Birds and Bees Protection Act. The act concerns use of neonicotinoids which is a class of neurotoxic pesticide that includes imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, dinotefuran, and acetamiprid. The resolution states that research show that widespread use of neonicotinoids is a leading cause of declines in honeybees as well as pollinators and a threat to birds, fish, and the entire ecosystem.

Glyphosate

DEC Information Regarding Glyphosate Use on State Property

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) web site under "Chemical and Pollution Control- Pesticides"

A recent amendment to the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) prohibits any state department, state agency, public benefit corporation or any pesticide applicator employed as a contractor or subcontractor to apply glyphosate on state property.  However, there are exemptions to this prohibition to maintain critical infrastructure, manage roadside vegetation to ensure public safety, for the control of invasive species and pests of significant public health importance, and for research purposes. The law became effective on December 31, 2021.

This law requires the DEC to develop regulations addressing the parameters for glyphosate use by state departments, state agencies, public benefit corporations or any pesticide applicator employed as a contractor or subcontractor to apply glyphosate on state property. While the DEC is developing these regulations this February 11, 2022 letter (Outside Link: NYSDEC) provides information on how to comply with this amendment to the ECL.

Further updates pertaining to the proposed glyphosate rule-making will be available on the DEC's website at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/298.html

Malathion

EPA Pesticide Update EPA’S Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, March 8, 2022

EPA Takes Steps to Protect Endangered and Threatened Species from Insecticide [link]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will take action to protect endangered and threatened species in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) nationwide final biological opinion (BiOp) for the insecticide malathion. This insecticide is commonly used for wide-area mosquito control and to control insects that attack crops and ornamental plants.

See the comments on FWS’s draft BiOp for malathion in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0231 at www.regulations.gov.

Dicamba 

2020 Registration Decision (external link to EPA) and training (external link done through manufactures)

Paraquat Dichloride

Paraquat Dichloride Training for Certified Applicators (external link to EPA)

As required by EPA’s Paraquat Dichloride Human Health Mitigation Decision (external link: Regulations.gov) and amended paraquat dichloride (a.k.a. paraquat) product labels, certified applicators must successfully complete an EPA-approved training program before mixing, loading, and/or applying paraquat. The training provides important information about paraquat’s toxicity, new label requirements and restrictions, and the consequences of misuse. - from EPA Web Site: last updated on April 29, 2021 

Chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Registration Cancellations and Adopted Regulation (external link to NYS DEC)