TURF INDUSTRY NEWS

EPA Takes Action to Prevent Poisonings from Herbicide Te U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing safety measures to stop poisonings caused by ingestion of the herbicide paraquat, which can also cause severe injuries or death from skin or eye exposure. Since 2000, there have been 17 deaths – three involving children – caused by accidental ingestion of paraquat. Tese cases have resulted from the pesticide being illegally transferred to beverage containers and later mistaken for a drink and consumed. A single sip can be fatal. To prevent these tragedies, EPA is requiring: A new closed-system packaging designed to make it impossible to transfer or remove the pesticide except directly into the proper application equipment; special training for certified applicators who use paraquat to emphasize that the chemical must not be transferred to or stored in improper containers; and changes to the pesticide label and warning materials to highlight the toxicity and risks associated with paraquat. In addition to the deaths by accidental ingestion, since 2000 there have been three deaths and many severe injuries caused by the pesticide getting onto the skin or into the eyes of those working with the herbicide. To reduce exposure to workers who mix, load and apply paraquat, EPA is restricting the use of paraquat to certified pesticide applicators only. Uncertified individuals working under the supervision of a certified applicator will be prohibited from using paraquat. Paraquat is one of the most widely-used herbicides in the U.S. for the control of weeds in many agricultural and non-agricultural settings and is also used as a defoliant on crops such as cotton prior to harvest.

National Golf Day Set for April 26 WE ARE GOLF, a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners has announced the 10th annual National Golf Day will be held Wednesday, April 26 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. National Golf Day celebrates the game’s nearly $70 billion economy, $4 billion annual charitable impact and many environmental and fitness benefits. Industry leaders will meet with Members of Congress, the Executive Branch and federal agencies to discuss golf ’s 15,200-plus diverse businesses, two million jobs impacted, tax revenue creation and tourism value. New for 2017, golf industry leaders will arrive Monday, April 24, to participate in a community service initiative on the National Mall the morning of Tuesday, April 25. Te initiative will focus on beautification, preservation and helping the National Park Service with turf deferred maintenance. More details are available at www.wearegolf.org.

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Abby Santos Receives NALP’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award Te National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) presented its Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Abby Santos, Owner of No Ka Oi Landscape Services, at its executive-level conference, Leaders Forum, in St. Tomas, on January 13. NALP’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding female entrepreneur in the landscape industry who has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, ensures the advancement of the landscape industry by her actions and endeavors, and serves as an example to current and future female entrepreneurs in the industry. Abby and her husband Frank started No Ka Oi Plants in 1977 on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii, and built the business into the premier commercial installation and maintenance company on Kauai, managing the landscapes of many of the top resorts and commercial properties on the island. Her company makes many contributions to the community.

EPA Requires Stronger Standards for Applying Restricted-Use Pesticides According to EPA, the new regulations will: Enhance applicator competency standards to ensure that restricted use pesticides (RUPs) are used safely. Tey will establish a nationwide minimum age (18) for certified applicators and persons working under their direct supervision. Establish a maximum recertification interval of five years for commercial and private applicators. Require specialized certifications for people using specific application methods (fumigation and aerial). Establish protection for noncertified applicators by requiring training before they can use RUPs (under the direct supervision of a certified applicator). Noncertified applicators must complete the training outlined in the rule, complete Worker Protection Standard handler training, or complete a program approved by the state. Clarify and streamline requirements for states, tribes, and federal agencies to administer their own certification programs, while granting flexibility to tailor programs to the needs of each state, tribe or federal agency. Learn more at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/ revised-certification-standards-pesticide-applicators

TPI Turf News March/April 2017