In a May 18, 2011, Federal Register notice, EPA is announcing and soliciting comments on a proposed federal program to certify applicators of restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in Indian country where no other EPA-approved or EPA-implemented certification plan applies.
RUPs are potentially hazardous chemicals that require special training and techniques to be used safely. Federal law requires EPA-approved certification of RUP applicators nationally, including in Indian country. Most of Indian country is not covered by a certification mechanism. EPA's Proposed Federal Plan for Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian country will help fill this gap in the certification of applicators of these hazardous chemicals and by ensuring that RUP applicators are competent to apply RUPs in Indian country, thus providing greater protection for human health and the environment.
EPA published a similar proposed federal certification plan specific to Region 8 Indian country in the Federal Registeron April 20, 2011.