Pesticide Regulation
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The Shasta County Department of Agriculture protects human health and the environment by regulating pesticide sales and use, and by supporting integrated pest management and best practices. We work closely with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) and the Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) to enforce state laws and regulations pertaining to pesticide use, sales, licensing, worker protection safety, and pesticide use reporting.
Some of the industries we work with include:
- Maintenance Gardeners
- Structural Pest Control Companies
- Agricultural Pest Control Operators
- Pesticide Dealers
- Public Agencies (e.g. Parks and Grounds, Roads, Schools)
- Golf Courses, Industrial Sites, and other businesses whose employees use pesticides
We also assist landowners and property operators who wish to purchase and use regulated pesticides.
Growers may obtain site-specific permits from our office to purchase and use many agricultural chemicals. Pesticide Use Enforcement staff evaluate each permit application to determine if the pesticide can be used safely and effectively. Some pesticides require notice prior to use to assure permit conditions are met. Pesticide Use Reports are examined to monitor the use of Restricted Materials and track the agricultural and commercial use of pesticides in the county.
Pesticide laws may overlap with other agencies responsibilities, such as environmental health, air quality, and food safety, and we sometimes work in conjunction with other local, State and Federal agencies.
Some of our duties include:
- Permit evaluation and issuance
- Investigation of pesticide related episodes, illnesses, and injuries
- Unannounced inspection of pesticide applications to assess whether worker protection safety regulations, licensing, and label requirements are met
- Periodic training sessions for pesticide users
- Compliance and enforcement actions
- Pesticide Dealer and Business Employer records inspections
- Presentations to community and business groups
- Private Applicator licensing
- Registration of businesses who perform pest control in Shasta County
- Beekeeper Notification of proposed pesticide use
- Pesticide pre-application inspections to assure permit compliance is met
- Certification of Private Applicators for use of Restricted Materials
- Issuing Restricted Materials Permits and Operator ID numbers
- Monitoring and inspection of pesticide applications, record keeping, storage and container disposal
- Ensure compliance with Worker Safety regulations
- Regulating activities of Licensed Pesticide Dealers, Applicators and Advisors
- Investigation of pesticide related complaints and illnesses
- Provide industry and public education programs
- Monitor compliance with Endangered Species Act, Ground Water Protection, and Air Toxics
- Registration of Farm Labor Contractors
- Support sustainable agriculture and Integrated Pest Management
- Promote uniform enforcement programs and develop appropriate county permit conditions
- Collect pesticide use data for DPR/Cal EPA
How you can help:
- Read and follow all pesticide label directions for home use.
- Make sure maintenance gardeners you hire are licensed if you wish them to apply pesticides.
- Store all pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc) in a safe place.
Pesticide Regulation Links
- California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR)
- California Pesticide Use Summaries
- California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB)
- National Pesticide Information Center (npic)
- USDA Ag Research Service Methyl Bromide Research